Q: As a small business what training do we need for USDA and FDA compliance?  

A: Regulatory agencies (FDA / USDA) may require different food safety certificate training to comply with relevant regulations. Regardless of the agency all food manufacturing, processing, repacking or holding facilities must train their staff in food safety / food hygiene and on food safety related activities such as temperature checks or inspections. Apart from this basic GMP training agencies require specific and official training for personnel involved in food safety management. USDA and FDA for HACCP regulated facilities require HACCP Certificate training that is accredited (International HACCP Alliance or Seafood HACCP Alliance). The rest of the food facilities that fall under Preventive Controls regulations (human or animal food) are required to have PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals) that attended training according to standardized curriculum recognized by FDA – FSPCA’s PCQI training.  FDA also requires that regulated facilities have Food Defense Qualified Individuals (FDQI) that took IAVA Training according to FSPCA curriculum. Please remember that in addition to FDA / USDA compliance training your facility may be required to take additional training courses for compliance with private certification standards such as SQF or BRC. This may Internal Auditor Training or code specific courses. All certificate training is available through BD Food Safety Consultants LLC and offered in classroom or online. Visit our WEBSITE to learn more and to register. 

Q: What is Food Traceability Rule? Can you assist a food facility in developing Traceability Plan?  

A: Food Traceability Rule is part of Food Safety Modernization Act. It requires manufacturing, processing, repacking, storage and handling facilities of certain foods to identify Critical Tracking Events and keep certain Key Data Elements for those events. Only foods included on Food Traceability List are covered. It also requires a written Food Traceability Plan for covered facilities and a map for covered farms. BD Food Safety Consultants LLC can assist with identifying CTEs and KDEs and writing Food Traceability Plan. In addition, we recently obtained Lead Instructor certificate to teach Food Traceability Rule FSPCA training. We will be offering this 1.5 day course later this year. This course is a great source of information and teaches the requirements along with documentation that needs to be kept for compliance. Visit our “Certificate Courses Website” for more details and dates.  

Q: We are a small company attempting to achieve our first SQF certification. How can BD assist in training and audit preparations? What training is required by the SQF code?  

A: SQF code requires HACCP training for the SQF Practitioner and the backup, Since SQF code requires compliance to a local legislation as an FDA inspected facility you must have PCQI and FDQI. Lastly code requires trained internal auditors. At BD Food Safety we offer all the above training courses – HACCP, PCQI IAVA (FDQI), and Internal Auditors. One of the advantages to take all training courses with us are bundle and volume discounts. Our consultants are registered SQF Consultants in high risk food sector categories. We can help your company in audit preparations through SQF gap assessments, guidance on code requirements and writing SQF program and conducting a pre-audit to ensure audit readiness. CONTACT us through our website, email bartdobek@bdfoodsafety.com or call 815-6410-6404 for more information and assistance. 

Q: Is FSVP training you offer considered as “qualified individual” training? 

A: FSPCA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Training we offer is not considered qualified individual training. FSVP regulation doesn’t require this training to be qualified for all activities required under the FSVP rule. FSPCA’s 1.5 Day FSVP training is a great way for the importers to learn about the requirements they must meet to comply with 21 CFR 1 part L. It explains all activities that qualified individual must take to complete the PSVP Program for the importing firm. It also provides great templates and explanation on how to complete the forms for the FSVP. Based on that training course attendees may decide on the additional training to become qualified individuals. To learn more and to register to the class, please visit our website by CLICKING HERE. 

Q: What do you recommend as a resource for Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment? 

A: The main resources we always recommend is IAVA Training Course. This 1 Day FSPCA curriculum is recognized by FDA and the best way to become Food Defense Qualified Individual (FDQI) for intentional adulteration vulnerability assessment. Dates and registration can be found here – IAVA Training Registration.  In Addition, FDA published guidance document to IA Rule that provides valuable information. Full text can be found HERE. Lastly, our team has expertise to assist with VA and the development of risk – based food defense plan for your operations. Feel free to CONTACT us.

Q: How different is your HACCP in Spanish from English version of the HACCP Training? 

A: HACCP course offered in Spanish is an equivalent to the same curriculum taught in English. Spanish HACCP just like its English version is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance. Participants learn about the same components of the HACCP system including GMPs, PRPs and 7 HACCP Principles. Certificates issued after completing both courses are the same and recognized by FDA, USDA and 3rd party (including GFSI) audits. To register to HACCP Training in Spanish, please use this link: https://fs22.formsite.com/bartdobek/tfh9kmh5tc/index

Q: Can your team conduct foreign supplier audits for FDA FSVP compliance? 

A: Yes, our team conducts regulatory assessment audits including food safety audits of foreign suppliers. We are trained in auditing according to ISO 19011:2011 and our auditors have years of experience in food safety auditing. Our clients will receive a full audit report with comprehensive assessment of their foreign supplier’s food safety system. In addition to English our auditors speak Spanish, Polish and Romanian. Contact us today for more information and scheduling.

Q: I completed PCQI training last year. There is a new version of the curriculum. Do I need to retake the class?

A: FSPCA or the FDA do not require participants to retake the training. The new version of the curriculum includes important updates but you can learn about them from FSPCA website or through a webinar. Of course, it is always beneficial to retake important training courses when changes happen. If you completed your PCQI training with BD Food Safety Consultants LLC, we have been using Appendix 1 to FSMA for the past several years. Appendix 1 is the most important update in the version of the PCQI curriculum. To learn about other changes, you can contact our team at Contact BD Food Safety Consultants – Call 815-641-6404 or register to the new PCQI training starting in March of 2025. 

Q: Where can I get form 0231 from new PCQI curriculum?

A: The complete list can be found here: 06_FSPCA_FORM_0231_Common Process and Facility Related Hazards_2024 09 18

Q: What does it mean that you are registered SQF Consultants? 

A: Registered SQF Consultants go through approval process to ensure they have sufficient qualifications to assist clients in certain food sector categories. As registered SQF Consultants we have access to the newest development in the standard and SQFI input on certain clauses of the code. Registered SQF consultants will significantly increase businesses’ chances for successful SQF audit.  Our registration must be renewed every year which comes with professional SQF update and professional development requirements.  

Q: How can I attend the course where registration is marked as “sold out”? 

A: At times our online HACCP and PCQI courses sell out. This is due to limited number of seats in online live classes. We created “waitlist” on sold out courses. Please join the waitlist to be contacted once seats become available. 

Q: Do you offer consulting and training services in languages other than English? 

A: Yes. Currently we are capable of providing consulting services in Spanish, Polish and Romanian in addition to English. Our training courses are provided in English. HACCP course is also available in Spanish and Polish. 

Q: Do you offer Certificate Courses in Spanish? 

A: Yes, at this point we offer IHA Accredited HACCP Course in Spanish. This course if offered in classroom and online live format via zoom and is equivalent to the English course. to register to Spanish HACCP please use this link: https://fs22.formsite.com/bartdobek/tfh9kmh5tc/index  In addition, we are preparing to offer PCQI course in Spanish, starting second quarter of 2024. Check back with us for updates.

Q: What are Certificate Courses offered by BD Food Safety Consultants LLC

A: BD Food Safety Consultants LLC offer HACCP, PCQI, FSVP, IAVA and Internal Auditor Certificate Courses. Courses are available in person in classroom at our Training Center in Chicagoland / Naperville, IL and in online live format.

Q: Are Certificate Courses (HACCP, PCQI and others) recognized by the government and during 3rd party audits?

A: Yes, all our certificate courses are recognized by FDA, USDA and 3rd party audits including GFSI (SQF, BRC) Certification Audits. PCQI, FSVP and IAVA Courses are FSPCA curricula. HACCP course is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance. Internal Auditor Course is based on ISO 19011:2011 standard.

Q: Can your company help with achieving SQF or BRC certification?

A: Yes. We are registered SQF Consultants in high risk food sector categories. We offer complex assistance with any GFSI audit preparations including writing Food Safety / HACCP Plans, Pre-requisite Programs and other SOPs, monitoring logs, assistance with Food Safety System implementation by training employees on recordkeeping and pre-audit to assure your business is ready for certification audit. We also help with other non – GFSI 3rd party audits including vendor audits.

Q: Does your company help with FSMA Compliance?

A: Yes. BD Food Safety Consultants LLC can help with assuring your business complies with applicable FSMA regulation. We help with Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food, FSVP, Intentional Adulteration, Produce Safety Rule, Traceability requirements under section 204 and any other FDA and USDA regulations.

Q: Can you help with USDA Grant of Inspection and USDA HACCP Compliance? 

A: Yes. We can assist a new or existing business to obtain USDA grant of inspection. We will prepare all documents required for that process including HACCP Plans, SSOPs, GMPs, water potability certificates, etc. We assist businesses through documents submission process and USDA facility inspections. We can also help with HACCP Certificate training required by USDA. Visit us at HACCP Training – BD Food Safety Consultants LLC for class schedule and to register. 

Q: Do you work with food importers on FSVP compliance? 

A: Yes. We assist food importers in development of Foreign Supplier Verification Program including conducting hazard analysis, evaluating and approving foreign suppliers and verification activities. Our firm can assist your business during FDA FSVP compliance inspections. In addition, we offer FSPCA’s FSVP training course for food importers and foreign suppliers. This 1,5 Day certificate course is recognized by FDA. Visit us at FSVP Training – BD Food Safety Consultants LLC for class schedule and to register. 

Q: Can you develop HACCP or Food Safety Plan for food facility? 

Yes. We can develop HACCP that is compliant with CODEX, USDA and FDA regulatory requirements and Food Safety Plans compliant with Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food regulations (21 CFR 117 and 21 CFR 507). We assist not only with Program development but also with implementation and employee training on recordkeeping. 

Q: How to become PCQI – Preventive Controls Qualified Individual?

A: The best way to become PCQI is to attend FSPCA PCQI Certificate course. BD Food Safety Consultants LLC offer PCQI Courses in classroom and online live format. Course takes 2,5 Days (20 hours) to complete and is recognized by FDA as adequate to meet regulatory requirements. Please visit us at  PCQI Training – BD Food Safety Consultants LLC to view class schedule and to register.

Q: Can you develop a risk based Food Defense Plan for FDA compliance? 

A: Yes. We can develop risk based Food Defense Plan with vulnerability assessment and identification of Actionable Process Steps. Our experts will determine mitigation strategies for APSs along with management components and train your staff on monitoring activities and recordkeeping. Aside from that, we offer 1 Day IAVA (Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment) Course to help individuals to become FDQI (Food Defense Qualified Individual). This is FSPCA’s curriculum recognized by FDA. For class schedule and to register please visit us at IAVA Training – BD Food Safety Consultants LLC

Q: SQF audit requires that internal auditors are trained. Does your Internal Auditor Certificate Course covers that requirement? 

A: Yes. Our Internal Auditor Training Course is based on ISO 19011:2011 and is recognized during most GFSI audits including SQF, BRC, IFS and Primus. This is 1 Day training course. On – site courses at client location come with option of additional half day internal audit at client facility. Visit us at Internal Auditor Training – BD Food Safety Consultants LLC for class schedule and registration. 

Q: I can’t find my certificate from a training course I completed with BD Food Safety Consultants. Can I get a replacement?

A: Yes. We issue replacement certificates for a small fee. Fill out THIS FORM to request replacement certificate. If you are in need of your HACCP certificate, you will need to provide mailing address as these are issued in a hard copy form. Certificate from other courses are issued in electronic form.

Q: Can your business assist with development and implementation of GMPs for Dietary Supplements?

A: Yes. Our experts can help with development of Quality Program for Dietary Supplements for compliance to 21 CFR 111 (CGMPs for Dietary Supplements).

Q: Does BD Food Safety Consultants LLC conduct vendor / supplier audits? 

A: Yes. Our consultants can conduct on – site audit of your suppliers. This includes domestic and foreign suppliers as part of verification activities under FSVP and Supply Chain Program. We follow our own audit criteria that contains regulatory requirements for HACCP and Preventive Controls Food Safety Plans, Pre-requisite Programs and GMPs. Contact us for more details and scheduling. 

“question”: “Who is BD Food Safety Consultants LLC?”,
“answer”: “BD Food Safety Consultants LLC is a food safety consulting and training firm based in Naperville, Illinois. The company serves food manufacturers, distributors, and related businesses with regulatory compliance support, audit preparation, food safety consulting, and certificate training courses.”

“question”: “What food safety training courses does BD Food Safety Consultants offer?”,
“answer”: “BD Food Safety Consultants offers HACCP, PCQI, FSVP, IAVA/FDQI, Internal Auditor, and Food Traceability Rule training. Courses cover HACCP principles, FDA FSMA requirements, preventive controls, foreign supplier verification, food defense, internal auditing, and food traceability.”

“question”: “Does BD Food Safety Consultants offer HACCP certification training?”,
“answer”: “Yes. BD Food Safety Consultants offers HACCP training covering food safety hazards, GMPs, prerequisite programs, and the seven HACCP principles. The HACCP course is accredited through the International HACCP Alliance and is offered in English and Spanish.”

“question”: “What is PCQI training?”,
“answer”: “PCQI training prepares participants to develop and oversee a Food Safety Plan under FDA preventive controls requirements. BD Food Safety Consultants offers the FSPCA standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA. The listed PCQI Version 2.0 course is 22 hours over 2.75 days.”

“question”: “What is FSVP training?”,
“answer”: “FSVP training covers the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs requirements and teaches importers how to verify that foreign suppliers meet applicable U.S. food safety standards. BD Food Safety Consultants offers an FSPCA curriculum certificate course.”

“question”: “What is IAVA/FDQI training?”,
“answer”: “IAVA/FDQI training focuses on Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessments and Food Defense Qualified Individual responsibilities. The course teaches participants how to assess and mitigate deliberate adulteration risks and uses an FSPCA curriculum.”

“question”: “Does BD Food Safety Consultants offer Internal Auditor training?”,
“answer”: “Yes. Internal Auditor training covers conducting internal food safety system audits and is relevant to HACCP and GFSI-based food safety systems. The course is based on ISO 19011 and is available in live online and classroom formats.”

“question”: “Does BD Food Safety Consultants offer Food Traceability Rule training?”,
“answer”: “Yes. Food Traceability Rule training covers FDA Food Traceability Rule requirements and traceability plan implementation. The listed course is a 1.5-day FSPCA curriculum course.”

“question”: “Are food safety courses available online and in the classroom?”,
“answer”: “Yes. Most BD Food Safety Consultants certificate courses are available as live online classes and classroom training at the company’s training center in Naperville, Illinois.”

“question”: “Are live online courses self-paced?”,
“answer”: “No. Live online courses are instructor-led, interactive classes conducted through Zoom. Participants attend at scheduled times and take part in live discussions, questions, group activities, and exercises.”

“question”: “Do online and classroom courses provide the same certificate?”,
“answer”: “Yes. BD Food Safety Consultants states that its corresponding live online and classroom courses provide the same certificate and recognition. The curriculum, instructor-led training, participation requirements, and group activities are also designed to be equivalent.”

“question”: “What is the difference between online and classroom training?”,
“answer”: “The main differences are location, technology, materials, and attendance logistics. Live online students participate remotely through Zoom and need a computer, webcam, audio, and stable internet connection. Classroom students attend in person at the Naperville, Illinois training center and interact directly with instructors.”

“question”: “What are the requirements for attending a live online course?”,
“answer”: “Online participants should log in about 15 minutes before class, have working video and audio, remain visible by webcam, participate actively, attend the entire program, provide photo identification, and complete required group exercises. A quiet setting and reliable internet connection are also required.”

“question”: “How much does HACCP training cost?”,
“answer”: “The listed regular price for the English-language HACCP course is $549 per person. The course is 2 days or 16 hours and includes an International HACCP Alliance certificate.”

“question”: “How much does PCQI training cost?”,
“answer”: “The listed regular price for the English-language PCQI Version 2.0 course is $799 per person. The course is 2.75 days or 22 hours and includes an FSPCA certificate.”

“question”: “How much does FSVP training cost?”,
“answer”: “The listed regular price for FSVP training is $499 per person. The course is 1.5 days or 12 hours and includes an FSPCA certificate.”

“question”: “How much does IAVA/FDQI training cost?”,
“answer”: “The listed regular price for IAVA/FDQI training is $450 per person. The course is 1 day or approximately 7 hours and includes an FSPCA certificate.”

“question”: “How much does Internal Auditor training cost?”,
“answer”: “The listed regular price for Internal Auditor training is $350 per person. The course is 1 day or approximately 8 hours and uses an ISO 19011-based curriculum.”

“question”: “Are certificate fees included in the course price?”,
“answer”: “Yes. Course fees include applicable certificate fees paid to the relevant accreditor or curriculum owner, such as FSPCA or the International HACCP Alliance.”

“question”: “Are training materials included?”,
“answer”: “Classroom participants receive printed training materials. Online participants generally receive electronic materials, while printed or hard-copy materials may require an additional purchase or arrangement.”

“question”: “Does BD Food Safety Consultants offer group discounts?”,
“answer”: “Yes. For public live online registrations, the published group discounts are 3% off for groups of 3 to 4 participants and 5% off for groups of 5 or more participants.”

“question”: “Do group discounts apply to classroom courses?”,
“answer”: “The published group discount structure is stated for public live online registrations. The provided information does not state that these discounts apply to public classroom sessions.”

“question”: “Does BD Food Safety Consultants offer private group training?”,
“answer”: “Yes. Private training can be conducted at a company’s facility, another selected location, by Zoom, or at the BD Food Safety Consultants training center in Naperville, Illinois.”

“question”: “How many participants can attend private training?”,
“answer”: “Private HACCP training sessions accommodate 6 to 15 participants. Private PCQI and FSVP training sessions accommodate 6 to 16 participants.”

“question”: “How much does private food safety training cost?”,
“answer”: “BD Food Safety Consultants does not publish a fixed per-person or flat-rate price for private training. Organizations interested in private training need to request a quote.”

“question”: “Where is BD Food Safety Consultants located?”,
“answer”: “BD Food Safety Consultants is located at 600 W. 5th Ave., Suite B, Naperville, IL 60563.”

“question”: “Does BD Food Safety Consultants provide training outside Illinois?”,
“answer”: “Yes. In addition to classroom training in Naperville, Illinois, BD Food Safety Consultants provides live online courses, on-site training, and consulting services to clients nationwide and internationally, including Canada and Mexico.”

“question”: “How can I contact BD Food Safety Consultants?”,
“answer”: “BD Food Safety Consultants can be contacted by phone at 815-641-6404 or by email at training@bdfoodsafety.com.”

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