GMP, USDA, FDA, CDC, NIST: Acronyms Explained

Acronyms are extremely useful. We use them (mainly) to help consolidate names and associations into digestible briefs. Instead of "Entertainment and Sports Programming Network", we use "ESPN" when referring to that particular organization. Still, acronyms can often be confusing, misleading, or largley unclear to an untrained eye. We've found the following "stamps" in our own literature and from the voices of our customers. If you'd like to learn more about them, click through to the official websites for each governing body/organization. 

GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice

A GMP is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It is designed to minimize the risks involved in any pharmaceutical production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product.

GMP covers all aspects of production from the starting materials, premises and equipment to the training and personal hygiene of staff. Detailed, written procedures are essential for each process that could affect the quality of the finished product. There must be systems to provide documented proof that correct procedures are consistently followed at each step in the manufacturing process - every time a product is made. 

FDA: Food and Drug Administration

The FDA is one of several federal executive departments in the United States. The FDA is mainly responsible for promoting and protecting the public through regulation (and supervision) of food safety, dietary supplements, perscriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, veterniary products and electromagnetic radiation devices. 

Many of our food service clients must adhere to FDA regulations for temperature monitoring. Typically, the FDA inspects each food establishment on a yearly basis, ensuring that the client is maintaining safe food handling and practices (including temperature control of refrigerators, freezers and pantries).

USDA: United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the U.S federal executive department responsible for developing and executing government policies on farming, agriculture, forestry and food. 

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

CDC seeks to accomplish its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and the world to:

• Monitor Health
• Investigate and detect health problems
• Conduct research to enhance prevention
• Develop and advocate sound public health policies
• Implement prevention strategies
• Promote healthy behaviors
• Foster safe and healthful environments
• Provide leadership and training

Some of our most sensitive clients must pay strict attention to CDC requirements at all times. Our temperature sensors are currently monitoring in several hospitals, brain banks, and other vaccine-related storage units. CDC requirements typically outline 15 minute monitoring as the guideline for temperature sensor "check-in's", or 4 checks per hour.

NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology

If you haven't already, check out our extensive blog post on NIST/ISO17025 certification by clicking here.