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<< back to the 2004 archive listing << Food Protection Trends COMMENTARY from the executive director “Thanks to everyone who is involved in the various journal functions” The growth of IAFP is so evident when you look at our two journals. First let’s review the journal you are reading, Food Protection Trends. You will notice that this month, we are publishing four peer-reviewed articles for the first time. This became necessary because the number of submissions to Food Protection Trends has steadily increased over the past few years and is now to a point where printing three articles will not keep up with the supply of completed articles that we have on hand. Just a few years ago, we were in short supply of articles for FPT (Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation at the time) and only printed two articles at that time. We think the name change for the journal has provided new interest in article submission along with a number of targeted efforts designed to increase submissions. We are pleased with the growth of FPT and the new clean look of the journal. The redesign, effective with the inaugural January 2003 issue of FPT, has helped Food Protection Trends become more recognized as a leading journal of applied articles on protecting the food supply. The journal is packed with up-to-date information designed to help you perform your job functions more efficiently and effectively. When you compare page sizes of volume 23 (2003) at 1,068 to the 816 pages printed in volume 17 (1997), it is easy to see the growth we have enjoyed. The FPT Management Committee is considering adding additional features to the journal. One feature currently under discussion is to have a point – counterpoint article four to six times per year. This would give an opportunity to Members to express opinion on issues affecting the world of food safety. Right now, “reader comments” is a feature area that goes unused. Currently, it is possible for readers to write to FPT and have their observations printed. So, if you are interested, start writing now! The growth in the Journal of Food Protection is even more evident. In 1997, (volume 60) we printed 1,644 pages; this past year, in 2003 (volume 66) we printed 2,416 pages! Almost a 33% increase in page quantity! There were about 230 articles printed in JFP in 1997 compared to 345 in 2003. This shows incredible growth for our journal and secures its position as the leading journal covering food science and food protection issues. If you are not yet receiving JFP Online, you might want to consider this enhanced delivery attribute. By adding JFP Online to your Membership, you have “early” access to articles published in the Journal of Food Protection. Each month, JFP is available at the first of the month of issue. For example, articles published in the April issue of JFP were available on the first day of April. Even though the journal mails at the same time (the first of each month), having JFP Online can provide articles to you between one week to three weeks (international delivery) earlier. In addition, you can search more than three years of JFP articles online by subject, title, and author to find the research you are looking for. You might want to consider JFP Online when renewing your IAFP Membership for faster access to research presented in JFP. Both journals help the Association to fulfill its mission of “providing food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply.” This could not be accomplished without the help of many dedicated professionals. Authors, Review Boards, Scientific Editors and our staff all work together to ensure the highest quality publications are produced. Thanks to everyone who is involved in the various journal functions. Your time and dedication is very much appreciated! If you are interested in becoming more involved with either the Journal of Food Protection or Food Protection Trends, you may contact the journal Scientific Editors or me for more information. Lend your time to help ensure the continued growth of IAFP and our journals! |