ENews Goes to the AFDO AEC
Next Monday, the AFDO AEC will be in full swing, and we look forward to seeing many of you in Norfolk. ENews will be busy keeping you up-to-date through LinkedIn and Facebook social media posts. ENews will return with all the news as well as the AEC happenings on Tuesday, June 20.
Posted 6/5/2023
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Get eNews Without Delay
We've had some reports of the AFDO eNews Newsletters not ending up where they're intended. We don't want you to miss a single week or have to go searching around in other folders, so please make sure afdo@afdo.org is whitelisted in your email accounts.
Thank you!
Posted 6/5/2023
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Looking for a Last-Minute Getaway?
AFDO AEC Registration Slots Still Available
If you are still thinking about attending this year's conference, NOW is the time to act.
This year's AFDO Annual Educational Conference will be co-hosted by the Central Atlantic States Association of Food and Drug Officials, June 11-14, 2023, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Virginia. Attendees will be joined by FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock.
Get ready for five days of educational sessions focused on five content tracks. Make new connections with peers and find out how they are managing common challenges.
If you are an AFDO member, your membership includes an additional discount for the annual conference.
Register for the AFDO AEC here.
Updated 5/15/2023
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FDA Outlines Need for Cannabis Regulatory Pathway
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Intergovernmental Affairs Staff held a stakeholder call to provide information about FDA's conclusion that a new regulatory pathway is needed to provide appropriate regulatory oversight for cannabidiol products. Speakers included Norman Birenbaum, Senior Public Health Advisor, and Patrick Cournoyer, Ph.D., Senior Science Advisor. Visit this link to view the Powerpoint presentation:
https://www.fda.gov/media/168778/download
Posted 6/5/23
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AFDO Weighs In on GMP for Cosmetic Products
AFDO has supported the adoption of GMPs for all classes of regulated products that promote safety following risk-based, scientifically supported practices that are reasonable for the regulated industry to implement.
At a June 1 FDA GMP listening session, AFDO board member and spokesperson Laurel Arrigona made suggestions concerning cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations. AFDO recommends that FDA specify parameters for ingredient, packaging, and processing safety, along with supplier suitability. Then, based on microbiological, chemical/mineral, and physical/particulate substantiation data, acceptance criteria can be defined to support GMPs that are incorporated by a firm. It is AFDO's position that GMPs should not be implemented without acceptance criteria.
Posted June 5, 2023
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Course Offers Strong Foundation in Manufactured Foods Inspections
The Department of Food Science at Cornell University will host the FD152 Food Processing and Technology Course at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York, from July 10-14, 2023. This instruction is intended for state, local, tribal, or territorial (SLTT) regulatory partners within New York State, neighboring jurisdictions, and the FDA.
Registration closes on June 7, 2023.
For more details and to register, click here.
Posted 5/22/2023
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CDC Report Points to 'Sick' Workers In Outbreaks
In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released yesterday, May 30, sick workers remain a major contributor to the spread of foodborne illnesses at restaurants and other food establishments. The CDC report covered data from 2017 to 2019, finding about 40% of foodborne illness outbreaks with known causes were partly associated with food contamination by a sick or infectious worker.
The study used National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS) data on 800 foodborne illness outbreaks associated with 875 retail food establishments, which were reported by 25 state and local health departments.
Norovirus was the most common foodborne illness outbreak during the time span, accounting for 47% of outbreaks that the CDC identified. Salmonella, a bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, accounted for nearly 18.6%.
The report recommended restaurants develop and enforce policies that require sick employees to notify management if they feel sick and to stay home if they're ill.
Read the entire report here.
Posted 5/31/2023
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FSMA Guide for Small Entities Is Available
On May 18, 2023, the FDA published a record-keeping compliance guide to help farms, small businesses, and other small entities comply with applicable requirements of the Food Traceability regulation.
The FSMA Food Traceability Rule was issued in November 2022; the compliance date for record-keeping requirements is January 20, 2026. Find more details and download a copy of the Small Entity Compliance guide here.
Posted 5/31/2023
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From Executive Director Steven Mandernach
The Jetsons Might Be Closer Than You Think
AFDO Executive Director Steven Mandernach attended The National Restaurant Association Show in mid-May. The Chicago show featured emerging trends in the restaurant industry. Here's what he thought you may like to know.
The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, is the premier event for learning about unique ingredients and emerging trends in the restaurant industry. During a short 3 hours, I walked about 7 miles, and there were a few impressions that are indicative of what might be coming in the food service world.
I saw a couple of themes throughout the show – innovations that could reduce the need for labor and make packaging and containers more sustainable.
Robotics
The Jetsons are coming to a restaurant near you. The labor shortage has incentivized moving robotics into the kitchen. At the show, robots were loading and unloading dishwashers, making wings (steps including frying and applying sauce), frying overall, and so many more tasks. Expect more innovation in this area, with robots performing increasingly complex tasks.
 
Robots outside the kitchen were also big. Serving robots (i.e., the restaurant servers of the future) were very popular items throughout the show and seemed generate a lot of interest from participants. Let’s not forget the large-scale robotic cleaning equipment for mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming.
Plant-Derived Foods
Plant-derived “faux” dairy products and plant-derived meat alternatives of all sorts were common food items throughout the show. Companies were showing off their cheese, ice cream, chicken, beef, and many other products. More than one participant commented on how much closer to the “real” food these items were this year. I did finally try the Impossible Burger, and I must admit it was quite good.
Automat on Steroids
Several compartment-based food-service obtaining cabinets were also among the wares. In other words, for those of a certain age, the Automat might be back. The concepts seemed to require some level of interaction to purchase the meal or food item and they use various mechanisms to unlock the temperature-controlled compartment.
To-Go and Doggy-Bags
Lots of innovation is happening with various types of containers, packaging, and utensils for to-go and doggy bags. There is a huge trend toward wooden cutlery, more sustainable types of packaging, and a few other things that simply might work better. We may see some innovation in the field in these areas over the next year if the trade show is any indication.
Thanks to NRA and Patrick Guzzle for letting me take a look at what’s coming next at this huge event. Hopefully, this gives you some idea of what might be next in your local restaurants.
For other highlights and to learn more about the National Restaurant Association Show, click here.
Posted 5/31/2023
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Data Mining for Enhanced Monitoring
FDA Is Reassessing Safety Review Programs
A May 2023 FDA proposal would expand its current methods of reviewing chemicals used as food ingredients or substances that come in contact with food after they're on the market. In addition to making its own ongoing evaluations and following through on petitions or notifications, the agency is working to develop new approaches to mine existing data more efficiently, prioritizing substances for in-depth review based on risk.
U.S. Commissioner of Food and Drugs Robert M. Califf outlines more details about updating regulation of food chemical safety in a message from May 26, 2023.
Posted 5/31/2023
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June 20, 2-3 p.m. ET
Webinar Looks at Food Safety Culture in Restaurants and Grocery Stores
AFDO surveyed leading restaurant, grocery, and convenience store brands to understand the current state of food safety culture and Food Safety Management Systems. In a June 20 webinar, you'll hear perspectives on the data gleaned from that survey shared by food safety thought leaders Al Baroudi, Cheesecake Factory; Jeff Edelen, Whole Foods; and Mark (Mick) Miklos, Active Food Safety, LLC.
The moderator is Adrienne Blume of Food Safety Magazine. Attendees will get an overview of the survey, see how their own brands compare, and form strategies to immediately improve food safety culture at their organizations.
Posted 5/31/2023
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Submit Ideas Now
Annual Proposal Window Is Open
AFDO eNews is showcasing FoodSHIELD and its secure online collaboration tools that are available to regulatory professionals at no cost. The platform’s capabilities, or tools, are all designed with food safety and public health collaboration in mind.
Project Proposals Accepted Until June 30
AFDO and FoodSHIELD IT development staff collect proposals for new projects and enhancements related to the FoodSHIELD platform every year. The 2023-24 portal is open and accepting new proposals. If interested, complete this online form by June 30.
Proposals are reviewed by members of the FoodSHIELD Joint Advisory Group (JAG), which includes federal and state FoodSHIELD users. They consider and accept proposals based on perceived impact of furthering the integrated food safety system, increasing partner collaboration, and facilitating public health information sharing.
Notifications of acceptance go out in July-August 2023; new projects will begin as early as September 1.
Learn more here or contact Randy Treadwell (rtreadwell@afdo.org) with any questions or to request a FoodSHIELD demo.
Posted 6/5/2023
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June 1 - June 30
Shellfish and Milk Safety Equipment Grants
Circle the month of June if you need equipment for a National Shellfish Sanitation or Grade "A" Milk Safety program. Review the calendar-year 2023 Grant Guidance for both – including a list of allowed and non-allowed costs – on the AFDO Milk and Shellfish Grant Program website. Apply by June 30.
Posted 5/22/2023
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Professional Development
Virtual Retail Food Safety Events Are Scheduled for June
How to Market Your Food Safety Campaign on a Shoestring Budget
June 20, 2023 | 2 p.m. ET
This webinar is a guide to creating and marketing a successful food safety campaign on a limited budget. Learn how to apply a systems approach to planning and marketing a successful food safety campaign, how to create a food safety video, and discover resources for planning and marketing your own campaign.
CEUs are available from the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals, Commission on Dietetic Registration, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, and National Environmental Health Association. Read more and register here.
Food Safety Culture in Restaurants and Grocery Stores: Beyond Theoretical
June 20, 2023 | 2 p.m. ET
Food safety thought leaders explore the current state of food safety culture and food safety management systems in restaurants and grocery stores. Attendees will gain strategies to immediately improve the food safety culture at their organizations. Read more and register here.
Posted 5/22/2023
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Deadline This Friday
Wanted: Inspectors to Take Produce-Drying Survey
Graduate students at Purdue University in Indiana are conducting a case study on regulatory standards for small-scale and very small-scale produce drying, related food safety concerns, and potential needs and support for small produce-drying stakeholders in multiple states. The deadline to conduct interviews is this Friday, June 9. Participants are offered a $50 honorarium for their time. If interested, reach out directly to Yaohua Betty Feng (yhfeng@purdue.edu) or Autumn Stoll (stoll6@purdue.edu).
Posted 5/15/2023
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AFDO Intern Is Busy in Georgia
AFDO's Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) intern – who was placed through the State Manufactured Food Student Internship Program – has had a busy spring already! On May 24, Natalie Hobbs and her fellow GDA interns from various programs sat down with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper for a one-on-one conversation and also toured the Georgia State Capitol. (Hobbs is third from the left, top).
On June 1, the group toured the Metro Atlanta Urban Farm located in College Park, Georgia (above). They were able "to learn about urban farming and how it addresses the challenges people face when living in a food desert or food swamp. We [saw] how a small space in the city can be utilized effectively to grow good-quality food," said Hobbs.
Posted 6/5/2023
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AFDO has launched a career platform, foodsafetycareers.org, to highlight regulatory food safety job postings for state and federal agencies (and LHDs if submitted). The site offers state-by-state general hiring specifications and a heat map of regulatory food jobs. State agencies are able to sign up for job manager accounts for direct adding/editing of agency job postings and to also search resumes for potential candidates. Please email any current local, state, or federal government job postings directly to careercenter@afdo.org. Include the following information: (1) a link to the job post, (2) a few sentences to describe the position(s), and (3) the closing deadline date. For questions or support on job postings, please contact Jessica Badour, jbadour@afdo.org.
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Career Opportunities
New Position Openings
ALASKA
Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation is hiring:
Environmental Health Officer Flex 2/3, Fairbanks, apply by 06/22
CALIFORNIA
California Dept. of Public Health is hiring:
Food Research Safety Scientist (Microbiology), Contra Costa County, apply by 06/09
FLORIDA
Florida Dept. of Health is hiring, all positions are based in Seminole County:
Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants is hiring:
IOWA
Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewardship is hiring:
Meat Inspector, Jackson County/NE Iowa Region, apply by 06/11
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture is hiring:
Agriculture Marketing Supervisor, Produce Safety Team, Frankfort. Apply by 06/15 (email resume & CL directly).
MISSOURI
Missouri Dept. of Health is hiring within the Division of Cannabis Regulation, all positions are based in Jefferson City:
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Dept. of Health is hiring:
Environmental Specialist 3, Public Health (MFRPS Coordinator), Trenton, apply by 06/08
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture is hiring:
Food Safety Program Specialist, location TBD, apply by 06/05
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Dept. of Health is hiring:
Environmental Health Manager II/Food Safety Inspectors, Richland County, apply by 06/08
Environmental Health Manager II/Food Safety Inspectors, Aiken County, apply by 06/15
VIRGINIA
Virginia Dept. of Health is hiring:
Environmental Health Coordinator, Multiple Locations, apply by 06/07
WASHINGTON
Washington Dept. of Agriculture is hiring:
Produce Safety Field Inspector, Central Region, apply by 06/12
Updated 6/5/2023
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Other Training Opportunities
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Food and Alcohol consulting and training for every sector
of the food and alcohol industries
Cenza, Inc. has a Learning Resource Portal (LRP). You can schedule live
in-person and virtual training through the LRP by visiting https://cenza.yourlrp.org. The library includes, but is not limited to:
- FDA courses (general, basic, and advanced)
- Food Safety Regulatory (open to Industry)
- Listeria Control
- Enteric Viruses
- Medical Products
- GFSI & HACCP
- Food Safety Basics for Ice Cream
- SPANISH TRAINING AVAILABLE
- Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF)
- Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment (IAVA)
- Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
Not seeing what you need? Visit CenzaSmart.com or call 610-970-1776 to inquire about consulting services or any public/private food safety class.
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Federal Register Update
A collection of current food, drug, device, and consumer product regulatory issues and news
May 30-31, 2023
June 1-2, 2023
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