2022 FDA Food Code Update & 2024 Supplement: What Food Businesses Need to Know

The FDA has issued an important update to its food safety model: the Supplement to the 2022 Food Code, released in November 2024. As of March 2025, the 2022 FDA Food Code, combined with this latest Supplement, represents the most current federal guidance on retail and foodservice food safety practices.

For food operators, this is the version to reference when aligning policies, training programs, and procedures with national best practices—even if your state hasn’t officially adopted it yet.

When in Need of the Latest FDA Food Code Model, What Does a Researcher Need for a Complete Citation?

To properly cite the most current version of the FDA Food Code, a researcher should reference both the 2022 FDA Food Code and the 2024 Supplement , as these together form the most up-to-date edition available from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of March 2025.

A complete citation should include:

• Title: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code
• Edition: 2022 Edition with 2024 Supplement
• Issuing Body: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration
• Publication Dates: 2022 (base code), 2024 (supplement)
• Date Accessed: If retrieved online, include the date and official FDA website link

Example (APA style):

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Food Code (2022 ed., with 2024 Supplement). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved [Month Day, Year], from https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/food-code-2022 

This ensures the citation reflects the full scope of current food safety guidance used as a model across jurisdictions.

What Are the Most Important Changes in the 2024 Supplement?

The 2024 Supplement introduces meaningful updates across three chapters:
Chapter 1: Definitions, Chapter 2: Management and Personnel, and Chapter 8: Compliance and Enforcement.

Chapter 1 – New Terms Defined

Active Managerial Control - A preventive approach where management incorporates specific procedures into operations to control foodborne illness risk factors.

Food Defense - Measures taken to protect food from intentional adulteration or tampering.

Food Safety Management System (FSMS) - A formal system of procedures, records, and controls to reduce food safety risks based on an establishment’s operation and food type.

These definitions emphasize a shift toward proactive food safety management based on written controls and documented actions.

Chapter 2 – Expanded Responsibilities for the Person in Charge (PIC)

Section 2-102.11 - PICs must now demonstrate knowledge of food defense practices, including how to identify and respond to signs of intentional adulteration.

Section 2-103.11 - Now includes a requirement that the PIC actively maintain managerial control over foodborne illness risk factors.

Section 2-103.22 - A new responsibility added requiring PICs to ensure all employees are trained to recognize and report potential acts of intentional food adulteration.

Chapter 8 – New FSMS Implementation Requirements

New Section 8-201.15 outlines regulatory expectations for FSMS adoption:

• Regulatory authorities may choose to adopt this provision.
• Once adopted, food establishments will have up to four years to develop and implement a written FSMS.
• The FSMS must:
• Operate during all business hours
• Include procedures tied to Section 2-103.11 (PIC duties)
• Be made available upon request to regulators
• Low-risk operations may be exempt, as determined by the local regulatory authority.

How Do These Updates Impact My Establishment?

Whether these updates apply to your operation depends on which version of the Food Code your state or territory has adopted.

For example:

• Florida, Texas, and North Dakota still use the 2017 Food Code.
• Colorado, Puerto Rico, and Pennsylvania follow the 2022 version, which now includes the 2024 Supplement as the most recent guidance.

If your health department uses the 2022 version, these changes may affect you soon. Even if not currently required, understanding the latest science and recommendations helps you make better decisions on training, supplier selection, and operational controls.

What Should You Do Now?

• Confirm your jurisdiction’s current Food Code version by checking with your local health department.
• Update internal policies and staff training to reflect new PIC responsibilities and food defense expectations.
• Begin developing or refining your food safety management system, especially if you expect to fall under future FSMS requirements.

Need help getting your team certified?

TAP has over 25 years of experience delivering data-driven food safety training. We provide effective, efficient training and exams to help your team earn their Food Safety Manager Certification and stay in full compliance with FDA guidelines.

Contact TAP today to streamline your certification process with trusted expertise.