Skip to main content
 

Economic Vitality Final 10-26-11 -   4.4.b - Food Processor Inspection & Approval Processing Time

 
Go Search
       
Economic Vitality Final 10-26-11
1. Employment & Worker Services
2. Economic Growth & Development
3. Economic Foundation
4. Business Relations
Action Plan
  
 
Final GMAP Reports > 1. Economic Vitality > Economic Vitality Final 10-26-11 > 4. Business Relations > 4.4 - Business Permits & Licenses > 4.4.b - Food Processor Inspection & Approval Processing Time
 

4.4.b - Food Processor Inspection & Approval Processing Time
How long does it take to inspect and approve food processors? 
 
 
 
Progress icon Operation in progress...
 
Data Notes
Data Source: The data was prepared by the WSDA Food Safety Program Manager based on the program’s excel tracking data.  This data is being reported at each WSDA Divisional GMAP Session.  The data is updated as of March 31st, 2011.
Measure Definition:

All new Food Processing Licenses are tracked from the calendar date that the WSDA Fiscal department receives the application with payment, the date the FSP receives the application, the date a complete application is sent electronically to the field, the date of the inspection approves the applicant’s facility, the date the FSP Administrative office received the approved Inspection Report and the date the License Certificate is mailed out to the approved applicant.  Note:  firms are “open for business” when they are approved at the time of the license inspection.

The Inspectional Approval Target is 21 days and this is a measure of the time from the FSP receipt of a complete application to the actual date the field staff conducts the inspection and finds the applicant meeting the licensing criteria to approve them to start processing at the field level.  All measures are calendar dates.

Target Rationale: The 21 day target was set because the program was able to note some early data that a complete application received from a new applicant that was ready to be inspected and ready to start their business, that the process took about three weeks.  This allows for the application to be received and processed, the field staff to review and make appointments with the applicant and to physically conduct the inspection of the applicant’s facility.
Link to Agency Strategic Plan: Contributes to Goal 1: Protect and reduce the risk to public health by assuring the safety of the state’s food supply.
Relevance: Timely, effective, and efficient regulation of food processors protects the public and minimizes the burden of compliance on businesses.
Notes: (optional)
Also Available
Action Plan: Yes
Extended Analysis: No

 Drill Down Measures

 Summary Analysis

Data: The Target for inspection and Approval of  Food Applications is the average of 21 days. The average for July through September 2011 was 13.4 days.

Process Improvement:

  • The turn-around time was improved by sending the completed Food Packet Application to the Food Safety Officer electronically rather than by sending through the US Post office. This saved 5-10 days.
  • One office staff person was dedicated to handling the Food Applications which contributed to improving the turn-around time.
  • All of the vacant inspector positions were filled during the past year,  7 inspectors,  and those inspectors are now capable of using their newly acquired experience.
  • Inquiries from the stakeholders, received  at our central office, is now sent straight to the Region Managers for Technical Assistance. The Region Managers are able to handle those inquiries quickly and efficiently;  when the applications are received our inspectors have a head start on processing.
  • The reporting period includes the  summertime; which provides more light/extended days and  better weather conditions in which to conduct inspections.

Sustainability:  All Food Safety Officer positions are currently filled, which helps sustain the lower turn-around time below or within 21 days. If  we experience vacant positions it will likely adversely impact our ability to meet or exceed our target; over an extended period.

 
Extended Analysis and Action Plan