Workgroups
The PFP is comprised of dynamic workgroups whose mission is to advance the Integrated Food Safety System in areas of uniform program standards, training and certification programs, laboratory analysis, data sharing, joint work planning, inspection and enforcement protocols, and emergency response.
Current PFP Workgroups
- Compliance and Enforcement
- Information Technology
- Laboratory Science
- Outreach
- Surveillance, Response, and Post-Response
- Training and Certification
- Workplanning and Inspections
Compliance and Enforcement
This workgroup has been working on developing a best practices that applies to participating regulatory agencies (federal, state, local, and territories) conducting inspections and/or investigations of human or animal food that identify significant violations with regard to manufacturing operations or products. When complex compliance problems are identified, FDA Districts and partner agencies should decide which organization has the most effective immediate compliance and enforcement tools to bring about correction of the violation, and which organization has the most effective long-term strategy to ensure ongoing compliance.
The Information Technology WG Goal is to promote data standards to improve the ability to share information electronically among strategic partners. The PFP IT WG objective to achieve this goal includes undertaking technical projects that will advance abilities to harmonize a compatible IT environment among food safety officials.
The workgroup is working toward promoting data standards and developing common data schemes to facilitate sharing information electronically among strategic partners. This includes addressing the data sharing requirements, specifically by harmonizing and developing compatible IT environments among food safety officials. Sharing of information will help to achieve the ultimate goal of mutual reliance for a safer food supply.
The Laboratory Science WG Goal is to promote consistency and facilitate information sharing through establishing and utilizing national laboratory best practices. Our key objectives are to increase sharing and use of laboratory information among strategic food safety partners including PFP Laboratory Best Practices.
Laboratory Science is finalizing a list of current major laboratory initiatives and identifying areas for improved coordination across these initiatives. As the second area of focus, the workgroup is revising the “PFP Food/Feed Testing Laboratory Draft Best Practices Manual” (LBPM). Six of seven chapters have been updated. The workgroup is developing a written plan to provide a constant approach for maintaining and updating the LBPM as the regulatory landscape changes. The workgroup is identifying ways to promote use of the LBPM among partners.
The Outreach WG Goal is to communicate the benefits of an IFSS and the role and accomplishments of the PFP. This workgroup has several objectives and activities to achieve its goal that include developing and implementing a strategic outreach plan that promotes the important work of all PFP workgroups. Outreach will use a variety of ways to share PFP key messages and IFSS success stories among the growing number of PFP food safety stakeholders.
Outreach is developing a communication plan and strategy as well as identifying specific channels for PFP information distribution. The communication plan and channels to disseminate information will be incorporated into PFP operations as PFP recognizes that communication is a continuous effort. The Workgroup is also working on redesigning the PFP Website and format for PFP news delivery.
Surveillance, Response, and Post-Response
The Surveillance, Response, and Post-Response WG has developed a “Best Practices for Improving FDA and State Communication during Recalls” and “Best Practices for Use of FoodSHIELD During Food/Feed Incidents”. Also they have been developing a “Quick Start Food Emergency Response Job Aids” for publication this summer, and is working on four other projects, three of which are slated to be completed this calendar year. On schedule for completion this year is (1) developing a written national capacity building and mentorship program for rapid response teams (RRTs) targeted at states not currently funded under the RRT grant program; (2) completing the piloting of the Model Food Emergency Response Framework with focus groups composed of retail, manufactured food, shellfish, dairy, animal food and emergency response experts; and (3) developing a resource library of best practices documents and protocols.
The Training and Certification WG Goal is to provide input into the development of standard curricula and certification programs that will promote consistency and competency among the IFSS workforce. This is undertaken through our conducting Annual Training Summit in 2015 and 2016 (hyperlink) as well as developing a pool of subject matter experts from our PFP strategic food safety training partners.
In partnership with FDA’s Division of Human Resource Development (DHRD) and the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), the Training and Certification WG is developing a National Curriculum Standard (NCS) for Regulatory Enforcement Professionals (REPs). To date, multiple frameworks have been created representing retail and manufactured food, animal food, and laboratory competencies needed by REPs to fulfill the duties and tasks of their job. Establishing a NCS gets us one step closer to a competent workforce doing comparable work across all strategic partners. The workgroup utilizes the Training Summit series to help build the NCS and other workgroup products. The 2016 Regulatory and Public Health Partner Training Summit is scheduled for September 13-15, 2016.
The Workplanning and Inspections WG has been working to gain feedback on the adoption and usability of a "PFP Best Practices: Model for Local Federal/State Planning and Coordination of Field Operations and Training” document that was issued in October 2013. The Workgroup will consider some suggested edits to the document and continue efforts to promote the widespread dissemination and use of this best practice. The Workgroup has started work on creating a checklist tool to be used for planning in preparation for joint inspections.
Visit the Resources page to see accomplishments of past PFP workgroups.