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We are pleased to announce expanded USDA NIFA FSOP grant funding for select FSPCA Lead Instructor courses. This grant support is available for Lead Instructor candidates from U.S. based university faculty and academic staff, and extension specialists within the Land Grant networks and FSMA Regional Centers. Eligible participants may now receive full coverage for course registration, certificates, and course materials for select upcoming FSPCA Food Traceability Rule (FTR) Combination Courses and Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) Lead Instructor Courses. To apply, participants must: Be an approved Lead Instructor Candidate (i.e., have submitted an FSPCA Lead Instructor application and received approval), and Meet all additional Lead Instructor applicant prerequisites. For more information on becoming an FTR or PCHF Lead Instructor, or to apply for grant funding, please visit the links below or click here : FTR Lead Instructor Application: https://www.fspca.net/ftr-lead-instructor-applicants PCHF Lead Instructor Application: https://www.fspca.net/pchf-lead-instructor-applicants NIFA FSOP LI Tuition Grant Application: https://www.ifpti.org/nifa-li-tuition-grant-application   This investment represents a continued commitment to partnership, ed ucation, and the advancement of preventive food safety systems.

The Food Traceability Rule Training for the Food Industry curriculum was developed by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This core curriculum is designed to support firms that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods included on the Food Traceability List and are required to comply with the Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods, or Food Traceability Rule (FTR). The training applies to both domestic and foreign firms operating across the farm to table continuum for foods produced for U.S. consumption. This includes farms (such as produce, aquaculture, and egg operations), distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, retail food establishments, and restaurants. Professionals in academia, government, and organizations that provide services to the food industry may also find this course valuable. Participants who successfully complete the curriculum will gain a clear understanding of Food Traceability Rule requirements, along with practical approaches for developing and implementing effective food traceability practices within their operations. Visit the FSPCA website for more information: https://www.fspca.net/ftr-training-for-the-food-industry

The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) is excited to announce the dates for its 10th Annual Conference, taking place November 17–18, 2026, at the Chicago Marriott Burr Ridge, Illinois . This milestone event will mark a decade of bringing together food safety professionals, educators, regulators, and industry leaders committed to strengthening preventive food safety systems worldwide. This year’s conference theme,  “Advancing Global Implementation of FSMA Regulations Through Education and Outreach,” highlights the continued importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing as organizations implement and maintain food safety systems aligned with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Over the past ten years, the conference has grown into a key forum for discussing regulatory updates, sharing best practices, and exploring practical approaches to implementing preventive controls across the global food supply chain. Attendees can expect engaging presentations from subject matter experts, updates on FSPCA training and initiatives, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across academia, government, and industry. The conference also provides a valuable space for the FSPCA community - including Lead Instructors and stakeholders - to exchange experiences and strengthen the network that supports food safety education around the world. As FSPCA celebrates this 10-year milestone, the conference will reflect on the progress made since the early days of FSMA implementation while looking ahead to the future of food safety training, outreach, and global collaboration. Registration will open soon,  and additional details about the agenda and speakers will be shared in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming the food safety community to Burr Ridge, Illinois this November for a memorable anniversary event. Visit https://www.fspca.net/events for more information.

We are excited to welcome Lynette Johnston, Charlotte Christin , and Sylvia Kim to the FSPCA Executive Advisory Board. Their diverse experience and dedication to food safety education will help advance FSPCA’s mission and support our growing community of stakeholders. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Martin Bucknavage and Jennifer Thomas, who are rotating off the board. Their guidance, leadership, and commitment to food safety have been invaluable, and we are grateful for their contributions over the years. Please join us in welcoming our new members and thanking those who have served. Learn more about Lynette Johnston, Charlotte Christin, and Sylvia Kim and view the full FSPCA Executive Advisory Board .

From steady weekly course registrations to almost half of recent trainings taking place internationally, the latest metrics show how Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance programs continue to expand their global impact. Notable Metrics Courses being registered by Lead Instructors at a consistent rate of ~45 per week.    41% of courses held this past quarter were conducted internationally.  Thank you to our Lead Instructors for maintaining high-quality delivery standards and supporting participant engagement worldwide. Your consistency ensures industry confidence in the FSPCA curricula.  See the latest training metrics and highlights

Whether you are preparing to teach a course, looking for training materials, or seeking answers to common questions, the FSPCA website is designed to be your starting point. The site connects users to the key platforms and resources that support FSPCA training and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), making it easier to find the information you need in one place. For Lead Instructors, the website organizes important information into four primary tabs , each designed to support instructors throughout the course planning and delivery process. The Instructor Resource Portal  tab links directly to the portal and includes step-by-step login instructions and a video tutorial. The portal acts as a one-stop shop for the resources instructors need to support their courses. Under the Materials tab, instructors can find guidance on how to obtain essential training materials. The Register, Edit, or Cancel a Course  tab walks instructors through the course registration process. Here, users can access key documents along with a link to the FSPCA Community where courses are registered. The page also explains how to request edits or cancellations and who to contact if special circumstances arise. The Network tab highlights ways instructors can stay connected with the broader FSPCA community. Lead Instructors can choose to be listed in the public directory, making it easier for organizations to find qualified trainers. The page also provides instructions for joining the private Lead Instructor Chatter Groups, where instructors can exchange ideas, ask questions, and stay up to date on program announcements. Beyond instructor-specific resources, the website offers several additional tools. The Technical Assistance  section connects users with both the FSPCA and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Technical Assistance Networks, along with the University Extension Specialist Directory - a helpful resource for collaboration and expert support. Finally, the Discover section keeps the community informed about upcoming opportunities, including webinars, training updates, and events such as the FSPCA Annual Conference. Visitors can also sign up for newsletters and announcements to stay informed about the latest developments in FSPCA programs and food safety training. Whether you are a new Lead Instructor, an experienced trainer, or a course participant, the FSPCA website is designed to provide the guidance and resources needed to support effective food safety education. Visit fspca.net

FSPCA is committed to keeping its curricula up to date, accurate and relevant. Recent focus areas on the Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.0 curriculum include: Clarifications related to hazard analysis documentation expectations Increased attention on supply-chain program verification Growing interest in environmental monitoring program effectiveness Training materials are periodically reviewed and updated to maintain accuracy and consistency. Lead Instructors are reminded to download materials directly from the FSPCA Instructor Resource Portal before each course to ensure they are using the most current version.

The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) 2026 Lead Instructor training schedule offers several opportunities for qualified professionals to complete the required training to become an FSPCA-trained Lead Instructor and deliver FSPCA participant courses. Upcoming training options include both virtual and in-person formats, allowing participants to plan ahead and secure a seat in the courses that best fit their schedule. Virtual FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.0 Lead Instructor Course Interest in this training remains high. The March and June courses are already sold out, with limited seats available in the July 7–10 and September 8–11 sessions. Virtual FSPCA Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) Lead Instructor Course Seats are currently available for the August 11–13 session. Virtual FSPCA Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment Combination Course Seats are available for the June 2–3 and June 9–10 training. In-Person FSPCA Food Traceability Rule (FTR) Combination Course The April course is sold out, with seats available in May (Orlando) and June (Portland). Due to strong demand for Lead Instructor training, early registration is encouraged. These courses provide the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to successfully deliver FSPCA participant training programs and support food safety education across the industry.

In the first quarter of 2026, the Animal Food Curriculum Work Group met to review and refine chapter edits while providing ongoing feedback on updates implemented by Editor Dr. Marissa Cohen. This highly engaged group of experts is focused on finalizing curriculum edits and supporting FDA review through the end of Q2. Looking ahead, the Work Group will collaborate with the FSPCA admin team on change management and implementation planning, ensuring a smooth rollout of the updated curriculum. These efforts are part of our shared goal of completing the Animal Food curriculum successfully in 2026, helping strengthen food safety training for the animal food industry.

Recent enforcement trends from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continue to send a clear signal to the global food industry: regulatory expectations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) are not only firmly established - but they are also being actively enforced. Across both domestic and international operations, the Agency’s use of Detention Without Physical Examination (DWPE) - as reflected in its Import Alert system  and the issuance of Warning Letters , reveal a consistent pattern of non-compliance that extends well beyond isolated cases. These actions are not merely administrative; they directly impact market access, disrupt supply chains, and expose companies to significant financial and reputational risk. A review of recent cases highlights several recurring deficiencies: Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) that are incomplete, poorly documented, or entirely absent - undermining importer accountability and failing to meet requirements under 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart L Sanitation Preventive controls that are either inadequately designed or not effectively implemented, despite being formally documented Food safety systems that exist on paper but fail during execution, particularly in monitoring (§117.145), verification (§117.155), and corrective actions (§117.150), as outlined in FDA guidance These findings point to a systemic issue: many organizations continue to approach compliance as a documentation exercise, rather than as an operational discipline embedded in daily activities. Under FSMA, compliance is not satisfied by the existence of a food safety plan alone. The FDA expects evidence of execution - that hazards are properly identified, controls are validated, and procedures are consistently followed in practice, as detailed in its preventive controls’ framework and guidance This distinction is where many companies fall short. In numerous Warning Letters , the FDA emphasizes that while procedures may be written, firms fail to demonstrate that they are effectively implemented. Missing records, inconsistent monitoring, and inadequate corrective actions remain among the most cited observations. In practical terms, this signals a breakdown not in knowledge, but in governance and oversight. One of the most overlooked yet decisive factors in compliance is personnel competency. FSMA places explicit responsibility on facilities to ensure that individuals are qualified through education, training, or experience under  21 CFR §117.4 (Qualified Individuals) . However, regulatory actions repeatedly show that: Staff lack a practical understanding of FSMA requirements Training is conducted as a one-time event rather than a continuous process There is limited alignment between written procedures and actual plant-floor practices Effective compliance requires that training translates into operational behavior - where employees understand not only what to do, but why it matters from a regulatory and food safety perspective. The FDA’s current enforcement posture reflects a broader shift toward preventive, risk-based oversight, a central principle of FSMA . Companies that succeed in this environment are those that move beyond reactive compliance and adopt a proactive, systems-driven approach. This includes: Integrating food safety into corporate governance and decision-making Establishing robust verification and internal audit programs Ensuring continuous improvement through data-driven monitoring and corrective actions For international suppliers and U.S. importers alike, this is particularly critical. Failures in FSVP programs not only expose importers to regulatory action but can also lead to placement on Import Alerts (DWPE), effectively blocking products from entering the U.S. market. Compliance with FSMA is often viewed through a regulatory lens, but its implications are fundamentally commercial. Market access to the United States depends on the ability to demonstrate control, transparency, and accountability across the supply chain, as reflected in FDA’s import oversight framework. Companies that invest in robust food safety systems, competent personnel, and effective implementation do more than meet regulatory requirements - they build trust with regulators, customers, and consumers. Conversely, those that rely on superficial compliance strategies face increasing scrutiny in an environment where enforcement is both data-driven and globally coordinated. Recent FDA enforcement actions make one point unequivocally clear: compliance is no longer about having the right documents - it is about demonstrating that systems work, consistently and effectively. Guest Contributor: Dr. Tania Martinez, Demos Global Group

Across the FSPCA network, collaboration is making a real impact. From small processors creating their first food safety plans to global firms refining verification systems, our FDA recognized training programs on FSMA regulations continue to support safer food worldwide. Take Action: Book your next course early to keep up with demand Check your course materials to ensure you’re using the latest versions Share your success stories with the FSPCA community Encourage colleagues to complete standardized training By working together, we advance preventive controls knowledge and strengthen food safety systems around the globe.

The year 2026 marks a series of significant milestones for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA). We proudly celebrate the 15th anniversary of FSPCA, established in 2011; the 10th anniversary of the official launch of our first standardized FSPCA curriculum in 2016; and the hosting of the 10th FSPCA Annual Conference, bringing together the global food safety community. Over the past decade, FSPCA has become an internationally recognized, premier source for FSMA‑related training. To date, FSPCA has successfully trained 3,230 Lead Instructors across 80 countries, supported the delivery of 21,475 participant courses, and reached more than 245,000 food safety professionals in 154 countries through FSPCA training programs. On behalf of FSPCA, I extend my sincere appreciation to our contributors, Lead Instructors, and partners across the food safety community. Your commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in achieving these important milestones. As we move forward into 2026, we are excited to welcome our new members of the Executive Advisory Board (EAB), whose insights will support our ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic and operational excellence and enhance our programs, services, and support. I look forward to working closely with all of you in the year ahead and to connecting again at upcoming FSPCA events and at our Annual Conference as we build an even stronger future together.   Jason Wan, Ph.D.