The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Annual Conference, held from July 16 to 19 in Toronto, marked a significant milestone with record attendance. The event was greatly influenced by the easing of pandemic restrictions, allowing professionals from around the world to come together. Attendees from regulatory bodies, academia, industry, and advocacy groups engaged in discussions on topics such as innovation, food safety culture, and sustainability. Notably, Vikan’s Global Hygiene Specialist, Deb Smith, was honored as Sanitarian of the Year.
Over 3,500 food safety professionals from nearly 58 countries participated in IAFP 2023, contributing to the exchange of cutting-edge science, technology, and policy developments in food safety and sanitation. Sessions covered a wide range of subjects, including food safety culture, which was one of the most discussed topics. Lone Jespersen, Principal at Cultivate SA, emphasized the importance of shifting from a compliance-based culture to one that fully integrates food safety into daily operations. This transition, she argued, requires a multidisciplinary approach and strong leadership.
For those interested in learning more about food safety culture, Remco is offering a free webinar titled “Food Safety Culture and Color-Coding: How to Exceed Compliance and Simplify Complexity†on October 26, 2023, at 9 a.m. EST. The session will be led by Jespersen and Amit M. Kheradia, Remco’s Environmental Health and Sanitation Manager. Even if the live session has passed, registration is still available for a recording.
Other key sessions included topics like dry surface biofilm control, allergen management, and updates on Canadian food safety regulations. Sustainability also took center stage, with discussions on reducing plastic waste and the potential for increased use of recycled materials in food contact applications. According to PlantSwitch, 80% of plastic waste ends up in landfills, prompting calls for updated regulations to support eco-friendly practices.
Pathogen monitoring and investigation were also major themes, especially following the 2022 powdered infant formula outbreak. As a result, Cronobacter sakazakii will be added to the CDC’s list of notifiable diseases by 2024, highlighting the growing focus on proactive food safety measures.
Remco also showcased its research on FDA inspectional observations from 2006 to 2022, helping organizations identify common weaknesses in their food safety plans. The findings were well-received during a professional development session led by Amit M. Kheradia.
Deb Smith's recognition as Sanitarian of the Year was a highlight of the conference. Her contributions to the field, including her role in a pre-conference workshop on dry sanitation strategies, were widely acknowledged. Randy Huffman, Chief Food Safety & Sustainability Officer at Maple Leaf Foods, closed the event with a powerful message about the need for a proactive food safety culture, drawing on lessons from past outbreaks.
Looking ahead, the 2024 IAFP Conference will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center from July 14 to 17. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from this important event.
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