Category Archives: Event

Dietary Supplement GMP Refresher Training 2019 TX

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Dietary Supplement GMP Refresher Training

May 7, 2019

Denton, TX

The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) dictated in FDA’s 21 CFR 111 require that "Each person engaged in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding, or in performing any quality control operations, must have the education, training, or experience to perform the person's assigned functions". In order to maintain compliance with this requirement, most companies require that employees attend an annual GMP refresher training. Training programs ensure a deeper understanding of how to perform specific job responsibilities in a GMP compliant manner.

EAS Consulting Group, leaders in FDA regulatory is pleased to offer a new one-day refresher training to help firms meet their training requirements in an in-person personalized setting, providing an opportunity to learn directly from our GMP experts and ask specific questions regarding their GMP issues or situations.

Dates and Location

May 7, 2019

Denton, TX (Dallas-Fort Worth area)

Registration

$300

Register

Discounts

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 10% per person (GOV10)

Registrants with Promotion codes - Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Includes:

  • Participant’s Manual with presentation slides
  • Pocket Guide: 21 CFR Part 111
  • Lunch

Instructor

Robert Fish, Independent Advisor for Quality and Compliance

Robert FishMr. Fish joined EAS Consulting Group, LLC in November 2006 after ten years consulting for FDA regulated industries. He spent 33 years with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the last 6 years of that service as Director, Division of Field Investigations (DFI). He was responsible for general policy and guidance for the Agency’s domestic and international investigation activities. He also managed the foreign inspections’ operations. Prior to that position, Mr. Fish was Director of Compliance at the Nashville District Office and was also a Supervisory Investigator at the Nashville District Office. Mr. Fish began his career as an investigator in the Minneapolis District Office in 1962 and subsequently served as an Investigator at the Grand Rapids Residence Post and the Detroit District Office. Mr. Fish is experienced in all aspects of FDA regulated products. He has expertise in compliance matters and Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations (GMPs) as they relate to pharmaceutical, device, and biologics manufacture. Further, Mr. Fish is ISO 9000 Lead Assessor Trained and is an AFDO Certified HACCP Instructor. He is a sought-after expert, speaking at international events on FDA inspections and GMPs.

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in the manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storing and distribution of dietary supplements. In addition, members of the management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance teams would benefit from this training.
  • Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in learning about the requirements of the dietary supplement GMPs and how they should be applied.

Minimum Registration Policy

  • Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel within 45 days of the training and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations received before 46 days prior to the training event will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information

Dietary Supplement GMP Refresher Training 2019 CA

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Dietary Supplement GMP Refresher Training

February 5, 2019

Riverside, CA

The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) dictated in FDA’s 21 CFR 111 require that "Each person engaged in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding, or in performing any quality control operations, must have the education, training, or experience to perform the person's assigned functions". In order to maintain compliance with this requirement, most companies require that employees attend an annual GMP refresher training. Training programs ensure a deeper understanding of how to perform specific job responsibilities in a GMP compliant manner.

EAS Consulting Group, leaders in FDA regulatory is pleased to offer a new one-day refresher training to help firms meet their training requirements in an in-person personalized setting, providing an opportunity to learn directly from our GMP experts and ask specific questions regarding their GMP issues or situations.

Dates and Location

February 5, 2019

Riverside, CA (Los Angeles area)

Registration

$300

Register

Discounts

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 10% per person (GOV10)

Registrants with Promotion codes - Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Includes:

  • Participant’s Manual with presentation slides
  • Pocket Guide: 21 CFR Part 111
  • Lunch

Instructor

Timothy Stewart, Ph.D., Independent Advisor for Dietary Supplements

Tim Stewart Ph.D.Tim Stewart is a Ph.D. chemist who advises clients on FTC, AG and FDA regulatory compliance issues such as Customs and Border Patrol, Import Alerts, State and Federal observations/violations, Consent Decrees, California Proposition 65 requirements, and vendor qualifications.  Prior to consulting, he worked at Paragon Laboratories as a Quality Control Manager and researcher at both Harvard Medical School and the University of Southern California.

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in the manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storing and distribution of dietary supplements. In addition, members of the management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance teams would benefit from this training.
  • Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in learning about the requirements of the dietary supplement GMPs and how they should be applied.

Minimum Registration Policy

  • Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel within 45 days of the training and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations received before 46 days prior to the training event will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information

History of OTC Monographs a Five Part Webinar Series

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Join EAS Independent Advisor for OTC Drugs and Labeling, Susan Crane, as she explores the history of OTC Monographs, why reforms are necessary and being undertaken now, and how OTC drug companies can expect those changes to impact their labels in the future in a five-part series starting January 16, 2019.

Later sessions will include topics such as:

  • What makes a drug an OTC and the Monographs Compliance System
  • Understanding the FDA and FTC Labeling and Claim Requirements for Cosmetic products, Homeopathic products in the OTC market
  • OTC Drugs and Your GMP Obligations – Understanding how the GMPs are Applied and Preparation for FDA Inspection.

Part 1

OTC Drug Monographs, Past, Present, and Future

January 16, 2019 at 1:00 PM EST

Part 1 of the series, OTC Drug Monographs, Past, Present, and Future will discuss what a Monograph is and how it is used. She’ll dive into reading and interpreting the different sections of the monograph and discuss what the future might hold as Congress considers changes to the system. Join Susan on January 16, 2019, at 1:00 pm Eastern for part 1.

Part 2

OTC Labeling Requirements and Drug Listings Responsibilities

February 27, 2019 at 1:00 PM EST

Overcoming Seafood Fraud

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December 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM EST

Tim Hansen

Seafood is largely accepted based on how it is labeled or listed on a menu. This is true for seafood wholesalers, distributors as well as retailers. The financial incentive for unethical practices is huge but measures can be adopted by processors, wholesalers, and retailers to protect product identity and integrity. Join EAS Independent Consultant and former Director of the Seafood Inspection Program at NOAA, Tim Hansen, for a discussion on various types of fraudulent activity in the seafood industry including where and why fraud can occur in the supply chain. He’ll discuss how seafood operators, buyers, and consumers can protect themselves as well as regulatory issues and possible short, medium and long-term solutions.

Join Tim on December 18, 2018, at 1:00 pm Eastern for his discussion on Overcoming Seafood Fraud in a complimentary webinar hosted by EAS. Reserve your seat today!

Food Labeling Compliance Review Seminar March 2019

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March 12-13, 2019

Philadelphia, PA

EAS’ Food Labeling Compliance Seminar has been awarded 16 CEU credits by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

As the food industry turns its focus to compliance with the latest FDA guidance for labeling regulations, the significance of those changes and how they influence claims are raising questions. Which ingredients must be declared as added sugars and which can be dietary fiber? EAS Consulting Group, with our vast expertise in assisting food firms in all manners of FDA compliance, is offering a food labeling compliance seminar in Alexandria, VA and an opportunity to learn from our internationally renowned labeling experts.

Learn food labeling regulations from internationally renowned experts, who had primary roles at FDA in shaping current labeling regulations and experience in the development of thousands of food labels.

This hands-on, two-day seminar covers the basics of how foods need to be labeled to comply with the complex set of labeling rules, covers the latest in food labeling issues that have gotten attention from FDA, and provides answers to your most challenging questions.

Registration

$1,200

Register

Discounts

Earlybird discount rate of $200, ends January 2, 2019

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 50% per person (GOV50)

Registrants with Promotion codes - Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Date and Location

March 12-13, 2019

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
220 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.735.6000
www.warwickrittenhouse.com

Instructors

James E. Hoadley, Ph.D., EAS Independent Consultant

During Dr. Hoadley’s 20-year FDA career, he participated in the development of NLEA-implementing nutrition labeling and health claim regulations. As a Senior Regulatory Scientist in the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONPLDS) Dr. Hoadley’s primary responsibilities were in food label claim regulations. In this role, he conducted scientific and regulatory reviews of petitions for new health claims and nutrient content claims.

Gisela Leon, EAS Independent Consultant

Gisela Leon brings in over 21 years of experience in international labeling of food and over 8 years’ experience in US labeling. As a regulatory consultant, she has focused on a concise review process for food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. As a long-term EAS Consultant, she has reviewed hundreds of labels for US compliance and helped international products to come into compliance with US regulations. Her international labeling background allows her to point out differences or similarities with other countries.

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance in the manufacturing of foods.
  • Those responsible for preparing or reviewing food labels.
  • Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in food labeling compliance.

At the Food Labeling Compliance Seminar, You Will

  • Learn FDA food labeling requirements from labeling experts who helped to develop and implement the current regulations and have reviewed hundreds of labels for the industry.
  • Learn about hot issues that have triggered recent FDA warning letters.
  • Apply learning in practical work sessions.
  • Have your specific issues addressed and discussed in a casual, interactive learning environment.

Seminar Handouts

  • Participant’s Manual with copies of presentation slides
  • EAS Type Size Guide
  • Food Label Handbook – Developed by EAS Independent Consultant, Gisela Leon, the 115-page guide discusses how changes to nutrient values are listed and how those changes impact claims, assisting companies in developing compliant food labels based on FDA’s final rule. (A $99 value.)

Agenda

Minimum Registration Policy

Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel by January 2, 2019, and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before February 12, 2019, will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information

Contact Amy Scanlin at (571) 447-5508 or ascanlin@easconsultinggroup.com

In-House Seminar

EAS will conduct this seminar for individual firms upon request. Bringing the seminar in-house at your facilities can be a cost-effective alternative to train your employees. It also allows the program to be tailored to your particular needs.

Contact Cathryn Sacra for a price quote. (571) 447-5500 or csacra@easconsultinggroup.com.

Dietary Supplement Labeling Compliance Review Seminar March 2019

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March 14-15, 2019

Philadelphia, PA

Dietary supplement manufacturers need to keep up to date on new and changing FDA labeling policies as they will undoubtedly carry over to an increased focus on labeling enforcement. This seminar provides all that is necessary to prepare labels that comply with FDA requirements. It will address the regulatory requirements for the mandatory labeling elements and will cover allowable dietary supplement claims. Attendees will participate in a workgroup exercise to facilitate their understanding of the regulations as well as understand how dietary supplement label requirements differ from those of foods and issues that have triggered FDA enforcement actions.

Registration

$1,200

Register

Discounts

Earlybird discount rate of $200, ends January 2, 2019

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 50% per person (GOV50)

Registrants with Promotion codes - Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Dates and Location

March 14-15, 2019

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
220 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.735.6000
www.warwickrittenhouse.com

Instructors

James E. Hoadley, Ph.D., EAS Independent Consultant

During Dr. Hoadley’s 20-year FDA career, he participated in the development of NLEA-implementing nutrition labeling and health claim regulations. As a Senior Regulatory Scientist in the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONPLDS) Dr. Hoadley’s primary responsibilities were in food label claim regulations. In this role, he conducted scientific and regulatory reviews of petitions for new health claims and nutrient content claims.

Gisela Leon, EAS Independent Consultant

Gisela Leon brings in over 21 years of experience in international labeling of food and over 8 years’ experience in US labeling. As a regulatory consultant, she has focused on a concise review process for food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. As a long-term EAS Consultant, she has reviewed hundreds of labels for US compliance and helped international products to come into compliance with US regulations. Her international labeling background allows her to point out differences or similarities with other countries.

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance in the manufacturing of foods.
  • Those responsible for preparing or reviewing dietary supplement labels. Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in food labeling compliance.

At the Dietary Supplement Labeling Compliance Seminar, You Will

  • Learn FDA dietary supplement labeling requirements from regulatory experts.
  • Be able to ask questions of former FDA officials to get an understanding of how the Agency thinks.
  • Receive a valuable Participant’s Manual containing all slides and handout materials that will save you time and help assure your labels are in compliance.
  • Get an opportunity to apply learning in practical work sessions.

Seminar Handouts

  • Participant’s Manual with copies of presentation slides
  • EAS Type Size Guide

Agenda

Minimum Registration Policy

Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel by January 2, 2019, and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before February 12, 2019, will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information:

Contact Amy Scanlin at (571) 447-5508 or ascanlin@easconsultinggroup.com

In-House Seminar

EAS will conduct this seminar for individual firms upon request. Bringing the seminar in-house at your facilities can be a cost-effective alternative to train your employees. It also allows the program to be tailored to your particular needs.

Contact Cathryn Sacra for a price quote. (571) 447-5500 or csacra@easconsultinggroup.com.

Dietary Supplement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance Seminar April 2019

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April 2-3, 2019

Philadelphia, PA

Between 2010 and 2017 FDA issued 12,444 observations related to GMPs. In light of increased FDA oversight, a thorough review of new industry rules on good manufacturing practices (GMPS) is warranted.

EAS Consulting Group will be conducting a Dietary Supplement GMP Seminar to help firms prepare for increased FDA enforcement. Given by former FDA compliance officials and industry experts, this intensive training program will provide all the information needed to comply with the rules, covering the responsibilities of domestic and foreign firms who manufacture, label, pack or hold dietary supplements for sale in the United States, including those involved with the testing, quality control and distribution of supplements.

Registration

$1,200

Register

Discounts

Earlybird discount rate of $200, ends January 2, 2019

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (use discount code GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 50% per person (use discount code GOV50)

Registrants with Promotion codes – Limit one Promotion code per transaction

 

Dates and Location

April 2-3, 2019

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
220 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.735.6000
www.warwickrittenhouse.com

Instructors

Dr. Tara Lin Couch, EAS Senior Director, Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services

Dr. Couch is a Ph.D. Analytical / Organic Chemist with exceptional analytical abilities and over 25 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory experience in academic, field, contract, and manufacturing environments. She is a sought-after expert on issues pertaining to Quality Control in both pharmaceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing facilities including the establishment of specifications and the development of well-organized, sophisticated laboratories. As a consultant, Dr. Couch has assisted numerous dietary supplement companies with the development, improvement, and implementation of strong Quality Systems that are scientifically sound, efficient, practical, and compliant with all FDA regulations. She also performs mock FDA inspections, gap-analyses, and contractor facility audits. In addition, Dr. Couch provides GMP and laboratory training via seminar, webinar, and on-site presentations.

Robert Fish, EAS Independent Advisor, Quality and Compliance

Mr. Fish joined EAS Consulting Group, LLC in November 2006 after ten years consulting for FDA regulated industries. He spent 33 years with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the last 6 years of that service as Director, Division of Field Investigations (DFI). He was responsible for general policy and guidance for the Agency’s domestic and international investigation activities. He also managed the foreign inspections’ operations. Prior to that position, Mr. Fish was Director of Compliance at the Nashville District Office and was also a Supervisory Investigator at the Nashville District Office. Mr. Fish began his career as an investigator in the Minneapolis District Office in 1962 and subsequently served as an Investigator at the Grand Rapids Residence Post and the Detroit District Office. Mr. Fish is experienced in all aspects of FDA regulated products. He has expertise in compliance matters and Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations (GMPs) as they relate to pharmaceutical, device, and biologics manufacture. Further, Mr. Fish is ISO 9000 Lead Assessor Trained and is an AFDO Certified HACCP Instructor. He is a sought-after expert, speaking at international events on FDA inspections and GMPs.

Marc Ullman, Of Counsel at Rivkin Radler, LLP.

Attorney Marc Ullman represents clients in matters relating to all aspects of the firm’s practice, including Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration matters, regulatory issues, Federal Trade Commission proceedings, and litigation. He practiced with one of New York’s leading white-collar criminal defense firms for ten years, where he represented clients in both federal and state prosecutions, as well as numerous related civil matters and other litigations.

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance in the manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storing and distribution of dietary supplements.
  • Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in learning about the requirements of the dietary supplement GMPs and how they should be applied.

At the Dietary Supplement GMP Seminar, You Will

  • Learn the requirements of the final Rule and understand how they differ from the proposed rule that was published in March 2003
  • Receive detailed practical guidance on how to apply these requirements.
  • Be given an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of GMPs in group work sessions Be coached on how to prepare for an FDA inspection and how to avoid receiving a List of Objectionable Inspection Observations (Form FDA 483) and the end of an FDA inspection.

Seminar Handouts

  • Participant’s Manual with copies presentation slides
  • Pocket Guide: 21 CFR Part 111

Agenda

Minimum Registration Policy

Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel by January 23, 2019, and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before March 5, 2019, will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information

Contact Amy Scanlin at (571) 447-5508 or ascanlin@easconsultinggroup.com

In-House Seminar

EAS will conduct this seminar for individual firms upon request. Bringing the seminar in-house at your facilities can be a cost-effective alternative to train your employees. It also allows the program to be tailored to your particular needs.

Contact Cathryn Sacra for a price quote. (571) 447-5500 or csacra@easconsultinggroup.com.

Pharma’s Problems with Data Integrity

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Presented by Independent Consultant, Brian Nadel

FDA takes data Integrity very seriously and their many Warning Letters and Import Alerts to dosage form and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturers in the past several years, indicate that validation is a consistent problem for the pharmaceutical industry. Data integrity, or lack thereof, can have major repercussions for a firm because once FDA finds some data to be unreliable, it considers all of a firms’ data to be unreliable. FDA expects that data to be reliable and accurate, and that crucial and often overlooked validation step can ultimately cost manufacturers untold amounts in R&D, materials, product recalls, submissions, and more.

Understand the Agency’s expectations of data integrity as well as how your company can assess your compliance. Learn critical strategies and processes that each firm should undertake to limit data integrity risk and demonstrate reliable data every time.

Foreign Supplier Verification and How to Protect Your Business

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Presented for NCBFAA

The FSVP requires importers to be proactive, to verify that food they import is safe. This is a huge burden for many Importers and no less so for FDA. FDA's recently increased number of inspections of importers to evaluate their compliance with FSVP requirements is a reflection of FDA's commitment to make FSVP work. FDA inspections are also revealing that a significant number of importers do not understand what is needed to comply nor how. Customs brokers and freight forwarders, if not importers themselves, can help clients know what FDA is looking for, and who can assist them.

Fill out the form to get a download link for the Supplier Evaluation Worksheet

“Own Label Distributor” Responsibilities

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More and more OTC drug and dietary supplement companies are contracting out manufacturing, packaging, laboratory testing, and distribution services. This requires a full understanding of how those contract services are being conducted in order to have complete confidence that their products are meeting quality specifications and regulatory requirements. In addition in the past several years, the FDA has focused more intensely on such companies that they refer to as “own label distributors” (“OLDs”). The result has been an escalating number of FDA inspections, Form 483 inspection observations, and warning letters.

With such increasing FDA enforcement activity, it is imperative that those in responsible positions in OLDs gain a full understanding of FDA’s requirements for “knowing what and how these [contracted] activities are performed so that you can make decisions — whether to approve and release the products for distribution”. This also means that you are “responsible for ensuring that the product is not adulterated for failure to comply with CGMP requirements, regardless of who actually performs the CGMP operations”.

This webinar will include the following topics:

  • FDA’s Explanation of the Responsibilities of an “Own Label Distributor
  • How To Meet Your “OLD” Responsibilities
  • Qualifying Contract Service Providers
  • Establishing a Quality Agreement With a Contract Service Provider
  • Responsibilities of an “OLD’s” Quality Unit
  • Key SOPs/Documents & Recommended Content
  • On-Going Monitoring of a Contract Manufacturer/Packager

Time for an interactive Q&A period will be provided at the end of the presentation.

About the presenter

Bruce Elsner

\"\"EAS Independent Consultant, Bruce Elsner, has over 28 years of experience working in FDA regulated fortune 250 companies manufacturing and packaging drug, medical device, and cosmetic products. His responsibilities have included laboratory management, process control and improvement, pilot plant management, plant quality assurance management and quality systems improvement across multiple manufacturing and research facilities. He has been consulting for OTC drug and dietary supplement companies for more than 22 years in the areas cGMP compliance auditing and quality systems improvement. His experience also includes training drug and dietary supplement industry personnel in cGMP requirements, assisting in improving their levels of compliance with those regulations and helping them respond to complex issues arising from FDA inspection observations, warning letters and consent decrees.

Preparing for Tobacco TPMPs in Cooperation with TMA

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Since CTP Director, Mitch Zeller’s announcement at the 2018 TMA Annual Meeting that the Agency is prioritizing a Tobacco Product Manufacturing Practices Rule (TPMPs), the industry has been speculating regarding what these rules may encompass.

While there has been no direct guidance from the FDA to date on what may be included in a TPMP rule, some insight can be gained from the results of the numerous tobacco industry inspections that the Agency has performed over the past 6 years. Based on these inspections there are likely to be numerous requirements regarding TPMPs.

Hosted in Cooperation with the Tobacco Merchants Association, this informative webinar will provide an overview of expectations for the TPMP rule and how you can begin assessing your current quality systems.

The tobacco industry should now be performing manufacturing and quality process assessments to prepare for the development and implementation of quality systems, manufacturing and packaging controls, facilities management, material controls, equipment qualification and calibrations, equipment cleaning and maintenance processes, sanitation and environmental monitoring programs, and a personnel training program; all of which is governed by written procedures (SOPs) and documented via the generation of records. Based on Mr. Zeller’s presentation, the impending issuance of Tobacco TPMPs in conjunction with FDA’s inspectional activities indicates this preparation should begin sooner rather than later.

About the Presenters

Dean Cirotta

Dean Cirotta is the President and Chief Operating Officer for EAS Consulting Group where he is responsible for the day to day management of the technical aspects of the company with responsibility for client relations and personnel management. Mr. Cirotta is a highly accomplished Executive with 29 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries, including executive management roles with responsibility for regulatory affairs, compliance, quality assurance/control, operations, manufacturing, laboratory operations, and financial and corporate management. Mr. Cirotta works with Pharmaceutical, Dietary Supplement and Tobacco companies to ensure compliance with all applicable FDA laws and regulations. Immediately prior to joining EAS, Mr. Cirotta was President and COO of UPM Pharmaceuticals in Baltimore, Md. and prior to UPM, he was Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs for the pharmaceutical division of Bausch & Lomb.

Tara Lin Couch, Ph.D.

EAS Senior Director for Dietary Supplement and Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Tara Lin Couch, is a Ph.D. Analytical / Organic Chemist with exceptional analytical abilities and over 25 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory experience in academic, field, contract, and manufacturing environments. She is a sought-after expert on issues pertaining to Quality Control in pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and tobacco manufacturing facilities including the establishment of specifications and the development of well-organized, sophisticated laboratories. As a Senior Director for EAS Consulting Group, Dr. Couch has assisted numerous companies with the development, improvement, and implementation of strong Quality Systems that are scientifically sound, efficient, practical, and compliant with all FDA regulations. She also performs mock FDA inspections, gap-analyses, and contractor facility audits. In addition, Dr. Couch provides GMP and laboratory training via seminar, webinar, and on-site presentations.

 

Are Industry-Initiated Environmental Swab-a-Thons a Benefit?

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The emphasis on proactive management of issues that could cause a food safety hazard, per FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act, requires firms to improve controls for a variety of issues at all levels. One hot-button concern that continues to wreak havoc in the industry is that of pathogen contamination. It is generally understood that contamination in the processing environment will eventually make its way into the product. Even with the best of safety controls, it is imperative that companies have a robust environmental monitoring program that includes vigilant and regular testing. After all, finished product testing gives limited data and is a small snapshot of the entire lot manufactured. FDA can take hundreds of swabs during inspections, does your environmental monitoring meet that level of testing?

Temporary Marketing Permits – Opportunity and Pitfalls of the Specialized FDA Application

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Food Standards are an important component of FDA’s oversight, ensuring honesty and fairness to the consumer through requirements that provide for the basic nature of a standardized food to be uniform in terms of its characteristics as well as the ingredients that it must or may contain, (i.e., mandatory and optional ingredients. But what happens when a newly developed food or production method warrants consideration of a product category outside of the standard? Petitioning to amend a food standard or to create a new one, is a lengthy and complicated process; however, a temporary solution may be available through a specialized category called a Temporary Marketing Permit(TMP’s). With TMP’s companies with novel standardized food innovations may apply to market test a food product that deviates from the standard of identity for that particular food, providing FDA with data needed to consider a future petition to amend the standard.

About the Presenter

April Kates was most recently a supervisory consumer safety officer at FDA. Prior to that position, she served with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service Federal-State Audit Branch, also as a supervisory consumer safety officer. Previously, she served as manager of regulatory compliance at McCormick Spice Company, as a food regulatory specialist at American Ingredients Company (now Corbion), as a program analyst at FSIS, and as a food technologist at FDA.

Preparing for Foreign FDA Inspections

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Have you ever wondered why your foreign suppliers: API, intermediates, food ingredients, etc. are suddenly in trouble with regulatory authorities? Did they just go astray or is your auditing program not performing as designed? Actually, there are several things at play. EAS Independent Consultant, Peter Saxon, will shed some light on reasons FDA inspections can “go south” as well as provide insight on how disappointing results can be managed. Saxon has personally attended 90 FDA inspections of foreign facilities and another 15 inspections by other regulatory agencies (TGA, WHO, EDQM). His insights will provide an opportunity for companies to consider improvements to their internal audit structure to help minimize regulatory risks.

About the Presenter

Peter Saxon has extensive experience in assisting pharmaceutical companies to prepare for FDA inspections of API and finished dosage plants for the U.S. market. He brings 45 years of experience in technical operations, materials management, and business development background in the pharmaceutical industry. His expertise includes pre-inspection audits, Drug Master File (DMF) preparation, equipment, cleaning, computer and process validations as well as QA training. A consultant since 1993, he has assisted major US pharmaceutical companies through FDA consent decrees and guided foreign API and finished dosage manufacturers through FDA inspections. Prior to consulting Saxon served in management roles with Ciba-Geigy Corporation, including stints in Cairo, Egypt, and Basel, Switzerland. Mr. Saxon holds an MBA from Rutgers University, and a BS in chemical engineering from Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY. He is fluent in German and has a working knowledge of Spanish, French, Arabic, and Chinese

Quality Systems for the Cannabis Industry – Preparing for State GMP Regulations

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Presented by:
Tara Lin Couch, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services

As states begin to regulate legalized cannabis, the concern of how Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) apply to this unique industry cannot be understated. While regulations vary from state to state the quality systems under which cannabis products are grown and manufactured have similarities that can begin to pave the way for putting practices and procedures in place to meet compliance expectations, including those of testing and quality control of in-process materials, finished batches and packaged/labeled products. The time is right for the Cannabis industry to begin assessing your manufacturing processes and implementing sound and effective quality systems in order to help you begin to prepare for GMP regulations. Stay ahead of the curve, standardize your product quality and be a leader in your industry.

About the instructor

Tara Lin Couch, PhD
Senior Director, Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services

Dr. Tara Lin Couch is a Ph.D. Analytical / Organic Chemist with exceptional analytical abilities and over 25 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory experience in academic, field, contract, and manufacturing environments. She is a sought-after expert on issues pertaining to Quality Control in pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and tobacco manufacturing facilities including the establishment of specifications and the development of well-organized, sophisticated laboratories. As a Senior Director for EAS Consulting Group, Dr. Couch has assisted numerous companies with the development, improvement, and implementation of strong Quality Systems that are scientifically sound, efficient, practical, and compliant with all FDA regulations. She also performs mock FDA inspections, gap-analyses, and contractor facility audits. In addition, Dr. Couch provides GMP and laboratory training via seminar, webinar, and on-site presentations.

Dietary Supplement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance Seminar (including special applications of GMP concepts in the Cannabis Industry)

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September 26-27, 2018

Dallas, Texas

With a special section on applying GMP concepts to the Cannabis Industry

Presented in Cooperation with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) dictated in 21 CFR 111 have been in place for over a decade, but the FDA continues to issue numerous Warning Letters to the industry for a failure to comply with even the basic tenants of the regulation. In addition, as states begin to regulate legalized cannabis, the concern of how GMPs apply to this unique industry cannot be understated. While regulations vary from state to state the quality systems under which cannabis products are grown and manufactured have similarities that can begin to pave the way for putting practices and procedures in place to meet compliance expectations.

EAS Consulting Group in cooperation with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) will be conducting a two-day intensive Dietary Supplement GMP Seminar to help firms understand their responsibilities and requirements under 21 CFR 111, while also assisting the cannabis industry in understanding how these principles can be applied to their manufacturing operations. Given by former FDA compliance officials and industry experts, this training program will provide a thorough overview of compliance expectations, covering the responsibilities of domestic and foreign firms who manufacture, label, pack or hold dietary supplements for sale in the United States, including those involved with the testing, quality control and distribution of supplements.

Registration

$1,200

Discounts

$1,000 All AHPA members (use discount code: EAS_AHPA)

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (use discount code: GROUP10)

Federal/State Government Employees – 50% per person (use discount code: GOV50)

Registrants with Promotion codes – Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Dates and Location

September 26-27, 2018

Hotel Indigo

1933 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
1-877-8IN-DIGO

The Hotel Indigo has extended a discounted guest room rate to registrants of the EAS-AHPA Dietary Supplement GMP seminar. Please make your guest room reservation no later than September 5, 2018, using this dedicated registration link or call the hotel directly and mention EAS Consulting Group.

Agenda

Day 1

ItemTopicPresenterTimeSchedule
1Introduction and GMP OverviewCouch158:00 AM - 8:15 AM
2FDA EnforcementUllman458:15 AM - 9:00 AM
3Subpart B - PersonnelFish309:00 AM - 9:30 AM
4Subpart C - Physical Plant & Grounds
Fish459:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Break1510:15 AM - 10:30 AM
5Subpart D - Equipment & Utensils
Fish3010:30 AM - 11:00 AM
6Subpart G: Components, Packaging, and Labeling
Couch3011:00 AM - 11:30 AM
7Subparts H & I - Master Manufacturing and Batch Production Records
Fish4511:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch4512:15 PM - 1:00 PM
8Subparts K & L: Requirements for Manufacturing, Packaging, and Labeling Operations
Fish301:00 PM - 1:30 PM
9Subpart E: Specifications and Testing
Couch901:30 PM - 3:00 PM
10Subpart E: Representative and Reserve Samples
Couch153:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Break153:15 PM - 3:30 PM
11Subparts M: Holding and Distribution OperationsFish303:30 PM - 4:00 PM
12Quality AgreementsUllman454:00 PM - 5:15 PM
13Work Session ICouch/Fish304:45 PM - 5:15 PM
14Additional Q&ACouch/Fish
155:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Day 2

ItemTopicPresenterTimeSchedule
1Documentation and Change Control
Couch458:00 AM - 8:45 AM
2Subpart F: Quality Control
Couch308:45 AM - 9:15 AM
4Subpart N: Returned Dietary Supplements
Couch159:15 AM - 9:30 AM
5Subpart O: Product Complaints
Couch459:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Break1510:15 AM - 10:30 AM
6Investigations and Material ReviewsCouch6010:30 AM - 11:30 AM
7Subpart J: Laboratory OperationsCouch4511:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch3012:15 PM - 1:00 PM
8Dietary Supplement Test MethodsCouch451:00 PM - 1:45 PM
9Dietary Supplement Stability ProgramsCouch451:45 PM - 2:30 PM
10Work Session IICouch/Ullman302:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Break153:00 PM - 3:15 PM
11Managing FDA InspectionsUllman903:15 PM - 4:45 PM
12ExamCouch154:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance in the manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storing and distribution of dietary supplements and cannabis products.
  • Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in learning about the requirements of the dietary supplement GMPs and how they should be applied.

At the Dietary Supplement GMP Seminar, You Will

  • Receive detailed practical guidance on how to apply the GMP requirements.
  • Be given an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of GMPs in group work sessions.
  • Be coached on how to prepare for an FDA inspection and how to avoid receiving a List of Objectionable Inspection Observations (Form FDA 483) and the end of an FDA inspection.

Seminar Handouts

  • Participant’s Manual with copies of the presentation slides
  • Pocket Guide: 21 CFR Part 111

Instructors

Dr. Tara Lin Couch, EAS Senior Director, Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services

Dr. Couch is a Ph.D. Analytical / Organic Chemist with exceptional analytical abilities and over 25 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory experience in academic, field, contract, and manufacturing environments. She is a sought-after expert on issues pertaining to Quality Control in both pharmaceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing facilities including the establishment of specifications and the development of well-organized, sophisticated laboratories. As a consultant, Dr. Couch has assisted numerous dietary supplement companies with the development, improvement, and implementation of strong Quality Systems that are scientifically sound, efficient, practical, and compliant with all FDA regulations. She also performs mock FDA inspections, gap-analyses, and contractor facility audits. In addition, Dr. Couch provides GMP and laboratory training via seminar, webinar, and on-site presentations.

Robert Fish, EAS Independent Advisor, Quality and Compliance

Mr. Fish joined EAS Consulting Group, LLC in November 2006 after 10 years consulting for FDA regulated industries. He spent 33 years with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the last six years of that service as Director, Division of Field Investigations (DFI). He was responsible for general policy and guidance for the Agency’s domestic and international investigation activities. He also managed the foreign inspections’ operations. Prior to that position, Mr. Fish was Director of Compliance at the Nashville District Office and was also a Supervisory Investigator at the Nashville District Office. Mr. Fish began his career as an investigator in the Minneapolis District Office in 1962 and subsequently served as an Investigator at the Grand Rapids Residence Post and the Detroit District Office. Mr. Fish is experienced in all aspects of FDA regulated products. He has expertise in compliance matters and Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations (GMPs) as they relate to pharmaceutical, device, and biologics manufacture. Further, Mr. Fish is ISO 9000 Lead Assessor Trained and is an AFDO Certified HACCP Instructor. He is a sought-after expert, speaking at international events on FDA inspections and GMPs.

Marc Ullman, Of Counsel at Rivkin Radler, LLP.

Attorney Marc Ullman represents clients in matters relating to all aspects of the firm’s practice, including Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration matters, regulatory issues, Federal Trade Commission proceedings and litigation. He practiced with one of New York’s leading white-collar criminal defense firms for 10 years, where he represented clients in both federal and state prosecutions, as well as numerous related civil matters and other litigations.

Minimum Registration Policy

Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel by August 15, 2018, and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before August 15, 2018, will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information

Contact Amy Scanlin at 571-447-5508 or ascanlin@easconsultinggroup.com

In-House Seminar

EAS will conduct this seminar for individual firms upon request. Bringing the seminar in-house at your facilities can be a cost-effective alternative to train your employees. It also allows the program to be tailored to your particular needs. Contact us for more information.

Dietary Supplement Labeling Compliance Review Seminar

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September 26-27, 2018

Kansas City, Missouri

Dietary supplement manufacturers need to keep up to date on new and changing FDA labeling policies. Now that FDA has published the final GMP regulations it is anticipated that the regulation of dietary supplements will be given a higher priority. This will undoubtedly carry over to an increased focus on labeling compliance. This seminar will provide all that is necessary to prepare labels that comply with FDA requirements. It will address the regulatory requirements for the mandatory labeling elements and will cover allowable dietary supplement claims. Attendees will participate in a workgroup exercise to facilitate their understanding of the regulations.

Registration

$1,200

Discounts

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 50% per person (GOV50)

Registrants with Promotion codes – Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Dates and Location

September 26-27, 2018

Hampton Inn Kansas City/Downtown Financial District
801 Walnut Street
Kansas City, Missouri, 64106

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance in the manufacturing of foods.
  • Those responsible for preparing or reviewing dietary supplement labels. Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in food labeling compliance.

At the Dietary Supplement Labeling Compliance Seminar, You Will

  • Learn FDA dietary supplement labeling requirements from regulatory experts.
  • Be able to ask questions of former FDA officials to get an understanding of how the Agency thinks.
  • Receive a valuable Participant’s Manual containing all slides and handout materials that will save you time and help assure your labels are in compliance.
  • Get an opportunity to apply learning in practical work sessions.

Seminar Handouts

  • Participant’s Manual with copies of presentation slides
  • EAS Type Size Guide

Instructors

James E. Hoadley, Ph.D., EAS Independent Consultant

During Dr. Hoadley’s 20-year FDA career, he participated in the development of NLEA-implementing nutrition labeling and health claim regulations. As a Senior Regulatory Scientist in the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONPLDS) Dr. Hoadley’s primary responsibilities were in food label claim regulations. In this role, he conducted scientific and regulatory reviews of petitions for new health claims and nutrient content claims.

Gisela Leon, EAS Independent Consultant

Gisela Leon brings in over 21 years of experience in international labeling of food and over 8 years’ experience in US labeling. As a regulatory consultant, she has focused on a concise review process for food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. As a long-term EAS Consultant, she has reviewed hundreds of labels for US compliance and helped international products to come into compliance with US regulations. Her international labeling background allows her to point out differences or similarities with other countries.

Minimum Registration Policy

Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel by July 1, 2018, and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before July 1, 2018, will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information:

Contact Amy Scanlin at (571) 447-5500 or ascanlin@easconsultinggroup.com

In-House Seminar

EAS will conduct this seminar for individual firms upon request. Bringing the seminar in-house at your facilities can be a cost-effective alternative to train your employees. It also allows the program to be tailored to your particular needs. Contact us for more information.

Food Labeling Compliance Review Seminar

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September 24-25, 2018

Kansas City, Missouri

EAS’ Food Labeling Compliance Seminar has been awarded 16 CEU credits by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

As the food industry turns its focus to compliance with the latest FDA guidance for labeling regulations, the significance of those changes and how they influence claims are raising questions. Which ingredients must be declared as added sugars and which can be dietary fiber? EAS Consulting Group, with our vast expertise in assisting food firms in all manners of FDA compliance, is offering a food labeling compliance seminar in Alexandria, VA and an opportunity to learn from our internationally renowned labeling experts.

Learn food labeling regulations from internationally renowned experts, who had primary roles at FDA in shaping current labeling regulations and experience in the development of thousands of food labels.

This hands-on, two-day seminar covers the basics of how foods need to be labeled to comply with the complex set of labeling rules, covers the latest in food labeling issues that have gotten attention from FDA, and provides answers to your most challenging questions.

Registration Fees

$1,200

Discounts

Group Rate, two or more from the same firm – 10% per person (GROUP10)
Federal/State Government Employees – 50% per person (GOV50)

Registrants with Promotion codes – Limit one Promotion code per transaction

Date and Location

September 24-25, 2018

Hampton Inn Kansas City/Downtown Financial District
801 Walnut Street
Kansas City, Missouri, 64106

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals involved in management, regulatory affairs, and quality control/assurance in the manufacturing of foods.
  • Those responsible for preparing or reviewing food labels.
  • Consultants, auditors, attorneys and others interested in food labeling compliance.

At the Food Labeling Compliance Seminar, You Will

  • Learn FDA food labeling requirements from labeling experts who helped to develop and implement the current regulations and have reviewed hundreds of labels for the industry.
  • Learn about hot issues that have triggered recent FDA warning letters.
  • Apply learning in practical work sessions.
  • Have your specific issues addressed and discussed in a casual, interactive learning environment.

Seminar Handouts

  • Participant’s Manual with copies of presentation slides
  • EAS Type Size Guide
  • Food Label Handbook – Developed by EAS Independent Consultant, Gisela Leon, the 115-page guide discusses how changes to nutrient values are listed and how those changes impact claims, assisting companies in developing compliant food labels based on FDA’s final rule. (A $99 value.)

Instructors

James E. Hoadley, Ph.D., EAS Independent Consultant

During Dr. Hoadley’s 20-year FDA career, he participated in the development of NLEA-implementing nutrition labeling and health claim regulations. As a Senior Regulatory Scientist in the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONPLDS) Dr. Hoadley’s primary responsibilities were in food label claim regulations. In this role, he conducted scientific and regulatory reviews of petitions for new health claims and nutrient content claims.

Gisela Leon, EAS Independent Consultant

Gisela Leon brings in over 21 years of experience in international labeling of food and over 8 years’ experience in US labeling. As a regulatory consultant, she has focused on a concise review process for food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. As a long-term EAS Consultant, she has reviewed hundreds of labels for US compliance and helped international products to come into compliance with US regulations. Her international labeling background allows her to point out differences or similarities with other countries.

Minimum Registration Policy

Should the minimum enrollment number for the seminar not be met, EAS has the right to cancel by July 1, 2018, and refund the registration fee in full.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before July 1, 2018, will result in a $95 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after that date. Substitutions will be allowed as long as notice is given to EAS in advance.

For More Information

Contact Amy Scanlin at (571) 447-5500 or ascanlin@easconsultinggroup.com

In-House Seminar

EAS will conduct this seminar for individual firms upon request. Bringing the seminar in-house at your facilities can be a cost-effective alternative to train your employees. It also allows the program to be tailored to your particular needs. Contact us for more information.

Conferencia web de EAS: Programa de verificación de proveedores extranjeros – ¿qué significa para usted?

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Foreign Supplier Verification Program – What Does it Mean for You?

En Espanol

Si usted exporta alimentos, ingredientes, empaques, suplementos o aditivos alimenticios hacia los Estados Unidos, su agente aduanal en los Estados Unidos, importador y clientes le pedirán proporcionar documentación para verificar que su empresa cumple con la Ley de Modernización de la Inocuidad de los Alimentos (FSMA por sus siglas en Ingles) del Departamento de Drogas y Alimentos (Food and Drug Administration o FDA). Esto incluye el cumplimiento de una serie de nuevas reglas, incluyendo “controles preventivos para alimentos humanos (PCHF)”, “controles preventivo de alimentos para animales (PCAF)”, regulaciones de seguridad de los productos agrícolas frescos, transporte sanitario y defensa de alimentos.

If you export food, food ingredients, food packaging, dietary supplements or food additives to the United States, your U.S. Customs Agent, FSVP Importer and customer now requires you to provide documentation verifying that your company is compliant with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This includes compliance with a range of new rules, including “Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCHF)”, “Preventive Controls for Animal Feeds (PCAF)”, Produce Safety regulations, Sanitary Transport and Food Defense.

¿Qué significa esto para su negocio? ¿Qué tipos de documentos se le pedirá proporcionar a su negocio?

What does that mean for your business? What kinds of documents will your business be asked to provide?

Únete al Consultor independiente del Grupo Consultor EAS, el Dr. Gustavo González (experto originario de México), en un seminario sobre las complejidades acerca del programa de verificación de proveedores extranjeros (FSVP) y lo que esto significa para usted como proveedor de alimentos, aditivos y hortalizas exportadas a los Estados Unidos.

Join EAS Consulting Group Independent Consultant, Dr. Gusatvo Gonzalez for a webinar on the complexities of FSVP and what that means to you as a supplier of foods, food additives and produce exported to the United States, presented in Spanish.

El “programa de verificación de proveedores extranjeros (FSVP)” entró en vigor el 26 de mayo de 2017, y las fechas de cumplimiento para empresas pequeñas están ya en efecto. El FSVP requiere que los Importadores a los Estados Unidos verifiquen que sus proveedores extranjeros de alimentos, empaques, ingredientes, suplementos, aditivos y productos alimentarios importados a los Estados Unidos posean el mismo nivel de protección a la salud pública como los productores nacionales.

“Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)” went into effect on May 26, 2017, and compliance dates for smaller firms are now also in effect. The FSVP requires U.S. importers to verify that their foreign suppliers of food, food packaging, food ingredients, dietary supplements, food additives and/or product imported to the U.S. possess the same level of public health protection as is offered by domestic producers.

Únete a EAS para un webinar exclusivo, presentado en español, donde el Dr. González ayudará a las empresas a entender los requisitos y documentos necesarios para cumplir FSMA y que es lo que los importadores estadounidenses esperan de ustedes.

Join EAS for an exclusive webinar, presented in Spanish, where Dr. Gonzalez will help foreign firms understand the requirements and documents that they will have to meet under FSMA and what U.S. importers will be expecting from them.

The Role of Your US Agent

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Foreign entities who operate in US FDA regulated industries must have an appointed US Agent before doing business and importing products into the US. US Agents act as an intermediary between the foreign company and FDA, assisting with two-way communication on requirements and questions such as establishment and facility registrations, product listings as well as submissions such as Foreign Color Manufacturers Testing and Approval through FDA, drug submissions such as IND, DMF, ANDA and their amendments and annual updates, and medical device applications such as 510(k), 513(g), PMA and IDE.

In addition to these basic requirements, regulatory US Agents have expertise in providing additional services to foreign clients such as technical reviews of submissions prior to FDA submission, preparation for FDA facility inspections (both through mock-inspections and desk-reviews of documentation), any Corrective Action Plans required by FDA and by providing answers to various questions surrounding the complex FDA regulatory requirements.

This webinar is presented by EAS Senior Director for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Consulting Services, Bryan J. Coleman and Regulatory Specialist, Victoria Pankovich have covered important basic requirements of the US Agent role as well as opportunities to enhance your understanding of FDA oversight of foreign facilities.

Medical Device Quality Auditing

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Presenter: EAS Independent Consultant – George Gary Calafactor

Medical Device manufacturers understand the tight FDA regulations and legal obligations surrounding devices. From initial safety and effectiveness study design through Pre-Market Applications (PMAs), Pre-Market Notifications (PMN), registration, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) through reporting of adverse events, every detail must be attended to in a thorough and documented quality system. Quality systems are key indicators of a company’s commitment to producing a safe and effective product as well as a company’s good record keeping practices as records are tested and maintained to provide transparency to FDA inspectors in the case of an audit.

The more robust the quality system the better outcome companies can expect when FDA knocks at the door for both routine audits and those which are prompted by quality questions or concerns.

Good Quality Systems are verified in a variety of ways - through in-house audits; audits with the assistance of third-party consultants who specialize in quality systems; and officially by FDA inspectors. Many companies use a combination of “mock” and “desk” audits to enhance their systems, identify gaps and initiate improved procedures where necessary.

The time to assess compliance gaps is now as a product’s quality is the basis for good business practices, ensuring the safety of customers, verifying that the product works effectively and in a manner consistent with which it was approved by FDA. Quality system audits are even used in due diligence assessments in advance of mergers and acquisitions.

Join EAS Independent Consultant, George Gary Calafactor for this EAS on-demand webinar, including detailed coverage of Medical Device Quality Auditing.

  • Learn about the types and purposes of audits
  • How FDA and EU audits differ in scope
  • How quality systems link to other systems within the business practices such as
    • Accounting and Finance
    • Purchasing
    • Customer Service
    • Marketing and Sales
    • Informational Technology
  • FDA’s enforcement requirements of quality systems (Compliance Against External Requirements and Governmental Regulations)
  • Quality Assurance (Internal Goals, Objectives, and Requirements; Continuous Improvement)
  • Quality Control (Testing and Evaluation Against Standards)
  • How FDA enforces regulations and gaps found during audits
  • Trends found in FDA enforcement for medical devices in recent years

About the Presenter:

George Gary Calafactor is an EAS Independent Consultant on matters pertaining to medical device quality assurance and regulatory compliance issues. Mr. Calafactor offers a diverse background in quality consulting, auditing, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical, biologic, and medical device operations, with vast experience in the medical device industry, internal FDA operations, and the international business arena. He performs reconciliation and FDA readiness activities associated with FDA level II QSIT inspections and revises and creates quality system procedures using FDA laws, regulations, standards, and guidance documents. He also assists in various FDA inspection backroom activities including subject matter expert coaching.

Unraveling The Impact of FSMA On Acidified Food Regulations

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  • Do you understand the impact of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) on Acidified Foods (AF)?
  • Do you understand the terms of AF regulations and the interplay with a modern, risk-based food safety plan?
  • Is your food safety system for AF robust enough for an inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

This webinar hosted by EAS Consulting Group will provide you with these answers. The webinar will be presented by EAS Independent Consultant Omar A. Oyarzabal, Ph.D., a microbiologist processing authority, and FDA Consumer Safety Officer Priya Rathnam with the Office of Compliance/Division of Compliance Policy at FDA’s CFSAN. Specific topics covered include:

  • Brief history of Low Acid Food and Acidified Food (AF) regulations
  • Definition of an AF and key terms used in AF regulations
  • The importance of recording Critical Factors
  • The unique impacts of FSMA on AF processors
  • An FDA primer on the enforcement of the LACF and AF requirements
  • Summary of recent FDA inspections of large and medium-sized AF manufacturers
  • Opportunity for improvements based on observations from FDA inspections

Together, the presenters will provide participants with detailed information and insight on acidified foods, their definition, filing requirements, and FDA expectations.

Instructors:

Priya Rathnam, M.P.H., Consumer Safety Officer, FDA

Priya Rathnam, M.P.H. is a Consumer Safety Officer in the Division of Compliance Policy/Office of Compliance at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). She was previously a subject matter expert in the Division of Enforcement routinely reviewing regulatory actions related to microbial contamination in food. Priya has worked at CFSAN for over 16 years, and works closely with FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs and Office of Chief Counsel in determining regulatory strategies for follow up action. Currently, she works on compliance policy development. She is also co-lead for the FSMA Phase 2 workgroup for implementation of the Preventive Controls in Human foods regulation.

Omar A. Oyarzabal, Ph.D., Independent Consultant, EAS Consulting Group, LLC

EAS Independent Consultant, Omar Oyarzabal is an expert in microbiology and an Associate Professor of Food Safety at the University of Vermont Extension. He has taught food safety, bioinformatics, biostatistics, microbial risk assessment and management, and has delivered numerous international presentations and training courses on food safety in Asian and South American countries for more than 25 years. Oyarzabal serves a current member of the National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria for Foods, a Certified HACCP Auditor (American Society for Quality), a Lead Instructor for the International HACCP Alliance, a Lead Instructor for Preventive Control for Human Food, Foreign Supplier Verification Program, the Sprout Safety Alliance and the Better Process Control School. Oyarzabal is the co-editor of two books: Microbial Food Safety: An Introduction, and DNA Methods in Food Safety: Molecular Typing of Foodborne and Waterborne Bacterial Pathogens. Oyarzabal also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Microbial Risk Analysis, published by Elsevier. Oyarzabal holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the National University of Rio IV, Argentina, and an M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in food safety/microbiology from Auburn University in Auburn, AL.

How to Select and Qualify a Contract Laboratory

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EAS Webinar Series on GMP Compliance in Dietary Supplement Laboratories

Back by popular demand – Senior Director for Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services, Tara Lin Couch, Ph.D. will discuss Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance in the dietary supplement laboratory. This series, originally run in 2015, will discuss various aspects of regulatory compliance with 21 CFR 111, Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements, as it pertains to laboratory operations.

This series is a great opportunity to learn how to maintain a laboratory facility with effective laboratory controlled processes as well as evaluate your contract laboratory for the same. Participants in this webinar will get a basic understanding of the available analytical techniques and test methods; and when they are appropriate to establish that dietary ingredient and dietary supplement product specifications for identity, purity, strength, composition, and potential contaminants have been met.

Each one-hour webinar replay

  1. 21 CFR 111 GMP Laboratory Overview [View]
  2. Using Analytical Instrumentation Appropriately [View]
  3. What is a Scientifically Valid Method? [View]
  4. Developing Compliant Specification – No “By Inputs” Here [View]
  5. How to Select and Qualify a Contract Laboratory [View Below]

Instructor

Tara Lin Couch, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services

EAS Senior Director for Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services, Dr. Tara Lin Couch is a Ph.D. Analytical / Organic Chemist with exceptional analytical abilities and over 25 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory experience in academic, field, contract, and manufacturing environments. She is a sought-after expert on issues pertaining to Quality Control in both pharmaceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing facilities including the establishment of specifications and the development of well-organized, sophisticated laboratories. As a consultant, Dr. Couch has assisted numerous dietary supplement companies with the development, improvement, and implementation of strong Quality Systems that are scientifically sound, efficient, practical, and compliant with all FDA regulations. She also performs mock FDA inspections, gap-analyses, and contractor facility audits. In addition, Dr. Couch provides GMP and laboratory training via seminar, webinar, and on-site presentations.

What is a Scientifically Valid Method?

Posted on

EAS Webinar Series on GMP Compliance in Dietary Supplement Laboratories

Back by popular demand – Senior Director for Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services, Tara Lin Couch, Ph.D. will discuss Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance in the dietary supplement laboratory. This series, originally run in 2015, will discuss various aspects of regulatory compliance with 21 CFR 111, Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements, as it pertains to laboratory operations.

This series is a great opportunity to learn how to maintain a laboratory facility with effective laboratory controlled processes as well as evaluate your contract laboratory for the same. Participants in this webinar will get a basic understanding of the available analytical techniques and test methods; and when they are appropriate to establish that dietary ingredient and dietary supplement product specifications for identity, purity, strength, composition, and potential contaminants have been met.

Each one-hour webinar replay

  1. 21 CFR 111 GMP Laboratory Overview [View]
  2. Using Analytical Instrumentation Appropriately [View]
  3. What is a Scientifically Valid Method? [View Below]
  4. Developing Compliant Specification – No “By Inputs” Here [View]
  5. How to Select and Qualify a Contract Laboratory [View]

Instructor:

Tara Lin Couch, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services

EAS Senior Director for Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services, Dr. Tara Lin Couch is a Ph.D. Analytical / Organic Chemist with exceptional analytical abilities and over 25 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory experience in academic, field, contract, and manufacturing environments. She is a sought-after expert on issues pertaining to Quality Control in both pharmaceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing facilities including the establishment of specifications and the development of well-organized, sophisticated laboratories. As a consultant, Dr. Couch has assisted numerous dietary supplement companies with the development, improvement, and implementation of strong Quality Systems that are scientifically sound, efficient, practical, and compliant with all FDA regulations. She also performs mock FDA inspections, gap-analyses, and contractor facility audits. In addition, Dr. Couch provides GMP and laboratory training via seminar, webinar, and on-site presentations.