United Fresh promotes Jennifer McEntire to SVP of food safety/tech

The United Fresh Produce Association, Washington, D.C., has promoted Jennifer McEntire to senior vice president of food safety and technology.

McEntire, most recently vice president of food safety and technology, joined United Fresh in 2016, and has been active in issues from outbreaks in leafy greens, the Food Safety Modernization Act and traceability.

“Jennifer’s unique skills have proved a perfect match for the produce industry, bringing deep scientific knowledge, common-sense solutions and a personal ability to connect with members,” United Fresh president and CEO Tom Stenzel said in a news release. “Jennifer has grown both the portfolio of food safety services and offerings to our members, and has established trusted and respected relationships with regulatory and academic leaders at every level.”

McEntire started her career in Washington, D.C., at the National Food Processors Association and as a visiting scientist at the Food and Drug Administration. After earning a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, where she studied Listeria monocytogenes, McEntire joined the Institute of Food Technologists, receiving the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Director’s Special Citation Award, according to the release.

McEntire also worked with The Acheson Group, headed by former FDA Associate Commissioner for Foods David Acheson. After that, she led the microbiology, chemistry, packaging and forensics labs at the Grocery Manufacturers Association before joining United Fresh.

“Jennifer’s extensive network and long history of collaboration and engagement with diverse groups of stakeholders has proven to be an asset to United Fresh and the entire produce industry,” Stenzel said in the release.

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