Strengthening Retail Food Programs Through Capacity Building and Collaboration in the Midwest
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) achieved full conformance with all nine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards in 2024, supported largely through NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model grants. Funding enabled the hiring of a full-time standards coordinator, creation of a statewide Community of Practice, and development of inspector training modules to improve consistency and collaboration among food safety agencies. MDA also launched a mentorship program to strengthen onboarding and staff retention. Building on this success, MDA and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing are leading a new Midwest Regional Food Standards Network to expand partnerships, share resources, and strengthen retail food safety systems across jurisdictions. Additional initiatives include a Skills & Auditor Inventory to connect agencies with subject matter experts and experienced auditors. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in environmental health and food safety practices.
Source: Journal of environmental health
DOI: 10.70387/001c.161613
Author: David Boberg
Institution: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Language: English
Topic: Food Safety and Hygiene
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7160494128
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