Regulatory Professionals

Jun 12, 2023

AFDO Announces New Credentialing Program for Food Safety Regulatory Professionals The Food Safety Regulatory Professional Credential Series is designed for local, state, tribal, territorial and federal regulatory personnel and those considering a career in food safety regulation. AFDO rolled out a new credentialing program for food safety regulatory professionals at its Annual Educational Conference this week. The Association of Food and Drug Officials © AFDO The Food Safety Regulatory Professional Credential Series is designed for local, state, tribal, territorial and federal regulatory personnel and those considering a career in food safety regulation. Foundational credentials include Food Safety Regulator Certification (FSRC) and Food Foundations Regulator Certification (FFRC), and specialized credentials include Manufactured Foods Regulator Certification (MFRC) and Retail Foods Regulator Certification (RFRC). “The ability to validate the expertise and experience of the food safety community supports an integrated food safety system and recognizes that the regulatory profession leverages a broad spectrum of skills,” said Steve Mandernach, AFDO executive director. “In addition, this credentialing program offers an opportunity to introduce the profession to many who may not have considered it in the past.” Certifications are based on FDA Food Safety National Curriculum Standards (NCS) represented by the Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS) Curriculum Framework. Specialized credentials focus on proof of competency in applying laws and regulations to either a retail or manufactured food environment. Credentials can be earned 24/7, 365 days a year using in-person testing or Live+ proctoring. Fees start at $245 per assessment. Upon application, acceptance and payment for the credential exam, participants will receive a study guide with detailed level competencies covered for each topic. CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE. FSRC certification is designed for both aspiring and current regulatory professionals in the food safety industry, reflecting the tasks and responsibilities performed by regulators. No prior work experience is required. Topics covered include allergens; biological hazards; biosecurity; communication skills; data and information systems; emergency response; environmental hazards; food/feed defense; integrated food safety system; inspections, compliance and enforcement; investigation principles; jurisdiction; labeling; personal safety; pest control; plumbing; preventive controls; professionalism; public health principles; recalls; sampling; sanitation practices; and transportation. FFRC certification is available to current regulatory professionals in the food safety industry, reflecting the tasks and responsibilities performed by regulators. The body of knowledge tested is based on the IFSS Curriculum Framework and core competencies that human and animal food protection professionals should possess. Topics covered include communication skills; emergency response; facility design; food processes; inspections; investigations; pest control; plumbing; recall/traceability; and sampling. MFRC certification is designed for professionals actively participating in the regulation of manufactured food safety. This specialized credential is focused on manufactured foods to assess competency in the areas of applying laws and regulations related to the operation of facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold foods intended for human consumption. Topics covered include cGMP inspections; food processing technology; laws, regulations and guidance; and preventive controls inspections. RFRC certification is available to professionals actively participating in the regulation of retail food safety. This specialized credential is focused on retail foods to assess competency in the areas of applying laws and regulations related to the operation of retail food establishments. Topics covered include regulatory foundations for retail food safety; risk-based inspections; non-traditional food operations; and introduction to specialized processing methods. For more information, visit www.afdo.org/credentials . Latest from Quality Assurance & Food Safety