FDA Announces Low or No-Cost Tech-Enabled Traceability Challenge
Deputy FDA Commissioner Frank Yiannas has announced The FDA New Era of Smarter Food Safety Low or No-Cost Tech-enabled Traceability Challenge, asking stakeholders, including technology providers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, to develop traceability tools that can be implemented in a scalable, cost-effective way for food operations of all sizes.
There is a pre-registration web page that will be updated on June 1, 2021 with all the information needed to participate in the challenge until the submission window closes on July 30, 2021. Up to 12 winners will be announced at the completion of the challenge.
For More Information:
New Era of Smarter Food Safety
Posted 5/24/21
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Webinar This Week:
Mindfulness Series Super-Sized to Applied Neuroscience
Who wins from peak performance? What is peak performance? Where can I improve my performance? Why is peak performance important? How can I achieve peak performance?
Understand how measuring and tracking your mental wellness can improve your work performance and your life. Amanda Ferris, Managing Director of Clover & Kind and author, will provide insight on how to attain peak performance.
Date: May 26, 2021
Time: 2:00PM - 3:00PM EDT
Posted 5/17/21
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Step Into AFDO Leadership! Call for Nominations Open NOW.
The chair of the AFDO nominations committee, Ernest Julian is seeking nominations for the following board positions:
Vice President
Nominees for the position of AFDO Board Vice President should have at least two years of experience in food or medical products program management (i.e., Administrator, Deputy Director, Director, leadership experience), AND two years of experience of any of the below:
AFDO board member or committee chair,
- Have worked on an AFDO project or been on an AFDO subcommittee,
- Affiliate board member or committee chair,
- Active involvement in a similar organization such as the Partnership for Food Protection, in a chair/co-chair position, and/or
- Any other combination of leadership experience that would allow the candidate to successfully fulfill this role.
This position is a four-year commitment in the AFDO Leadership. This position automatically assumes the role of President-Elect, then President and Past-President.
Please email nominations with a bio to Krystal Reed (kreed@afdo.org) by Friday, May 28, 2021.
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FDA Releases Partnership for Food Protection (PFP) Strategic Plan
 In collaboration with the regulatory and non-regulatory strategic partners that comprise the Partnership for Food Protection (PFP), the FDA has released the recently finalized Partnership for Food Protection (PFP) Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026.
This new strategic plan focuses primarily on integrating functions related to manufactured human and animal food and identifies the PFP’s strategic goals, objectives, and PFP workgroup action items for 2021 – 2026 in support of its efforts to achieve an integrated food safety system (IFSS).
An IFSS includes the implementation of seamless partnerships and operations among federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal agencies as well as academic, foreign, industry and consumer stakeholders (strategic partners) to achieve the public health mission of realizing a safer food supply. An IFSS encourages interactions and collaborations with strategic partners, as their input and the lessons learned allow an IFSS to evolve.
The purpose of the PFP is to improve industry compliance, avoid duplication of effort, drive efficiencies, and prevent or reduce human and animal foodborne illness outbreaks. It also functions to promote communication and integration between all jurisdictions and provide resources, risk-informed insight, and best practices to improve the system that partners can utilize to inform and enhance their work to protect public health.
Posted 5/17/21
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Portal Closes June 4
Additional Grant Funding 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 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 closes June 4, 2021.
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You Are Invited to the 2021 IFPTI Fellowship Presentations
Learn While Supporting the IFPTI Fellows starting May 21, 2021
Join IFPTI Fellowship Cohort IX members as they present their research project presentations over three Fridays in May and June. These presentations are the culmination of a unique, year-long program for food protection professionals who want to make a positive impact on the profession through association membership, advocacy, and applied leadership. This program takes a multifaceted approach incorporating three on-location week-long sessions, periodic webinars, and a mentor-guided research project. This program is guided by recognized leaders in food protection and focuses on the areas of professional skills, program management, and applied leadership.
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Friday, June 4, 2021 at 1:00PM ET
Norovirus Intervention Strategies in Retail Food Safety Programs
- Grady Bergquist, RS, Environmental Health Specialist II, City of Lubbock Environmental Health Department
Employee Health Policy Effectiveness in Vermont Retail Food Service Establishments
- Andy Chevrefils, Public Health Inspection Manager, Vermont Department of Health
Regulation of Edible Hemp Products
- Sara M. Morrow, Food Safety Specialist II, Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Food Safety
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Friday, June 11, 2021 at 1:00PM ET
City of Port Arthur, TX Inspection Practices: Did They Have an Impact Upon Critical Food Safety Violations Between 2017-2019?
- Lacy Brown, Chief Sanitarian, City of Port Arthur, TX
Use of Copper as Food Contact Surfaces for Alcoholic Beverages within Retail Food Establishments
- Amanda Garvin, Food Safety Specialist, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Are Your Hands Clean? A Comparison of Foodborne Illness Reporting in States That Have Different Bare Hand Contact Requirements
- LaShuntala Kindell MPA, RS, Environmental Compliance Specialist III/ Camden County Health Department, Georgia
Strategies to Improve Food Safety Communication Between the St. Cloud, Minnesota Environmental Health Program and East African Food Operators
- Emily Herbst, Assistant Health Director, City of St. Cloud, MN
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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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Just Released
Updated CIFOR Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response in Spanish
The Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) released the streamlined and easy-to-read third edition of the CIFOR Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response in Spanish! The CIFOR Guidelines are a comprehensive source of information on foodborne disease investigation and control for local, state, territories, tribes, and federal health agencies.
The Guidelines describe: (a) the overall approach to addressing foodborne disease outbreaks, including preparation, detection, investigation, control and follow-up; and (b) the roles of key organizations in foodborne disease outbreaks.
Download the new Spanish version: https://cifor.us/products/guidelines
Posted 5/17/21
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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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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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Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Inspection Specialist - California
The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) (Sr. ES [Spec]) is the medical device and drug inspection technical expert in the Regulatory Compliance Unit (RCU) – South. The position is responsible for the medical device contract between the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Food and Drug Branch (FDB) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The incumbent plans, organizes, monitors, evaluates and conducts the most complex medical device safety inspections performed under the FDA Medical Device Safety Contract; prepares and reviews contract documents; prepares and submits quarterly budgetary documents; ensures FDB compliance with the terms of the contract; participates in work planning meetings; coordinates FDB-FDA activities related to the contract; trains and audits contract inspectors; and reviews and approves contract inspection reports. The incumbent will also serve in a lead capacity by reviewing and evaluating all drug and medical device inspection reports conducted by field staff for completeness, uniformity, thoroughness, and accuracy of the information. In addition, this position will assess the timeliness of the inspections to ensure that firms operate in compliance with applicable drug and medical device safety laws and regulations. The incumbent will coordinate with the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) (Sr. ES [Sup]) and provide input, when it is necessary, to revise inspection reports or to conduct follow-up activities with a firm. The incumbent must obtain and maintain a commission from the FDA. Read more and apply....Posted 5/17/21
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Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Inspection Specialist - Northern California
The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) (Sr. ES [Spec]) is the medical device and drug inspection technical expert in the Regulatory Compliance Unit (RCU) – South. The position is responsible for the medical device contract between the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Food and Drug Branch (FDB) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The incumbent plans, organizes, monitors, evaluates and conducts the most complex medical device safety inspections performed under the FDA Medical Device Safety Contract; prepares and reviews contract documents; prepares and submits quarterly budgetary documents; ensures FDB compliance with the terms of the contract; participates in work planning meetings; coordinates FDB-FDA activities related to the contract; trains and audits contract inspectors; and reviews and approves contract inspection reports. The incumbent will also serve in a lead capacity by reviewing and evaluating all drug and medical device inspection reports conducted by field staff for completeness, uniformity, thoroughness, and accuracy of the information. In addition, this position will assess the timeliness of the inspections to ensure that firms operate in compliance with applicable drug and medical device safety laws and regulations. The incumbent will coordinate with the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) (Sr. ES [Sup]) and provide input, when it is necessary, to revise inspection reports or to conduct follow-up activities with a firm. The incumbent must obtain and maintain a commission from the FDA. Read more and apply....Posted 5/24/21
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Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Inspection Specialist - Southern California
The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) (Sr. ES [Spec]) is the medical device and drug inspection technical expert in the Regulatory Compliance Unit (RCU) – South. The position is responsible for the medical device contract between the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Food and Drug Branch (FDB) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The incumbent plans, organizes, monitors, evaluates and conducts the most complex medical device safety inspections performed under the FDA Medical Device Safety Contract; prepares and reviews contract documents; prepares and submits quarterly budgetary documents; ensures FDB compliance with the terms of the contract; participates in work planning meetings; coordinates FDB-FDA activities related to the contract; trains and audits contract inspectors; and reviews and approves contract inspection reports. The incumbent will also serve in a lead capacity by reviewing and evaluating all drug and medical device inspection reports conducted by field staff for completeness, uniformity, thoroughness, and accuracy of the information. In addition, this position will assess the timeliness of the inspections to ensure that firms operate in compliance with applicable drug and medical device safety laws and regulations. The incumbent will coordinate with the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) (Sr. ES [Sup]) and provide input, when it is necessary, to revise inspection reports or to conduct follow-up activities with a firm. The incumbent must obtain and maintain a commission from the FDA. Read more and apply....Posted 5/17/21
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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
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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2-Day Seafood HACCP Seg 2 Virtual Course
1. Before attending Segment 2 virtual course, participants must have completed Segment 1 Seafood HACCP internet course hosted by Cornell University (register here).
2. After completing Segment 1, participants will receive an email confirming course completion, which must be forwarded to Virginia Ng (contact info below) before the beginning of Segment 2 course. Please note that Segment 1 completion emails may take up to three days to be emailed. Therefore, deadline for completion of Segment 1 internet course is June 3, 2021.
3. Zoom and course information will be emailed to participants once Segment 1 confirmation email is received and when all necessary fees are paid.
4. Each participant will need their own dedicated computer, a webcam (or similar video device), internet access, and the FDA's Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance SGR 129 (which can be ordered here, or a limited supply is at the SPA office upon request).
Please note that the course will be recorded for auditing purposes.
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When
2-Day Course
June 9, 2021
12:30 - 5 PM (PDT)
and
June 10, 2021
12:30 - 5 PM (PDT)
Where
Zoom Meeting
Costs
SPA Members:
$185
Non-SPA Members:
$285
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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
- 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 18 - 21, 2021
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