Understand the FDA
return ( What Is FSMA and Why Should Truckers Care? The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is federal law signed in 2011 and enforced by the FDA.
The part that directly affects truck drivers is the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Rule , which went into full effect in 2017.
This rule applies to motor carriers and drivers who transport food that requires temperature control or that could be contaminated during transport.
If you haul produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, beverages, or any other food product in a reefer or dry van, FSMA applies to you.
Violations can result in FDA enforcement actions against the carrier, and shippers increasingly require proof of FSMA compliance before tendering loads.
Who the Rule Applies To The Sanitary Transportation Rule applies to shippers, receivers, loaders, and carriers involved in transporting food.
As an owner-operator or motor carrier, you are a "carrier" under the rule.
Key points: The rule applies if you transport food in the United States by motor vehicle.
It covers food that requires temperature control for safety (called TCS food) and food that is not fully enclosed in a container that prevents contamination.
There is an exemption for carriers with less than $500,000 in annual revenue, but most shippers require compliance regardless of this exemption.
It does not apply to live animals, raw agricultural commodities transported by farm vehicles within 50 miles, or food completely enclosed in packaging impervious to contamination.
Even if you technically qualify for the small carrier exemption, most food shippers will not load you unless you can demonstrate compliance with FSMA sanitary transport requirements.
Vehicle and Equipment Design and Maintenance Your trailer must be designed and maintained so it does not cause the food to become unsafe.
In practice this means: Trailer interior must be clean and free of debris, odors, and previous cargo residue.
No holes, gaps, or damage that would allow pests, water, or contaminants to enter.
Reefer units must be in good working order and capable of maintaining required temperatures.
Door seals must be intact to prevent contamination and temperature loss.
Transportation Operations Carriers must take steps during transport to prevent food from becoming unsafe.
This includes: Maintaining proper temperature throughout transit (continuous monitoring).
Not transporting food with non-food items that could contaminate it (such as chemicals, pesticides, or industrial materials).
Preventing cross-contamination between different food items when hauling mixed loads.
Following any specific handling instructions provided by the shipper.
Training Carriers must ensure that their personnel (including owner-operators acting as both carrier and driver) are trained in sanitary transportation practices.
There is no FDA-mandated certification, but you must be able to demonstrate that you understand proper fo.
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