FCE SID How Does FDA Regulate Canned Food?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has special registration requirements for facilities that produce low-acid canned foods (LACF) and acidified foods (AF).
This post addresses the items below:
- What is a low-acid canned food?
- What is an acidified food?
- What is FCE registration?
- What is the difference between FCE registration and food facility registration?
- What is an SID?
- How do I register LACF and AF with FDA?
- Can I import LACF and AF without registering with FDA?
- Does USFI provide FCE/SID registration services?
- Where can I find more information about FCE/SID from FDA?
What is a low-acid canned food?
A low acid canned food (LACF) is any food (other than alcoholic beverages) with both a finished equilibrium pH greater than 4.6 and a water activity (aw) greater than 0.85, not including tomatoes and tomato products having a finished equilibrium pH less than 4.7. Examples of LACF foods include canned vegetables (e.g. corn, peas) and bottled beverages without carbonation. Examples of AF foods included pickled foods (e.g. pickles, sauces).
What is an acidified food?
An acidified food (AF) is a low-acid food to which acid(s) or acid food(s) are added and which has both a finished equilibrium pH of 4.6 or below and a water activity (aw) greater than 0.85.
What is FCE registration?
FCE registration is Food Canning Establishment registration.
What is the difference between FCE registration and Food Facility Registration?
FCE is for facilities subject to the LACF and AF regulations. These are facilities that manufacture certain canned/bottled products or other products in hermitically sealed containers. The FCE number is a different number than the food facility registration number. You must must first have a valid food facility registration number in order to obtain an FCE number a facility.
What is an SID?
An SID is a Submission Identifier. The SID is provided by FDA upon registering an LACF or AF product with FDA.
How do I obtain FCE SID registration?
You may register your facility and products through the FDA FURLS system here. We offer services to assist you with registration if needed.
Can I import LACF and AF without registering with FDA?
No. You must submit FCE and SID information with entry filings for LACF and AF products.
Does USFI provide FCE SID registration services?
Yes. Please contact us at info@usfoodimports.com or 202.765.1800 for assistance.
Where can I find more information about FCE SID from FDA?
FDA offers resources on FCE SID requirements here.