National Curriculum Standard: Unprocessed Food

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 March 18, 2024, IFPTI facilitated an in-person subject matter expert working group in Houston focusing on the Unprocessed component of the NCS. The working group represented FDA and regulatory agencies.

During the meeting, the working group developed a competency standard for Basic and Advanced regulators conducting inspections of Molluscan Shellfish Growing Areas; and Basic Level regulators conducting Produce farm inspections. Over the next couple of months, the working group will also complete a competency standard for Eggs and Sprouts (both at the Advanced Level).

Members of the Unprocessed working group included: Michael Antee, Belinda Clifton, Margaret Klug, and Ben Marshall representing FDA, along with Matthew Fout (Ohio Department of Agriculture), Bryant Lewis (Maine Department of Marine Resources), Steve Schirmer (New York Department of Agriculture and Markets), and Adam Wood (Virginia Department of Health).