128th AFDO Educational Conference Agenda

This workshop is specifically designed for state, local, territorial, and tribal regulatory agencies. It is recommended that participants from regulatory agencies be program managers and/or staff responsible for working on self-assessments, preparing for verification audits, or both. Registration will be capped at two per jurisdiction and will close once capacity is reached. A waitlist will then be created.

This workshop is specifically designed for state, local, territorial, and tribal regulatory agencies. It is recommended that participants from regulatory agencies be program managers and/or staff responsible for working on self-assessments, preparing for verification audits, or both.   Registration will be capped at two per jurisdiction and will close once capacity is reached. A waitlist will then be created. 

Does your jurisdiction have a big project coming up or are you struggling to get an existing project off the ground? Come Climb the Process Improvement Ladder and learn the eight key elements for successfully completing your project. Whether you are implementing a new process or updating one to meet changes in technology or regulation, this straightforward – not overengineered or overcomplicated – approach will get you there!  Examples of projects where Process Improvement can benefit your jurisdiction: creating a new application form, implementing new inspection software, implementing new laws or regulations, or making changes to licensing structures or fees.   This one-day offering is an excerpt from the AFDO course, Process Improvement for Regulators – A Training Practitioner Certificate Experience, which is designed for food and feed programs, so they have the tools necessary to facilitate and lead the programs in new and/or complex projects. 

Dive into the future of food safety with our workshop, a four-hour interactive session. Designed for food safety professionals, this workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to generative AI, focusing on ChatGPT and other AI technologies, and how they can be applied to enhance food safety practices. Through a blend of instruction, practical exercises, and discussions on ethics, security, and the future of AI, participants will gain hands-on experience in integrating AI tools into their work routines. The workshop format encourages lively participation and is flexible to adapt to the audience's engagement, ensuring a rich learning experience that blends foundational knowledge with cutting-edge applications in food safety.  Please bring a laptop or mobile device to access the freely available generative AI tools you'll use during this workshop. 

This workshop is specifically designed for state, local, territorial, and tribal regulatory agencies. It is recommended that participants from regulatory agencies be program managers and/or staff responsible for working on self-assessments, preparing for verification audits, or both.   Registration will be capped at two per jurisdiction and will close once capacity is reached. A waitlist will then be created. 

Taking Your Instructor Skills from Ordinary, to Extraordinary!

Get ready for an interactive learning experience that will challenge your current way of delivering training. Walk away with new ideas on how to engage your participants and make not-so-exciting topics the most memorable and enjoyable for your learners.   Who should attend: If you deliver training and have a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, then this session is perfect for you. 

SPEAKERS

• Catherine Hosman, Funding Programs Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials 
• Brenda Morris, Director of Produce Safety, Association of Food and Drug Officials

Adapt and Thrive: Cultivating Change Management Concepts

Unravel the mysteries of change by discovering how to lead and implement change techniques that help your team adapt and thrive.   Who should attend: Anyone who is in a position to lead, seeking to be in a position to lead, or is given opportunities to lead. 

SPEAKERS

• Jacob Fleig, SAFHER Implementation Manager, Association of Food and Drug Officials 
• Kellie Isaac, Chief Innovation Officer, SAFHER Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials
• Debbie Pickle, SAFHER Implementation Manager, Association of Food and Drug Officials

Retail Foods Program Managers Roundtable Discussion (INVITE ONLY)

Session info coming soon.  

Manufactured Foods Program Managers Roundtable Discussion (INVITE ONLY)

Session info coming soon.  

Dr. Don and Professor Ben will record a live episode of their (mostly) biweekly hit food safety podcast called Food Safety Talk. They have been recording together for almost 13 years and still strive to be relevant, funny, and informative… or at the very least make each other laugh. Don and Ben will open the session by talking about food safety in the news. After they cover the stories of the day and anything else they have on their minds they will take questions from the audience.

Introductory Remarks and Welcomes

SPEAKERS

• Dr. Tim Boring, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development  
• Adam London, Ph.D., RS, DAAS, Administrative Health Officer, Kent County Health Department   
• Steven Mandernach, Executive Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials  
• Ted McKinney, CEO, The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) 

Endowment Foundation Address

SPEAKER

• Cynthia Culmo, Principal Consultant, CC Consulting   

President’s Address

SPEAKER

• Katherine Simon, Food and Feed Safety Division Director, Minnesota Department of Agriculture 

Glenn W. Kilpatrick Memorial Conversation

MODERATOR

• Joseph Corby, Senior Advisor, Association of Food and Drug Officials 

SPEAKER

• Roberta Wagner, Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association

We used to agree on facts, even when we disagreed on how they should be applied or exactly what they meant. Not anymore. Today, we live in a post-truth world where an online influencer may have more social credibility than leading scientists. In this session, Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, will explain how we got here and more importantly how we can make the science-based information we rely on, relevant and meaningful to an increasingly skeptical public. The session will include workshop activities using real life examples like the growth in cottage foods and home-based restaurants. Come prepared to learn and work as we apply the trust building principles to these challenging topics.

This session will delve into consumer education issues regarding trust and food safety. Moderated by Benjamin Chapman, PhD, with speakers Mitzi Baum, M.Sc., and Brittanny Saunier, the format will include succinct introductions followed by a round table discussion. Topics will span challenges, new research findings, and strategic next steps in consumer risk communication and education within the food safety domain.

Join us for an essential discussion addressing the economic hurdles facing the legal cannabis industry in the United States. Explore the intricate balance between regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and consumer safety, with a focus on mitigating barriers to entry and long-term sustainability. Gain actionable insights into fostering a single robust framework that promotes economic viability and market growth. This session is designed to include different vantage points while offering a collaborative platform to strategize and implement effective solutions for a thriving, regulated cannabis industry.

A welcome from the Body Art Committee Chairs

Learn about the Produce Safety Rule as it applies to both the Retail and Manufactured Food Programs.

Whether you are newly enrolled in the Retail Program Standards, have dabbled in the Standards, or have successfully met and verified one or more Standards, you may also have this question that keeps coming up for jurisdictions: “How do I maintain conformance with the Retail Program Standards when our workforce and priorities are ever changing?” This session will equip you with tools, resources, and information needed to support your jurisdiction’s success with the Retail Program Standards now and in the future.

Join us to hear from your state and local health colleagues as they share their lessons learned from outreach responses, including some unique products, environments, and investigational approaches.

Engage with a distinguished panel of food safety culture practitioners as they share practical strategies and nuanced perspectives during this expert panel session. Drawing from extensive experience and research, the panel will offer valuable insights into fostering a resilient food safety culture within organizations. Prepare to delve into substantive discussions that explore effective implementation methods and address challenges faced by industry and regulatory professionals.

Irradiation of packaged ink is an effective method of controlling pathogens in tattoo ink and permanent makeup ink. Under MoCRA, safety substantiation is required. Using a validated process is necessary to assure the safety of inks. The validation requirements for gamma, e-beam and x-ray irradiation sterilization of tattoo and Permanent makeup will be discussed.

USDA reports that 44.2 million people didn’t have enough to eat and didn’t know where their next meal would come from in 2022. Even more people – 1 in 5 in the United States – turn to food banks, food pantries, and other food programs to feed their families. The need for nourishing, safe food is great. How do we rise to the challenges? Share your innovative approaches, ask questions, and learn from each other in a discussion with a variety of experts who work to end hunger.

Are you taking advantage of the workshops offered? Workshops are available to help bring stakeholders together in your state and improve aspects of produce safety practices. Hear an overview of these training opportunities to help you determine the next workshop in your state.

The tattoo community has embraced a disposable model, and this has resulted in huge benefits for public safety and worker safety. Piercing studios can also be disposable, however, there are some key differences from tattoo studios. This presentation addresses different strategies for disposable piercing studios, and the ways studio owners and health officials can collaboratively work on compliance that benefits public health.

Has this ever happened to you? You walk into a food establishment, and see something you know you are supposed to know, but you don't? Then it hits you ... this overwhelming stress, and you quickly try to figure it out so you aren't embarrassed. Or, have you ever found yourself looking at a food product, scratching your head, and saying, “What in the world is this?” If you've ever felt this way, then this is the session for you! This interactive experience explores innovation, technology, and new products from around the world. Adding to the excitement, there is a “pushing the limits” section: The challenge is to think of new ways to integrate innovations and new technologies into the food safety landscape while protecting public health.

Discussion of the effect of MoCRA on Tattoo and Permanent makeup shops, and other professions that use cosmetics in their practice. Although not directly responsible for MoCRA compliance, the artist / shop owner will feel the effects of the changes. The presentation will focus on the effects of MoCRA on professionals.

Mushrooms are a hot topic for both produce and retail food programs. How are wild-foraged and farm-raised mushrooms are handled under the Produce Safety Rule and how is it determined whether mushrooms are an approved source for retail programs.

Discussion of the dynamics of body art facility inspection... What does a shop owner do when the inspector shows up? What is "professional behavior" on the part of the inspector? Keeping calm and in the moment is best.

A Taste of Pure Michigan

Embark on a gourmet journey as you dash from table to table, sampling an array of delectable dishes from the Grand Rapid’s Downtown Market's finest vendors. Pair your culinary adventures with refreshing beverages, including craft beers, fine wines, artisanal cocktails, mocktails by the teenage bartender and specialized pop. Groove to the rhythm of live music, adding a dash of fun and festivity to your dining experience.

Join us for this multi-perspective panel discussion exploring the complexity of home-based food producers as a food source. As cottage foods have exponentially expanded in the US market and legislative agendas, bake sales and jellies are the farmers’ market are no longer the norm. This in-depth conversation will delve into the nuance of the economic, cultural, political, and public health issues so you are prepared to influence from your seat at the table.

As a follow-up to his 2023 presentation on the opportunities and challenges inherent in teaching, training, and employing Generation Z, Dr. Evans will discuss effective strategies for ensuring robust food safety teams and outcomes in light of changing food trends, foodservice innovation, and cultural headwinds.

Root Cause Analysis can be most valuable when it's used proactively, before a foodborne illness outbreak has occurred. Learn how industry, academic, and regulatory partners are working to incorporate RCA into their work culture.

Take an enlightening journey to uncover the transformative power of visualizing data to improve food safety. Begin by delving into the nuances of popular visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI, offering a comparison to help you choose the right tool for your data storytelling needs. Then, speakers will showcase the art of creating compelling visualizations for local, state, and federal regulatory programs, demonstrating real-world applications that have led to significant insights. Through a series of dynamic presentations and demonstrations, this panel will guide you through the best practices for designing clear, intuitive visualizations that not only captivate but also communicate complex data effectively to diverse audiences. Join this collaborative exploration into how data visualization can serve as a pivotal communication tool, driving informed decision-making and fostering a culture of transparency and excellence in food safety programs.

When a product being sold isn’t clearly a food, drug, or supplement, who has jurisdiction? How do agencies rapidly respond to these kinds of public health threats, especially when it seems like there’s regularly something new? The panel will share some case study experiences and talk about building partnerships to respond.

This session offers a unique opportunity to explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with rescheduling cannabis, providing valuable perspectives from diverse stakeholders as they anticipate and adapt to regulatory shifts in this evolving landscape. As calls for reevaluation gain momentum, diverse stakeholders will offer valuable perspectives on the complexities of rescheduling cannabis as they anticipate and adapt to regulatory shifts in this evolving industry. Panelists will explore potential benefits and challenges surrounding product standardization, distribution channels, public safety, and market competition. Gain insights from industry leaders, legal experts, and policymakers on the intricacies of rescheduling and its impact on both the existing cannabis marketplace, as well as other, parallel industries.

Attend this session to help avoid your own "outtakes!" Sit in on this fun, interactive role-play dialogue between food safety regulators and industry to help you become a "star" on the food safety "Walk of Fame." Learn communication tips and best practices from a panel of presenters (and maybe even join a skit yourself!).

Are you considering updating your jurisdiction’s body art regulations but don’t know where to start? The NEHA Body Art Model Code (BAMC) is the only comprehensive model code that addresses current body art issues and public health risks and is available for jurisdictions to adopt. During this presentation resources, including the Annex to the BAMC and the 2024 BAMC adoption toolkit will be shared. You will leave this presentation with an understanding of the rigorous Code update process, stories from local jurisdictions that adopted the Code, and how you can do the same.

For the first time ever, Romaine farmers are sharing and aggregating data to advance food safety in leafy greens. The Romaine Test & Learn program requires farmers to use standardized testing for both pre-harvest and finished product. The data that farmers submit will be analyzed over a period of two years to identify risks and improve food safety.

Leveraging the collective expertise of professionals across various domains, this panel will delve into the distinctive challenges related to occupational health and safety in this new legal industry. Employing evidence-based research and pragmatic insights, the discourse will explore effective strategies for mitigating risks associated with the cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing of cannabis, while also ensuring the well-being of workers.

Embark on a captivating journey through this engaging session to unravel the intricate tapestry of food safety in cultural cuisines. Visit the earthy richness of dried wood ear mushrooms in Asian dishes, the unique Alaskan tradition of seal blubber utilization, and the vibrant flavors of kimchi in Korean fare to explore the food safety implications of these culturally significant ingredients.

The FDA Food Traceability Rule, the last major FSMA regulation, requires the food industry to collect, maintain, and share data up and down the supply chain, and that includes facility tracing. With an effective date of January 2026, this rule impacts every type of food business, from farm to retail and those in between. Learn more about the FDA requirements, current implementation efforts and challenges, and some expert tips and tricks from the A-team of food safety and traceability.

Learn more about how states have coordinated and communicated with their various partners when responding to a positive sample result collected under the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model.

This session is designed as a dynamic, hands-on experience for food safety professionals who are eager to explore the potential of AI and big data. It will unfold in two parts: an expert panel discussion followed by an audience-engaging exercise. The diverse panel of experts with varied perspectives will shed light on the practical application of AI and big data to bolster food safety initiatives. Following the discussion, participants will engage in a group activity to tackle specific food safety challenges, facilitating a deep dive into relevant questions and the potential for applying AI tools. The session promises a comprehensive learning experience, emphasizing clarity on AI's role in food safety and fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange.

Familiarize yourself with water and key components of a well.

Current happenings at APT.

Building a Stronger State Produce Program using the Produce Regulatory Program Standards (PRPS)

The AFDO Healthy People 2030 Norovirus Workgroup has been working in collaboration with others on the development of new and improved employee health assessment tools in the fight against norovirus. Hear workgroup leaders from FDA and CDC discuss the status of this crucial work at retail and how you can provide input and get involved.

The Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act is currently changing the way cosmetic products, including tattoo ink, are regulated in the United States. This presentation will provide an overview of tattoo ink manufacturing as it relates to the 7 primary elements of MoCRA, FDA inspections, and general GMP compliance concepts.

Hear about NASDA updates and work in produce safety.

The Retail State Surveys 2.0 were completed with State Retail Program Managers in 2023. These interviews asked over 40 questions about staffing, training programs, risk-based inspections, compliance, and the Retail Standards. So, what’s new in the retail food landscape? Bring your coffee and join us to hear about the colorful landscape of State Retail Programs.

What is an automated Witron Distribution Center?  A fully automated warehouse is a facility that uses automated logistics solutions to carry out all operations, from goods receiving to the processing of orders and their subsequent dispatch. Discover more about these centers, which are characterized by minimal operator intervention in the logistics processes.  NSF Laboratory Tour: NSF was founded in 1944 at the University of Michigan School of Public Health to develop consensus national standards related to the sanitation of food and water; our mission is to improve human and planet health. This tour of the NSF laboratories will take you through some of the over 130,000 ft2 of lab space at NSF’s headquarters located in Ann Arbor, MI. These state-of-the-art, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited and OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) include the leading drinking water treatment systems laboratory worldwide for assessing water filtration performance and material safety, and the leading laboratory for testing for contaminants and athletic banned substances in dietary supplements and functional foods. Other labs on-site include bio-safety cabinetry testing and the engineering and microbiology labs that are fundamental to food equipment evaluations. NSF welcomes you to see the work we do every day to support our shared missions and hope you enjoy the tour!

FDA update on their vision of the path forward for regulating CBD and other cannabinoids.   

Meet the Regulatory Experts who approve hundreds of variances in one calendar year. Get insider information on policies, procedures, and setting expectations as they relate to variances, HACCP plans, and special processes at retail. AFDO has a new guidance tool for your toolbox on how to meet the recommended requirements of the FDA Food Code in Relation to Specialized Processing Methods at Retail. It's called Guidance for Developing HACCP Plans for Specialized Processes at Retail. There is a raffle during this session for five (5) free guides, but you must be on time to receive your raffle ticket and you must be present to win a copy.

Are you curious how cannabis is produced and manufactured? Do you wonder what the inside of a cannabis facility looks like? Are you involved with the regulation of cannabis? If so, please join us for a unique opportunity to increase your awareness and education on a cannabis facility tour during this year’s AFDO Educational Conference. From raw ingredients to finished products, you’ll observe firsthand the inner workings and protocols for cannabis horticulture, trimming, drying, and curing; as well as the manufacturing and processing practices that transform raw cannabis flowers into the multitude of products available on the market today. Participants will see how cannabis regulations function in a real-life setting, better understand the importance of quality assurance and standards in this nascent industry and speak candidly with the cannabis facility team and other experts.

This interactive session empowers you to apply critical thinking skills to be proactive and preventive as they relate to foodborne illness outbreaks. We'll learn to solve a real-world retail mystery that no one saw coming: the FBI Outbreak! Industry, regulatory, and academia will investigate, question, and explore:

• Noting false flags, challenges, and barriers
• Knowing and applying critical thinking
• Directing your resources
• Working efficiently
• Providing tools
• Messaging to your team
• Being solution driven

No one saw this coming! Can you crack the Foodborne Illness Outbreak at Retail?