Presentation Transcript

1. Handling Regulatory Inspections

   Denise Webster Fresh & Easy April 3, 2014
2. Purpose is not to give you legal advice but to give you first hand experience and best practices in preparing for an FDA or Health Department audit Why is this important? Inspections are increasing (e.g. high-risk sites) Records access is broader and more complex Fees if a re-inspection is required Legal & Reputation risk to your company and brand - if you don’t get it right! Do you have a plan?
3. Likelihood of Inspection New Facility New Process Change of Ownership High-Risk (HR) vs. Non-High-Risk (NHR) Customer Complaints Findings (e.g. positive test results) Recall investigation
4. FDA Defines High Risk Criterion 1. Frequency of outbreaks and occurrence of illnesses Criterion 2. Severity of illness, taking into account illness duration, hospitalization and mortality Criterion 3. Likelihood of contamination Criterion 4. Growth potential/shelf life Criterion 5. Manufacturing process contamination probability/intervention Criterion 6. Consumption Criterion 7. Economic impact
5. Preparation for Inspection Guide to Regulatory Inspections - Review the FDA’s IOM – Chapter 5: Establishment Inspections and State Health Department regulations Have a written detailed plan Basic Company Information, Policies & Procedures Train against the plan Don’t forget to train the receptionist Have emergency contacts at the ready Test the plan - annually
6. The government has arrived …just another day? Establish the purpose of their visit Review inspectors credentials and write it down Request the Notice of Inspection (e.g. Form 482) Routine inspection or Investigational (e.g. complaint/recall) Identify a home base (conference room) Identify who will be the main point of contact Senior mgmtinvolvement and necessary resources ‘at the ready’ to obtain documentation or facilitate a request Always escort the inspector Don’t try to delay the inevitable Be honest, be helpful, be smart
7. What is expanded records access? Original FD&C act did not include the provision to inspect records FDA now has authority to review and copy documents FSMA requires that FDA inspectors be given access to any records or other documents that it “reasonably believes” may relate to whether or not a food may be adulterated and presents a reasonable likelihood of serious adverse health consequences or death. Do not give Originals Good documentation practices is critical
8. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) The general public must make a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in order to obtain certain FDA documents requiring redaction Exempt are certain documents that contain company’s trade secrets or confidential commercial information Stamp Confidential & Proprietary on documents
9. Collecting Evidence Factory Swabbing To split or not to split? Product Sampling Receipt of samples collected Placing product on hold Pictures They do not have to request permission Don’t refuse but should not be excessive (exhibit only) Placing equipment on hold Understand the specific violations and determine course to correct Placing food products on hold Administrative Detention
10. Administrative Detention The objective of detention is to protect the public by preventing movement in intrastate commerce of a food that FDA has reason to believe is adulterated or misbranded, while FDA institutes appropriate action Place product on immediate hold Additional sampling of food may occur Not to exceed 20 calendar days unless further seizures will be taken Movement can only be with FDA supervision FDA will send termination of detention – if time expires then it is deemed released
11. What is an FDA Form 483? Issued at the conclusion of an inspection Notice of Inspectional Observations – should be clearly defined, specific and significant Signed by the highest authority in the company available What do you need to do? Record all the inspector’s findings &discussion points Understand each objectionable condition of violation
12. Top 483’s in Food
13. Re-inspection Fees An inspection that was classified as a an Official Action Indicated (OAI) and where the FDA determines non-compliance related to food safety which requires verification of corrective actions $237/hour + related costs (until September 30, 2014) “Related costs”means all expenses, (i) arranging, conducting, and evaluating the results of re-inspections; and (ii) assessing and collecting re-inspection fees under this section
14. Reference Documents Investigations Operation Manual (IOM) 2013 http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/Inspections/IOM/default.htm Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr2751/text FSMA Domestic Facility Risk Categorization (2012) http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm295345.htm Guidance for Industry - Re-inspection Fees http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/FoodDefense/ucm274176.htm FDA’s Draft Approach for Designating High-Risk Foods as Required by Section 204 of FSMA (February 2014) http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/UCM380212.pdf FDA’s Guidance on Administrative Detection of Foods http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/UCM342591.pdf FDA’s FY2013 Inspectional Observations Summaries http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/ucm381526.htm#foods
15. Questions