The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) final rule on the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF). The FSMA final rule on LAAF establishes a laboratory accreditation program for the testing of food under certain circumstances. The LAAF program is intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of certain food testing through the harmonization of standards and enhanced FDA oversight of participating laboratories.
Under the LAAF program, FDA will recognize accreditation bodies (ABs) that will accredit laboratories to the standards established in the final rule. The final rule also specifies eligibility requirements for ABs and laboratories that wish to participate in the program, as well as procedures for how FDA will oversee the program. FDA explains that, in certain circumstances, owners and consignees will be required to use a LAAF-accredited laboratory for food testing. FDA will maintain an online public registry that lists recognized accredited bodies and LAAF-accredited laboratories.