PHSD enrolled in the VNRPS in 2003 and began to work toward conformance in2008 by conducting the initial self-assessment. Standards one (1), three (3), four (4)and seven (7) were met and audited. A baseline risk factor survey was conducted in2012. Work toward conformance of all standards continues. A second self-assessmentwill be completed prior to January of 2013. WVDHHR has applied for and received funding from FDA to continue workingtoward the VNRPS. WV applied in June for $2,500 in funding to conduct the secondself-assessment. Progress has been made toward alleviating gaps that were identifiedin the first self-assessment. For example: A training plan and documentation databasehas been developed. Other standards have additional gaps that were identified and need activitiesconducted in order to meet the standards. Additional staff will allow the activities to beconducted much more quickly than at the current rate of one (1) or two (2) per year. All activities conducted will be audited by an independent auditor who will behired on a contractual basis. Having this position available will allow all segments havethe Standards to be audited on a more frequent basis. Several training opportunities will be made available for staff and managers ofthe retail establishments that are regulated by the Food program at PHSD. Additionaltraining materials will be made available to the hospitality industry in front of theNational Boy Scout Jamboree and subsequent events held at that permanent location. Software and printers will be purchased in order to create uniformity among allfood inspection staff at the state and local level. This purchase will allow the state staffto conduct and report the inspection results electronically. BPH has worked with asoftware developer and a pilot is currently being piloted in several local healthdepartments. This program was funded by CDC for local health. The state inspectionstaff was not included in that funding opportunity. In summary, WVDHHR, WVBPH and WVPHSD are committed to developing anexcellent food safety program with an ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating theoccurrence of illness and death related to foodborne illness.
WV BPH will continue to move forward with conformance of the Voluntary National Regulatory Program Standards in order to strengthen the WV food safety program. WV will focus on the reduction of risk factors known to cause or contribute to foodborne illness and to promote active managerial control of these risk factors. Improving the infrastructure of the food safety program will result in decreased illness associated with food consumed in retail establishments.
