How Does FSMA Compliance Affect Carriers

Carriers are anyone who physically transports food for commerce by rail or motor vehicle in the United States.

Under the new regulations, and when it is agreed between the shipper and carrier that the carrier is responsible for sanitary conditions during transportation, the carrier must:

1.      Ensure that vehicles and transportation equipment meet the shipper’s specifications and are appropriate for preventing food from becoming unsafe during transportation.

2.      Demonstrate that the required operating temperature specified by the shipper was maintained during transportation.

3.      Ensure vehicle or transportation refrigeration units are adequately pre-cooled before transportation, as specified by the shipper.

4.      Provide information to the shipper, if requested, that identifies the previous cargo and cleaning procedures implemented before transporting bulk food.

5.      Develop and implement written procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and inspecting vehicles and transportation equipment.

6.      Provide adequate training to personnel involved in food transportation operations.