How FDA's 2018 Guidance Clarified Food Facility Registration for Ghanaian Exporters

In 2018, FDA published updated guidance on food facility registration that addressed longstanding questions about the farm exemption under the Bioterrorism Act and FSMA. The key clarification: facilities that pack or hold raw agricultural commodities are generally exempt if the commodity is for animal feed or if packing/holding is performed by the farm that grew it. For Ghanaian exporters, this means: cocoa processing facilities, shea butter manufacturers, and packaged food processors must register — but farms that only grow and minimally handle their own raw crops may be exempt.

What Ghanaian Exporters Should Do

If you are unsure whether your facility requires FDA registration, FDABridge will assess your operations and product category at no charge. Most Ghanaian exporters — including cocoa processors, fish smokers, and packaged food manufacturers — are required to register. Starting the registration early prevents costly delays at US ports. Visit fdabridge.com/food-facility-registration.