Implementation of Regulatory Knowledge for Progress Toward Conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS)

Project SummaryFor the past several years, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Food Safety andEnvironmental Services (FSES) program group has worked towards conformance with adoptingthe 2017 FDA Model Food Code through the Voluntary National Retail Food RegulatoryProgram Standards grant. Prior to this, Arizona?s previous food code standard was based on the1999 FDA Model Food Code. With the updated version of Arizona?s Article 1 Food and Drinknearing finalization, it would be a great benefit to have funds devoted entirely to training andeducation on the changes for local regulators throughout the state. The State of Arizonadeveloped delegation agreements with the counties which designate the county level as theresponsible party for licensing and conducting inspection activities for retail foodestablishments. Arizona has a long history of this partnership. Due to these dynamics, countyregulators and often Indian Health Services turn to ADHS for guidance on changes toregulations. The Implementation of Regulatory Knowledge for Progress Toward Conformancewith the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS) bridgegrant project would allow local regulators to have a learning opportunity with ADHS to ensurethey are conducting their day to day activities in accordance with the most current statutes thathave been developed to help improve retail food safety. The main messages will includeencouraging the integration of the 2017 FDA Model Food Code on the local level, emphasizingthe importance of certified food protection mangers, and discussing the importance of retailoperations strengthening Active Managerial Controls. This further aids the shift in food safetyfrom a reactive to preventative approach. The objectives behind the project will be to increaseknowledge in reducing foodborne illness, change attitudes by establishing more confidence inlocal regulators, and change behaviors by promoting state and county partnerships.