Eurofins, AFIA partner to provide industry training

Eurofins Food Safety Systems and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) have signed an agreement to provide co-branded public training for the animal feed and pet food industries. The courses include a specialized Hazard Analysis and Critical Points (HACCP) course for feed manufacturers. The collaboration is a natural fit, as Eurofins and AFIA share a common interest in the feed industry’s success and safety.
AFIA, based in Arlington, Virginia, USA, is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative, and regulatory interests of the United States animal feed industry and its suppliers. Members include more than 575 domestic and international companies and state, regional, and national associations.
Eurofins Food Safety Systems is recognized for its efforts and capabilities in the field of animal food safety by primary manufacturers, suppliers, retailer, distributors, and processors. With a full schedule of public and in-house training courses, Eurofins provides the knowledge and expertise necessary for the success of these nationwide trainings.
This collaboration further strengthens a longstanding partnership between the two leading industry supporters. Eurofins began conducting audits for AFIA’s International Safe Feed/Safe Food (FAMI-QS) program in 2010. The partnership has since expanded with the addition of AFIA’s domestic Safe Feed/Safe Food and Pet Food Manufacturing/Ingredient Facility Certification programs to Eurofins’ audit portfolio, and most recently the addition of a joint training course specific to the International Safe Feed/Safe Food/FAMI-QS scheme.
“We are thrilled to partner with AFIA to provide food safety training to the feed industry and further our relationship with AFIA,” said Eurofins’ Food Safety Systems Director, Gary Smith. “It is a great venture to join the expertise of Eurofins in food safety and public training with AFIA’s expertise in the feed industry and its tremendous member relationships. This partnership will assist the feed industry in the understanding and compliance with the new regulatory and customer requirements being placed upon them.”
“This is a great opportunity for AFIA and Eurofins to continue our relationship for the betterment of the feed industry,” said Henry Turlington, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs. “These trainings will provide up-to-date information that is necessary for compliance with the law, and the how-to for running a quality animal food manufacturing facility.”
The public training courses are scheduled for November 10-11 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

AIB International to conduct HACCP online course

AIB International has announced the rollout of its HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) online course. The course is designed to provide practical, relevant instruction in an accessible, self-paced, online format, according to organizers.

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“This new course includes timely, current examples, delivered on an eLearning platform, that allows participants to pace themselves, assess learning throughout the duration of the course and return to content as needed,” said Stephanie Lopez, vice president, food safety services innovation. “This course is deeply technical, yet easy to understand. Assessment and evaluation now takes place throughout the course, which is better from a learning perspective.”
The course will review the history and background of HACCP and provide an understanding of HACCP plan development including the seven principles of HACCP, prerequisite programs and forms and reports used.
The course provides hands-on, practical HACCP knowledge, more than a theoretical understanding. Graduates will be prepared to participate on a HACCP team and meet the training requirements for audits. Course participants will have 60 days to complete the course, at their own pace. Certificates of completion and Continuing Education Units are provided on successful completion of the course.
Topics covered include:

• History of HACCP
• Overview of HACCP
• Prerequisite programs
• Biological, chemical, and physical hazards
• The seven principles of HACCP
• HACCP plan development
• Deviation reports
• Validation

AIB International plans pet food manufacturers safety course in November

AIB International will hold a Food Safety and Sanitation for Pet food Manufacturers course, November 8-10, at the company's Manhattan, Kansas, USA, facilities.

The petfood safety course allows participants to gain an understanding of legal requirements as a result of the Food Safety Modernization Act and Reportable Food Registry; recognize prerequisites necessary to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines; develop and implement HACCP food safety programs; identify and evaluate control methods for pests; recognize types of foreign material contamination, and equipment and methods for control of such contaminants; and identify microbiological issues relevant to a petfood facility.

The course is aimed at pet industry professionals, including plant, quality assurance, product safety and maintenance managers. Those interested in attending may obtain more information and register online.

Kansas State to hold November short course for animal feed industry

Kansas State University will hold a short course, “Establishing a HACCP Program for the Feed Industry," on November 7-10, in Manhattan, Kansas, USA. This interactive course will focus on the development of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points plan for all sectors of the animal feed industry.
The US$475 course fee includes all handouts, breakfasts, lunches, refreshments and one dinner. The registration deadline is October 28, but course size is limited to 30 participants. Registration is available at www.afia.org. For more information, contact Anita McDiffett, from K-State, at almgret@ksu.edu.