FDA has released its training strategy to support implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act ("FSMA"), with a special focus on ensuring domestic and foreign food facilities are well trained to implement the recently published Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food (see our previous Jones Day Update) and the forthcoming Produce Safety Rule, which is scheduled to be published by the end of this month. FDA recognizes FSMA compliance may pose a challenge to some members of industry and, therefore, wants to facilitate compliance by providing training. FDA has created alliances with public and private partners in industry, academia, and state, federal, tribal, and international governments that will develop training programs for food facilities. In addition, FDA has designed alternative training programs for specific target audiences utilizing state partners to create a collaborative plan to implement the Produce Safety Rule. FDA has also established national coordination and regional centers aiming to ensure farmers, processors, and wholesalers receive the assistance they need. To avoid duplication and maximize limited resources, FSMA has created a collaborative training forum where the different agencies, centers, and associations helping with training can share information about the programs. For more information regarding the FSMA training strategy, go here.
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