Natalie Dyenson joining IFPA as chief regulatory and food safety officer

The International Fresh Produce Association has selected Natalie Dyenson as its new chief regulatory and food safety officer, effective July 17. She succeeds Dr. Jennifer McEntire, who left IFPA on May 5.

Dyenson, who previously served as vice president of food safety and quality for Dole Food Co., has almost three decades of food safety experience covering the grower, retailer and foodservice sectors, according to a news release. Prior to joining Dole, Dyenson was senior director of both supplier and international food safety for Walmart; food safety and health manager for Walt Disney World; and served in a variety of food safety roles for Silliker, Kash n’ Karry Supermarkets, and Harris Teeter.

“To have a leader the caliber of Natalie join our association is an honor. It is a direct reflection of her commitment to the industry and the importance and relevance that produce safety has globally,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in the release. “IFPA is committed to invest in the latest tools and resources to support the industry and our members while proudly advocating for the health and goodness produce provides to all consumers. Natalie also brings a unique perspective and experience to connect members, the industry, and stakeholders to make significant impact.”

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“The fresh produce industry is facing a number of hurdles, ranging from much-needed reforms at the Food and Drug Administration to the need to ensure fresh produce is included in policies that balance public health concerns with the important role fruits and vegetables play in consumers’ diets,” Dyenson said in the release. “The opportunity to join and lead the IFPA food safety team and give back to an industry that I'm passionate about and truly believe in is exciting in this next chapter of my career. I can’t wait to connect with our volunteers and members as we collaboratively take on the safety challenges facing our global community.”

Dyenson will lead the IFPA’s Food Safety Council, currently chaired by Jennifer Pulcipher of North Bay Produce. IFPA also noted that one of its seven strategic priorities to “provide expertise and business solutions in food safety and to globally engage with international bodies and allied organizations on topics such as standards harmonization.”

To that end, earlier this year IFPA joined the Consumer Goods Forum’s Global Food Safety Initiative and is also engaged with Codex Alimentarius through its Codex Committee on Food Hygiene, a group of regulators and other scientific experts from almost every country that develops and publishes global food safety standards and guidelines, according to the release.