Become an AFDO member
Since 1896, AFDO has been a major voice for food, drug, medical device and consumer product safety officials. We encourage broad participation in the many issues that we are currently involved in, among them are: Integrating the Food Safety System, National Uniformity Legislation, Improvement Strategies for Recalls, Promotion of HACCP, Food Safety Education, Industry and Regulatory Training, and Uniform Regulatory Practices.
Those of us who are charged with the responsibility of protecting public health in agencies and industry across America need to work together to enable our resources to stretch further to get the job done. Recalls often involve more than one state and mandate the ability to communicate information and strategies quickly.
AFDO has initiated a “Call to Action” for all stakeholders affected by national health issues. Today, more than ever before, there is a need for unity among those who protect public health in government, industry, and academia to address the mounting challenges to our resources and resolve.
Help shape sound, science-based rules, laws, and best practices that protect public health
Members support AFDO’s mission while enjoying year-long benefits such as free admission to events, discounts, and access to exclusive member-only content.
AFDO offers several different membership categories – choose the one that is right for you or your organization.
Memberships run on a calendar year and start January 1.
Available individual membership tiers
Regulatory/ Government
$50 per year
Individuals engaged in regulatory agency law enforcement at state, federal or local levels. These individuals receive full member services, may vote and hold office.
AFDO Alumni
$50 per year
Individuals retired from agencies charged with enforcement of food, drug, cosmetic, device or product safety laws, ordinances or regulations or employees of or consultants for firms regulated by food, drug, cosmetic, device or product safety and regulated consumer protection laws. These individuals must be officially retired from the agency and must not be working or consulting for any entities regulated by regulatory members of AFDO. “Retired” is defined as those who derive more than 75% of their income from pensions or retirement plans.
ACADEMIA/Student
$50 per year
ACADEMIA Individuals employed by a two- or four- year college or university involved in education or research involving foods, drugs, cosmetics, devices, or product safety. These individuals receive all mailings, may serve as advisors to AFDO committees, but may not vote or hold office.
STUDENT Any student enrolled in a two-year, four-year, or graduate program relating to foods, drugs, cosmetics, devices or product safety. These individuals receive all mailings, but cannot vote or hold office.
CONSUMER
$50 per year
Individuals interested in the objectives of AFDO, but do not fall under any of the other five categories. Consumers are not actively engaged as consultants for food or medical product industries.
Industry/small business
$325 per year
Employees of consumer organizations, or employees of a firm, business, professional, consumer or trade association interested in AFDO activities. These members shall be entitled to receive all mailings, may serve as an advisor to AFDO committees, but cannot vote or hold office.
AFDO Contributing Member
$625 per year
This membership category is for those individuals and their organizations that would like to support the ongoing activities of the association through an “increased” level of contribution.
Honorary
Free
Honorary Membership are individuals who have been regulatory members and who are nominated by the Board of Directors and elected by the Association to this class of membership in recognition of their “substantial contributions” to the achievement of the objectives of the Association. Items that shall be considered in awarding the Association’s Honorary Membership are the leadership roles taken by the candidate in both the national Association and/or the regional affiliates, as well as the contributions made by the candidate to the basic mission of consumer protection while serving as an officer in the enforcement of food, drug, cosmetic device, or product-safety laws. Honorary Members shall have all the rights and privileges of a regulatory member unless said Honorary Member becomes associated with a regulated industry, causing their rights and privileges to be limited to those of an individual Industry Membership.
Is group membership right for your organization? Check out the savings!
group Membership
Group Membership is intended to provide organizations with multiple members the opportunity to join as a group at a reduced rate. Each subcategory is divided into Government and Non-Government entities. To be eligible for group membership, a list of all interested members of the group must be submitted together to afdo@afdo.org indicating who the group contact will be. AFDO will contact that person with additional instructions for joining as a group. The following group memberships are available:
| Government | Non‐Government | |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10 | $46 each | $300 each |
| 11-20 | $44 each | $285 each |
| 21-50 | $42 each | $270 each |
| Greater than 50 | $40 each | $255 each |
Membership benefits
The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) is the premiere professional organization for regulatory food, drug, and medical device officials from local, state, and federal agencies. It is also an organization for officials from these regulated industries. AFDO is an effective organization with a solid record of accomplishment. It actively works to improve and protect the nation’s health and safety and to further the concepts of uniform and rational regulation. AFDO has become a recognized voice in determining and shaping the national policies that affect all public health stakeholders.
The consensus that AFDO develops is key to advancing uniform laws, regulations, and guidelines that result in more efficient regulation and less confusion among industry in the marketplace. Membership within AFDO affords industry officials the following opportunities:
Professional Growth
Our regulatory environment is unique. Even with our diversity, we share the same problems and solutions, though our regulations and approaches might differ significantly. We get some of our best ideas from each other – practical solutions to real problems. This opportunity to network gives you valuable insight into the regulatory thought process.
Annual Educational Conference
Each June, AFDO holds a five-day educational conference. This conference attracts leaders from regulatory agencies, regulated industries, and academia. Members are provided up-to-date, accurate information on current legislative, regulatory, and technical issues.
Committees
The Association has many standing and ad hoc committees that deal with the varied interests of the membership. Members are invited to participate fully in the research and deliberations by joining the committees of their choice. Each committee receives annual charges that address current and emerging issues. Formal reports of committee activities are provided to all members.
Model Codes and Legislation
Growing out of the work of committees are the model codes and ordinances that AFDO has developed over the years. Working on these codes can be a personal education in the legislative process at the same time that it helps move the nation toward regulatory uniformity.
Outreach
AFDO comprises six regional affiliates. Through its regional affiliates, a partnership process has been created which links all the affiliates with each other and with the national organization. Regional association resolutions are forwarded to AFDO for consideration by its membership. In addition, AFDO appoints representatives to work with other major associations. This promotes cooperation and coordination on projects of general interest.
Sphere of Influence
Being an open organization with leadership elected by its members, AFDO speaks out on behalf of, and in full consultation with, its membership. Important resolutions are adopted at the annual conferences and given serious consideration by both industry and governmental agencies. AFDO Board members meet with the leadership of these regulatory bodies both formally and informally to exchange views.
Publications
AFDO publishes technical papers, reports, information circulars, and booklets that are available to members either gratis or at cost.