Pueblo Food Regulatory Standard Program

Project Summary/Abstract In order to reduce foodborne illnesses and associated burdens, consistentstandards must be in place. Thus, the Pueblo City-County Health Department (PCCHD)is committed to continuing to adopt and align with the FDA Voluntary National RetailFood Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS). PCCHD will continuously improvequality of services provided, efficiency and effectiveness of retail food inspectionprogram and staff members, and align with the national food safety system. Severalstrategies are proposed to achieve alignment and adoption of the VNRFRPS. First, training and system improvements are constant requirements to ensuresuccessful adoption and alignment with VNRFRPS. Common knowledge leads touniform policies, procedures and implementation of standards. Additionally, having asystem to support data evaluation and guide decision making at the local level is crucialto ensuring PCCHD and retail food establishments are taking efforts to reducefoodborne illness risk factors and protect the local, state and national food system. The Pueblo Partners in Food Safety Program, which requires implementation ofactive managerial controls, will be expanded through the addition of retail foodestablishments. Currently, 10 percent of licensed facilities are Partners. PCCHD iscommitted to expanding enrollment and ultimately increasing active managerial controlof foodborne illness risk factors through innovative strategies such as videos, interactivetrainings and forums, and language specific education and outreach. Next, to enhance foodborne illness and food defense preparedness andresponse, a tabletop exercise will be held. Surrounding county health departments andpartner agencies will be invited to participate with PCCHD?s Foodborne Illness TaskForce to increase knowledge, assess policies, procedures and response to foodborneillness outbreak investigations that may affect southern Colorado. PCCHD serves as a resource for smaller counties in southern Colorado and willcontinue providing services and mentorship. The FDA retail food standards havealready improved the food safety program at PCCHD and as more standards are met,quality, efficiency and effectiveness will increase as well.