FSMA Final Rule on Accredited Third-Party Certification

The Accredited Third-Party Certification Program, also referred to as Third-Party Program or TPP, is a voluntary program in which FDA recognizes accreditation bodies (ABs) that will have the responsibility of accrediting third-party certification bodies (CBs). The accredited CBs conduct food safety audits and issue certifications of foreign food facilities. For additional information and guidance, see Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP).

QR Code

The following Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP) QR code was developed to assist FDA and stakeholders with communicating the status of participants in the TPP. The QR code directs users to the FDA TPP Data Dashboard. The dashboard is a public registry that displays the TPP Accreditation Bodies and Certification Bodies, and their recognition or accreditation status.

Graphic Elements

The following Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP) graphic elements were developed to increase awareness of the TPP. Before using the TPP graphic elements (graphic elements), please read these guidelines in their entirety. The graphic elements are available for use by FDA and for voluntary use by FDA-recognized ABs and accredited CBs in TPP. For example, recognized ABs and accredited CBs in TPP could use the graphic elements in web badges, newsletter text, and social media posts to communicate their participation in FDA's TPP to their followers and subscribers.

These graphic elements are not required to be used by TPP participants. Recognized ABs and accredited CBs in TPP may use other means to signify and communicate their participation in TPP. FDA is making the graphic elements available for use without cost.  

Members of the public are encouraged to independently verify the TPP participation status of any entity that appears to use the graphic elements. To confirm an entity’s TPP participation status please visit the FDA TPP Data Dashboard.

If you have any questions, contact TPP at FDAthirdpartyprogram@fda.hhs.gov.

Note: To use the images shown below, copy and paste or right-click on the image and save to your computer. The three distinct TPP graphic elements provided below are in the following orientations: square, vertical and horizontal. These options allow TPP participants to choose the graphic element that best suits their specific webpage, social media or newsletter layout needs.

Downloads

Right-click on each image or filename below and choose "Save As" to download

TPP Web Badge 240x120px (PNG)

TPP Web Badge 480x120px (PNG)

TPP Web Badge 240x240px (PNG)

General Guidelines

The TPP graphic elements were created in 2023 to be used by both FDA and TPP participants to increase awareness of the TPP.  

To create the most effective communication initiative possible and to avoid consumer confusion, all TPP participants who use the graphic elements should follow the guidelines listed below. These guidelines explain FDA’s expectations for the use of the graphic elements and illustrate possible applications.

1. The graphic elements may not be altered, rotated, dissected into parts, or otherwise distorted. However, the web address may be used independently of the image.
2. The graphic elements should never be used to imply that FDA endorses the user’s labels, ideas, products, or services. When the graphic element and web address appear on products, programs, systems, or any other venture, in any application, including packaging, exhibits, signage, floor and counter displays, or any other promotional materials, it does not imply, in any way, FDA endorsement.
3. The graphic elements may not be used in an organization’s name or logo, product name or logo, or website domain name.
4. The graphic elements may not be used in a manner that would disparage the FDA or any other entity.
5. The graphic elements may not be associated with organizations that are not recognized or accredited in TPP.
6. The graphic elements are intended to be used only by FDA-recognized ABs and accredited CBs in the TPP. 
7. TPP participants are responsible for their own proper use of the TPP graphic elements, as well as use by their authorized representatives, such as ad agencies, contractors, and companies that produce promotional items on their behalf.
8. A clear space should surround the graphic element at all times. No other mark elements, such as text or images, should appear directly adjacent to the mark.
9. The marks may be resized, but the original proportions, as displayed above, must be maintained. The lettering inside the marks must remain legible when reproduced for print or electronic formats.

Graphic Element Use

The TPP graphic elements help program participants communicate their participation in the TPP.

Examples of permitted uses of the program graphic elements include, but are not limited to:

• A TPP participant’s presentation to note their participation in the TPP;
• On web pages that provide organization-wide information, such as an “Accreditation Standards” or “Audit Capabilities” page, to note the organization’s participation in the TPP.