All About the FDA DUNS Number Requirement for Food Facility Registration - Sobel Network Shipping Co., Inc.

All About the FDA DUNS Number Requirement for Food Facility Registration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will begin enforcing a new requirement for food facilities to provide a unique identification number called a DUNS number when registering with the agency. This new regulation will affect all domestic and foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States.

What is a DUNS number?

A DUNS number, which stands for Data Universal Numbering System, is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) to each business entity. It is widely used by government agencies, lenders, and suppliers to identify and track businesses.

Why is the FDA requiring DUNS numbers?

The FDA has required food facilities to register with the agency since 2002, but until now, a DUNS number was not mandatory. The FDA is now requiring DUNS numbers to improve the accuracy and consistency of the data in the agency’s food facility registration database. This will help the FDA more effectively and efficiently identify facilities that may pose a risk to public health.

The FDA believes that DUNS numbers will provide a standardized and reliable means of identifying and tracking food facilities across the country and around the world. DUNS numbers will also help the FDA to verify the authenticity of food facility registrations and ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.

What do food facilities need to do?

Food facilities that are already registered with the FDA will need to update their registration information to include their DUNS number. Facilities that are not yet registered with the FDA will need to obtain a DUNS number before they can register.

To obtain a DUNS number, food facilities will need to contact Dun & Bradstreet directly. The process is free, but it may take several days to receive the number.

Food facilities that fail to provide a valid DUNS number when registering with the FDA may have their registration suspended or cancelled. This could result in the facility being unable to legally sell food products in the United States.

What Do I Do If My DUNS Number Is Not Accepted?

If you’re a business owner or manager, you might have recently heard about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requiring all food facilities to provide a unique identification number called a DUNS number when registering with the agency. While obtaining a DUNS number is generally a straightforward process, some businesses may encounter issues with their number being rejected or not accepted by the FDA. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you can do if your DUNS number is not accepted.

First, it’s essential to understand why your DUNS number might not be accepted. There could be several reasons for this, including:

  1. The number is not associated with your business: If you have recently changed your business name or entity structure, your DUNS number might not be associated with your current business information. In this case, you’ll need to update your information with Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the company responsible for assigning DUNS numbers.
  2. The number is invalid: If the DUNS number you provided is not valid or has expired, it won’t be accepted by the FDA. You’ll need to obtain a new DUNS number from D&B.
  3. The number is associated with another facility: If your DUNS number is already associated with another food facility, the FDA won’t accept it for your registration. You’ll need to contact D&B to resolve the issue.

So, what should you do if your DUNS number is not accepted? Here are some steps you can take:

  • Double-check your information: Make sure that the DUNS number you provided is correct and associated with your business. If you’ve recently updated your business information, make sure that you’ve updated your information with D&B.
  • Contact D&B: If you believe your DUNS number is invalid or has expired, contact D&B to obtain a new number. D&B can also help you resolve any issues with your number being associated with another facility.
  • Contact the FDA: If you’ve tried the above steps and your DUNS number is still not accepted, contact the FDA for assistance. The FDA can provide guidance on how to resolve the issue and complete your registration.

What if My Food Facility Registration is Canceled?  

If you operate a food facility, you are likely aware of the importance of obtaining and maintaining a Food Facility Registration. This registration is required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and helps to ensure that your facility is complying with federal regulations related to food safety. However, there may be situations where your Food Facility Registration is cancelled. If this happens, it is important to take immediate action to address the issue.

Here are some steps you can take if your Food Facility Registration is cancelled:

  1. Determine the reason for cancellation: The first step in addressing a cancelled Food Facility Registration is to determine the reason for the cancellation. This information will be provided to you by the FDA in a cancellation letter. The letter should provide specific details on why the registration was cancelled, such as non-compliance with food safety regulations, failure to renew the registration or failure to pay the registration fee.
  2. Correct any issues: Once you have determined the reason for cancellation, you can take steps to correct any issues that led to the cancellation. This may involve addressing non-compliance issues, submitting the required paperwork, or paying any outstanding fees. It is important to act quickly to address these issues and demonstrate your commitment to complying with federal regulations.
  3. Submit a new registration: Once you have corrected any issues, you can submit a new Food Facility Registration application. This will require you to provide all of the necessary information, including your facility’s name and address, type of facility, and contact information. You will also need to pay the registration fee, which varies depending on the size and type of facility.
  4. Cooperate with FDA inspections: It is important to cooperate with FDA inspections to ensure that your facility is complying with food safety regulations. The FDA may conduct inspections at any time, and it is your responsibility to provide access to your facility and cooperate with the inspectors.
  5. Seek professional assistance: If you are unsure of how to address a cancelled Food Facility Registration, you may want to seek professional assistance. There are consultants and attorneys who specialize in food safety regulations and can provide guidance on how to comply with federal regulations and address any issues related to your Food Facility Registration.

Having your Food Facility Registration cancelled can be a serious issue that requires immediate action. It is important to determine the reason for cancellation, correct any issues, submit a new registration, cooperate with FDA inspections, and seek professional assistance if necessary. By taking these steps, you can demonstrate your commitment to complying with federal regulations and ensure that your facility is operating safely and legally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a DUNS number is an essential step in registering your food facility with the FDA. If your DUNS number is not accepted, it’s crucial to take steps to resolve the issue promptly. By double-checking your information, contacting D&B, and reaching out to the FDA for assistance, you can ensure that your food facility registration is completed successfully.

FDA’s new requirement for food facilities to provide a DUNS number when registering is an important step in improving the accuracy and reliability of the agency’s food facility registration database. Food facilities should take steps to ensure that they obtain and provide a valid DUNS number when registering with the FDA to avoid any disruptions to their business operations.