The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced Natalie Dyenson as its new Chief Regulatory and Food Safety Officer, effective July 17, 2023. She succeeds Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D. who left IFPA on May 5, 2023.

Natalie, who previously served as Vice President of Food Safety and Quality for Dole Food Company, brings almost three decades of experience in food safety across the grower, retailer, and foodservice sectors. Prior to joining Dole, Natalie was senior director for both supplier and international food safety for Walmart; food safety and health manager for Walt Disney World; and served in a variety of food safety roles between Silliker, Kash n’ Karry Supermarkets, and Harris Teeter.

As Chief Food Safety and Regulatory Officer, Natalie will lead a robust Food Safety Council, currently chaired by Jennifer Pulcipher of North Bay Produce.

Additionally, one of IFPA’s seven strategic priorities is to provide expertise and business solutions in food safety and to globally engage with international bodies and allied organizations on topics such as standards harmonization. To that end, in 2023, IFPA joined the Consumer Goods Forum’s Global Food Safety Initiative and is also engaged with Codex Alimentarius through its Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH).