Continuing the Buildout of the National Curriculum Standard

IFPTI, in partnership with AFDO and FDA, continued to complete the buildout of the National Curriculum Standard (NCS), which is a foundational element of FDA’s 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.

IFPTI facilitated two in-person subject matter expert working groups comprising experts from FDA, state, and local regulatory agencies. Each working group focused on one particular program area within the NCS.

The Manufactured Foods group met during the week of November 13th, and validated competencies related to cGMP Inspections, Food Processing Technology, Preventive Control Inspections, Juice HACCP, Seafood HACCP, and Molluscan Shellfish Plants. Over the coming months, the working group and other subject matter experts will meet virtually to build out and/or validate remaining Manufactured Food content areas, including Grade “A” Milk Processing, LACF, Aseptic, Dietary Supplements, Bottled Water, and Infant Formula.

Manufactured Foods Working Group

(In-person from left to right): Suzanne Kidder (IFPTI), Jason Holleran (Ohio Department of Agriculture), Christina Grant (California Department of Public Health), Brian Schuettler (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services), Sarah Good (Virginia Department of Health), Sarah Czapranski (New York Department of Agriculture & Markets), Bruce Flippens (DC Department of Health), Chris Weiss (IFPTI), and Sue Brace (IFPTI)

Participating via Zoom:
Nancy Doyle (FDA), Bruce Taylor (FDA), Kathy Taylor (FDA), Lourdes Andujar (FDA), Belinda Clifton (FDA), and Tenesha Stubblefield (Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals)

The Retail Food group met during the week of December 11th, and validated competencies related to Specialized Processing Methods, Non-Permanent and Undefined Food Operations, Risk-Based Inspections, Regulatory Foundations for Retail Food Safety, and Special Processes. Over the coming months, the working group will also meet virtually to validate competencies related to Plan Review.

Retail Food Working Group

(from left to right):
Kenya Moon (FDA Retail Branch 2), Deanna Copeland (AFDO, formerly with Harris County, Texas), Suzanne Kidder (IFPTI), Debbie Pickle (AFDO, formerly with Tennessee Department of Health), Michele Dimaggio (Contra Costa County, California), Kristin Shaw (Portsmouth, New Hampshire), Christine Sylvis (Southern Nevada Health District), Sue Brace (IFPTI), and Chris Weiss (IFPTI)

Participating via Zoom:
Quwanza Duggins (FDA Retail Branch 2) and Diane Kelsch (FDA Retail Branch 3)