New Study: Analysis of Factors Influencing the Implementation of Risk-Based Inspections

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Implementation of Risk-Based Inspections Released

A new study by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) aimed to identify, better understand, and assess the application of risk-based inspection (RBI) methods currently employed by local retail food regulatory programs while seeking to identify the overarching barriers preventing the application of RBI methods.

The study identified success factors by jurisdictions using risk-based inspections—such as funding, training, and leadership buy-in—as well as common barriers including inadequate staffing and time needed to train existing staff. Based on the findings, actionable recommendations were derived for national retail food safety partners, federal agencies, and state, local, tribal, and territorial regulatory programs.

View the report (PDF)

Based on this study, NACCHO and CFP released a new infographic to highlight how the use of RBIs can help improve local health department relationships with retail food establishments to promote smarter food safety within local jurisdictions. The infographic highlights key strategies lcoal health departments can use to implement RBIs and includes resources from retail food safety partners that could help advance RBI implementation.

View the infographic (PDF)

This project was supported by the Retail Food Safety Regulatory Association Collaborative (Collaborative). The Collaborative includes the Association of Food and Drug Officials, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Conference for Food Protection, Food and Drug Administration, National Association of County and City Health Officials, and National Environmental Health Association. These agencies and organizations are working together to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness.

Visit the Collaborative website