What does it mean to be a USDA plant?
Hello all,
I have come under some confusion, perhaps its simpler than I'm making it, so it's a silly question.
I'm getting customer questionnaires to fill out, they have asked if we're a USDA plant? That's strange because we only provide spices. And as far as I can tell these customers only do spices. So, my response would be no, we're subject to FDA regulations. Am I missing something? Why are they asking if we're a USDA plant?
Thanks! Sorry for the confusion....
Hi 3esa,
Maybe your customer is a little confused about the role of the USDA. The USDA focuses on meat and poultry products., not spices. Unless there is something in your production where you use some type of meat, poultry or eggs, you wouldn't be overseen by the USDA.
I also think that customers send out generic questionnaires and assume that you won't fill out any section that does not apply. I've gotten a few lately as well and we make powdered cellulose additives. Usually they ask both, if you are registered with the FDA and if you are a USDA plant. I'd ignore that section, and if they come back to you, tell them that you are not USDA.
Martha
If you were regulated by USDA (actually FSIS within USDA), you would have been issued a P# for poultry or a M# for meat which you would have to notate on all regulated products' packaging. MWindra is correct, most questionnaires are generic. I just mark those questions that don't apply as N/A.
KTD