Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Food and Drugs § 21.1.379 How long may FDA detain an article of food?

(a) FDA may detain an article of food for a reasonable period that may not exceed 20 calendar days after the detention order is issued. However, an article may be detained for 10 additional calendar days if a greater period of time is required to institute a seizure or injunction action. The authorized FDA representative may approve the additional 10–calendar day detention period at the time the detention order is issued, or at any time within the 20–calendar day period by amending the detention order.

(b) The entire detention period may not exceed 30 calendar days.

(c) An authorized FDA representative may, in accordance with § 1.384, terminate a detention order before the expiration of the detention period.