Originally Posted by
johnallin
It's my understanding that the FDA registration is more about tracing a food products source in the event of tainted product. You agree to supply contact information and location(s).
It is not an endorsement by the FDA, the operator agrees to allow inspection if requested. I filled one out in '15 and received a reg number. I understood that to imply that if I sold product, I was willing to have someone look over what we do or at least be prepared to have "visitors" if someone got ill due to our syrup...
I'm not a fan of bigger government, or more regulation. But I do like the fact that in this country we have standards established to ensure that our grandkid's formula isn't produced in a re-purposed heating oil tank! Bottom line is that if you're producing a product for human consumption - it's either made right or it isn't. If I need surgery, it's good to know that the Dr. has spent the time and resources to learn his craft...Any thing less is akin to the fox guarding the hen house.
Not trying to stir things up, but the maple industry has lots of professionals who have invested heavily in sanitary best practice equipment and methods who compete with semi-pro hobbyists. Selling farm gate or at the sugar house is one thing, selling mainstream opens up another can of worms. My 2¢.