Purpose: Originally released in 2013, the Exercise Tool was developed to enhance awareness of the importance of protecting the food supply from intentional adulteration, ensure food defense practices and mitigations were effective, documented and understood, and to support industry efforts to test and maintain effective written recall procedures.
Methods: Designed primarily for small and very small establishments, this discussion-based Exercise Tool has been updated to improve usability and provide three new scenarios that reflect current issues.
Results: Each scenario now addresses a unique incident type and are applicable to all establishments, regardless of the commodity they produce. The Tool will help establishments test and validate their food defense and recall plans.
Significance: The modernized Exercise Toolkit will include Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) compatible exercise documents for use by local governments or industry associations that might conduct an exercise for establishments in their functional area. These documents will ensure conformance with established guidance in exercise program management, design, evaluation, and improved planning. HSEEP guidance and exercises may qualify for Federal or state grant funding.