Although the dairy industry is one of the most regulated food industries in the United States, many dairy industry professionals only come face-to-face with regulators when inspectors come knocking on their doors.

IDFA's Regulatory RoundUP provides the opportunity for dairy professionals to hear firsthand from the decision-makers who have direct responsibility for the rules that affect dairy plants, products and personnel. The conference also features experts who provide insight into emerging issues affecting dairy professionals and the industry.

“Regulatory RoundUP is designed specifically to address the most pressing regulatory issues facing our member companies and provide information and guidance on preparing for regulatory changes,” said Danielle Quist, IDFA senior director of regulatory affairs and counsel. “The program gives industry professionals the ability to speak directly with those who create and enforce dairy regulations.”

Federal Decision-makers for Dairy

• FDA Views from the Top: Douglas Stearn, deputy director, regulatory affairs, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will present key priorities for the agency’s regulatory agenda, along with expectations for oversight of and outreach to the dairy foods and ingredients industry over the coming years.

• FDA Preventive Control Inspections and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance: Les Boian, milk program director, Branch III, Office of State Cooperative Programs, FDA, will offer updates on the agency’s preventive control inspections of Grade "A" products under the new Appendix T of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. He’ll also discuss progress on current inspections of non-Grade "A" and mixed facilities and potential changes for the future.
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service: Working for U.S. Dairy at Home and Abroad: Dana Coale, deputy administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, will provide insights into federal commodity procurement activities, including dairy product purchases for food banks, and AMS dairy grading, inspection and auditing activities. She’ll also update attendees on Federal Milk Marketing Order activities, including the new California federal order, and review activities affecting U.S. dairy trade and exports.
• Intentional Adulteration Rule Compliance: Is Your Plant Ready? Jon Woody, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service, and director, food defense and emergency coordination staff, CFSAN, FDA, will provide insight into the agency’s current thinking about this rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The presentation will offer timely information ahead of the rule’s pending July compliance date.

Attendees will also hear from several food industry executives about the importance of collaboration with regulators. The full agenda is available online.

• Register today

Members with questions may contact Quist at dquist@idfa.org.