IAFP 2007 to be Held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (12/12/06)
IAFP 2007 Call for Abstracts (11/14/06)
IAFP to Host a Rapid Response Symposium: Fresh Leafy Greens – Are They Safe Enough? (9/22/06)
IAFP 2006 a Great Success (8/30/06)
Frank Yiannas Assumes Presidency of IAFP (8/30/06)
Early Registration Deadline Nears for IAFP 2006 (6/29/06)
IAFP Launches New Online Job Service (6/29/06)
IAFP Announces 2006 Award Recipients (6/5/06)
IAFP Names Ecolab Inc. as Recipient of the Prestigious Black Pearl Award (6/5/06)
International Association for Food Protection Announces Fellow and Honorary Life Recipients (6/5/06)
IAFP Announces Three Workshops at IAFP 2006 (4/6/06)
International Association for Food Protection Elects Vickie Lewandowski to Executive Board (4/6/06)
Final Program Set for IAFP 2006 (3/10/06)
IAFP Holds 2006-2007 Secretary Elections (2/1/06)
IAFP 2006 to be Held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (1/6/06)

IAFP 2007 to be Held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Des Moines, Iowa (December 12, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection will hold IAFP 2007, the 94 th Annual Meeting, July 8-11, 2007 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The meeting has earned recognition as the leading food safety conference. Registration information will be available in February on the Association Web site, www.foodprotection.org. The preliminary program will be available in March 2007.

To provide food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply, IAFP 2007 will feature approximately 25 symposia, 75 technical presentations and more than 300 poster presentations. During the four-day meeting, the conference will include committee meetings, educational exhibits, a business meeting, an awards banquet, and a number of social events. Pre-meeting workshops will also be presented.

Issues regarding water quality and shellfish safety, test detection methods, emerging food trends, time and temperature control, and investigation of outbreaks are just a few of the challenges that will be discussed throughout the educational sessions.

IAFP 2007 Call for Abstracts

DES MOINES, Iowa (November 14, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection is now accepting abstracts for IAFP 2007 to be held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, July 8-11, 2007. The deadline for submissions is January 16, 2007. IAFP accepts abstracts online. Call for Abstracts (Submission Form, General Information and Instructions), Speaker Reference Guide, Policy for Commercialism and information on the Developing Scientist Awards Competition are available at: www.foodprotection.org.

Poster or oral presentation formats are available. Abstracts are limited to 300 words and must report the results of original research pertinent to the subject matter. Papers may also report subject matter of an educational and/or nontechnical nature. The Program Committee will evaluate abstracts submitted for acceptance. Information in the abstract must not have been previously published in a copyrighted journal.  

With a reputation for quality content, the Annual Meeting features over 500 technical, poster and symposia presentations, detailing current information on a variety of topics relating to food safety. The quantity and quality of presentations provide information on the latest methods and technologies available. Top industry, academic and government food safety professionals attend each meeting. This broad mix of more than 1,700 attendees includes professionals in quality control, processing operations, regulatory inspections, consulting groups, risk assessment, research and development, microbiological research, plant management, technical services and HACCP management.

IAFP to Host a Rapid Response Symposium: Fresh Leafy Greens – Are They Safe Enough?

Des Moines, Iowa (September 22, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection will host a Rapid Response Symposium titled, Fresh Leafy Greens - Are They Safe Enough? on October 6, 2006 at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. The symposium will bring leading experts and stakeholders together for a science-based discussion on the latest findings from the recent nationwide spinach outbreak. It will center on lessons learned and current strategies to improve the safety of leafy greens and similar produce.

The recent widespread foodborne outbreak linked to fresh, bagged spinach has called into question the safety of fresh leafy greens. Since 1995, there have been 19 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness in the U.S. caused by E. coli O157:H7 for which lettuce or leafy greens were implicated as the outbreak vehicle. Given these findings, are fresh leafy greens safe enough? Are current measures adequate to ensure consumer safety? What are the latest risk management strategies that can be implemented to further protect public health? These and other questions will be discussed on October 6 in Arlington. A symposium schedule may be reviewed online at www.foodprotection.org.

Hotel accommodation and registration information for the one-day program can also be found at the IAFP Web site. For more information on the IAFP Rapid Response Symposium please contact the Association office at 800.369.6337; 515.276.3344; fax: 515.276.8655, E-mail: info@foodprotection.org; or Web site: www.foodprotection.org

Frank Yiannas Assumes Presidency of the International Association for Food Protection

Des Moines, Iowa, (August 30, 2006) Frank Yiannas, M.P.H., Health and Safety Director for Walt Disney World Co., assumed the presidency of IAFP at the conclusion of IAFP 2006.

Mr. Yiannas oversees all food safety programs and public health functions for Walt Disney World, including major theme parks and resorts, two cruise ships, two water parks, and hundreds of the world’s busiest food locations. More than 15,000 Food and Beverage employees, hundreds of food suppliers, and a number of critical regulatory compliance issues also come under his purview. Since joining Disney in 1989, Mr. Yiannas has expanded Disney’s program beyond testing and inspections by creating leading-edge risk management strategies. Under his tenure, Disney has been recognized as a pioneer in food safety training, implementing HACCP at the food service level, developing hand-held computer technology to conduct food safety audits, and utilizing progressive microbial testing approaches.

Mr. Yiannas is also a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, and participates in numerous professional committees involved with issues of national importance. In addition to his role as IAFP President, he is the immediate past Chair of Council I, Laws and Regulations, of the Conference for Food Protection (CFP), and serves on the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Yiannas is a Registered Microbiologist with the American Academy of Microbiology. He holds memberships with several professional associations, including the National Environmental Health Association, the American Society of Microbiology, and the Institute of Food Technologists. He received his BS in Microbiology from the University of Central Florida and his Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of South Florida.

In addition to Mr. Yiannas, other members of the Executive Board include:

President-Elect — Gary Acuff, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Vice President — J. Stan Bailey, Ph.D., USDA-ARS, Athens, Georgia
Secretary — Vickie Lewandowski, M.S., Kraft Foods, Glenview, Illinois
Past President — Jeffrey M. Farber, Ph.D., Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Affiliate Council Chairperson — Maria Teresa Destro, Ph.D., University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Early Registration Deadline Nears for IAFP 2006

Des Moines, Iowa (June 29, 2006) – The early registration deadline for IAFP 2006 is July 12, 2006. The International Association for Food Protection’s 93rd Annual Meeting will be held August 13-16 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Meeting has earned recognition as the leading food safety conference. Online registration and program information is available on the Association Web site at www.foodprotection.org.

This year’s meeting is comprised of professional opportunities such as educational presentations, business meeting, committee meetings, educational exhibits, awards banquet, and social events. Representatives from over 100 companies will exhibit equipment and services relating to food safety. Dr. Arthur Liang, Acting Associate Director for Food Safety, National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne, and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia will deliver the Ivan Parkin Lecture at Sunday’s Opening Session entitled “ A Progress Paradox: If We Have the Safest Food Supply, Why Am I Working So Hard? ” Dr. William H. Sperber, Senior Corporate Microbiologist, Cargill, Inc., Wayzata, Minnesota, will present “Rising From the Ocean Bottom – The Evolution o f Microbiology in the Food Industry” at the John H. Silliker Lecture on Wednesday afternoon.

For additional educational opportunities, IAFP 2006 will present three, pre-meeting workshops on August 11 and 12. The Annual Meeting includes approximately 500 presentations including symposia, technical sessions and posters. Attendance is expected to exceed 1,700 of the top industry, academic and government food safety professionals. This broad mix of attendees includes professionals in quality control, processing operations, regulatory inspections, consulting groups, risk assessment, research and development, microbiological research, plant management, technical services, and HACCP management.

IAFP Launches New Online Job Service

Des Moines, Iowa (June 29, 2006) – The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) announces the launch of its interactive job board, IAFP Career Services. With its focus on the food safety industry companies and professionals, IAFP Career Services offers members and the food safety industry at large, an easy-to-use and highly targeted resource for online employment connections.

“We’re very excited about IAFP Career Services, because we know how critical it is for employers in the food safety field to attract top talent with a minimum expenditure of time and resources,” said David Tharp, IAFP Executive Director. “It’s important for us to help enable smooth career transitions for those seeking industry jobs.”

Both members and non-members can use IAFP Career Services to reach qualified candidates. Employers can post jobs online, search for qualified candidates based on specific job criteria, and create an online resume agent to E-mail qualified candidates daily. They also benefit from online reporting that provides job activity statistics.

For job seekers, IAFP Career Services is a free service that provides access to employers and jobs in the food safety industry. In addition to posting their resumes, job seekers can browse and view available jobs based on their criteria and save those jobs for later review if they choose. Job seekers can also create a search agent to provide E-mail notifications of jobs that match their criteria.

IAFP Announces 2006 Award Recipients

Des Moines, Iowa (June 5, 2006) – The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) will present awards recognizing excellence in food safety to the following organization and individuals at IAFP 2006, August 13-16, 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Black Pearl Award will be presented to Ecolab Inc. ,in recognition of their outstanding achievement in corporate excellence in food safety and quality.

The Harry Haverland Citation Award will be presented to Gale Prince, The Kroger Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, for his years of devotion to the ideals and objectives of the Association.

Dr. Paul Hall, Matrix MicroScience Inc., Hawthorn Woods, Illinois is the recipient of the Harold Barnum Industry Award. This awards recognizes his outstanding service to IAFP, the public, and the food industry.

The Educator Award will be presented to Dr.Lee-Ann Jaykus, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, to recognize her dedication and exceptional contributions to the profession of the educator.

Jack Guzewich, FDA, College Park, Maryland, will be presented the Sanitarian Award to recognize his dedication and exceptional service to the profession of sanitation, serving the public and the food industry.

The Maurice Weber Laboratorian Award will be presented to Dr. Catherine Donnelly, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, to recognize her service for outstanding contributions in the laboratory and recognizing a commitment to the development of innovative and practical analytical approaches in support of food safety.

The International Leadership Award will be presented to Dr.Christopher Griffith, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, for his dedication to the high ideals and objectives of IAFP and for promotion of the mission of the Association in countries outside of the United States and Canada.

Dr. Edward Mather, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, will receive the Food Safety Innovation Award for developing the Professional Master of Science in Food Safety degree through online study.

IAFP Names Ecolab Inc. as Recipient of the Prestigious Black Pearl Award

"Ecolab recognized for global commitment, innovation in food quality and safety "

Des Moines, Iowa (June 5, 2006) ¾ The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) selected Ecolab Inc. as the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award. Sponsored by Wilbur Feagan and F & H Food Equipment Company, the Black Pearl Award will be presented at the IAFP Annual Meeting in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in August.

This honor is given annually to one company for its efforts in advancing food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards and support of the goals and objectives of IAFP.

Ecolab Inc., based in St. Paul, Minn., is the leading global developer and marketer of premium cleaning, sanitizing, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products and services for the world’s hospitality, institutional, food processing and food retail markets. Around the world, the company operates directly in 70 countries, employing more than 22,000 associates, and reaches customers in roughly 100 countries through distributors, licensees and export operations.

Katherine M.J. Swanson, Ecolab’s Vice President of Food Safety, states, “Ecolab is truly a food safety company that spans the entire food chain. From products for cows in milking parlors, to clean-in-place systems in food processors, to employee-friendly products and services in restaurants and retail establishments, Ecolab products, knowledgeable service and technical support are there to enhance food safety and quality.”

Swanson adds that Ecolab continues to seek innovative food safety products and services to meet an ever-growing list of customer needs in all segments of the food industry.

“Ecolab has always been much more than just a supplier of cleaning chemicals to our restaurants,” says Dr. Alejandro Mazzotta, Director, Food Safety and Scientific Affairs, McDonald’s Corporation, “they have helped McDonald’s develop and implement sound cleaning and sanitation practices.” He adds that Ecolab not only develops chemicals that are safe, non-corrosive, effective, and meet unique needs, but also develops cleaning and sanitation procedures that are simple and easy to execute.

Ecolab has been an IAFP Sustaining Member for over 20 years and a Gold Sustaining Member since 2005, actively participating in IAFP’s Annual Meeting as a sponsor, exhibitor and presenting food safety information.

International Association for Food Protection Announces Fellow and Honorary Life Recipients

Des Moines, Iowa (June 5, 2006) – The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) announces the recipients of the 2006 IAFP Fellow Award and the Honorary Life Memberships. These awards will be presented at IAFP 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

IAFP Fellows are professionals who have contributed to IAFP and its affiliates with distinction over an extended period of time. This year, Dr. John N. Sofos will receive this prestigious award. Dr. Sofos, Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences of Colorado State University is an international leader in the food safety field. Dr. Sofos has been a Member of IAFP for over 20 years. He currently serves as a Scientific Co-Editor for the Journal of Food Protection and as Science Advisor for the Denver District Laboratory of the Food and Drug Administration.

The Honorary Life Membership Award recognizes IAFP Members for their dedication to the high ideals, and objectives of IAFP and for their service to the Association. This year, Mr. William H. Brewer and Dr. William S. LaGrange will receive this honor.

Mr. Brewer, of Seattle, Washington, is the retired Manager of Quality Assurance for Consolidated Dairy Farms/Darigold. He has been a Member of IAFP since 1953. In that time, he hosted the 1980 Annual Meeting in Spokane and co-chaired the Seattle meeting in 1996. Mr. Brewer has also been actively involved in the Washington Affiliate of IAFP, recently serving as secretary-treasurer.

Dr. LaGrange of Ames, Iowa, is a retired Professor and Extension Food Scientist of Iowa State University. Dr. LaGrange has been actively involved in IAFP for 46 years and served as Scientific editor of Food Protection Trends from 1996–2003.

IAFP Announces Three Workshops at IAFP 2006

Des Moines, Iowa (April 6, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection announces three workshops to be held in conjunction with IAFP 2006 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Workshop I

Saturday, August 12, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Developing and Improving Your Food Microbiology Laboratory

This workshop will present ways to operate a food microbiology laboratory more effectively and efficiently. Participants will learn in a friendly and interactive environment, the critical elements of a food microbiology testing laboratory. Also, laboratory layout as it applies to efficiency and data quality will be addressed. Workshop participants will learn how to build technical competence through training and the three pillars of quality. Analysis of variables to be considered when determining whether to build or up grade an internal microbiology laboratory including a review of experiences and challenges with in-house testing will be presented. The workshop will include time for a round-table discussion and a binder of information to reinforce the practical experience gained during the workshop for future use.

Workshop II

Saturday, August 12, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Methods, Methods Everywhere but Which is Right for Me? Selection and Verification of Methods
Selecting the analytical tools for microbiological analysis that best meets your needs is a critical task. This workshop will teach you about selecting a microbiological method that is “fit for purpose”. Experience a first-time release and the demonstration of an AOAC “online” learning center to understand the various international approaches to method validation schemes. Speakers will address practical considerations in method selection both for corporate and single manufacturing site labs; the concept of uncertainty of measurement as a key component of method verification; and the Canadian experience in expectations of accrediting authorities for methods verification.

Workshop III

Friday and Saturday, August 11-12, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Global Food Standards: Food Safety Auditing

In today’s global food market it is vital that there are food safety standards in place that can be used by companies in determining a supplier base for their foodstuffs. To this end there has been an increase in the development and evolution of Global Food Safety Standards. The recently launched ISO 22000 Standard is the latest in the range of standards. Currently, the most widely used is the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard Food. This is used by approved Certification Bodies as the standard to audit against in ensuring a consistent, safe food supply. The Standard covers a wide range of topics including, HACCP, Quality Management Systems, Factory Environment Standards, Product Control, Process Control and Personnel. One of the problems with auditing is ensuring consistency between auditors. This workshop will cover all aspects of both the Standard and auditing techniques to guarantee consistency. This course is certified by the British Retail Consortium and is recognized as the required Internal Auditor

training for any company seeking certification.

Detailed descriptions and registration information regarding these workshops may be obtained by visiting our Web site at www.foodprotection.org.

International Association for Food Protection Elects Vickie Lewandowski to Executive Board

Des Moines, Iowa (April 6, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection elected Vickie Lewandowski to the Executive Board as Secretary. Ms. Lewandowski will take office at the conclusion of IAFP 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and will fulfill a five-year commitment to the Association serving as President in 2009–2010.

Ms. Lewandowski is an Associate Principal Microbiologist for Kraft Foods, where she is responsible for providing microbiological and food safety expertise to the global cream cheese, cultured dairy products and specialty cheese business. Since joining IAFP in 1995, Ms. Lewandowski has been a very active member. She served on the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2000 IAFP Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, has organized and convened several well-received symposia and has been a presenter for symposia and technical sessions. Ms. Lewandowski is currently the Chairperson of the Program Committee and the Vice Chairperson for the Dairy Quality and Safety Professional Development Group. She has been a judge for the Developing Scientist Competition for 2004 and 2005, and was chair of that committee in 2005. In addition to her involvement with IAFP, Ms. Lewandowski is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, the American Society for Microbiology, and the Associated Illinois Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians, an Affiliate of IAFP.

Des Moines, Iowa (March 10, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection has set the final program for IAFP 2006 – the Association’s 93rd Annual Meeting, August 13-16, 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The meeting has earned recognition as the leading food safety conference. Online registration and program information is available on the Association Web site at: www.foodprotection.org.

The meeting kicks off Sunday evening, August 13, with the Ivan Parkin Lecture followed by the Opening Reception held in the Exhibit Hall. This year’s honored lecturer is Dr. Arthur Liang from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monday morning starts three days of diversified sessions with over 500 presentations including 24 half-day symposia, three round-table sessions, 80 technical and 350 poster presentations. A sample of symposia topics includes: Symposium on Salmonella: The Saga Continues; How Risk Managers Decide on Risk from Different National Perspectives; A New Crack at Egg Safety: From the Hen House to Your House; Disaster Preparedness and Response; Making Food Safer: How Outbreaks Can Influence Change; and many others. The Third Annual Silliker Lecture will be presented on Wednesday afternoon, featuring Dr. William Sperber, Cargill. For additional educational opportunities, IAFP 2006 will present three pre-meeting workshops on August 11 and 12.

IAFP Holds 2006-2007 Secretary Election

Des Moines, Iowa (February 1, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection announced Dr. Leon G. M. Gorris and Ms. Vickie Lewandowski as candidates for the 2006-2007 Secretary. The elected Secretary will assume their position following IAFP 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in August and will serve a five-year term of successive positions. Ballots have been mailed to all Association Members. Completed ballots are due by March 17, 2006. Election results will be announced in the May issue of Food Protection Trends .

Dr. Leon G. M. Gorris is the Science and Technology Area Leader in the field of risk analysis for Unilever SEAC, where he established a department for multi-disciplinary risk assessments. Dr. Gorris has been a Member of IAFP since 1999. Currently, he is the Chair of the IAFP Microbial Risk Analysis PDG, a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Food Protection and a member of the Food Protection Trends Management Committee. He was involved in organizing IAFP’s First European Symposium on Food Safety. Dr. Gorris is also actively involved as a member of the International Life Sciences Institute-Europe, Institute of Food Technologists, Society for Applied Microbiology, the Netherlands Society for Microbiology, and Society for Risk Analysis. Dr. Gorris obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology at the Catholic University of Nijmegan.

Ms. Vickie Lewandowski is an Associate Principal Microbiologist for Kraft Foods, where she is responsible for providing microbiological and food safety expertise to the global cream cheese, cultured dairy products and specialty cheese business. Since joining IAFP in 1995, Ms. Lewandowski has been a very active member. She served on the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2000 IAFP Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. She has organized and convened several well-received symposia and has been a presenter for symposia and technical sessions. Ms. Lewandowski is currently the Chairperson of the Program Committee and the Vice Chairperson for the Dairy Quality and Safety Professional Development Group. Ms. Lewandowski has been a judge for the Developing Scientist Competition for 2004 and 2005, and was chair of that committee in 2005. In addition to her involvement with IAFP, Ms. Lewandowski is a member of the Institute of Food Technologist, the American Society for Microbiology, and the Associated Illinois Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians, an Affiliate of IAFP. Ms. Lewandowski earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science from the University of Minnesota. While pursuing her career, she continued her education and was awarded her Masters Degree in Food Microbiology in 1997.

IAFP 2006 will be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on August 13-16, 2006.

IAFP 2006 to be Held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Des Moines, Iowa (January 6, 2006) The International Association for Food Protection will hold IAFP 2006, the 93 rd Annual Meeting from August 13-16, 2006 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The meeting has earned recognition as the leading food safety conference. Registration information will be available in January on the Association Web site, www.foodprotection.or. The preliminary program will be available in March 2006.

To provide food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply, IAFP 2006 will feature approximately 25 symposia, 75 technical sessions and more than 250 poster presentations. During the four-day meeting, the conference will include a business meeting, committee meetings, educational exhibits, an awards banquet, and a number of social events. Pre-meeting workshops will also be presented.

Issues regarding raw milk sales and consumption, international food law, biosecurity at retail, foodborne viruses, Salmonella, laboratory quality programs, and selection and verification of methods are just a few of the challenges that will be discussed throughout the educational sessions.

Past Press Releases

2006

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