Preparing for an FDA inspection at your food processing facility is essential. Still, it’s just as crucial to complete 5 necessary steps after an inspection to ensure your facility can continue running safely and efficiently.

What Can Happen During an FDA Inspection? Understanding the Basics.

FDA inspections are not done to find facts. Instead, they are done to obtain evidence and are regulatory in nature.  Depending on the nature of the violations found, the FDA may allow your company to take voluntary, prompt action to correct the issue(s) before official enforcement action is initiated.

There are three common types of injunctions – temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions. Documents including Form 482 (notice of inspection), Form 483 (inspection observations), and Form 484 (receipt for samples) may be given during the inspection.

Categories of Inspection Results

Most FDA inspections are generally classified into one of three categories.

  • NAI (No Action Indicated) – This means your facility has no violations or issues.
  • VAI (Voluntary Action Indicated) This is used for minor violations. It requires you to take prompt, voluntary action to correct an issue at your facility.
  • OAI (Official Action Indicated) – This means an official administrative or regulatory action will be recommended for your company.

5 Steps You Should Take After an FDA Inspection

If the FDA finds any kind of problem at your facility, whether it’s minor or major, you need to take the following steps.

  1. Containment and correction of any issues found – To contain and correct the issue immediately, take action recommended or required by the FDA.
  2. Track completed actions – to prove compliance in the future, keep track of the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issue.
  3. Plan actions for the future – It is essential not only to be reactive but also to be proactive. Plan and implement corrective actions to prevent issues from recurring in the future.
  4. Log and find supporting documentation – Collect and track all supporting documentation about your response, planning, and other vital information.
  5. Report back to the FDA – As directed, report the steps taken and the changes made to resolve the issue to the FDA.

Why Choose ImEPIK for Food Safety Training?

Poor food safety performance by employees is an all-too-common issue found by the FDA during inspections. As experts in food safety training, ImEPIK can help you train your employees, build their skills, and ensure they have the knowledge and expertise required to keep things above-board at your facility.

Don’t risk potential administrative action from the FDA. Make sure your employees are adequately trained to follow safety standards and protocols.

With the help of ImEPIK’s PCQI Online, your employees can get the interactive training they need. Our online learning platform is perfect for today’s business environment, and it is ideal for people who need to train remotely or from home.

Contact ImEPIK to Learn More and Get Started Today

With the help of ImEPIK, you can prepare for your next FDA inspection. We focus on proactive training that helps your entire team maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance at your food processing facility.

Contact us now to explore our training and get started right away.