Application for funding resources to support conformance with the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS).

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VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - FOOD AND LODGING PROGRAM Advancing Conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards Vermont is a small New England state with a population of approximately 620,000 people. The Vermont food landscape is diverse, with many small producers and retail establishments selling and preparing local products from farm to table. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) is the state’s lead agency for public health policy and advocacy. The Vermont Department of Health Food & Lodging Program (VDHFL) is responsible for inspection and licensing of approximately 6,000 licensees that include both retail establishments and manufactured food producers. Inspection activities and outreach to retail food service establishments comprises approximately 80% of VDHFL program resources and work. VDHFL has been enrolled in the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS) since 2012, and has used the self-assessment process and standards as a means for identifying program improvements needed for the inspection, regulation, enforcement, and outreach for Vermont food service establishments. A comprehensive action plan has been developed that serves as the Strategic Plan for the state program. Several initiatives underway and priorities of the VDH Division of Environmental Health Strategic Plan will directly support implementation of the retail standards. The department is committed to a comprehensive update of program regulations based on science, IT system modernization, and shifting toward a risk-based inspection program. The main obstacle that has slowed progress implementing the standards has been personnel resources. VDHFL is applying for cooperative agreement funding for a 0.5 FTE Retail Standards Coordinator to support significant progress implementing the retail program standards. 1