Later this month, thousands of food safety professionals are expected to convene in Baltimore, MD for the 17th Annual Food Safety Summit, taking place April 28-30 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The Summit will provide timely and relevant educational sessions, influential networking receptions as well as exclusive insights from Chinese representatives and the European Commission who will be discussing food fraud. Other highlights include a full day forum on Integrating the Nation's Food Safety System, as well as a series of session on the FSMA Rules and an interactive session on the hottest topics facing the industry. There will be several opportunities for attendees to network starting with a welcome reception and the new "Food Safety Summit Gives Back" Reception to benefit Feeding America and the Maryland Food Bank.
"The Summit is researched, developed and presented by the leaders of the food safety Industry. For four days, the food safety community will convene with leaders in industry, government and academia to discuss, debate and decipher the latest topics and issues facing the food industry. We encourage attendees to take advantage of our discounted rates which expire on April 10th," says Scott Wolters, event director for the Food Safety Summit. "We have several new and innovative education sessions and networking events planned for the upcoming event which will certainly give our attendees an opportunity to learn and meet new and existing colleagues and customers."
Food Fraud Two Part Session
Join international speakers from the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, the European Commission, and the Queens University Belfast who will focus on Food Fraud trends beyond the US to include the European Commission referendum on Food Fraud, the United Kingdom's Elliott Review on Food Fraud, the industry-led Global Food Safety Initiative position paper on Food Fraud. In addition, insight will be provided on related industry, legal, and regulatory activities in China.
Integrating the Nation's Food Safety System Forum
The Association of Food and Drug Officials will present a full day forum where dozens of leaders will discuss the many efforts and projects that are in place for integrating the nation's food safety resources. The event will kick off with the Vision of an Integrated Food Safety System by Michael Taylor, FDA, Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, April 28th at 8:30 am.
FSMA Sessions
The mandates of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) focus on prevention of food safety hazards in the food supply. For the past few years, the industry has been invested in understanding the FSMA proposed rules and how they might affect businesses. With the progress on the proposed rules and the deadlines for finalization approaching, now is the time to think about just how the industry and regulatory agencies will implement the rules. Attend one of five sessions which will be offered during the Food Safety Summit.
Hot Topics
The closing session of the Summit will offer four dynamic and respected leaders in the industry who will address some of the most pressing issues and topics facing the industry. Dave Theno, former head of food safety for Jack in the Box will talk about the future of food safety Leadership; Food Safety Attorney Denis Stearns will address the Aftermath of the PCA verdict and where ingredients come from; Gillian Kelleher VP of Food Safety & QA at Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. will address local sourcing and food safety; and Joan Menke-Schaenzer will discuss food safety systems and other issues. The session will be moderated by Craig Wilson, VP, GMM Quality Assurance & Food Safety, Costco Wholesale.
FSS Gives Back
The Summit has partnered with Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief organization, to aid in the fight to end hunger. All Summit participants are invited for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to network and show the industry support for this worthwhile cause. Join event benefactors and corporate sponsors Roka Bioscience, Eurofins, Rentokil, Bunting Magnetics, ReposiTrak and DuPont as well as the hundreds of Summit attendees and exhibitors who have already pledged their support and help and provide relief for the 49 million Americans who struggle with hunger.
Exhibit Hall
The sprawling exhibit hall at the Food Safety Summit has proven to be a wealthy resource for attendees, providing the opportunity to meet and network with leading companies introducing the latest products and technologies in food safety. Join Gold Sponsor Roka Bioscience, Silver Sponsor Alchemy and Bronze Sponsor Eurofins and 175 other leading vendors on the show floor to see new products and learn more from these companies in the education showcase theatre.
