IFPA offers food safety courses

The International Fresh Produce Association has developed a plethora of programs to help the industry comply with the latest food safety requirements. Here’s a look at some of them:

• Recall Ready Workshop: This workshop helps participants understand the fundamentals of a product recall, including rights and responsibilities, the role of the Food and Drug Administration and how to limit liability and manage customer expectations through role-playing during a simulated event. It also shows how to build a customized communication plan in the event of a recall and how to communicate to the industry, customers, consumers and the media. The next session is set for June 28-29.

• Listeria Management for the Produce Industry: This program, developed in partnership with the Association of Food and Drug Officials and Food Safety CTS, helps produce operations understand the technical, regulatory and operational challenges associated with Listeria. The virtual course is made up of eight online modules and four live, online sessions designed to promote critical thinking, engaged problem solving and peer-to-peer coaching.

• Produce Safety Immersion Program: The six-month program was developed to build the technical capacity, critical thinking skills and leadership attributes of upcoming produce safety professionals. It includes webinars, in-person trips, virtual seminars, peer connections and an ongoing mentorship program. The program focuses on developing early- to mid-career professionals with less than five years’ experience in produce safety.

For more information about any of these programs contact Tressie Jefferson, IFPA food safety support manager, at 202-303-3414 or tjefferson@freshproduce.com.

More food safety news: What fresh produce needs to know about FSMA 204, 2D bar codes