What Does PCQI Mean?

PCQI stands for Preventive Controls Qualified Individual.

If you’re in the food industry, you may have heard the term “PCQI” mentioned before. But what does PCQI mean?

PCQI stands for Preventive Controls Qualified Individual. FSMA’s Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule defines a PCQI as a qualified individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the FDA or be otherwise qualified through job experience.

Restated another way, a PCQI must be trained to apply the Preventive Controls regulation, or they must have the extensive food safety knowledge gained through job experience required to read and understand the regulation, and to apply it successfully.

Some activities may only be performed by a PCQI, as detailed in 21 CFR 117.180, so it is critical to have a PCQI on staff or one contracted to perform these activities. One way to become a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual and obtain PCQI certification is to participate in the FSPCA’s PCQI course. Freshield Food Safety’s PCQI certification course uses the standardized FSPCA curriculum recognized by the FDA.

Freshield Food Safety offers Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training to help food companies ensure compliance with FSMA. We follow the FSPCA developed curriculum that is recognized by the FDA. Upon successful completion of PCQI training, participants will receive an FSPCA-issued certificate of completion. To sign-up for one of out PCQI trainings, click here. Email us here.

Becoming a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) is a requirement for many food processors.