University of Kentucky Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance, with Mutual Reliance Initiatives

Project Summary/Abstract: The University of Kentucky Division of Regulatory Services (UKDRS) is committed to advancing its Animal Feed Regulatory Program in full alignment with the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). Through this cooperative agreement, UKDRS will strengthen its regulatory infrastructure and support the goals of the Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS) in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This initiative focuses on four strategic components: A. Sustaining full AFRPS implementation through continuous quality improvement, annual reviews, and FDA assessments; B. Leading and participating in AFRPS-related activities and national collaborations, including the AAFCO Standards Committee and emergency preparedness exercises; C. Applying AFRPS protocols to conduct follow-up inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions based on robust sampling and compliance frameworks; and D. Advancing to Phase 3 of the SMG-8076 audit program by training additional auditors to ensure long-term program sustainability. UKDRS’s longstanding leadership, technological integration, and commitment to regulatory excellence, position it as a key contributor to national food safety efforts. This proposal seeks continued support to enhance program effectiveness, promote mutual reliance, and protect public and animal health.