# Utilizing Minnesota’s Standardization Data to Support Training Initiatives

> **NIH FDA U18** · MINNESOTA STATE DEPT OF HEALTH · 2020 · $70,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
The objective of the proposed project “Utilizing Minnesota’s Standardization Data to Support
Training Initiatives” is to utilize the Minnesota Department of Health’s standardization data to
develop and implement specific training objectives and materials for food inspection staff. MDH
has been tracking disagreements and “swings” during standardization exercises. We will
analyze this data to target concepts that inspectors are having trouble with during
standardization exercises, and identify training opportunities to close this gap.
The expected outcome is a trained workforce with the skills and knowledge to perform quality
retail food inspections. This effort supports FDA’s mission to build an integrated national food
safety system in partnership with state and local authorities. For jurisdictions enrolled in the FDA
Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards, standardization provides a
means to achieve Standard 2.
Specific Aim 1: Maintain standardization rates statewide.
Our standardization coordinator will ensure a standardization rate of 90% or more for eligible
MDH staff, and increase the statewide standardization rate to 85%.
Specific Aim 2: Analyze MDH standardization data.
Data from 2019 and 2020 standardization exercises will be analyzed to identify trends in
disagreements between FDA Standardized staff and inspection staff.
Specific Aim 3: Develop and implement training tools to address knowledge gaps.
Training opportunities and tools will be developed, focusing on areas of disagreements and
misunderstandings during standardization exercises. Training will be disseminated via
Regulators’ Breakfast meetings, new inspector “core” training, and at the annual standardization
in-service, at minimum.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10148925
- **Project number:** 1U18FD007018-01
- **Recipient organization:** MINNESOTA STATE DEPT OF HEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Diaz
- **Activity code:** U18 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** FDA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $70,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10148925

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10148925, Utilizing Minnesota’s Standardization Data to Support Training Initiatives (1U18FD007018-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10148925. Licensed CC0.

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