FDA Amends Export Listing Procedures for Dairy Exports to China

The FDA amended its export listing procedures for dairy and infant formula firms exporting to China to reflect provisions in the U.S-China phase one trade deal, the agency said in a July 29 email to industry. Because the deal recognizes the U.S. dairy safety system “as providing at least the same level of protection” as China’s system, dairy facilities no longer have to provide FDA with confirmation that a third-party auditor “has found the firm to be in compliance” with Chinese dairy regulations, the agency said. This change applies to all Export Listing Module applications received as of July 1. The FDA said its announcement follows a U.S. Department of Agriculture notice that it will no longer conduct plant audits for dairy firms exporting to China as of July 1.