Qualified Individual Training
A well-trained workforce is crucial to manufacturing safe animal feed. The FDA recognized this and included a requirement for training in the FSMA regulations. This training known as Qualified Individual training is required for employees involved in the manufacturing, processing or otherwise handling of animal food.
Many companies provided Q.I. training prior to the deadline for compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices. New employee poses a greater challenge. Training consists of two general parts. One is on the job training. The other is training in Animal Food Hygiene and Animal Food Safety. Most companies have a process for job-related training. Many have not developed a food safety component to this training.
There are some excellent resources available to cover the food safety component part of QI training. Kansas State University developed an excellent training video that can be viewed on You Tube. You can check out the video at this link. The American Feed Industry Association produced a training video here is a link to that resource. The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance developed an online CGMP training course. Information regarding this course can be found at this site.
Any of the resources will provide excellent information for new hire training and refresher training. Firms will need to cover their own specific procedures and policies.
If you would like help in developing a simple and effective new employee training process, please let us know. We are here to help you comply and excel in your animal food safety efforts.