By sustaining conformance with the current version of the MFRPS and participating in a nationally Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS), Georgia will continue improving the critical regulatory program elements and resource allocation efforts designed to protect the public from foodborne illness and injury. If this cooperative agreement proposal is funded, Georgia will continue moving forward to advance efforts for a nationally IFSS by completing the following: 1) achieve and sustain conformance with the most current version of the MFRPS; 2) attend the annual face-to-face meeting, actively participate in committees and other initiatives supporting the MFRPS; 3) develop strategies and resources for achieving and maintaining conformance with the MFRPS that can be shared on a national basis; 4) provide FDA the foundation for pursuing regulatory action based upon GDA findings; 5) provide for the collection of samples to support laboratory capacity development and produce surveillance; and 6) perform enforcement or other follow-up activities based on sample results.
Specific aims i nclude: 1) demonstrating the availability of adequately trained staff and the criteria and ability to hire and/or train personnel; 2) maintaining conformance with the MFRPS throughout the duration of the cooperative agreement; 3) demonstrating the ability to satisfy the reporting requirements of the cooperative agreement; 4) participating in initiatives supporting the MFRPS (e.g., face-to-face meeting, committees, MFRPS conference calls, sharing of best practices, annual on-site visits, program assessment validation audits [PAVA]), and full program audits; 5) providing for the collection of samples of FDA regulated products to support laboratory capacity development and product surveillance; 6) demonstrating the ability to perform enforcement and follow-up activities for sample results requiring action; and 7) describing any identified or potential obstacles in achieving and maintaining conformance with the MFRPS and approaches to overcome these obstacles. Georgia adheres to the following principles that serve as the overarching objective for our regulatory program: 1) to build capacity in a food safety regulatory program focused on protecting public health; 2) to assure the consumer?s health is protected; 3) to provide food to consumers that is safe and unadulterated; and 4) to ensure manufactured food is prepared in a clean environment and honestly presented to the consumer.
Flexible Funding Model: Infrastructure, Development and Maintenance for Georgia?s Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Project Narrative MFRPS Georgia will continue to make advances in sustaining conformance with the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards as we make improvements to our food safety program focused on public health, while working in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other stakeholders as part of an Integrated Food Safety System. The continued implementation of the standards will enhance our regulatory efforts to reduce hazards in firms that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods. RRT The Georgia Food and Feed Rapid Response Team (GA RRT) will continue to operate within phase 3 of the RRT Capacity Building Process and Mentorship Framework to maintain, train, and equip the team while innovating new ideas, tools, and resources to improve response outcomes. Developing metrics, measuring success and impact of RRT projects and operations as well as communicating impact with both internal and external stakeholders will be a major focus. Finally, while operating in a continuous cycle of improvement, the RRT will develop and implement environmental assessment capabilities that help identify and prevent food-related incidents and hazards. FSTF The Georgia Food Safety and Defense Task Force (GaFSTF) members seek to continue their efforts in identifying and addressing food defense and food safety issues pertinent within the State of Georgia through stakeholder communications, coordination and cooperation. By coordinating educational outreach regarding various aspects of food safety and defense, the task force is able to provide information and coordination between stakeholders in the farm-to-fork continuum, serving as a source of information and referral for all stakeholders involved in an integrated food safety system, such as regulatory and public health partners on the federal, state and local level; producers, processors, retailers, distributors, and transportation; industry associations; auditors; academia; law enforcement; and consumers. The GaFSTF offers opportunities to stakeholders to gain new knowledge and opportunities for networking, best practices and resource development, and information sharing that may not be offered in any other format or venue here in the State of Georgia. Special Projects The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) seeks to continue our efforts in assisting in the development and implementation of a fully integrated food safety system, rooted in public health principles and focused on prevention. By way of innovative special projects focused on strengthened trainers, improved training tools, and developing a new inspector exchange program, the GDA is committed to be a leading agency in food protection efforts and serving as a mentor and resource for other programs across the country.
