Section 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.