WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association has scheduled four training courses to help facilities meet the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Beginning this summer, the classes are designed for individuals overseeing the food safety plan of an ethanol plant. This course will help ethanol plants comply in a timely manner with the requirements of FDA's final regulations implementing FSMA. The course will provide the industry with accurate and fact-based information, as well as the practical means to comply with its new rules. In September 2015, FDA finalized regulations for producing safe animal food. Covered facilities must establish and implement a food safety system that includes an analysis of hazards and risk-based preventive controls. FSMA requires a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) be in charge of the risk-based food preventive controls plan. RFA has been involved with the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) for the Animal Food curriculum development, which will serve as the "standardized curriculum" recognized by FDA; successfully completing this course is one way for ethanol plant personnel to meet the requirements for a PCQI. RFA Director of Regulatory Affairs, Kelly Davis, has attended the FSPCA lead instructor training and will serve as the Food Safety Preventive Controls Lead Instructor for the classes. "With the rigorous FDA training I received, I understand the letter and spirit of the law, and the nuances ethanol plants will need to know in order to comply as cost effectively as possible," said Davis. "These training classes will be essential to help navigate the FSMA requirements." "Kelly has 30 years of experience working at various U.S. ethanol plants," said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. "She speaks the language and is the best person to help translate a complicated regulation and make it easily understood. These classes reflect RFA's continued commitment to training and safety. They will be invaluable for ethanol plants to meet the new FDA regulations." The following sessions are now scheduled — reserve your seat today, as space is limited.
- Training Session #1: July 27–29, Omaha, Neb.
- Training Session #2: Aug. 17–19, Des Moines, Iowa
- Training Session #3: Aug. 24–26, Minneapolis, Minn.
- Training Session #4: Sept. 14–16, Indianapolis, Ind.
