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119-hr-8431119th CongressWALLET

Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]

Introduced

Summary

Expands the role of third-party food safety certifications. This bill would let FDA rely more on accredited third-party audits and certifications to decide import eligibility, prioritize inspections, and support voluntary importer programs.

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  • Importers: Could use food or facility certifications to show an imported food meets safety rules and to qualify for the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program.
  • Food facilities: Any foreign or U.S. facility could elect audits by accredited third-party auditors and receive certifications that affect whether their food or facility is treated as eligible for import or other program purposes.
  • Regulators and accreditors: FDA could use audit results and certifications to analyze risks and target inspections for public health protection. The bill also requires recognition of accreditation bodies within 2 years to oversee third-party auditors.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New third-party food safety rules for businesses

If enacted, this bill would let any U.S. or foreign food business choose to be audited by an accredited third-party auditor. It would define a "regulatory audit" that decides if a food or facility can get certain food or facility certifications. The Secretary could use those certifications to decide if an imported food meets import rules and if a facility may join the voluntary importer program. The Secretary would also have to set up a system to recognize accreditation bodies no later than 2 years after enactment. Inspectors would have to consider whether a facility holds a qualifying third‑party certification when choosing inspections.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]

OH • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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