The Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011 encompassed some of the most sweeping reforms of food safety laws in more than 70 years, shifting the focus of food safety to preventative action rather than just responding to contamination.
Food safety vigilance became a primary concern to prevent salmonella outbreaks and occurrences of e. coli in produce and meats. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hired close to 5,000 new inspectors, opening new career venues for professionals with credentials in quality practices and regulation.
The three-course certificate in Food Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance provides broad knowledge of the regulatory and quality practices of food and food medicines, helping those who work in nutritional products, food medicines, and the food industry.
The certificate requires completion of three courses:
- Food Law (5595)
- Food Labeling and Regulatory Affairs (5596)
- Food Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) (5597).
Courses may be taken in any order. Transfer credits are not accepted towards Temple's certificate programs.
Brochure on Food RA and QA Certificate
How to Receive the Certificate when you've completed the courses:
Submit the following items to the RAQA Office (hard copy only)
1. Application
2. Photocopies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
3. A transcript from Temple's Banner system of courses taken in the RAQA program.
All materials must be received by the stipulated deadlines (January 15 for February issuance; May 15 for June issuance; and August 20 for September issuance). Sorry, but if you miss the deadline, you will have to wait until the next time certificates are issued. Certificates will be mailed to your home in late February, late June, or late September.
Note: Matriculated RAQA students are welcome to complete the Food RA and QA Certificate in addition to one other RAQA certificate as they complete the MS degree.