FDACS - AFRPS Maintenance with Mutual Reliance Initiatives

Project Summary Overall Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Maintenance AFRPS w/ Mutual Reliance Initiatives PAR-25-003 Division of Agricultural Environmental Services (AES) Proposal to FDA for Participation in AFRPS Maintenance with Mutual Reliance Initiatives Project Date: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2028 The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is requesting funding under PAR-25-003 to support maintenance of the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) and enhance mutual reliance between the FDACS Feed Regulatory Program (program) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This request includes participation in AFRPS Maintenance and Mutual Reliance Initiatives tracks specified below. This project is designed to maintain and continuously improve the program’s implementation of the AFRPS. The program's primary objective is to contribute to a national, integrated food safety system by developing consistency in regulatory processes and assuring the quality of inspection and enforcement activities. This will be achieved through the periodic evaluation and updating of the program's regulatory foundation, training protocols, risk-based inspection procedures, and enforcement strategies. The program will continue to enhance its capabilities through ongoing self- assessments, effective data management, and the use of modern technology. Consistent adherence to these standards is essential for ensuring the validity and defensibility of regulatory actions, thereby protecting public health and promoting industry compliance. The initiative will increase the program’s capacity to effectively regulate animal food safety through standardized procedures, enhanced inspection capabilities, and collaborative enforcement strategies. FDACS Feed Regulatory Program will build upon its existing infrastructure and regulatory expertise to meet project objectives, with measurable outcomes in areas such as inspection efficiency, compliance rates, and standards integration.