An Evaluation of Existing Retail Program Standards Networks

Jul 28, 2022 | Charlotte Ciampa, Anu Varma

This issue brief investigated the benefits of state and local retail food regulatory programs participating in state- and region-wide networks aimed at achieving conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (Retail Program Standards). The goals of this study were to unveil the benefits of working in collaboration with other jurisdictions when working towards achieving conformance with the Retail Program Standards and to highlight best practices that resulted from being a part of these networks.

Findings

The networks were hugely beneficial to participating retail food regulatory programs. Benefits included:

  • efficient conformance with the Retail Program Standards,
  • resource sharing to aid fellow jurisdictions in going beyond conformance, and
  • strengthening communication with state and federal entities.

Support through federal grant funding, such as the National Environmental Health Association-US Food and Drug Administration Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program, and peer-sharing initiatives were also beneficial to the networks. Grant funding allowed network members to participate in trainings, such as the Self-Assessment and Verification Audit Workshops and the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO)’s Retail Program Standards Mentorship Program, and served as empowerment to encourage other retail food regulatory programs to enroll in similar educational opportunities and join the networks. The dissemination of information throughout a network allowed all members to have access to current information and allowed them to react to shifting priorities.

Method

The study sample consisted of three networks that were comprised of more than six local health departments; Iowa, North Carolina, and Pacific Northwest Retail Program Standards Networks.

NACCHO and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) led and authored this study. The three networks in the study participated in focus groups facilitated by NACCHO’s Research & Evaluation team to share their experience of being part of a network.

Even as barriers to participation in these networks existed, participants largely noted that the Retail Program Standards Networks served as a means of inspiration for other retail food regulatory programs seeking to achieve conformance.

To access the full brief, go to bit.ly/RPSNissuebrief.


About Charlotte Ciampa

More posts by Charlotte Ciampa

NACCHO logo small version02 square N pms321 Invert

About Anu Varma

Pronouns: She/Her

Anupama Varma is a Communications Specialist for Environmental Health at NACCHO.

More posts by Anu Varma

Related Posts

Stakeholder Conference Call on the FDA Integrated Food...

You’re invited to join the call on April 2 to hear more.

Mar 25, 2024

Stakeholder Conference Call on the FDA Integrated Food...

2024 Vector Workshop SM photo 1
  • Tools & Resources
  • Extreme Weather
  • Opportunity
  • Technical Assistance

Join us in Florida for the 2024 Vector Control Hurricane...

An agenda-at-a-glance is now available.

Mar 12, 2024 | Anu Varma

Join us in Florida for the 2024 Vector Control Hurricane...

Produce vegetables grocery store i Stock 813211264
  • Food Safety & Inspection

Illinois Retail Program Standards Self-Assessment and...

A two-and-a-half-day, in-person workshop.

Mar 04, 2024 | Christina Rohland, Carolyn White

Illinois Retail Program Standards Self-Assessment and...

Lessons Learned From Local Health Departments
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Meeting the Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness...

Article in March 2024 issue of the Journal of Public Health Management and...

Feb 09, 2024 | Rebecca Rainey

Meeting the Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness...

Vector control workshop 2019 4
  • Funding Opportunity
  • Tools & Resources
  • Opportunity
  • Training

2024 Vector Control Hurricane Crisis Workshop:...

Local vector control programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and...

Feb 08, 2024 | Anu Varma

2024 Vector Control Hurricane Crisis Workshop:...

Updates on Lead/Chromium in Applesauce: CDC Call on...

Join the CDC on February 8, 2024, at 2pm EST.

Feb 06, 2024

Updates on Lead/Chromium in Applesauce: CDC Call on...

Pool checklist
  • Tools & Resources
  • Webinar
  • Community Health
  • Water Quality

[Webinar] Using Environmental Health Data to Inform Pool...

Model Aquatic Health Code Network Webinar - February 2024.

Jan 29, 2024 | Rebecca Rainey

[Webinar] Using Environmental Health Data to Inform Pool...

Doctor Research Tools Preparedness

Please Share with Clinicians: Updated PFAS Information...

Updated information for clinicians to consider when seeing patients who have...

Jan 18, 2024 | Guest Author

Please Share with Clinicians: Updated PFAS Information...

I Stock 1354439496
  • Tools & Resources
  • COVID-19

Lessons Learned from NACCHO’s Wastewater Surveillance...

Read our new report to learn about the background and activities of each...

Jan 18, 2024 | Rebecca Rainey

Lessons Learned from NACCHO’s Wastewater Surveillance...

Back to Top