What’s New in the 2026 FDA Food Code?

The FDA has released the 2026 Food Code, which updates the 2022 Food Code and its Supplement.

There are many small wording and editing changes, but there are also several updates that foodservice managers, employees, trainers, and business owners should know about. The FDA notes that its summary is meant to explain the main changes and does not list every single edit.

Here are some of the most important updates.

More Focus on Food Defense

The 2026 Food Code adds a new definition for Food Defense.

Food defense means protecting food from actions that could cause harm on purpose. The Person in Charge is also expected to understand food defense and make sure employees are trained on it.
For foodservice businesses, this means food defense may need to become a more regular part of employee training and daily management.

Food Safety Management Systems Are Now More Important

The new Food Code also adds the term Food Safety Management System.

This is a system used to help prevent food safety problems before they happen. It focuses on controlling risks that can lead to foodborne illness.

A new section, § 8-201.15, explains when a Food Safety Management System is required.

The FDA also added a new guidance document to help food establishments build these systems.

Employee Illness Policies Get More Attention

One of the biggest changes deals with employee illness.

The Food Code now gives more attention to having a written employee illness policy.

Part 2-5 has been renamed “Policies and Procedures for Employee Illness Management.” The section that used to focus on cleaning up vomiting and diarrhea is now called “Employee Illness Policy Documentation.”

The clean-up rules for vomiting and diarrhea were moved to a new section.

The inspection form was also changed. The old item called “Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events” is now called “Illness Documentation.”

Foodservice businesses should review their illness policies and make sure they are written, clear, and easy for employees to follow.

Updated Medical Testing Rules

The Food Code also updates how some employees may return to work after certain illnesses.

The old rule referred to two negative stool culture tests. The new rule allows two negative laboratory test results from a validated test, as long as the lab is properly accredited or certified.

This update reflects newer testing methods used by medical laboratories.

Jewelry Rules Are Clearer

The 2026 Food Code clears up the rules about jewelry.

Food employees generally may not wear jewelry on their hands or arms while preparing food.

However, a plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. A medically necessary device may also be allowed for a person with a disability.

New Rules for Double Gloving

The Food Code adds more guidance about glove use.

Under certain conditions, and when approved, an employee may wear a loose-fitting outer glove over an inner single-use glove.

The FDA also added more information about glove hygiene, double gloving, latex gloves, and other types of gloves.

This is a good area to review during employee training.

Refillable Containers Get More Guidance

The Food Code now gives clearer rules about reusable and refillable containers.

It explains when a container may be refilled by an employee or a customer and how to prevent contamination during the refill process.

The FDA also added a new guidance document about the safe use of reusable containers.

More Flexibility for Cooling Food

The 2026 Food Code adds another approved method for cooling food.

It also allows the regulatory authority to approve another cooling method when needed.

This may give foodservice operators more flexibility, but the cooling method still needs to meet food safety requirements.

Follow Directions for Dehydrated Foods

The Food Code adds a new section for commercially packaged dehydrated foods.

Food establishments should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing or rehydrating these foods.

Cooking Instructions Matter

The FDA also updated the rules for packaged foods that come with cooking instructions.

If a food package includes cooking instructions, the food needs to be handled and prepared correctly before it is sold or served as ready-to-eat.

This change is listed as a Priority Foundation item.

More Attention to Disinfectants

The 2026 Food Code adds more detail about the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting.

Testing rules now include disinfecting solutions, and Chapter 4 has a new section called “Disinfection of Equipment and Utensils.”
The Code also sets a minimum temperature of 75°F for certain chemical sanitizers that are not chlorine, iodine, or quaternary ammonium.

Businesses should make sure employees know which chemicals are sanitizers, which are disinfectants, and how each one should be tested and used.

Covered Trash Cans in All Restrooms

The Food Code now requires covered waste containers in all toilet rooms.

The old inspection wording that referred only to a “ladies room” has also been removed.

This is a simple change that food establishments can check right away.

More Guidance for Mobile Food Businesses

The 2026 Food Code adds a definition for Mobile Food Establishment.

It also makes it clear that a commissary is considered a food establishment.

The FDA also updated its supporting materials with guidance for mobile food establishments.

This may be especially helpful for food trucks, mobile vendors, and businesses that use commissary kitchens.

New Guidance for Sushi Rice, Dehydration, and Freeze-Drying

The FDA added new guidance for some special food processes.

Annex 6 now includes sections on:

• Acidified sushi rice
• Dehydration
• Freeze-drying

These sections give more information about the safety limits that should be followed.

What Should Foodservice Operators Do Now?

The 2026 FDA Food Code does not automatically become law everywhere. States and local health departments decide which version of the Food Code they will adopt.

Still, now is a good time for foodservice businesses to review their policies, training, and procedures.

Some of the main areas to review include employee illness policies, food defense, glove use, cooling, reusable containers, disinfectants, special food processes, and restroom waste containers.

Final Takeaway

The 2026 FDA Food Code puts more focus on prevention, written policies, employee training, active management, and food safety systems.

For foodservice operators, the main message is simple: food safety is not just about following individual rules. It is also about having good systems in place, training employees, and making sure safe practices are followed every day.