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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

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. 

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

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.

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

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!

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.