Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
Abstract: Texas Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards Maintenance and Preventive Controls Initiative The Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC) is the designated state agency that oversees the regulation of animal feed including sample analysis. Specifically, OTSC is comprised of the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service (FFCS) which is the regulatory agency and the Agricultural Analytical Service (AAS) which analyzes regulatory samples for FFCS and the Food and Drug Administration. During the past 5 years, OTSC has fully implemented the eleven standards, achieved ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, created a document management system and is utilizing the system for AFRPS implementation. During the next 5 years, OTSC will more fully integrate AFRPS through a number of activities including exploring how the PCAF regulations could be incorporated into Texas Commercial Feed Rules, building a more robust facility risk ranking matrix and analysis platform, expanding audits to focus on PCAF and CGMP inspections, utilize feed- related illnesses or death data in the risk ranking matrix, continue to evaluate industry compliance through the enforcement matrix, expand outreach content and audience and incorporate Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program samples into the OTSC annual plan of work. OTSC will expand the number of qualified field investigators who can perform PCAF inspections by seven who will be supported by a Preventive Control Qualified Field Inspection Trainer and Auditor. An expanded educational outreach program will include development of new content including probability charts for hazards by feed type identified in the FDA Guidance #245, model plans, and annual updates of the status of the Texas feed industry involving risks associated with these hazards. Two new courses will be developed and delivered in a face-to-face and online format to the Texas feed industry and beyond and are titled: Food Safety Plan Development and Verification and the second titled Auditing a Food Safety System. These courses will include the new content listed above and class room exercises enabling participants to complete or revise their food safety plan, verify its ability to manage risk including verification of control measures including prerequisite programs and preventive controls. OTSC field investigators, equipped with this new information, will practice educating while regulating during non-FDA inspections of commercial feed facilities. These activities will be entered into a feedback loop to continually improve the training based on new information and participant feedback.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
