AUSTIN, TX - The 2019 Center for Produce Safety (CSP) Research Symposium in Austin is bringing together big names and a prodigious amount of expertise to bear on the topic of food safety. And, the event’s two-part Perspectives on the 2018 Romaine Outbreaks, promises penetrating insights on ways to advance food safety in the wake of last winter’s Romaine scare.

The two-part panel will feature retailers, suppliers, produce veterans, and scientists sharing insights into how to improve food safety.

“CPS has embraced change in the last year, adopting a new strategic plan that literally hardwires produce safety change into our updated mission statement: fund science, find solutions, fuel change. To get even more useable tools in industry’s hands even more quickly, we’ve overhauled our research program and are working to better communicate what we know to industry,” said Dave Corsi, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Wegmans Food Markets, and Chair of the Board of Directors, Center for Produce Safety.

Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, will be moderating the first portion of the session.

“As co-chair of the national Romaine Task Force, I look forward to engaging task force leaders during the CPS Research Symposium to get their perspectives on what we've learned and gain more insights about the changes our industry must make,” said Burns. “Our conversations will also provide context for the following session, where leading experts will examine existing and emerging science that can provide solutions for the future.”

According to a press release, Burn's discussion will include the following panel:

• Dave Corsi, Wegmans Food Markets
• Michael Robach, The Robach Group, LLC
• Mike Taylor, Stop Foodborne Illness, Meridian Institute
• Tim York, Markon Cooperative

Participants noted the critical insights that the the CPS Symposium offers.

“The CPS Symposium is a critical tool for the produce industry to get up to speed on the latest research and improvements that affect food safety,” said Tim York, President of Markon Cooperative. “Everyone in the produce industry—we the suppliers of ready-to-eat foods to the world—need to attend, and then implement the ideas and programs that are presented. For Markon, there’s no more important event all year long.”

The second part of Perspectives on the 2018 Romaine Outbreaks will be moderated by Jennifer McEntire, Vice President of Food Safety and Technology, United Fresh Produce Association, and Bob Whitaker, Chief Science & Technology Officer for PMA.

Panelists will include:

• Samir Assar, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Natalie Dyenson, Dole Food Company, Inc.
• Channah Rock, University of Arizona
• Martin Wiedmann, Cornell University

“We look forward to both sessions knowing there is no better place to discuss the critical food safety issues which will fuel change to drive the industry forward,” said Burns.

Attendees to the CPS Research Symposium, held June 18-19 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in Austin, Texas, will gain key insights and learn first-hand about the newest available science-based research to improve food safety programs, with topic including: Ag Water, Safety at the Field Level, and Packing and Processing.

“Now it’s your turn,” Corsi concluded. “Attending this symposium is not a passive act. You could actually learn about the next best practice in your food safety plans. As you listen to research reports here, ask yourself what you can take back to your business to fuel produce safety change. After you get home, comb through CPS’s website to find out what else you can learn to fuel change. Our consumers deserve it, and so do all the people along our supply chain.”

Prospective attendees can register now at the CPS website and view the event’s most current Agenda and program information.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more fresh produce news.

Center for Produce Safety