The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has kicked off the third phase of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Imported Seafood Pilot program on August 15, 2022. The third phase uses AI and machine learning (ML) to strengthen import screening and to ensure that foods entering the U.S are safe. The pilot focuses on imported seafood because more than 90 percent of the U.S. seafood supply comes from other countries, and in the past, FDA has seen food safety concerns for various imported seafood products along different points in the supply chain. This pilot builds upon the two previous phases of the pilot under the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint, a program that seeks to reduce the number of foodborne illnesses by leveraging technology to create a safer, more digital, traceable food system.

The agency is committed to enhancing the screening of potentially hazardous products at ports of entry and facilitating access to safe seafood and other products without delay. The third phase is expected to be completed in late fiscal year 2023.

For more information or questions, contact FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) via email at ORAOEIOAIInquiry@fda.hhs.gov or visit https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-moves-third-phase-artificial-intelligence-imported-seafood-pilot-program