The first of four sessions focused on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements and how ethanol and distillers grain producers can comply kicked off in Omaha, Nebraska today. The educational series is sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and led by Kelly Davis, RFA’s director of regulatory affairs. She was joined by Iowa State University professor Charlie Hurburgh and Matt Frederking of Ralco Nutrition, Inc. to provide two and a half days of FSMA training to approximately 50 attendees from across the ethanol industry.

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) FSMA regulations require a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) to oversee a written food safety plan at every facility that produces animal feed. The PCQI is a qualified individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by FDA, or who is otherwise qualified through job experience to develop and apply a food safety system. RFA has been actively involved with FDA’s Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) for the Animal Food curriculum development. The courses offered by RFA follow the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA. PCQI certificates will be issued to attendees upon successful completion of the course.

RFA is offering additional courses in Des Moines, Iowa (Aug. 17–19), Minneapolis (Aug. 24–26) and Indianapolis (Sept. 14–16). All classes are at capacity; contact Ann Lewis to be placed on a waiting list. RFA may offer additional classes in the fall if interest is sufficient.