Michael Rulli (R-OH)
Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026," aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It seeks to expand a program that allows third-party auditors to conduct food safety audits. The legislation updates definitions for "eligible entities" and "regulatory audits" to include various food certifications. It also removes previous limitations on how these certifications can be used. Additionally, it directs the Secretary to establish a system for recognizing accreditation bodies. Finally, it amends how facilities are identified and inspected.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +3
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill provides clearer pathways for food entities to use third-party certifications to prove compliance and facilitate imports.
- Scored +3
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill streamlines the use of third-party audits for food safety certifications, which can facilitate easier market access for food entities.
- Scored +2
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
By modernizing food safety audit processes, the bill aims to protect public health through more efficient regulatory oversight of the food supply.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Risk Analysis and Inspection Prioritization: The Secretary may use results from regulatory audits and third-party certifications to analyze risks and prioritize inspections and other regulatory activities to protect public health (Section 2(b)(2)(B)(iii)).
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Imported Food Verification: The Secretary will use certifications from accredited third-party auditors to determine if imported foods meet specific requirements (Section 2(b)(2)(B)(i)).
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Voluntary Importer Program Support: The Secretary will use third-party auditor certifications to determine if a facility is eligible to participate in the voluntary qualified importer program (Section 2(b)(2)(B)(ii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill provides clearer pathways for food entities to use third-party certifications to prove compliance and facilitate imports. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Enhanced food safety protocols can help ensure the safety of food products consumed by all households.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill streamlines the use of third-party audits for food safety certifications, which can facilitate easier market access for food entities.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By modernizing food safety audit processes, the bill aims to protect public health through more efficient regulatory oversight of the food supply. Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — Strengthening food safety oversight through modernized third-party certification can enhance overall public health resilience.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The expansion of food certification programs may benefit diverse domestic food producers, including those in rural areas.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The creation of a formal system for recognizing accreditation bodies increases the formal structure of regulatory oversight.
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House