FDA Registration for Acidified Foods

Acidified foods include pickles, olives, sauces, relishes, and other foods with pH adjusted by vinegar or acidulants. FDA food facility registration is required for all domestic and foreign acidified foods manufacturers selling in the United States.

FSMA CompliantBiennial RenewalForeign Facilities WelcomeSince 2009

FDA Requirements for Acidified Foods

Acidified food manufacturers sold in the USA must register their food facility with FDA and complete an FCE/SID registration under 21 CFR Part 108.

Manufacturers must also complete an FCE/SID registration with FDA in addition to standard food facility registration.

FDA Food Facility Registration — biennial renewal required
US FDA Agent — mandatory for all foreign food facilities
DUNS / UFI Number — required for all FDA food registrations
FSMA compliance — Preventive Controls or Produce Safety rule
Biennial renewal October 1–December 31 of even-numbered years

Sample list of Acidified Foods require FDA facility registration

Bitter Gourd (Pavakkai) Pickle
Carrot In Brine
Carrot Pickle
Cut Mango Pickle
Dill Pickle
Dried Fish Pickle (Anjoy)
Dried Fish Pickle (Shark)
Dried Prawns Pickle
Fish Pickle
Garlic In Brine
Garlic Pickle
Ginger Pickle
Gooseberry (Amla) In Brine
Gooseberry (Amla) Pickle
Green Chilli Pickle
Lime Pickle
Lime Pickles
Mango In Brine (Uppumango)
Mango Pickles
Mixed Vegetable Pickle
Pickled Beans
Pickled Cherry
Pickled Cherry Peppers
Pickled Cucumber
Pickled Gherkins
Pickled Jalapeno
Pickled Meat
Pickled Pepper
Pickled Tomato
Pickled Vegetables
Prawns Pickle
Tender Mango Pickle
Tomato Pickle
Vadukappuli Lime

An FCE and SID filing does not replace your food facility registration, which still has to be renewed every even-numbered year between October 1 and December 31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this FDA regulatory service.

What is an acidified food?

An acidified food is a low-acid food to which acids or acid foods are added — for example, pickled vegetables, acidified sauces, and canned salsa.

Do acidified food manufacturers need FCE/SID?

Yes. In addition to FDA food facility registration, acidified food manufacturers must file an FCE (Food Canning Establishment) and SID (Scheduled Process) with FDA.