[AIB News]

FDA Reports Significant Progress in Protecting the Food Supply
The FDA recently released a report on its implementation of its Food Protection Plan, which was launched a year ago to protect both domestic and imported food from accidental and intentional contamination.

The plan, which outlines strategies for prevention, intervention and response, is designed to address food safety and food defense for both domestic and imported products and covers the full lifecycle of food, by encouraging the building of safety into every step of the food supply chain.

To view the one-year summary of progress under the Food Protection Plan that describes FDA’s efforts to build safety in the U.S. and global food systems, go to www.fda.gov.

McCain Foods Receives AIB Gold Standard Certification
A McCain Foods Canada facility in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, worked hard to achieve the AIB Gold Standard Certification. AIB International would like to congratulate this facility and all their employees who made this possible.

AIB International's Integrated Quality System is offered to the food industry through the Gold Standard Certification Program. The Gold Standard Certification Program is designed to provide continuous improvement in supplying facilities with the values of confidence, security and prosperity through full integration of sanitation, safety and the quality of processes.

The elements of the Gold Standard Program are:

• GMP Audit Qualification
• HACCP Validation and Verification
• Quality Systems Evaluation

For information on how you can join McCain Foods in achieving the Gold Standard please contact aricklef@aibonline.org for an application.

Register for FSIS Workshops for Small and Very Small Plants
FSIS will hold a series of “how to” workshops to provide practical tools and methods for proper application and compliance. These outreach workshops will cover various information such as developing controls for Salmonella and Campylobacter (pictured), establishing effective sanitation practices, developing food defense plans, ensuring humane handling of livestock and conducting product recalls.

Visit www.fsis.usda.gov for a list of workshops and registration information.