As a part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), all facilities (including cotton gins and those for cottonseed storage) that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption within the United States or foreign facilities that export to the United States must re-register in even numbered years beginning with 2012.

Gins and cottonseed storage facilities were required to register in 2003 under the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Food/Feed Bioterrorism Rule. The FSMA will incorporate the existing FDA Food/Feed Bioterrorism Rule. Details are at www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/ucm314178.htm

NCGA Executive Vice President Harrison Ashley said there is no cost for gins or cottonseed storage facilities, which this year and bi-annually thereafter must re-register (or register this year if not previously registered). To access the online registration instructions and form, go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/RegistrationofFoodFacilities/ucm073728.htm.