Conference for Food Protection

2018 Biennial Meeting

Issue View | Council II | 2018 Scribe Packet

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Issue Number: Council II 003

Issue History

This issue was submitted for consideration at a previous biennial meeting, see issue: 2016-II-025 ; new or additional information has been included or attached and the recommended solution has been revised .

Title

Amend Food Code - Food Protection Manager to Provide Verifiable Training

Issue you would like the Conference to consider

We would like the CFP to amend its recommendation that it is mandatory for the person in charge (PIC) to hold a Food Protection Manager Certification (FPMC), and consider instead, requiring food safety training for all food handlers that is verifiable.

We agree there is a gap in general food safety knowledge in retail food establishments. We submit that the gap occurs when the food safety knowledge acquired by the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is not transferred to the front line food handlers. By amending the most current published edition of the Food Code section 2-103.11(M) to include verifiable training, there will be enforceable language to help ensure food handlers are properly trained. We believe that reaching the desired effect of reducing food borne illness as a greater chance of success when the CFPM must verify they have transferred their acquired food safety knowledge to the food handlers.

We agree with the proven justification that the presence of a single CFPM directly correlates to better control of risk factors. We propose sustained risk factor intervention occurs when food safety knowledge is provided to the front line food handlers through verifiable training. We are concerned that requiring PIC's to hold a FPMC does not provide the same incentive for the CFPM to share their food safety knowledge with all front line food handlers, as would the requirement for verifiable training.

Additionally, the significant costs associated with a mandatory requirement for all PIC's to hold a FPMC will put an undue financial, and operational burden on the retail food industry without significantly contributing to public health protection.

Consider the following example: A retail food establishment that operates for 24 hours a day for 7 days a week (24/7) will require 4 additional CFPM's to cover all shifts with a PIC that is a CFPM. The approximate cost to train one employee is $375.00 multiplied by the 4 PIC's needed to operate a 24/7 retail food establishment will cost an additional $1500 per store, an addition $15,000 for every 10 stores, and $150,000 per 100 stores. This is a conservative cost estimate and does not include re-certification, replacement of a CFPM no longer employed, or the additional fees from states that require a secondary certificate fee.

Public Health Significance

Ensuring that all food handlers are properly trained in food safety will have a greater impact on protecting public health and successfully reduce the incidence of food borne illness.

Recommended Solution: The Conference recommends...

that a letter be sent to the FDA requesting that the most current edition of the Food Code be amended as follows (language to be added is in underline format):

Section 2-203.11 (M)

(M) EMPLOYEES are properly trained in FOOD safety in a verifiable manner, including FOOD allergy awareness, as it relates to their assigned duties;Pf

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