The recent IAFP Annual Conference, held from July 16th to 19th in Toronto, marked a historic milestone with record-breaking attendance. The event gathered over 3,500 food safety professionals from around 58 countries, highlighting the collective effort to address pressing issues such as industry innovation, food safety culture, and sustainability. Among the highlights was Vikan's Global Hygiene Specialist, Deb Smith, who was honored as the Sanitarian of the Year.
This year's conference was particularly significant as it occurred post-pandemic, signaling a renewed focus on food safety practices. Sessions covered a wide array of topics, including innovative strategies for maintaining food safety culture within organizations. A standout presentation was delivered by Lone Jespersen, Principal for Cultivate SA, who emphasized the importance of transitioning from a compliance-based culture to fostering an intrinsic food safety mindset among employees.
Another notable session focused on the control of dry surface biofilms, which are critical in preventing contamination. Additionally, discussions delved into emerging concerns like allergen management in the retail and foodservice sectors, as well as the relevance of hygienically designed equipment in the produce industry. Updates on Canadian food safety regulations were also shared, reflecting the evolving landscape of compliance.
For those interested in learning more about food safety culture, Remco is hosting a free webinar titled "Food Safety Culture and Color-Coding: How to Exceed Compliance and Simplify Complexity." Scheduled for October 26th, 2023, at 9 a.m. EST, the session will feature Lone Jespersen alongside Amit M. Kheradia, Remco’s Environmental Health and Sanitation Manager. Even if you miss the live event, you can still register to receive a recording.
Pathogen monitoring updates were another focal point, particularly in light of the 2022 US outbreak linked to powdered infant formula. As a result, Cronobacter sakazakii is set to be included in the CDC’s notifiable diseases surveillance system starting in 2024. Other pathogens on the national surveillance list include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Remco also presented a poster detailing trending FDA inspectional observations from fiscal years 2006 to 2022. This resource helps identify common weak points in food safety and sanitation plans, offering actionable insights for prioritizing resources and programs.
To celebrate, Vikan recognized Deb Smith's exceptional contributions to the field by awarding her the prestigious IAFP Sanitarian of the Year title. Under her leadership, the company hosted a successful pre-conference workshop on dry sanitation strategies and participated in a roundtable discussion about sanitation tools for small-to-medium-sized produce enterprises.
Looking ahead, the 2024 IAFP Conference will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center in California from July 14th to 17th. For more information, visit the IAFP website.
In other news, Vikan recently acquired Wells Australia and New Zealand, marking a significant expansion in their global presence. With over 95 years of combined experience, this partnership strengthens Vikan's commitment to providing top-tier hygiene solutions. Meanwhile, Deb Smith continues to inspire with her work in food safety, proving that dedication and expertise can lead to remarkable achievements.
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