Overview
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a relocation of its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). The move is part of a broader effort to modernize facilities, improve collaboration across FDA divisions, and provide a more accessible public interface. Below you will find the details of the address change, reasons for the move, and what the transition means for stakeholders.
Former Location
For many years, CFSAN was housed at the following address:
College Park, MD 20740
New Location
Effective July 1, 2026, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition will be operating from:
Bethesda,MD20814
All mail, deliveries, and inperson visits should be directed to the new address starting on the date above. The previous premises will be vacated by the end of June 2026.
Why the Move?
- Enhanced Collaboration: The new site is situated within the FDAs Maryland Campus, enabling closer interaction with other regulatory centers such as the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER).
- Modern Facilities: The Bethesda building offers stateoftheart laboratory space, conference rooms equipped for virtual meetings, and improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Public Access: A dedicated public reception area and expanded parking make it easier for industry representatives, consumer groups, and the media to meet with CFSAN staff.
- Security and Sustainability: The building meets the latest security standards and incorporates greenbuilding practices that reduce energy consumption.
Impact on Stakeholders
Industry and Manufacturers
Manufacturers who regularly meet with CFSAN for labeling reviews, food safety assessments, or compliance questions should update their contact records. Scheduled meetings will be automatically transferred to the new location through the FDAs online scheduling system.
Consumers and Advocacy Groups
Public outreach events, educational workshops, and consumer advisory panels will now be held at the Bethesda venue. The new space includes a larger auditorium that can accommodate up to 150 participants.
Researchers and Academia
The relocation brings CFSAN's research labs closer to the FDAs Office of Regulatory Science, fostering joint projects and data sharing. Academic partners are encouraged to submit joint grant proposals to take advantage of the new collaborative environment.
How to Reach the New Office
By Car: Take I495 (Capital Beltway) to Exit30 (Beltway Rd). Follow Beltway Rd north for approximately 1.2 miles; the building is on the right-hand side.
Public Transit: The Bethesda Metro Station (Red Line) is a 15minute walk. A shuttle service runs every 30 minutes between the station and the FDA campus.
Parking: Complimentary visitor parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building (LotC). Validation is required at the reception desk.
Contact Information
For general inquiries about the move:
- Phone: 12025551234
- Email: CFSAN-Contact@fda.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the move affect ongoing regulatory reviews?
No. All current reviews, investigations, and enforcement actions will continue uninterrupted. Staff have been equipped with secure remoteaccess tools to ensure that no deadlines are missed during the transition period.
Do I need a new security badge?
All existing FDA badges remain valid. However, visitors must present a governmentissued photo ID at the new reception desk and sign the visitor log.
Where can I find updated maps and directions?
Detailed maps, parking instructions, and publictransport guides are available on the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-food-safety-and-applied-nutrition-cfsan.
Conclusion
The relocation of CFSAN to Bethesda, MD, represents a strategic investment in the future of food safety regulation. By consolidating resources, modernizing facilities, and enhancing public access, the FDA aims to accelerate its mission of protecting public health while supporting the food industrys need for clear, sciencebased guidance.
For the latest updates, please subscribe to the FDAs email alerts or follow the official @FDA_CFSAN Twitter account.
