Canning jars and acidified foods: FDA seeks paperwork feedback.
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The FDA wants to hear from food canning businesses about their paperwork for acidified and low-acid foods sealed in cans or jars. They’re asking for comments on how these companies register, file processes, and keep records, aiming to keep food safe without making things too complicated. If you’re in this business, get your thoughts in by October 27, 2026, to help shape the rules and avoid surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Extensive Recordkeeping Requirements
Processors must maintain processing and production records under 21 CFR parts 113 and 114 and make them available to FDA on request; they must document corrective actions when process controls fall outside specified limits. FDA estimates 10,392 recordkeepers with an average of 250 hours per recordkeeper, totaling 2,598,000 hours annually for recordkeeping.
Process Filing Before Packing New Products
If you process acidified or low-acid foods, you must file process data with FDA using specific forms (Forms FDA 2541d, 2541e, 2541f, or 2541g) before packing any new product and make operating processes available at the equipment. The notice lists estimated annual filings and burdens: e.g., Form 2541e filings total 14,546 responses with 4,800 hours (20 minutes each); Form 2541d totals 5,894 responses with 1,945 hours.
Mandatory Plant Registration
If you run a commercial food canning business that makes acidified or thermally processed low-acid foods in sealed containers, you must register your establishment with FDA using Form FDA 2541 (21 CFR 108.25(c)(1) and 108.35(c)(1)). The Federal Register estimates 1,218 respondents and a total annual industry burden of 207 hours for these registrations (about 10 minutes per registration).
Obligatory Reporting of Hazardous Deviations
You must report to FDA any potential health-endangering spoilage, process deviation, or contamination with microorganisms when any lot of the food has entered distribution in commerce (21 CFR 108.25(d), 108.35(d) and (e)). The FDA estimates one such report with an average burden of 4 hours in its annual table.
Required Recall Plans on File
Processors must develop and keep on file plans for recalling products that may endanger public health (21 CFR 108.25(e) and 108.35(f)). These recall plans must be maintained as part of the facility records available to FDA.
Product Coding for Traceability
Thermally processed low-acid foods and acidified foods must be marked with an identifying code so lots can be traced after distribution (21 CFR 113.60(c) and 114.80(b)). FDA states no additional burden is estimated because coding is a usual and customary business practice.
Electronic or Paper Submission Option
Processors may submit Forms FDA 2541 and process filing forms either electronically through FDA's system or by mail using paper forms; FDA encourages electronic submission but will continue to accept paper. The agency states the electronic and paper forms 'mirror' each other to standardize burden.
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