Program offers food safety certifications for aspiring and current professionals

A new food safety program from the Association of Food and Drug Officials offers credentialing for aspiring food safety professionals and those already working in the industry.

The Food Safety Regulatory Professional Credentialing program offers assessments for levels including local, state, tribal, territorial and federal. Individuals who complete certification can demonstrate proficiency in animal foods, manufactured foods and retail foods.

Fees start at $245 per assessment.

Once applicants are accepted and have paid for the credential exam, they receive a study guide outlining competencies covered for each topic.

Credentials offered include:

• Food Safety Regulator Certification

The assessment, aimed at both aspiring and current food safety industry regulatory professionals, provides general education courses.

Topics include allergens, biological and environmental hazards, investigation principles, jurisdiction, labeling, pest control, recalls, and sanitation practices.

• Food Foundations Regulator Certification

Designed for professionals involved in manufactured and retail food safety regulations, this certification assesses knowledge based on the IFSS Curriculum Framework and core competencies.

Topics include communication skills, emergency response, facility design, food processes, pest control, recall/traceability, and sampling.

• Manufactured Foods Regulator Certification

AFDO offers advanced levels for individuals seeking specialized certification aimed at professionals involved in the regulation of manufactured food safety. This credential evaluates competency in applying laws and regulations related to facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold foods for human consumption.

Topics include cGMP inspections, food processing technology, laws, regulations and guidance, and preventive controls inspections.

• Retail Foods Regulator Certification

Focused on professionals participating in the regulation of retail food safety, this specialized credential assesses competency in applying laws and regulations related to retail food establishments.

Topics include regulatory foundations for retail food safety, risk-based inspections, nontraditional food operations, and introduction to specialized processing methods.

More information is available online at http://www.afdo.org/credentials/