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Country Regulations for Food & Beverage

United States

In the United States, food and beverage regulations are subject to both state and federal oversight. National food and beverage safety in the US falls under several federal regulatory bodies, and jurisdiction is dictated by commodity. The relationships between these bodies and their applications can sometimes be nuanced and difficult to navigate. However, guidance is most clear when viewed in the framework of food or beverage type (e.g. alcohol and meat) or action required for the food item (labeling and testing).  Depending on the commodity and context, regulations may primarily fall under a single regulatory body or it may fall under several. 

There are several important resources for US Food and Beverage regulations, such as:

  • US Dept of Treasury- Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): This bureau is responsible for overseeing the production, distribution, and labelling of alcoholic beverages with over 7% alcoholic content. Testing requirements for these commodities, however, may still fall under the USDA. 

  • Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO):  This association develops uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards, definitions, and enforcement policies for the manufacturing, labelling, and sale of animal feeds and ingredients. AAFCO provides “model laws” and regulations that nearly all states and regulatory authorities have adopted as the basis for their feed-control program. They do not have regulatory authority but have a formally recognized MOU with the FDA to provide guidance and propose regulation. 

  • Center for Disease Control (CDC):  The CDC primarily provides surveillance and outbreak response in conjunction with State public health bodies in support of FDA and USDA priorities. CDC may also provide some testing guidance and collaboration with responsible authorities during foodborne outbreaks. 

  • Individual State Departments of Health or Agriculture: Food Safety responsibility is also shared among state and territorial governments.

Food and beverage safety in Canada falls primarily under the Canadian Health Portfolio, which reports to the Minister of Health in Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reports to the Minister of Agriculture. Food testing, labelling, and import/export requirements primarily fall under these national regulatory bodies.

There are several important resources for Canadian Food and Beverage regulations, such as:

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides information and support to help industry understand regulatory requirements in order to get innovative foods into the marketplace. The department works with partnering organizations and the above agencies to guide, regulate and develop the agriculture sector on behalf of Canadians.}

  • Provincial and Territorial Governments - Also share responsibility for food safety locally.
Industry Regulations

Industry Regulations

ISO 22000 is a certifiable standard that addresses food safety management system. It defines the guidelines and best practices an organization must follow to control food safety hazards and ensure safe consumption of food. FSSC 22000 includes and expands upon the ISO 22000 requirements.

Industrial Regulation by Food Group

Industry Regulation by Food Group

Learn more about food and beverage regulations by food group, including dairy, meat, plant-based meat, and beverages for different regions throughout the world.

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