FPDI Launches Food Defense Readiness Assessment 2.0

Do you understand the FSMA requirements for intentional adulteration? The Food Protection and Defense Institute (FPDI) has developed a facility-based educational assessment tool addressing key food defense components of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its final rules.

The Food Defense Readiness Assessment 2.0 (FDRA 2.0) is designed to help food facilities understand the FSMA requirements for preventing intentional adulteration (IA) and economically motivated adulteration (EMA); provide a readiness report with scores in four strategic areas: EMA, IA Mitigation Strategies, Management and Operation, and Industry/Government Cooperation; and provide resources and consultation services for next steps.

Facilities, both domestic and foreign, who are required to register with FDA under Section 415 of the FD&C Act engaged in manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding food for human consumption will benefit from this assessment, FPDI said, while facilities not subject to FSMA requirements will find the assessment a useful education tool that reinforces Good Manufacturing Practices in protecting their facilities from an intentional contamination event.

The Food Protection and Defense Institute (FPDI), formerly known as the National Center for Food Protection and Defense, was officially launched as a Homeland Security Center of Excellence in July 2004 at the University of Minnesota. Developed as a multidisciplinary and action-oriented research consortium, FPDI addresses the vulnerability­ of the nation's food system. FPDI takes a comprehensive, farm-to-table view of the food system, encompassing all aspects from primary production through transportation and food processing to retail and food service.

The FDRA 2.0, which includes the assessment, FPDI readiness report, and optional 30-minute post-report call with FPDI experts is $99.95. For more information, visit www.foodprotection.umn.