Georgia Department of Agriculture Building Georgia s Retail Regulatory Food Program for the Future Overview of the GDA Retail Program Retail and Manufactured Food Split Looking to the Future The regulatory function of our Food Safety Division assures the consumer s health is protected, provides food that is safe and unadulterated, and ensures food is prepared in a clean environment and honestly presented. What type of retail establishments do we inspect and license? Retail food sales establishments selling to the end consumer, including: Grocery stores Bakeries Convenience stores Meat & seafood markets Cottage Food operations Mobile Vehicles selling pre-packaged food ~15,000 Retail Establishments licensed ~400 Cottage Food operations licensed Retail Districts & Contacts Bruce Varnadoe Retail Food Program Manager (404) 656-3621 Bruce.Varnadoe@agr.georgia.gov Bradley Brown North District Manager (770) 535-5955 Bradley.Brown@agr.georgia.gov In 2009, the Georgia State Legislator approved the addition of the Manufactured Food Program and funded 3 inspector positions for this new program. Bernard Griffin Metro District Manager (404) 363-7646 Bernard.Griffin@agr.georgia.gov Chris Carter South District Manager (229) 386 3489 Christopher.Carter@agr.georgia.gov 1
Advantages Gain more consistency & core knowledge of industry practices Allow for more specialized training Ability to regulate in a more proactive, effective manner. Challenges Retail staff continues to inspect Manufactured Food Facilities Confusion with regulations & creating inconsistencies Difficulty implementing Retail & Manufactured Food Standards 1 Inspector 2 Sets of Standards Regulatory Foundation Training Inspection Program Standardization / Auditing Progression of Retail Program In 2012, GDA received FDA grant funding to help develop our Retail Food Program and move towards full implementation of the Standards. At the same time, we also received FDA grant funding to help develop our Manufactured Food Program Standards. Where are we NOW Advantages Specialized knowledge and training Ensure proper use of regulations In 2014, we completely split the Retail & Manufactured Food Programs. All facilities selling to the end consumer are under the Retail Food Program. No longer holding Inspectors accountable for 2 different sets of Program Standards 2
This must mean Challenges Shifting territories for consistency Inspectors traveling over same territory Retail / Wholesale Facilities Funding sources Looking to the Future Continue strengthening our relationship with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as Industry. Developing Strategic Plan through committee To FUTURE ensure the OF public FOOD of a safe, SAFETY wholesome and properly represented food supply, an effective food safety system must be a combined effort of government at all levels, along with industry and consumers. 3
https://ga.foodprotectiontaskforce.com/ Food & Feed Rapid Response Team (RRT) Our RRT Program has established a multiagency integrated team consisting of federal, state, and local officials from agriculture, public health, and emergency management. Industry & Community Relations GDA performs a number of outreach activities directed to food industry, farms, consumers, and regulatory partners which includes current and proposed requirements, recalls, and publications Quarterly meetings, perform trainings, and conduct exercises to strengthen partnerships and response capabilities. Responds to significant food/feed contaminations, foodborne illness outbreaks, major recalls, and natural disasters. Follow us on Twitter @GDAFoodSafety for food/feed recall updates, plus food safety/defense tips, emergency response & ag-related news. GDA Strategic Planning Mission Refocus the Department to better meet the needs of the economy, consumers & producers, and regulatory obligations of the Department. Steering Committee & Technical Groups Comprised of Subject Matter Experts, Industry, and consumer. MAKE FOOD SAFETY MORE AWESOME 4
Natalie Adan Food Safety Division Director GA Department of Agriculture Atlanta, GA 30334 404-657-4801 - Office Natalie.Adan@agr.georgia.gov 5