NCDA&CS Animal Feed Program Regulatory Program Standards Maintenance and Mutual Reliance Initiatives

Project Summary/Abstract – Overall Project Title: NCDA&CS Animal Feed Program Regulatory Program Standards Maintenance and Mutual Reliance Initiatives Overall Project Description: The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Food and Drug Protection Division, Animal Feed Program (NCAFP) will support a nationally integrated food safety system through participation in projects described in this funding announcement to include maintaining implementation of the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) and Mutual Reliance initiatives in coordination with FDA. Overall Project Objectives: The NCAFP will maintain implementation of the AFRPS, which is recognized as a critical element to creating a national, fully integrated food safety system. The NCAFP further commits to contribute to the continuous improvement of the AFRPS through attendance at an annual face-to-face meeting; active participation in committees, and other initiatives supporting the AFRPS; responding to violative product samples; and developing and implementing an auditing program. In addition, under mutual reliance initiatives, the NCAFP will collaborate with FDA to develop the processes, procedures and systems to integrate state animal food regulatory work into a nationally integrated food safety system. The outcomes of this proposal will contribute to state and federal efforts to promote regulatory compliance and prevent foodborne illnesses.