5 replies to this topic

[ClaudiaBuonofiglio]

Hello, I am a biologist, since I have been a quality manager for 15 years:

I have done many courses on food safety, HACCP, management systems of company productions,

types of food analysis.

I have enough experience on the subject,

So...I necessarily need to take a course to become PCQI??

In Italy they cost around €1000.00.

How else can I do to receive recognition as PCQI not spending so much money?

Can I do it online in a country where you pay less?? Thank you so much to anyone who will want to answer.
Have a nice day

[Lesley.Roberts]

 UCM551983.pdf   447.48KB   25 downloads

 

 

 

Hi Claudia

 

See page 30 of the attached FDA guidance 

 

You only need this qualification if your site is subject to the PCAF rule.

 

I believe SGS can provide an online course (I don't know the cost).

 

 

[The Food Scientist]

Since you have the professional experience & expertise, it's not mandatory to sit for it. But many people still do like to sit for it to gain the knowledge on how to properly adapt a PC food safety plan.

[Antores]

Is not necessary:

 

PC.7 How does a PCQI demonstrate that he or she is qualified to serve as a PCQI?

The preventive controls for human food final rule specifies that a PCQI is a qualified individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by FDA or be otherwise qualified through job experience to develop and apply a food safety system. Job experience may qualify an individual to perform these functions if such experience has provided an individual with knowledge at least equivalent to that provided through the standardized curriculum.

However, the rule does not require any specific certifications, including certification by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA). An individual may voluntarily choose to attend the PCQI training provided through the FSPCA, but this is not mandatory. In general, FDA will assess the adequacy of a facility’s food safety plan rather than an individual’s documented qualifications. Deficiencies in the food safety plan indicate that a PCQI may need additional training specific to the rule, irrespective of documented training and experience.

[mgourley]

While it's possible to be qualified through job experience, you have to prove that to the FDA. Given your background, that may not be very difficult.

If you can show/document understanding of the Food Safety Plan vs. HACCP, again, you should be good to go.

 

There are online options, but they are roughly the same price for a classroom training.

 

Marshall

[ClaudiaBuonofiglio]

Good morning Marshall,
I'd like to do it. What should I present? A my Haccp? Other jobs? Where is it? Surely it would not cost € 1000! Thank you very much for helping.