Maintain Tennessee's MFRPS Program in Conformance with Current Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards

Maintain Tennessee's MFRPS Program in Conformance with Current Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards Project Summary/Abstract Tennessee recognizes the essential importance of leveraging a strong MFRPS framework to maintain its high-quality regulatory and inspection program by continuing to maintain the strong framework currently in place. TDA has developed a strong infrastructure for its manufactured food regulatory program since the program began, however TDA recognizes areas for growth and improvement. During this project, TDA will strive to improve its program through maintaining conformance with the current version of MFRPS. TDA will continue working with FDA and specifically its State Liaison on contract work planning and providing high quality contract inspections. TDA will maintain its inspection and compliance programs throughout the upcoming project period by engaging with FDA and state partners when needed. TDA will review its regulatory authority annually and when requested, identify gaps for adopting the full Preventive Controls Rule. TDA will continue to maintain its 20.88 agreement with the FDA, renewing this agreement when it expires in 2024. When violative samples are found, TDA will work with federal and state agencies as needed to address the situation. TDA plans to take its existing infrastructure and improve and expand it to advance TDA’s manufactured food regulatory program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) plans to proactively strengthen its food safety footprint using the tools and resources in place to assist in the reduction of foodborne illness and hazards in plants that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods. The proposed work in this application will provide TDA with a more robust manufactured food regulatory program, promoting a stronger Integrated Food Safety System.