As part of the collaboration, Mérieux NutriSciences will offer both testing and data aggregation to participating AFFI members, allowing them to see how their specific plant or facility is trending compared to the rest of the frozen food industry. While all identifying data is blinded, the information will be able to show a frozen food category, such as “frozen desserts,” and sub-categories, like “ice cream.”

“We are excited to partner with AFFI on their latest food safety program,” says Jim Miller, Mérieux NutriSciences president, North America. “They are doing great things for their members and have a solid plan in place to get the frozen food industry recognized as leaders in food safety and quality. As partners with similar missions, we are happy to be able to support them in whatever capacity.”

The AFFI-Mérieux NutriSciences Collaboration is expected to quickly gain momentum. The initiative will be launched officially at AFFI’s 2018 Spring Leadership Conference in May. “We hope to have a good amount of our members excited and signed up by early summer,” says Bodor. “We know it will take some time for this program to get implemented and we are just excited to get moving!”