The FDA's newly released 2026 Food Code updates the national model for retail food safety and will shape future requirements as states and localities adopt it.
By: Jessica Badour, Senior Project Manager, Food Safety Training, FMI
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released the 2026 Food Code, marking the latest update to the model regulations that guide retail food safety practices across the United States. While the code itself is not federal law, it serves as the basis for retail food regulations adopted by state, local, tribal and territorial agencies across the country. This makes each new edition an important milestone for the retail food industry.
The 2026 edition was developed with input from regulatory officials, industry representatives, academic experts and consumer stakeholders who participated in the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) biennial meeting.
Why It Matters
The Food Code reflects FDA's latest science-based recommendations for retail food safety. It incorporates new research, emerging risks, lessons learned from foodborne illness investigations and best practices within the industry.
As regulators and retailers alike begin reviewing the newest edition, the food industry should familiarize itself with the changes to better understand how future regulatory requirements may evolve.
What You Need to Know Today
The latest edition includes updates related to food safety management systems, active managerial control, allergens, employee health, food defense and other retail food safety topics, including:
- Allowing double gloving under specific circumstances;
- A new requirement for written employee illness policies that are maintained and available; and
- An alternative cooling process for foods at retail.
It’s important to remember the release of the 2026 Food Code doesn’t mean requirements change overnight. Content and timeline adoptions vary by regulatory jurisdictions across the country (see the FDA’s latest report). However, now is the time for retailers to begin familiarizing themselves with the latest changes and consider how those changes may impact policies, procedures, training programs and day-to-day operations.
Looking Ahead
FMI is currently assessing potential impacts on retail operations, training and food safety programs. All FMI SafeMark® training materials are under review and will be updated to align with the latest FDA recommendations and evolving industry needs.
In the coming weeks and months, FMI will share summaries of key changes and provide opportunities to discuss the updates with FDA and industry experts. This includes providing practical guidance, educational resources and deeper analyses to help food retailers understand what these updates mean for their food safety programs and daily operations.
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