FSPCA (Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance) was created to support the industry in implementation of Food Safety Modernization Act and different parts of that massive regulation.
FSPCA is a public / private alliance consisting of industry, academic and government stakeholders and its mission is to develop training curricula to help the industry to understand regulatory requirements under FSMA.
The main FSPCA curricula include the following:
- Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Training – Risk Based Preventive Controls Regulation requires that all businesses that manufacture, process, hold or repack food have a PCQI available. According to the regulation PCQI is responsible for development, implementation and maintenance of the food safety system and the food safety plan. This is a 2,5-day (20 hours) course that is recognized by FDA and is the best way to become a PCQI. This course focuses on 21 CFR 117 (B), (C), and (G).
- Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) – FSVP regulation assigns responsibility for food safety not only to the manufacturers (suppliers) but also to the food importers. The concept of this regulation is that the food (regardless of where it is made) meets the same level of food safety standards. This means that imported foods must be made in facilities that have the same or similar food safety systems as US facilities. This is a 1,5 Day (12 hours) training course directed to food importers and foreign suppliers. This course focuses on 21 CFR 1,11 and 111.
- Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment (IAVA) Training – related to Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration Rule. This is the newest part of FSMA that requires food businesses to have Food Defense Qualified Individual (FDQI) available. FDQI is responsible for development of risk-based Food Defense Plan using HACCP method. IAVA Course teaches participants on how to conduct Vulnerability Assessment to determine actionable process steps that may require mitigation strategies. This is a 1 Day Course recognized by FDA that focuses on 21 CFR 121. FSPCA also provides short online (not Instructor Lead) courses for Key Activity Type method and mitigation strategies. Individuals that wish to become FDQIs for all activities under the rule must complete these 3 courses.
In addition to the three main training curricula, FSPCA participated in development of Produce Safety Rule Training along with Produce Safety Alliance.
Food businesses must train their employees to assure regulatory compliance and training must meet certain criteria to be recognized. Multiple training firms offer courses that are not recognized by FDA and may not cover all necessary aspects or elements of the regulation. When choosing your training providers always verify that the course you are signing up for is recognized by FDA or other regulatory agencies.
BD Food Safety Consultants LLC is a one stop shop for your training needs. Our experienced instructors have decades of manufacturing and academic experience. Our expertise not only comes from working with the industry but also regulatory agencies. CLICK HERE to check our website to select the best training options that suit your needs. Acquire professional credentials by attending FSPCA courses recognized by FDA.