FDA Releases the 2026 Food Code
On September 17, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the 2026 edition of the FDA Food Code. The Food Code provides science-based model provisions that state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal agencies may use to regulate restaurants, retail food stores, vending operations, and institutional foodservice facilities.
Key updates in the 2026 Food Code include:
A new requirement to maintain an available written employee illness policy
An exception permitting double gloving under specific conditions
An additional cooling method and a process for regulatory approval of alternative cooling methods
New food defense and food safety management system provisions
Clarification of refillable-container requirements
Updated requirements for sanitizers, disinfectants, and testing devices
New guidance addressing specialty mushrooms, sushi rice acidification, dehydration, and freeze-drying
Revised definitions for food establishments, commissaries, and mobile food establishments
A requirement for covered waste receptacles in all toilet rooms
Updates to the FDA Food Establishment Inspection Report and related marking instructions
The new edition also adds supporting resources covering major food allergens, reusable containers, retail sushi HACCP programs, temporary food establishments, mobile operations, and the development of food safety management systems.
The FDA Food Code is a model code—not a federal requirement that automatically takes effect in every establishment. Each jurisdiction must adopt it, and jurisdictions may adopt different editions or modify individual provisions. Food businesses should continue following their currently adopted state and local requirements while monitoring their regulatory authority for future adoption of the 2026 edition.
Ready Safe Food recommends that operators begin reviewing their employee illness policies, cooling procedures, glove-use practices, sanitation programs, food defense training, and specialized processes now. Early preparation can help identify documentation and training updates before the new provisions become enforceable locally.
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