Introduction
In an era where global food supply chains face increasing threats from intentional adulteration, it has never been more critical for food industry professionals to master the principles of food defense. CDG’s Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment (IAVA) & Prevention course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in food production and distribution systems. Through a structured curriculum rooted in industry best practices—including CARVER+Shock analysis—this self-paced, online program empowers participants to develop robust food defense plans, safeguard public health, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Course Overview
This comprehensive course offers a deep dive into the science and methodology of IAVA, guiding learners from foundational concepts to advanced application techniques. Beginning with an exploration of the legal and regulatory landscape—including FSMA’s Intentional Adulteration Rule—students will learn to differentiate food defense from traditional food safety and quality programs. From there, the program unfolds in three key phases:

1. Principles and Frameworks: Understand core IAVA concepts such as vulnerability, threat, and mitigation. Examine the history and evolution of food defense regulations and explore how international standards (Codex, ISO 22000, PAS 96) align with U.S. requirements.
2. Assessment and Analysis Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with CARVER+Shock and hybrid scoring models. Learn to map process flows, identify high-risk “actionable process steps,” and apply risk-based thinking to evaluate accessibility, criticality, recoverability, and shock potential.
3. Mitigation and Continuous Improvement: Develop, document, and implement layered defense strategies tailored to facility-specific vulnerabilities. Explore insider threat countermeasures, physical security integration, cybersecurity controls for automation systems, and supply chain risk management. Conclude with guidance on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), emergency response planning, and metrics-driven continuous improvement.

Throughout the course, real-world case studies illustrate successful IAVA applications, while interactive exercises and templates ensure that participants can translate theory into practical, facility-specific defense plans.

Course Features

• Self-Paced Learning: Access all materials—video lectures, downloadable readings, and interactive assessments—anytime, anywhere.
• Expert-Led Content: Benefit from insights curated by seasoned food defense practitioners and regulatory experts.
• Practical Tools and Templates: Download customizable CARVER+Shock scoring sheets, vulnerability assessment checklists, documentation controls, and crisis communication templates.
• Real-World Case Studies: Analyze documented incidents of intentional adulteration to understand risk indicators, response strategies, and lessons learned.
• Hands-On Exercises: Apply IAVA techniques through guided exercises in process mapping, scoring, mitigation design, and audit preparation.
• Online Exam & Certification: Demonstrate mastery with a proctored online examination. Upon passing, receive a verifiable, digital certificate—issued instantly—to showcase your expertise to employers, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Resource Library: Access a curated collection of regulatory guidance, industry white papers, and reference standards for ongoing learning.
• Community Support: Join an exclusive alumni forum for peer networking, expert Q&A sessions, and continuous best-practice sharing.

Why Choose This Course?

• Regulatory Alignment: Developed in accordance with FDA’s FSMA Intentional Adulteration Rule and harmonized with global standards (GFSI, ISO 22000), ensuring you learn the latest compliance requirements.
• Comprehensive Scope: Unlike generic food safety programs, this course zeroes in on intentional threats—covering physical security, insider risk, cybersecurity, supply chain vulnerabilities, and crisis management.
• Applied Learning: Rather than theory alone, you’ll build real-world food defense plans, perform vulnerability assessments on sample facilities, and design mitigation measures that you can implement immediately.
• Career Advancement: Food defense expertise is in high demand across manufacturing, distribution, retail, and regulatory agencies. This certification validates your ability to safeguard products, brand reputation, and consumer health.
• Flexibility and Convenience: Fit your studies around work and personal commitments. Pause and resume lessons at your own pace, revisit complex topics, and track your progress through an intuitive learning management system.

Why Should You Enroll?

• Protect Public Health: Contribute directly to reducing the risk of economically motivated adulteration or malicious contamination events that can endanger consumers.
• Enhance Your Professional Profile: Add a specialized certification to your resume that demonstrates a deep understanding of food defense and intentional adulteration mitigation.
• Mitigate Business Risk: Help your organization avoid costly recalls, regulatory fines, and reputational damage through proactive vulnerability assessments and defense planning.
• Gain Cross-Functional Expertise: Collaborate effectively with quality assurance, engineering, security, and IT teams by speaking a common IAVA language and using standardized tools.
• Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats: Learn to leverage digital tools—IoT sensors, predictive analytics, cloud-based dashboards—and adapt your food defense strategy in a rapidly evolving risk landscape.

Enroll Now
CDG’s Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessment (IAVA) & Prevention course is open for enrollment year-round. Complete the streamlined registration process, gain instant access to all modules, and start building your expertise today. Upon finishing the coursework and passing the online exam, you will receive a fully accredited certificate—delivered digitally—to affirm your proficiency.

Secure your organization’s future and your career by mastering food defense with CDG. Enroll now and become a certified IAVA & Prevention expert!