Regulations
Pennsylvania Regulations
Working with PDA
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services is responsible for enforcing food regulations and inspecting food establishments. Working closely with a PDA sanitarian as early as possible in your business development can save you time and money.
Request for Registration and Inspection of Retail Food Stores and Other Food Establishments
Form for registering with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Pennsylvania Food Code
Food safety and sanitation requirements for retail food establishments. PA Code Title 7 Chapter 46. Adopted December 12, 2003
Home Food Processing
Setting up a food-processing business in your home has advantages and disadvantages. You can make your own schedule and cut commuting expenses. On the other hand, there may be added costs involved in getting your kitchen up to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) sanitary standards, and working at home will definitely impact your family—just ask any successful entrepreneur.
Farmer's Guide to Processing and Selling Meat or Poultry
Food safety standards for Pennsylvania small-scale producers of beef, pork, sheep, goat, poultry, rabbit, game and exotic meats. Penn State University. Updated June 2011.
FDA Canning Regulations
In addition, the firm must file a scheduled process with the FDA on Form FDA 2541a not later than 60 days after registration, and before packing any new product. Firms already registered and engaged in the processing of acidified foods need only file Form FDA 2541a, for each new acidified food in each container size.
Better Process Control Schools
FDA requires processors of hermetically sealed acidified and low-acid foods to attend a Better Process Control School. Topics include thermal processing systems, acidification, sanitation, and container closure evaluation. Each processor must operate with a certified supervisor on hand at all times during processing. A list of upcoming Better Process Control Schools is maintained by the GMA Association of Food, Beverage and Consumer Products Companies.
FDA Labeling Regulations
Food Labels
Food labels allow consumers to compare one product to another. They give instructions for safe handling and storage, as well as identify the firm responsible for the product. Labels list ingredients to help consumers choose foods with ingredients they want or need to avoid.
FDA Food Labeling Guide
A summary of the required statements that must appear on food labels. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
USDA Labeling Regulations
USDA Labeling Guide
Guidelines for mandatory labeling of USDA regulated meat and poultry products.
Farmers Guide to Processing and Selling Meat or Poultry
This book is intended to assist farmers and their advisors in understanding the regulations affecting the processing and sale of meat and poultry. Penn State University, 2000
Nutritional Labeling Regulations
Small Business Nutritional Food Labeling Exemptions
Information sheet and sample form for application of small business nutritional exemption form. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
Guidance for Industry - FDA Nutrition Labeling Manual - A Guide for Developing and Using Data Bases
Generic instructions for developing and preparing an acceptable data base when valid estimates of nutrient content and variation are not available for the food (single or mixed products) to be labeled.
Trademark Regulations
Basic Facts About Trademarks
How to register a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Product Recall Guidance and Regulations
USDA FSIS Recall Policies
General information on the recall process and recall news from USDA
Developing a Recall Plan
A commercial processor engaged in the processing of acidified foods is required by 21CFR108.25 to prepare and maintain a written recall plan. Guidelines for product recalls are contained in 21CFR7. North Carolina Department of Food Science
