By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension is offering free Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training in Columbia from May 20-22, thanks to funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
This training is crucial for food manufacturing facilities to comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's strict food safety regulations, particularly the Food Safety Modernization Act.
According to MU Extension food safety expert Kantha Channaiah, PCQI training equips individuals to "prevent, identify and/or eliminate potential safety hazards effectively."
Channaiah emphasizes that "PCQI training is a specialized program designed by the FDA in collaboration with industry stakeholders to educate key individuals responsible for developing and implementing a facility’s food safety plan to prevent physical, chemical and biological hazards entering the safety of the finished food products."
The training covers preventive controls, risk assessment, hazard analysis, and regulatory compliance. It is essential for food industry professionals overseeing hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls.
Channaiah notes that "For food manufacturers, PCQI training is an investment in safety, compliance, consumer confidence and business success."
Eligible Missouri participants include small-scale food producers, small-scale farmers, start-up food companies, and state and local food inspectors. The PCQI (Human Food) Training is a collaboration between MU Extension and Mizzou’s food science program.
Registration is available online at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/pcqi-human-food-training-2, and further information can be obtained by contacting Channaiah directly at lchannaiah@missouri.edu or 573-882-2673.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Business, Education