Dose Standard Developed for THC Research
Last Friday, a top federal health agency announced that it has determined the standard dose of THC that should be used for marijuana studies moving forward.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) said in a notice to researchers that there is a “new requirement to measure and report results using a standard THC unit in all applicable human subjects’ research,” which is effective immediately. That standard unit is five milligrams of THC.
NIDA said that inconsistencies in measuring and reporting THC exposure “has been a major limitation in studies of cannabis use, making it difficult to compare findings among studies.” Therefore, a “standardized measure of THC in cannabis products is necessary to advance research by providing greater comparability across studies of both its adverse effects and potential medical uses.”
Read more here.
Posted 5/10/21
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There Is A Committee for You
AFDO Committees Scheduled to Meet in June
From retail to seafood...AFDO committees offer some unique opportunities.
For over 100 years, AFDO has worked through a committee structure to formulate and develop guidance material, model codes, and to provide comments to federal agencies on public health matters. These committees meet formally once a year in conjunction with the AFDO Annual Educational Conference. This year is no different. The only thing different is the timing and the venue. Still the great same networking, education and collaboration. There is no cost to attend.
These committees provide a vast network for communication of issues, policies, and best practices. You do not have to be a member of AFDO to participate in the research and deliberations of these committees. Each committee receives annual charges and submits formal reports of its activities at these meetings scheduled for the first two weeks of June before conference. Check out the committee descriptions and charges here.
See a complete list of the meetings and register here.
Posted 5/3/21
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It's not just another AFDO conference -- it is the 125th Annual Educational Conference and we're planning to make the event not just educational and valuable but celebratory as well.
Here is what you will need to know about the 125th AFDO Annual Educational Conference and how to join the conference.
Want your whole team to attend? AFDO is offering group discounts for every size organization.
Are you a first-time attendee? Or even if you are not, here is what you need to know about this year’s event:
- AFDO Committee Meetings are being held virtually prior to conference on a different schedule. Please check out the Committees page to get involved or the Events page to attend a committee’s meeting of interest to you at the beginning of June. The committee meetings are always educational and informative.
- Don’t miss the party! We are having a party 125 years in the making. Get your ticket now for the AFDO 125th Birthday Bash. This event benefits the AFDO Endowment Foundation and is not included in your registration. Join us for a fun-filled virtual event that celebrates AFDO’s place in history. On tap is the premiere of the AFDO 125th history video, a test of your own AFDO history and of course, there is cheese. Learn more about this great event by clicking here.
Just click "Join Us" to be taken to the registration page. Please contact the AFDO office with any questions or concerns, (717) 757-2888 or afdo@afdo.org.
4/12/21
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Foodborne Illness Response Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Managers of Food Establishments Released
Developed as a voluntary guidance for owners, operators, and managers of retail food establishments (AKA “Industry”) to help outline, clarify, and explain Industry’s recommended role in a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, the CIFOR Industry Guidelines provides step-by-step approaches to important aspects of outbreak response such as preparation, detection, investigation, control, and follow-up. By using the Guidelines and its tools, Industry can take an active and educated role in outbreak response and investigation thereby reducing negative health impact to the public and negative economic impact to their businesses. Learn more.
Posted 5/10/21
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Investigating Fresh Produce Cyclospora Outbreaks Guidance Released
The AFDO Produce Safety Committee has released a new guidance documents titled Investigating Fresh Produce Cyclospora Outbreaks. This guidance document, developed collaboratively, is intended to provide background and help inform state produce safety inspectors about possible approaches when conducting a Cyclospora foodborne illness investigation linked to fresh produce consumption. Because Cyclospora is a parasite, this means that investigations often differ and are often more complicated than those involving routine bacterial human pathogens. This guidance is designed to provide considerations, preventive opportunities, and inform about frequently encountered challenges involved in investigating a foodborne illness outbreak caused by Cyclospora. This guidance can be found at:
https://www.afdo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Investigating-Fresh-Produce-Cyclospora-Outbreaks.pdf
Other AFDO Produce Opportunities:
Posted 5/10/21
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FDA Releases Inspection Assessment During Pandemic and Roadmap for Future State of Operations
 The FDA has issued a new report titled, “Resiliency Roadmap for FDA Inspectional Oversight,” outlining the agency’s inspectional activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and its detailed plan to move toward a more consistent state of operations, including the FDA’s priorities related to this work going forward.
“Like most organizations around the world, the FDA experienced unprecedented and unique challenges during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In particular, our inspection, surveillance and compliance activities were significantly impacted,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.
“The FDA fully understands the importance of getting back to a more consistent state of inspectional capacity. This plan provides the public with a transparent picture of both the successes and challenges we’ve faced in these areas over the past year, as well as our plan moving forward. We want to assure the American public that we have used a variety of tools to oversee the regulated industry and ensure that Americans continue to have access to safe food and high-quality FDA-regulated products.” Read more....
Posted 5/10/21
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Listeria Monocytogenes Found in 16 Oz. Bagged Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens
On April 29, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers about Robinson Fresh brand packaged Turnip Greens due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The prepackaged Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens is packed in a 16 oz. plastic bag with a Best by Date of 4/26/21 on it. The prepacked Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens was sold at retail locations in New York State.
The consumer alert was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel found Listeria monocytogenes present in the product. Read more....
Posted 5/10/21
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This Week
COVID-19 Outlook & Impacts on the Food & Beverage Industry
 COVID-19 has given food and beverage companies worldwide a crash course in operating during a pandemic. However, for most of them, their education and preparation doesn’t stop there. According to a new study by AIB International, 78 percent of food and beverage executives say they are actively preparing for a future global pandemic, with 30 percent expecting another one within the next four years and 50 percent expecting one within the next decade.
AIB International, a leading provider of training, inspections and consulting, regulatory assistance and certification services for the global food and beverage supply chain, commissioned the study to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the food and beverage manufacturing sector and assess preparedness for future pandemics. Research Strategy Group surveyed 325 senior-level North American executives at leading food and beverage manufacturing companies, retailers, distributors, and other supply chain partners.
Join Judi Lazaro and AIB International to discuss COVID-19 Outlook & Impacts on the Food & Beverage Industry
Date/Time: Wed, May 12 | 1pm-2pm CT
Posted 5/10/21
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NACCHO Provides Resource Collection for Local Health Officials
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has launched a new Environmental Health and COVID-19 Resource Library, an open-access webpage with tools, resources, and guidance to support environmental health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, environmental health staff at local health departments have had to adapt existing programs and respond to new challenges. To support local health officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials has gathered and developed resources to address the needs of environmental public health staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NACCHO’s team would like to hear from you. As the nation moves into recovery and community resilience with a health equity and environmental justice focus, NACCHO’s team will continue to update this webpage with the latest information and resources as they become available. Please send your feedback, new resource considerations, and/or questions to NACCHO’s environmental health and COVID-19 team at EHCOVID-19@naccho.org, or directly to Emily D’Angelo (edangelo@naccho.org).
Posted 5/3/21
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FDA Commits to Evidence-Based Actions Aimed at Saving Lives and Preventing Future Generations of Smokers
On April 29th, the FDA announced it is committing to advancing two tobacco product standards to significantly reduce disease and death from using combusted tobacco products, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. The FDA is working toward issuing proposed product standards within the next year to ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and ban all characterizing flavors (including menthol) in cigars; the authority to adopt product standards is one of the most powerful tobacco regulatory tools Congress gave the agency. This decision is based on clear science and evidence establishing the addictiveness and harm of these products and builds on important, previous actions that banned other flavored cigarettes in 2009.
Read more...5/3/2021
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Additional Grant Funding Opportunity for CY 2021 Announced
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) are proud to announce an additional funding opportunity for state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions for Calendar Year 2021. New and existing jurisdictions to this funding program are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. More than $1.6 million in funding is expected to be awarded for this funding opportunity.
Funds are available for completing projects that meet Retail Program Standard goals and objectives in three categories:
- Category 1: Small Projects (up to $3,000)
- Completion of a Self-Assessment of all nine Standards, Verification Audits, or a development of a Strategic Action Plan.
- Category 2: Moderate Project – Equipment Needs
- Examples: Development and implementation of a computer software system, purchasing of distance learning equipment, computers and computer software systems, and training room enhancements, and inspection related equipment.
- Category 3: Training Projects (up to $3,000)
- Travel to training courses, workshops, and/or seminars that advance the goals of the Retail Program Standards.
- Registration cost to attend the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) annual conference (up to a maximum of three (3) attendees).
To stay informed of the latest developments for this funding program, to learn additional program details, or for instructions on how to enroll in the Retail Program Standards, visit the AFDO Retail Food Safety Grants website at: http://afdo.org/grants/retailstandards. The website will have the most up-to-date information about this grant program, and the application portal will open on May 17, 2021 to accept applications for this funding opportunity.
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FoodCoVNET Webinar Announcement: May 12, 12PM-1:30pm ET
The food sector has experiences clusters of COVID associated with personnel in manufacturing, production and retail settings. Speakers will discuss their approaches to environmental sampling within food settings and talk about methods, limitations, drivers and drawbacks. Audience members will be provided with a forum to ask questions and engage on this topic to get practical advice.
Date: May 12, 2021
Time: 12 - 1:30PM EST
Register Now5/3/2021
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Treadwell Shares Washington State COVID-19 Successes
The past year plus has been challenging for the entire Northwest, the entire world, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to help keep the farm economy moving, and provided needed food and assistance, the Washington State Department of Agriculture stepped in to roles throughout 2020 many were not use to seeing. That work was thanks to the WSDA’s Rapid Response & Emergency Management Program.
Program Manager Randy Treadwell said there’s no denying 2020 was a challenging year personally and professionally, the work his team was able to accomplish to help those in need provided moments of encouragement.
“Being able to work with these dedicated professionals has been a silver lining for us. Working with many, many others to coordinate for example National Guard placements in food banks across the state, assisting with face covering and hand sanitizer distribution to farm workers and food processors through the state.”
Treadwell added he found the work they were able to accomplish over the past year comforting. He added they were able to see success because of regional preparedness.
Read full article....
5/3/2021
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AFDO and FOCUS Release Model Hemp Code Resource
From cannabis to hemp to Delta-8, the world surrounding these products or those derivated from them is constantly changing. Currently, there are no standardized manufacturing regulations for hemp or hemp products to help guide businesses or regulatory officials in the US. There is also a lack of peer-reviewed literature identifying how the compounds in hemp affect, or are affected by, different food products.
The Association of Food and Drug Officials and FOCUS - Foundation Of Cannabis Unified Standards, along with regulatory subject matter experts, have developed a Model Hemp Code to safeguard public health released last week. The goal is to provide a technical document as a guide for regulating the manufacture of orally consumed hemp products. The document can be found here and additional cannabis and help resources can be found on the AFDO Cannabis page at www.afdo.org/resources/cannabis-resources/
As part of the Model Code Launch, AFDO hosted a webinar about the model code development that included:
- Lezli Engelking, Founder FOCUS, The Cannabis Health and Safety Organization
- Yvonne Salfinger, Project Manager, Association of Food and Drug Officials
- Kyle Baker, Ecobuds
A recording of the webinar is available here. |
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Retail Food Safety Regulatory Association Collaborative Holds Virtual Ribbon Cutting
Wondering who the Retail Food Safety Association Collaborative is? Our joint associations AFDO, NEHA, CFP, NEHA would love to meet you! Join us for our Ribbon Cutting on May 24th to hear directly from our association representatives about who we are and what we do. Visit our page for more information: Click here
The Ribbon Cutting will be live streamed on our YouTube channel on Monday, May 24th at 2:00pm EDT.
Posted 4/19/21
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Save the Date!
Atlantic and Gulf Seafood Processors Conference Dates Set
The Atlantic and Gulf Seafood Processors Conference (AGSTC) will be virtual this year. There will be 1-1 1/2 h presentations from June 21-25, 2021. On Friday there will be presentations about Sanitation in Seafood Facilities, "Understanding the Impact of the current GMP's on Sanitation and Common Seafood Industry Sanitation Deficiencies." Please continue to visit for updates https://agstc.weebly.com/ AGSTC is open to anyone. There is usually a charge registration, however this year because the conference is virtual, and there are no costs associated with the conference the access to the presentations will be free.
See the agenda here.
Posted 4/19/21
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Quality Assurance Field Specialist - Wawa
The Quality Assurance Field Specialist will support food service and food safety activities at store level. Audit, mentor and coach store execution of established food preparation practices to promote safe, high quality food. Instructs and proctors Food Protection Manager Certification classes as scheduled. Read more and/or apply....Posted 5/10/21
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Food Safety Regional Manager - Virginia
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Food Safety Regional Manager in the Office of Dairy and Foods, Division of Animal & Food Industry Services. Duties include: providing first line supervision to ten inspectors in the Food Safety Program; reviewing and classifying inspections, investigations and sample analysis reports from field inspectors; preparing regulatory and informational letters concerning law violations; conducting hearings and recommending additional regulatory action; responding to inquiries from the general public, the regulated industry and other regulatory agencies concerning all aspects of Virginia’s Food Safety Program; participating in work planning sessions with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration; and serving as part of the Program’s management team. The Regional Manager must work out of either the Richmond Central Office or the Warrenton field office. This position requires that the selected individual be able to effectively respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work hours. Read more and/or apply....
Posted 5/10/21
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California Department of Public Health - Research Scientist III (Food and Drug Sciences)
This is an exciting job opportunity for a motivated and innovative scientist that is a Medical Device Subject Matter Expert to work with a team of Research Scientists, Medical Device and Drug professionals, Environmental Scientists and Food and Drug Branch staff to provide advanced technical expertise, education, training, and guidance aligned with the Program’s mission. We work cooperatively and collaboratively with multiple internal and external state, local, federal and private partners.
The incumbent works under general direction from the Research Scientist Supervisor II (Food and Drug Sciences), in the Food and Drug Branch, Science and Education Section. The Research Scientist III (Food and Drug Sciences), (RS III [F&DS]), plans, organizes, and directs scientific research studies of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity. Makes independent, complex decisions and develops and evaluates original, creative scientific techniques to analyze safe and effective medical device manufacturing processes and drug manufacturing processes (as it relates to medical devices). Serves as a scientific advisor or consultant to the program in areas such as assessment of medical device manufacturing, drug manufacturing, and occasionally cosmetic chemistry and pharmacology. Utilizes knowledge of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and State regulations pertaining to medical device and drug manufacturing, and knowledge of good manufacturing practices to develop risk assessment strategies.
Conducts highly specialized phases of a major scientific project or investigation which may require coordination between other State, local or Federal agencies. Serves as a scientific advisor during medical device and drug inspections. Presents scientific research or investigations conducted to public health experts and the community regarding the regulated commodities and represents California at state and national scientific meetings. Publishes research and findings in scientific journals.
Please follow this link to apply for this position: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=248851
Posted 4/26/21
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Other Training Opportunities
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Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Virtual Training
FSMA Compliance Courses - Virtual Instructor Led Training (vILT)
Information Page – https://www.pastertraining.com/pastertraining/food-beverage-training/upcoming-classes.aspx?id=1001
Intentional Adulteration Conducting Vulnerability Assessments (IAVA) Pilot vILT (1 or 2-Day)
Registration Page - https://www.pastertraining.com/pastertraining/food-beverage-training/class-list.aspx?id=1020
- 23-June-2021 – 10:00am-6:00pm ET (1-Day)
Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI) Blended Course Part 2 vILT (1 or 2-Day)
Registration Page - https://www.pastertraining.com/pastertraining/food-beverage-training/class-list.aspx?id=1018
- 25-May-2021 – 9:00am-6:00pm ET (1-Day)
Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) Blended Course Part 2 vILT (1-Day)
Registration Page - https://www.pastertraining.com/pastertraining/food-beverage-training/class-list.aspx?id=1019
- 15-Jun-2021 – 9:00am-6:00pm ET
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The Food Safety Doctor LLC
Promoting Public Health and Food Safety through Training and FSMA Awareness
While sheltering in place, The Food Safety Doctor LLC is offering
FSMA Compliance Courses - Virtual Instructor Led Training (vILT)
Information Page
ONLINE Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI) Courses
- May 18-20, 2021
- June 8-10, 2021
- June 22-24,2021
Click here to access the schedule of PCQI courses
ONLINE Foreign Supplier Verification Courses (FSVP-QI) Courses
Click here to access the schedule of FSVP-QI courses
Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Qualified Individuals (IAVA-QI) Courses
- Online: June 15, 2021
- Online: February 23, 2021
- Face to Face: Singapore: November 9, 2021
Click here to access the schedule of IAVA-QI courses
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Laws and Regulations Committee Updates
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Laws and Regulations Committee Update
A collection of current food, drug, device, and consumer product regulatory issues and news
May 3 - 4, 2021
May 5 - 6, 2021
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