IFPTI Training Newsletter - May 2024

• Final files were submitted for the FDA course: FD248 Shellfish Risk Assessment and Risk Management. The course was produced in both virtual and face-to-face formats and will complement other courses in FDA’s shellfish curriculum.
• Final files were also submitted for the FDA course: DV210 Core Medical Device Investigator. IFPTI facilitated content development sessions with various stakeholders and produced videos for inclusion in the course.
• The redevelopment of FD225 Sprout Inspections for Regulators is being finalized.

Check out these Video Shorts

A growing collection of short workplace videos has been added to IFPTI’s learning resource portal, providing quick learning in categories of workplace safety and compliance, such as:

• Confined Spaces
• Hazard Communication
• Hand Washing
• Hearing Protection
• Fall Protection and Prevention
• Time Management
• Critical Incident Debriefing
• and more to come!

Partnering with organizations in the public health community, IFPTI provides a library for eLearning courses with a broad range of topic areas. Contact us if you have any public health courses that you would be interested in sharing with the community or to discuss custom pricing options for course enrollment.

National Curriculum Standards COAG Meeting

During the APHL Annual Educational Conference in Milwaukee, key representatives from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), and the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) convened to evaluate the achievements of the fourth year of the National Curriculum Standard (NCS) Cooperative Agreements. Additionally, they strategized work plans for the upcoming fifth year and discussed prospective initiatives for implementing the Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS).

Award Presented to APHL at Annual Conference

IFPTI presented a special recognition award to APHL for their commitment to the development of the Human and Animal Food Laboratory National Curriculum Standard (Laboratory NCS), which sets forth the competencies needed by the ideal laboratorian for successful job performance. The Laboratory NCS was completed in early 2024, and represents a key component of FDA's Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS).

The award was presented at the APHL Conference during a session titled Charting the Future: Leveraging National Competency Standards in a Cutting Edge Regulatory and Laboratory Training System. The session, facilitated by IFPTI, featured speakers from FDA, APHL, and the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.

Interactive National Curriculum Standard (INCS) Now Live

The National Curriculum Standards are the foundation of the Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (RLTS). Ability to interact with the Human and Animal Food Laboratory and the Food Protection Professionals is now available. This will allow individuals to click on content areas to view competencies and associated learning resources.

FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.0 Pilot Participant Course Held

A pilot for the Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.0 was held at the Food Safety Summit in Rosemont, IL. The pilot was delivered by Lead Instructors, Kathy Gombas (FSMA Implementation Solutions) and Martin Bucknavage (Penn State University), with 32 participants in attendance.

National Curriculum Standard Buildout: Low Acid Canned Food (LACF)

IFPTI continued to complete the buildout of the National Curriculum Standard (NCS), which is a foundational element of the National Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (NRLTS) 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 April 8, 2024, IFPTI facilitated an in-person/virtual subject matter expert working group in Tampa focusing on three content areas within the Manufactured Food Component of the NCS: Low Acid Canned Food (LACF), Aseptic, Acidified. The working group represented FDA and state regulatory agencies.

During the meeting, the working group developed a competency standard for Advanced regulators conducting inspections of LACF facilities, which includes an Aseptic sub-topic. The group also reviewed and updated the competency standard for Advanced regulators conducting inspections of Acidified food. As a result of this meeting, a competency standard for Manufactured Food, at both the Basic and Advanced Level, is now complete.

2024 Food Safety Innovation Award: Pepsi Co

FMI, in partnership with the? International Food Protection Training Institute?(IFPTI), created the Food Safety Innovation Award as a way to recognize companies that have made an innovative contribution or commitment to food safety, and encourage others in industry, government and academia to search for creative solutions and implement new practices in continuing to keep our food the safest it can be.

We are proud to recognize PepsiCo as the recipient of this year’s award for their comprehensive approach to food safety. Chosen by an independent review panel, PepsiCo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to food safety and quality through their innovative, multifaceted approach to building a positive food safety culture across all levels of the organization.?

The Regulatory and Laboratory Training System: A Training Paradigm Shift

This innovative approach to training promises a transformative shift in how we approach skill development. By leveraging modern technologies and andragogy (adult learning) advancements, this system aims to redefine the training landscape, lessening burdens, and increasing accessibility. Through a standards-based open marketplace for learning resources, the RLTS democratizes access to essential training, fostering a more inclusive, and diverse workforce. Moreover, by fast-tracking prerequisite training through competency assessment, the system streamlines the path to acquiring necessary skills, expediting entry into critical fields. This paradigm shift heralds a future where training is not just a requirement, but a dynamic, efficient, and empowering journey for all.

• The Food Safety Summit: May 6-9 in Rosemont, IL.
• CASA: May 6-9 in Richmond, VA.
• Summit on Hygienic Design: May 7-9 in Chicago, IL.
• AFDO Annual Conference: June 9-12 in Grand Rapids, MI.
• IAFP Annual Meeting: July 14-17 in Long Beach, CA.
• NEHA Annual Educational Conference and Exhibition: July 15-18 in Pittsburgh, PA

IFPTI partners with organizations in the public health community to provide a shared library for eLearning courses with a broad range of topic areas.