The Environmental Health Department Personnel Participate in Association of Food and Drugs Officials (AFDO) 129th Annual Education Conference

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 4 July 2025 – Environmental Health Officers Shanieka Cranston and Khris-Ann Lawson, recently attended the Association of Food and Drugs Officials (AFDO) 129^th Annual Education Conference held in Dallas, Texas, from June 21-25, 2025.

The AFDO conference brought together professionals from across the globe to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions in food safety, and environmental health. During the conference,

Ms. Cranston and Ms. Lawson engaged with international experts, participating in workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities that focused on cutting-edge topics related to food safety and environmental health.

The insights gained from this conference will significantly enhance the department’s capacity to protect public health and ensure a safe environment for the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Key lessons and highlights from the Conference:

• Outbreak Investigation Mastery: The officers sharpened their response strategies through “A Murder Mystery Matinee,” a hands-on session that taught advanced outbreak investigation skills crucial for preventing foodborne illness outbreaks on the islands.
• Risk-based Inspections: Officers explored where TCI stands in the global shift toward risk-based inspection models, aiming to make local inspections more targeted and effective in managing health risks.
• Strengthening Food Safety Culture: Lessons from top U.S. food safety leaders including former FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas, will support a cultural shift in the food businesses toward safer handling and prevention practices.
• Digital Transformation in Food Safety: Sessions like “The Past, Present, and Future of Digital Food Safety Management” introduced emerging technologies that the TCI may adopt to streamline regulatory process and data reporting.
• Human Factors and Team Dynamics: Workshops such as “Virtually Extinct: Reviving Human Interaction” offered strategies to boost collaboration and productivity within the department and across other public health sectors.
• Talking to Decision Makers: Communication focused training helped refine how the department conveys critical health recommendations to policy makers, ensuring stronger alignment and impact.

 Participation in the AFDO Conference:

Participation in the AFDO conference has enhanced the capacity of TCI’s Environmental Health Professionals to adopt global best practices, collaborate with international regulators, and modernize their public health systems. These learnings will be translated into:

• More efficient and science-based inspection protocols.
• Quicker and more coordinated outbreak responses.
• Stronger partnerships with local food businesses.
• Increased public trust in health and safety standards.
• Improved training programs for frontline inspectors.

The knowledge and skills acquired will be instrumental in developing and implementing effective strategies to address current and emerging environmental health challenges in the islands. This includes improving food safety standards, enhancing water quality monitoring, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

The Environmental Health Department looks forward to applying the lessons learned and best practices shared at the AFDO conference to further its mission of safeguarding the health and environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.