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US FDA Food Code 2026

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United States (model code; binding in each state, local, tribal or territorial jurisdiction to the extent and in the edition that jurisdiction adopts)
vFDA Food Code 2026 (eleventh edition), published by FDA in 2026 (PDF created 27 August 2026; FDA page current as of 17 September 2026); supersedes the 2022 Food Code (January 2023 version) and the Supplement to the 2022 Food Code (December 2024)
7 domains
90 controls

The US FDA's model code for restaurants, retail food stores, caterers, institutions and mobile vendors, 2026 edition: person in charge duties, employee health and hygiene, safe sources, cooking, cooling, holding, date marking, allergens and consumer advisories, equipment, warewashing and sanitizing, water, plumbing, waste, facilities, pest control, toxic materials, HACCP plans, food safety management systems and permits. Binding where a jurisdiction adopts it.

Verified

US FDA Food Code 2026 is a compliance framework from United States (model code; binding in each state, local, tribal or territorial jurisdiction to the extent and in the edition that jurisdiction adopts) with 7 domains and 90 controls that map to 2 other frameworks. The largest domains are Chapter 3: Food – US FDA Food Code 2026 (27 controls), Chapter 4: Equipment, utensils and linens – US FDA Food Code 2026 (18 controls), Chapter 2: Management and personnel – US FDA Food Code 2026 (10 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard Blokdyk

Framework summaries on this platform are AI-assisted interpretations for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.

Framework Domains (7)

Chapter 2: Management and personnel – US FDA Food Code 2026

10 controls
Controls in the Chapter 2: Management and personnel – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 10 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-1012-101 Responsibility: person in charge assigned
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-1022-102 Knowledge: demonstration and certified food protection manager
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-1032-103 Duties of the person in charge (active managerial control)
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-2012-201 Employee health: reporting, exclusion, restriction and reinstatement
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-3012-301 Hands and arms: handwashing and hand antiseptics
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-302-2-3042-302, 2-303 and 2-304 Fingernails, jewelry and outer clothing
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-4012-401 Food contamination prevention: eating, drinking, discharges and bandages
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-402-2-4032-402 and 2-403 Hair restraints and animals
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-5012-501 Employee illness policy (new in 2026)
us-fda-food-code-2026::2-5022-502 Contamination event response: clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events

Chapter 3: Food – US FDA Food Code 2026

27 controls
Controls in the Chapter 3: Food – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 27 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-1013-101 Food condition: safe, unadulterated and honestly presented
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-2013-201 Approved sources
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-2023-202 Specifications for receiving
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-2033-203 Molluscan shellfish original containers and records
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-3013-301 Preventing contamination by employees
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-3023-302 Preventing food and ingredient contamination
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-3033-303 Preventing contamination from ice used as a coolant
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-304.11-143-304.11 to 3-304.14 Food contact surfaces, in-use utensils, linens and wiping cloths
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-304.15-173-304.15 to 3-304.17 Gloves, tableware for refills and refilling returnables
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-3053-305 and 3-307 Preventing contamination from the premises and other sources
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-3063-306 Preventing contamination by consumers
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-401.113-401.11 Cooking raw animal foods
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-401.12-153-401.12 to 3-401.15 Microwave, plant food, non-continuous cooking and manufacturer instructions
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-4023-402 Freezing for parasite destruction
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-4033-403 Reheating
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-4043-404 Other methods: treating juice
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-501.10-133-501.10 to 3-501.13 Dehydrated food instructions, frozen food, slacking and thawing
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-501.14-153-501.14 and 3-501.15 Cooling and cooling methods
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-501.163-501.16 Hot and cold holding
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-501.17-183-501.17 and 3-501.18 Date marking and disposition of ready-to-eat TCS food
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-501.193-501.19 Time as a public health control
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-502.113-502.11 Specialized processing requiring a variance
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-502.123-502.12 Reduced oxygen packaging without a variance
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-601-3-6023-601 and 3-602 Accurate representation and labeling
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-6033-603 Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked animal foods
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-7013-701 Disposition of unsafe, adulterated or contaminated food
us-fda-food-code-2026::3-8013-801 Additional safeguards for highly susceptible populations

Chapter 4: Equipment, utensils and linens – US FDA Food Code 2026

18 controls
Controls in the Chapter 4: Equipment, utensils and linens – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 18 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-104-1001 to 4-1003 Disinfection of equipment and utensils (new in 2026)
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-101-4-1024-101 and 4-102 Materials for construction and repair
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-201-4-2024-201 and 4-202 Durability, strength and cleanability
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-2034-203 Accuracy of temperature and pressure measuring devices
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-204.11-194-204.11 to 4-204.19 Functionality: hoods, openings, dispensing, vending closures, bearings, beverage tubing, ice units and condensers
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-204.110-1234-204.110 to 4-204.123 Functionality: shellfish tanks, vending controls, thermometers in units, warewashing machines, drainage and vending closures
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-3014-301 Equipment numbers and capacities
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-302-4-3034-302 and 4-303 Utensils, thermometers, test kits, cleaning agents and sanitizers available
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-401-4-4024-401 and 4-402 Location and installation of equipment
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-501.11-194-501.11 to 4-501.19 Equipment maintenance and warewashing operation
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-501.110-1164-501.110 to 4-501.116 Warewashing temperatures, pressure and chemical sanitization
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-5024-502 Utensils and measuring devices: repair, calibration and single-use articles
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-601-4-6024-601 and 4-602 Cleaning objective and frequency
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-6034-603 Cleaning methods
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-74-701 to 4-703 Sanitization of equipment and utensils
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-84-801 to 4-803 Laundering
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-901-4-9024-901 and 4-902 Drying, lubricating and reassembling
us-fda-food-code-2026::4-903-4-9044-903 and 4-904 Storing clean items and preventing contamination

Chapter 5: Water, plumbing and waste – US FDA Food Code 2026

10 controls
Controls in the Chapter 5: Water, plumbing and waste – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 10 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-101-5-1025-101 and 5-102 Drinking water source and quality
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-103-5-1045-103 and 5-104 Water quantity, pressure, distribution and alternative supply
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-201-5-2025-201 and 5-202 Plumbing materials, design, construction and installation
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-2035-203 Plumbing numbers and capacities
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-204-5-2055-204 and 5-205 Plumbing location, operation and maintenance
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-35-301 to 5-304 Mobile water tanks and mobile food establishment water tanks
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-45-401 to 5-403 Sewage, other liquid waste and rainwater
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-501.10-195-501.10 to 5-501.19 Refuse facilities on the premises: design, capacity and location
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-501.110-1165-501.110 to 5-501.116 Refuse storage operation and maintenance
us-fda-food-code-2026::5-502-5-5035-502 and 5-503 Removal and disposal of refuse

Chapter 6: Physical facilities – US FDA Food Code 2026

9 controls
Controls in the Chapter 6: Physical facilities – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 9 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-101-6-1026-101 and 6-102 Materials for indoor and outdoor areas
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-2016-201 Cleanability of floors, walls and ceilings
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-202.11-166-202.11 to 6-202.16 Functionality: lighting shields, HVAC, insect devices, toilet rooms, outer openings and exterior walls
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-202.17-1126-202.17 to 6-202.112 Outdoor areas and living or sleeping quarters
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-3016-301 Handwashing sinks: cleanser, drying, signage and receptacles
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-302-6-3066-302 to 6-306 Toilets, lighting, ventilation, dressing areas and service sinks
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-401-6-4056-401 to 6-405 Location and placement of facilities
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-501.11-196-501.11 to 6-501.19 Facility repair, cleaning and toilet room doors
us-fda-food-code-2026::6-501.110-1156-501.110 to 6-501.115 Lockers, pest control, maintenance tools, premises and animals

Chapter 7: Poisonous or toxic materials – US FDA Food Code 2026

7 controls
Controls in the Chapter 7: Poisonous or toxic materials – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 7 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-101-7-1027-101 and 7-102 Labeling and identification of poisonous or toxic materials
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-2017-201 Storage of poisonous or toxic materials
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-202-7-2037-202 and 7-203 Presence, use and containers of poisonous or toxic materials
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-2047-204 Chemicals: sanitizers, produce washes, boiler additives and drying agents
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-205-7-2067-205 and 7-206 Lubricants and pesticides
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-207-7-2097-207 to 7-209 Medicines, first aid supplies and personal care items
us-fda-food-code-2026::7-3017-301 Storage and display of poisonous or toxic materials for retail sale

Chapter 8: Compliance and enforcement – US FDA Food Code 2026

9 controls
Controls in the Chapter 8: Compliance and enforcement – US FDA Food Code 2026 domain of US FDA Food Code 2026 — 9 controls
CodeTitle
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-1038-103.11 and 8-103.12 Variance request documentation and conformance with approved procedures
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-201.11-128-201.11 and 8-201.12 Plans and specifications
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-201.13-148-201.13 and 8-201.14 When a HACCP plan is required and its contents
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-201.158-201.15 Food safety management system (new in 2026)
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-301-8-3028-301 and 8-302 Permit to operate and application
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-3048-304.11 and 8-304.20 Permit holder responsibilities to retain the permit
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-402.118-402.11 Allowing access for inspection
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-4048-404 Imminent health hazard: ceasing operations and resumption
us-fda-food-code-2026::8-405-8-4068-405.11 and 8-406.11 Timely correction of violations

Maps to 2 other frameworks

90 total controls
Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969, Rev. 2022)
81 source controls mapped|35 target controls covered
90%
ISO 22000:2018
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Compare US FDA Food Code 2026 with Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969, Rev. 2022)

Coverage is not the same as your position

This page shows what US FDA Food Code 2026 overlaps with in general. Where your organisation actually stands, against the standard you are going for and the certifications you already hold, is a different question. Same graph and the same recorded refutations, scoped to you rather than to a pair.

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What is US FDA Food Code 2026 and who does it apply to?

US FDA Food Code 2026 is a compliance framework from United States (model code; binding in each state, local, tribal or territorial jurisdiction to the extent and in the edition that jurisdiction adopts) with 7 domains and 90 controls. The US FDA's model code for restaurants, retail food stores, caterers, institutions and mobile vendors, 2026 edition: person in charge duties, employee health and hygiene, safe sources, cooking, cooling, holding, date marking, allergens and consumer advisories, equipment, warewashing and sanitizing, water, plumbing, waste, facilities, pest control, toxic materials, HACCP plans, food safety management systems and permits. Binding where a jurisdiction adopts it. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does US FDA Food Code 2026 actually require?

US FDA Food Code 2026 has 90 controls organised across 7 domains. The largest domains are Chapter 3: Food – US FDA Food Code 2026 (27 controls), Chapter 4: Equipment, utensils and linens – US FDA Food Code 2026 (18 controls), Chapter 2: Management and personnel – US FDA Food Code 2026 (10 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of US FDA Food Code 2026 do I already cover?

US FDA Food Code 2026 maps to 2 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969, Rev. 2022) (90% coverage), ISO 22000:2018 (3% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.

How do I implement US FDA Food Code 2026?

Start your US FDA Food Code 2026 compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about US FDA Food Code 2026 requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 90 controls and track your progress.

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