FDA Says Maple Syrup Producers Must Register Under New Food Bioterrorism Regulation 

  Facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food as defined in a new federal regulation aimed at increasing regulations against the threat of bioterrorism in the nation's food/water supply also apparently apply to maple syrup producers, even though farm operations generally are exempt.

  Apparently the FDA is concerned that the nation's maple syrup supply may be poisoned by an act of bioterrorism.

Under the regulation, registration must be made by December 12, 2003. The regulation, "Registration Of Food Facilities," is a clarification of the Bioterrorism Act, that the FDA published on October 10, 2003.

  As explained by the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, "In the event of a potential or actual bioterrorism incident or an outbreak of food-borne illness, facility registration information will help FDA to determine the location and source of the event and permit the agency to notify quickly facilities that may be affected." (see website at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtac12.html).

  Registration can be done online via the Internet, by completing a paper form, or by submitting to FDA a CD-ROM with relevant registration information, according to the FDA. Registration online can be attempted by going to www.cfsan.fda.gov/~furls/ovffreg.html, then click on "Login now" in the box labeled "How to Register a Food Facility Online," then click on "Login/Create Account," and proceed from there. The site might be busy, in which case you will see a note titled "We're Sorry!" and be asked to wait an hour or two before trying again.
 

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The Following is from the FDA at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtac12.html
 

  How often must you register? Registration is required only once for each food facility. However, required registration information must be updated if it changes.

  What does the registration number mean? It means that the owner of the facility has complied with this rule by registering with FDA. Assignment of the number does not convey FDA approval or endorsement of the facility or its products.

  Is there a fee for registration? There is no fee for registration or for updates of any registration.

  How can a facility register? Registrants must use Form 3537 to register or update a registration. Facilities may register online via the Internet aw www.fda.gov/furls, which will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, beginning October 16, 2003. This web site is available from wherever the Internet is accessible, including libraries, copy centers, schools, and Internet cafes. In addition to the online help registrants can access at www.fda.gov/furls, there is also an Online Registration Help Desk:

  -- In the U.S. call 1-800-216-7331 or 301-575-0156.

  -- From elsewhere call 301-575-0156.

  -- Fax questions to 301-210-0247.

  -- Email questions to furls@fda.gov

  Beginning October 16, 2003, these phone numbers will be staffed on business days from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.

  If a facility does not have reasonable access to the Internet, a paper copy of the form may be obtained from FDA  by calling 800-216-7331 or 301-575-0156 or by mailing a request to: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HFS-681, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, USA.

  When the form has been filled out completely and legibly, it should be mailed to the above address or faxed to (301) 210-0247.