Resources

Food Protection
Task Force Tools
Public Policy
Conferences and Events
Resource Library

NASDA Food Emergency Response Template
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) in collaboration with several federal agencies and private sector partners developed the NASDA Food Emergency Response Template updated in January 2011. The template is designed to be used by states and their partners to develop a state food emergency response plan in an effort to develop a seamless system of food defense between local, state and federal jurisdictions.
CDC Foodborne Outbreak Online Database (FOOD Tool)
CDC developed this web-based platform for searching CDC’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System database. It’s designed to allow the public direct access to information on foodborne outbreaks reported to CDC since 1998. Users can search by state, food, or germ. The tool displays data on interactive maps, graphs and charts. Tool has been updated with 2016 data
CIFOR Toolkit Third Edition-

The Third Edition of the Toolkit was developed to help implement the third edition of the Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response, released in 2020. It contains worksheets and keys to success designed to help agencies identify which recommendations work best for their jurisdictions. The Toolkit is intended to:
- help state and local health departments understand the Guidelines,
- conduct a self-assessment of their outbreak detection and investigation procedures,
- implement appropriate recommendations from the second edition of the CIFOR Guidelines.
CIFOR Foodborne Illness Response Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Managers of Food Establishments

The CIFOR Industry Guidelines were developed as voluntary guidance for owners, operators, and managers of retail food establishments ("Industry") to help outline, clarify, and explain Industry's recommended role in a foodborne illness outbreak investigation. The document provides step-by-step approaches to important aspects of outbreak response such as preparation, detection, investigation, control, and follow-up. By using the CIFOR Industry Guidelines and its tools, Industry can take an active and educated role in outbreak response and investigation thereby reducing negative health impact to the public and negative economic impact to their businesses.
Best Practices

Food Protection best practices document has been posted to the AFDO Food Protection Program Portal!

Government

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. FDA's 2018 Strategic Policy Roadmap, FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) Directory
FDA Office of Food and Veterinary Medicine (FVM)- The Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine is responsible, on behalf of the Commissioner, for providing all elements of FDA's Foods Program leadership, guidance, and support to achieve the Agency's public health goals. The Office is also the focal point for planning implementation of the recommendations of the President's Food Safety Working Group and the new food safety authorities contained in the 2011 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. FDA Office of Food and Veterinary Medicine Program Strategic Plan Framework, FY 2016-2025
United States Department of Food and Agriculture (USDA) provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. USDA Strategic Plan 2014-2018
Association of Food and Drug Officials Association (AFDO) AFDO is an international, non-profit organization that is in the forefront of streamlining and simplifying regulations by either drafting regulatory rules or by commenting on government proposals. By developing a broad base of support for new approaches, AFDO has become a recognized voice in determining the rules and shape of the regulatory playing field of the future. 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. AFDO develops support for its positions by interfacing with high-level regulatory officials, industry representatives, trade associations, and consumer organizations. This continues to have a significant impact on regulations at the federal, state and local level. AFDO Directory of State and Local Officials (DSLO)
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). NASDA grows and enhances agriculture by forging partnerships and creating consensus to achieve sound policy between state departments of agriculture, the federal government, and stakeholders.
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)- Advocacy is NEHA’s way of being a voice for environmental health professionals on policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
National Association of County and City Health Officers (NACCHO)- As the national voice for Local Health Departments, NACCHO serves a critical role in Washington. All of NACCHO’s advocacy efforts focus on informing policymakers of the critical role that local health departments play in keeping our communities healthy and safe.
The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities, managed jointly by FAO and WHO with the secretariat in WHO. National authorities of 186 Member States are part of the network
National Conference of State Legislatures (2018)

NCSL is committed to the success of all legislators and staff. Our mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures and ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

Non-Profit

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas School of Law encompasses multi-disciplinary research, service, and education opportunities.
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA)is an association of non-profit consumer organizations that was established in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education.
Stop Foodborne Illness is a national nonprofit public health organization dedicated to the prevention of illness and death from foodborne pathogens. Promoting sound food safety policy and best practices. Building public awareness. Assisting those impacted by foodborne illness.
The Pew Charitable Trustsis driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and invigorate civic life.
Feeding America - The Feeding America network of food banks serves 46 million people each year. We have to be sure that food we feed children, seniors and families facing hunger is not only filling and healthy, but also safe.