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title: "October EAS-e-News: USDA Audits • Process Validation • Upcoming Seminars"
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Improve compliance confidence and avoid preventable delays.

| View in browser Foods  •  Dietary Supplements  •  Drugs  •  Medical Devices  •  Cosmetics  •  Tobacco  •  Cannabis 1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 750, Alexandria, VA 22314  •  571-447-5500  •  easconsultinggroup.com/contact November 2025 Welcome to the November edition of EAS-e-News. This month, we’re focusing on strengthening FSVP compliance and understanding FDA Notices of Action. These continue to be two common problem areas that can lead to avoidable delays and disruptions for importers. Issue of the Month FSVP Tips to Navigate Common Pitfalls How to avoid detentions, import delays, and common documentation gaps. By Brandon Boone, EAS Consulting Group Independent Consultant Since the implementation of the FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) in 2017, overall compliance rates have remained consistently low. There are a wide range of compliance levels—from firms that received Warning Letters to those that achieved No Action Indicated (NAI) outcomes. Based on these inspections, the following is a list of practical tips to help importers navigate the most common pitfalls. While not exhaustive, these recommendations can serve as a strong foundation for improving FSVP compliance. Read Full Article Under the Microscope How to Read an FDA Notice of Action (NOA) A step-by-step look at what each section means and how to respond quickly. As a member of the Certified Group and Food Safety Net Services, EAS clients have access to world-renowned testing laboratories that meet your organization’s sophisticated needs. In this column, you’ll hear about their capabilities, environmental challenges and more. We hope you’ll enjoy a look “under the microscope.” FDA detentions are on the rise. In 2025 alone, the Agency reviewed nearly 50 million line items for products offered for import into the U.S. Many of those shipments were detained for a variety of reasons, leading to an FDA Notice of Action.   If you’ve received a Notice of Action for one of your shipments, it’s vital to act quickly so you can get the shipment released into commerce. In this guide, we walk through each important section and explain how to read an FDA Notice of Action.  View the Guide Don’t leave Food Safety Certification to chance. Food safety certifications are essential for market access, customer trust, and long-term success. But preparing for an audit can feel overwhelming. Our Certification Preparation Support Services provide: Realistic, scheme-specific mock audits and gap assessments Customized system development aligned with regulatory requirements Training and education for your food safety team, managers, and staff Ongoing support to maintain compliance and prepare for recertification Discuss Your Certification Timeline Ready to achieve certification with confidence?   Let EAS guide your team through preparation, training, and ongoing compliance so you can focus on running your business. Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) Services   Protect your supply chain, stay FDA compliant, and ensure uninterrupted access to the U.S. food market while avoiding preventable detentions and costly delays. At EAS Consulting Group, we provide comprehensive Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) support: U.S. FSVP Importer office setup Qualified Individual training and support Foreign manufacturer audits and food safety plan development FSMA Preventive Controls & FSVP training Traceability, recall, and labeling assessments Learn How EAS Can Help! Don’t let FSVP compliance slow your imports.   Partner with EAS to ensure FDA compliance and secure your U.S. market access. FDA and USDA Regulatory Updates ▪️FDA Announces First Use of Import Certification Authority for Certain Shrimp and Spices Potentially Contaminated with Cesium-137 ▪️Virtual Public Meeting and Listening Session on Food Allergen Thresholds and Their Potential Applications EAS in Action To help keep our newsletter attractive and engaging for our readers, you’ll now receive a separate edition mid-month featuring our EAS in Action events and activities. You’ll continue to receive EAS-e-News early each month! View Upcoming Webinars View Upcoming Seminars View Tradeshows & Conferences Expanding Client Engagement and Industry Outreach: Meet Rob Williams EAS Consulting Group is pleased to welcome Rob Williams to our team as Business Development Director.   Rob brings over a decade of experience driving strategic growth, partnerships, and market expansion across the healthcare and life sciences sectors. In his role with EAS, Rob will support client engagement and growth initiatives across all FDA-regulated commodity areas, helping organizations identify and implement regulatory and compliance solutions best suited to their needs.   Please join us in welcoming Rob to EAS Consulting Group. Rob Williams Business Development Director robert.williams@easconsultinggroup.com (571) 447-5511 Connect with Rob on LinkedIn We’re Hiring Independent Contractors! EAS is always interested in broadening our industry experience and expanding our independent consultant team. If you’re interested in joining EAS as a 1099 contract employee, please email your CV to Dean Cirotta at dcirotta@easconsultinggroup.com. Consultant Corner EAS offers over 150 independent consultants strategically located around the globe whose expertise provide core value for clients. Issue of the Month Author Brandon Boone EAS Consulting Group, EAS Independent Consultant Brandon Boone brings over 15 years of experience with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the past six years serving as an Import Specialist at the LAX-Resident Post. He has gained extensive expertise through his career across a wide range of FDA-regulated imported commodities, including conducting more than 150 Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) inspections, leading special investigations—such as those targeting fraudulent COVID-19 medical devices—and serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the FDA Import Certification Exam.   In addition to his technical responsibilities, Brandon has played a key role in training new investigators, managing pilot programs, and leading outreach initiatives aimed at providing regulatory guidance and training to industry stakeholders. He is deeply committed to public health and am driven by a strong passion for supporting others through education, collaboration, and regulatory excellence. Learn more about working with EAS Consulting Group 👍 So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™ EAS Consulting Group, 1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 750, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA, (571) 447-5500 Manage preferences |
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