The "Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026" aims to significantly expand and update the framework for accredited third-party food safety certification under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It redefines an "eligible entity" to include any foreign or domestic facility in the food supply chain that voluntarily undergoes an audit by an accredited third-party auditor, thereby broadening the program's reach. A key provision of this bill is the expansion of the purposes for which regulatory audits and third-party certifications can be utilized. Beyond determining eligibility for imported food certifications or participation in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, these certifications can now be used by the Secretary to analyze risks and prioritize inspections and other regulatory activities for public health protection, allowing the FDA to leverage third-party audits more broadly in its oversight functions. Furthermore, the bill mandates that facilities report whether they hold a third-party food safety certification that aligns with the Food and Drug Administration's regulations concerning preventive controls for human food. This new reporting requirement enhances transparency regarding facility compliance and third-party oversight, while also updating the timeline for establishing the system for recognizing accreditation bodies.