Advantages of Official FSPCA PCQI Animal Food Training

Cynthia Weber, August 21, 2023

U.S. FDA regulations require that specific food safety tasks, such as writing up food safety plans, must be undertaken by a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI). It’s an important role and one that cannot be performed by just anyone on the team. 

PCQIs aren’t just food safety professionals. They are individuals who have either completed training in the overall development and application of risk-based preventive controls in food safety. Or, they otherwise have the qualified and extensive job experience to handle the development and implementation of a food safety system. 

Training to be an Animal Food PCQI is the quickest route an individual or a company can take to assure they have the regulatory staff they need to cover these important tasks.  

What is PCQI Animal Food Training? 

Official courses approach this PCQI Animal Food training by addressing the rule provisions within the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Specifically, they cover the rules regarding CGMPs, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food. 

Individuals can expect to be introduced to FSMA requirements for:  

  • Staff and personnel  
  • Holding and distribution 
  • Facilities and grounds  
  • Equipment and operations 
  • Sanitation practices 
  • Plumbing and water supply 

Who Benefits From the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Animal Food? 

There is little question that the person who will hold the responsibilities of being PCQI will benefit most. However, anyone interested in learning more about how to write a Food Safety Plan according to FSMA requirements will also greatly benefit. 

In either case, PCQI training for animal food profits both facilities and individuals that seek to comply with U.S. FDA’s food safety compliance requirements.  

Does FDA Require PCQI Training? 

As mentioned above, only a PCQI can execute certain activities required under FSMA, but the official training itself is not mandatory though it is the quickest and easiest way to satisfy this requirement.  

However, if you, someone on staff, or an individual you can hire has the sort of extensive experience FDA requires, then you can bypass taking the official course. This option can become far more costly and risk FDA Notice of Actions if this individual isn’t as qualified as originally thought. 

FSPCA PCQI Animal Food Training Made Easy 

With Registrar Corp, you can get the training you need to become a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for animal food.  

With our quick and user-friendly course, you’ll learn to develop and implement an FDA-compliant Food Safety Plan for pet food, animal feed, or raw materials and ingredients.  

It’s convenient, self paced, and 100% online for the working professional with a busy schedule. 

Learn more or start today.