FCE-SID Assistance

The US FDA requires all registered food facilities that are engaged in the manufacture, processing, or packing of acidified foods (AF) or low-acid canned Foods (LACF) for the US market also obtain a Food Canning Establishment (FCE) registration. The FDA define a low-acid canned food (LACF) as any food (other than alcoholic beverages) with a finished equilibrium pH greater than 4.6 and a water activity greater than 0.85, excluding tomatoes and tomato products having a finished equilibrium pH less than 4.7.  An acidified food (AF) is defined as a low-acid food to which acid(s) or acid food(s) are added and which has a finished equilibrium pH of 4.6 or below and a water activity (aw) greater than 0.85. These facilities must also  submit process filings (SIDs) for each AF/LACF food product,  based on their container type, size and processing method. Wholesalers, importers, distributors, brokers, etc. are not required to register and file processes. However, they must ensure that processing companies they represent comply with all registration and process filing requirements. 

Professional Food Consultation Services make it easy for food manufacturers to comply with the US FDA requirements for acidified and low acid can foods. We will register your food facility as a Food Canning Establishment (FCE) and file your processes (SIDs) with the US FDA. On completion you will receive a PFCS issued FCE registration certificate with your FCE and SID numbers. As your US FDA contact, we will ensure that your registration and process filings are up-to-date and in compliance on a continuous basis. FCE registration certificates are verified and renewed annually.