ORA U

[Visit ORA U]

AFDO, in concert with the National Food Safety System (NFSS), strongly believes in the concept of a “national” food safety training program. This national program would leverage training resources from all levels of government and would be provided to all levels of government. While there are several components to such a national food safety training program, AFDO believes that one of the most impressive systems currently available is the Food and Drug Administration’s ORA U.

The Food and Drug Administration has developed this comprehensive training system for new and experienced food safety officials. This training system, based on recognized uniform criteria, is comprised of: web-based training, classroom training, exercises, on-the-job training and a final audit. The web-based training is being developed in partnership with the private learning firm, EduNeering. AFDO, through “States Helping States”, is assisting with the identification and development of classroom training and exercises. This comprehensive system, ORA U, will be available at no cost to regulatory officials and provide Continuing Education Units for many courses completed. The same web-based training can be obtained by industry for a fee via EduNeering.

Web-based courses offer a cost-effective way to provide and enhance training. Courses can be completed at any time, from any computer. This eliminates the need for travel, related expenses, and makes a multitude of courses available to all regulatory personnel who may need them.

Web-based Core Curriculum courses currently include:

• Basic Food Law
  
• Food Microbiology
  
• Basics of HACCP
  
• Investigating Foodborne Illness
  
• Basics of Inspection
  
• Food GMPs

For a preview of this training, visit the Tour of FDA.

Bookmark this portion of the AFDO website and check it regularly for updated information on ORA U. AFDO will keep you updated on the status of ORA U and its availability to all regulatory officials.