FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Approved Source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Approved Source stop-sale order?

An FDACS Approved Source stop-sale order requires a Florida food establishment to immediately stop selling or using a product that violates FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated. Florida food safety law requires that all food products sold to consumers originate from approved, registered, and inspected sources. "Approved source" means the supplier is licensed, has passed state or federal inspection, and maintains records that allow the food to be traced back through the supply chain. When FDACS issues a stop-sale for an unapproved source, it means the establishment was selling food that could not be traced — with no documentation of where it came from, how it was produced, or whether it met any safety standard. Over 5,400 approved-source stop-sales have been issued in Florida since 2022. FDACS has issued 5477 such orders across 1,032 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Approved Source?

When FDACS issues a Approved Source stop-sale order, the affected products must immediately be removed from sale or use. The establishment cannot sell, distribute, or use the flagged products until FDACS approves corrective action. Violating a stop-sale order can result in additional penalties under Florida Statutes Chapter 500.

Which Florida businesses receive Approved Source stop-sale orders?

FDACS inspects and issues stop-sale orders to grocery stores, convenience stores, food manufacturers, bakeries, mobile food vendors, and vending machine operators. Approved Source stop-sale orders have been issued at 1,032 Florida facilities, with 1,485 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Approved Source stop-sale orders?

FDACS Approved Source stop-sale orders are issued under FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) enforces Florida Statutes Chapter 500 and Florida Administrative Code 5K-4, which adopt FDA Food Code standards for food safety and labeling compliance.