The U.S. Food and Drug Administration at the end of July launched a national program designed to standardize food safety programs from state to state.

The goal is the adoption of more uniform, high-quality regulatory programs by state agencies responsible for regulating facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food under FDA’s jurisdiction.

Currently, programs can vary from state to state, leading to inconsistencies in oversight of food safety. The Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards define best practices for staff training, inspection, quality assurance, food defense preparedness and response, and more. Adoption of the voluntary standards will help state and federal authorities reduce food-borne illness hazards in food facilities, the FDA said.