Since the rollout of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the term Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) has been part of the food industries’ core language. Under the Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) rule, the PCQI is responsible for developing and overseeing a facility’s food safety plan. This includes identifying hazards, implementing preventive controls and monitoring corrective actions.

In 2024, the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) released an updated curriculum for PCQI training (2.0). The updated curriculum is accepted by the FDA for meeting the requirements of a PCQI under 21 CFR 117.180. While the core curriculum remains the same, a few areas have been updated to offer more clarity, case studies and real-world application.

Does the PCQI training matter for produce operations?

This depends on the type of operation.  Farms that grow, harvest, pack or hold produce are exempt from the Preventive Control Rule, meaning that they are exempt for the PCQI training. However, operations involved in operations handling fresh-cut and processed produce fall under both rules. For these facilities, the PCQI role is not optional.

Nevertheless, even operations exempt from the PCHF rule may still be asked to designate a PCQI-trained individual by buyers. PCQI 2.0 allows companies to provide their food safety teams with additional training opportunities.

If I took the PCQI 1.0 training, do I have to take the 2.0 training?

If your PCQI certificate is based on version 1.0, you are still in compliance with the regulation. FDA does not require retraining. However, retraining may be valuable if your food safety team needs a refresher.

What is the difference between PSR training and PCQI training?

The Produce Safety Rule (PSR) training is designed specifically for produce growers and focuses on on-farm practices that reduce the risk of microbial contamination such as worker hygiene, water use, soil amendments, and postharvest handling. PCQI is meant for facilities subject to the Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) rule and covers how to develop, implement and oversee a written food safety plan that includes hazard analysis, preventive controls and verification activities. While PSR is farm-focused, PCQI is required for facilities especially those handling fresh-cut, or processed produce.

Where can I receive the PCQI 2.0 training

• IFPTI (International Food Protection Training Institute) Offers virtual and in-person PCQI 2.0 courses. More information here
• Provision analytics is Hosting a training in Hollister, CA from July 8 – 10, 2025
  8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Western Grower members get $100 off with code WG2025. Register here