The Food Safety Summit (scheduled April 8-10 in Baltimore) is a conference and exposition that spotlights crucial industry issues and emerging technology. The event is designed for food processors, distributors, growers, retailers, foodservice operators, and academia.
Amy Riemer, education director for the Food Safety Summit, told FoodProductionDaily the event gives food professionals the opportunity to gather and hammer out important concerns facing their business.
“The ability to network with peers, meet with industry leaders and demonstrate hands on new technology is invaluable,” she said. “The Food Safety Summit offers the opportunity for 1,500 industry professionals to share ideas, debate issues and network; they can also meet with more than 175 vendors showcasing the latest products and services that will provide solutions for their current challenges.”
Safety presentations
The Food Safety Summit agenda includes presentations by brand owners, supplier representatives, and government agencies.
“We are excited about our keynote presentation ‘A CEO Commitment to Food Safety with Ed Lonergan, CEO Chiquita Brands and Don Zietlow, President and CEO of KwikTrip who will share their passion and commitment to food safety,” Riemer said.
“We will also be hosting the 3rd Annual Town Hall with the three top regulators in the industry: Michael Taylor of the US Food and Drug Administration, Brian Ronholm of the US Department of Agriculture, and Joe Corby of the Association of Food and Drug Officials,” Riemer added. “They will answer questions from the audience on the most pressing issues facing the industry.”
Also on the agenda: a “hot topics” session where a panel will debate how audits should be used, if product testing should be mandated, who should be held liable for food borne illness, and what can be done about norovirus. Additionally, the schedule includes half-day workshops on meeting consumer and FSMA Food Safety Expectations, and on the One Health Approach and Traceability.
Education sessions
During the summit, attendees can participate in various training and certification programs. On April 7, before the event’s official kickoff, organizers are offering the first of a three-part HACCP Certification Training Program, and a specialized HACCP program for the seafood industry.
Additionally, the event includes a one-day ServSafe Manager training program. It combines information on FDA food regulations, safety research, and sanitation training, in an agenda designed for students and experienced professionals looking to re-certify.
Industry exhibits
Riemer told FPD the Food Safety Summit’s exposition area will feature approximately 178 exhibitors displaying current food safety and quality technology. Supplier companies will be on hand to demonstrate their equipment and answer questions about applications for the products.
Companies expected to exhibit include Thermo Scientific, Alchemy Systems, Cryopak, DuPont, Dow, Eurofins, BRC, Mettler Toledo, PerkinElmer, Peco Controls, and more.