The Birko team recently spent several days in the “Big Easy” at the 2013 PMA Fresh Summit where we were delighted to see both new and old friends alike. Our time at PMA was not all fun and games, however, as there were lots of serious topics to be discussed. Food safety is of course on everybody’s minds as the comment period for the first four FSMA rules is quickly winding down. The entire produce industry is anxiously waiting to see what the FDA will do with the many comments they are expected to receive on The Produce Safety Rule, Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule, Foreign Supplier Verification Rule, and Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors Rule.
Of course as a PMA Gold-Circle Contributor, Birko is always standing by to help provide food safety solutions to meet its members’ guidelines.
During the Friday, Oct. 18, educational sessions at Fresh Summit, our own Dr. Elis Owens, senior chemist/microbiologist for Birko, participated as a panelist at the workshop, “Exploring Emerging Technology with Industry Innovators.” Elis presented on the advances in cleaning and sanitation technology for food protection. He was joined by Dr. Bob Whitaker, PMA’s chief science and technology officer, and several visionaries championing new innovations in applying technology along the produce supply chain.
Saturday night, Oct. 19, Birko sponsored the Science and Technology Reception, which allowed industry leaders to network and discuss a variety of topics related to both technology and food safety. This was a great networking opportunity for the food safety, technology and supply chain sectors of the produce industry.
By way of reminder, Birko carries a complete line of antimicrobial interventions, sanitizers and other products effective in fighting E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria in produce operations. We’re always looking for new ways to help members of the industry improve their programs.
It is hard to believe that another PMA Fresh Summit has already come and gone, but we will look forward to seeing everybody again next year in Anaheim. In the meantime, as another way to stay in touch, please subscribe to Birko’s Produce Safety Dispatch, a free quarterly newsletter for the produce industry. In this newsletter, Birko and other industry experts share insights on fighting pathogens as well as industry trends and research.
