WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that its Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy Frank Yiannas is departing from the agency. As our industry works closely with the FDA, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) wishes to thank him for his contributions to the field of food safety.

“I remember first meeting Frank as part of the Produce Traceability Initiative years ago where he openly shared his viewpoints on how the fresh produce industry could strengthen its food safety practices through track-and-trace systems,” said IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns. “Later, he spent time with the then-PMA Board discussing the potential of blockchain and transparency in the supply chain. Whether it was serving on a committee or speaking on an educational program, his dedication to raising the food safety bar and making our industry even better is without question.”

Yiannas is known for his contributions to food safety and collaborative leadership approach with stakeholders across the global fresh produce supply chain, noted the release.

IFPA Chief Food Safety and Regulatory Officer Dr. Jennifer McEntire also commented on the change.

“When Frank moved from industry to the FDA, we knew the agency was deepening its bench strength in terms of gaining practical and applicable insights into how the fresh fruit and vegetable industry works,” McEntire noted. “We are disappointed to see him go, but based on what Commissioner Califf shared with IFPA in recent meetings and what he’s said publicly, we are optimistic that FDA will be working to introduce its new leadership structure soon. We encourage the Commissioner to consider the Reagan-Udall Foundation report recommendations, and we support the appointment of an empowered Deputy Commissioner for the foods program.”

Cheers to all the hard work Frank Yiannas has put in over the years! ANUK will keep a pulse on the wire for the newest developments.

International Fresh Produce Association