IFPTI Training Newsletter - July 2024

• IFPTI is leading the design and development of the FSPCA course Food Traceability Rule Core Curriculum with the Institute for Food Safety and Health. Content development meetings are scheduled in Rockville, Maryland for the subject matter experts the week of July 30. The course is intended for domestic and foreign entities that manufacture, process, pack and hold foods that are covered by the Traceability Rule.
• A consortium consisting of IFPTI and five universities (North Carolina State, Tuskegee University, The George Washington University, University of Delaware, and The Ohio State University) have begun a USDA-funded project to lead a nationwide effort to recruit and develop a competent workforce of food safety professionals with skills in Auditing, Inspecting, and Assessing (AIA) food facilities.

Food Safety Basics for Artisan Cheesemakers Curriculum

This self-paced, online curriculum was developed to assist artisan and farmstead cheesemakers in developing their food safety programs and complying with food safety regulations and standards. The curriculum was developed by a collaborative group of food safety and cheese experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, and NC State University. The courses are intended to equip artisan and farmstead cheesemakers with basic knowledge about food safety concepts and serve as a primer for further training programs such as how to develop and implement a preventive controls food safety management plan.

New Design of The Interactive National Curriculum Standards (iNCS)

Check out the new look and functionality of the Interactive National Curriculum Standards (iNCS). Click on a topic or program area in either framework below to view the associated competencies and learning resources or sub frameworks. Behavioral anchors will continue to be uploaded as well.

Come Visit IFPTI at the NEHA Conference

Dr. Craig Kaml and FDA’s Alan Tart (OP Deputy Director) will present The Future of Training is Here! Navigating the Reimagined IFSS Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS).

Come visit the IFPTI booth at the NEHA Conference and take a look inside the framework with the Interactive National Curriculum Standard (iNCS).

The Regulatory and Laboratory frameworks are organized by levels divided into content areas. Here competencies are defined, learning resources are aligned, and assessments can be accessed. These frameworks help serve as a one-stop shop for the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by regulators and laboratory professionals to successfully perform their jobs and are key foundation pieces of the RLTS.

RLTS Outreach

IFPTI and FDA are conducting outreach activities about FDA’s new Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS).

Implementation activities for the RLTS include:

• Outreach (video, conference presentations)
• Standards committees work (Content, Design, Delivery, NCS Maintenance, Alignment)
• Completion of the National Curriculum Standards (NCS)
• Process development for alternative competency attainment and demonstration of competency

IFPTI Celebrates 15 Years

Reflecting on 15 Years of Innovation and Impact! Today, we celebrate a decade and a half of growth, excellence, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Thank you to our incredible team, clients, and partners for being part of our journey. Here's to many more years of success ahead!

National Curriculum Standard Buildout: Animal Food

IFPTI continued to complete the buildout of the National Curriculum Standard (NCS), a foundational element of the National Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS) for human and animal food regulators. The NCS sets forth the competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities) needed by regulators for successful job performance across all jurisdictions.

During the week of June 3rd, 2024, IFPTI facilitated an in-person subject matter expert working group in Kansas City focusing on a competency standard for Advanced Level Animal Food component within the NCS. The working group represented FDA and State regulatory agencies.

During the meeting, the working group identified the competencies (and corresponding behavioral anchors) for Advanced Level content areas, including Animal Food and Ingredients, Labeling, Animal Nutrition, Medicated Feed Mill Inspections, Aseptic Sampling, and Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) Inspections. The working group also reviewed and refined the competency standard for animal food inspectors at the Basic Level.

Upcoming Conferences

• IAFP Annual Meeting: July 14-17 in Long Beach, CA.
• NEHA Annual Educational Conference and Exhibition: July 15-18 in Pittsburgh, PA
• AAFCO Annual Meeting: August 7-9 in San Antonio, TX.
• FSPCA Annual Conference: November 19-20 in Burr Ridge, IL.