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We extend our gratitude to the more than 210 individuals and 20 organizations who contributed to the success of IAFP's Fourth European Symposium on Food Safety held November 19–21 in Lisbon, Portugal. This conference has attracted an increasing number of professionals since its inception in 2005, demonstrating the growing value of IAFP's presence and mission in Europe.
Click the meeting logo to download select presentations from this enlightening conference.
IAFP Updates
Housing Opens for IAFP 2009
The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center on Lake Grapevine is now accepting reservations for IAFP 2009 attendees. Visit our Web site today for the hotel reservation page link.
[Link to IAFP]
Abstracts Due January 21
'Tis the season for preparing your technical or poster abstract for presentation at IAFP 2009. To be considered for acceptance, abstracts must be received at the IAFP office by January 21. Submission instructions are available on our Web site.
[Link to IAFP]
Featured Abstract from Journal of Food Protection
"Physiological Response of Bacillus cereus Vegetative Cells to Simulated Food Processing Treatments" was the most widely-read article in the November issue.
[Read the abstract here]
December Food Protection Trends: Abstracts and Monthly Columns by IAFP President and Executive Director
A study in a controlled kitchen lab reveals a gap between the awareness level and application of hand washing practices in young adults; US meat and poultry processing plants of various sizes are surveyed for their efforts to promote food safety; Stan Bailey explains the meaning of leadership, commenting on its responsibility and influence in the global economy and food safety; David Tharp discusses the Association's 2008 progress and financial status, and offers a preview of 2009 activities.
[Link to FPT]
Food Safety News
More Foodborne Illness Research, Says WHO
With evidence that foodborne disease is increasing in all societies, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised in November that further research into prevention and long-term effects is needed.
[Link to article]
FAO Approves Renewal Plan
In response to the recommendations of a 2007 Independent External Evaluation (IEE), member countries of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have agreed to pursue a three-year Immediate Plan of Action that calls for restructuring the governance of world food security.
[Link to FAO]
In Europe, Antimicrobial Resistance under the Radar
The first European Antibiotics Awareness Day, celebrated in 27 European Union Members States on November 18, was the initiative of numerous organizations including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This article explains the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) efforts in the management of antimicrobial resistance.
[Link to EFSA]
Regulatory Updates
Agreement Aims for International Standards in Food and Feed Safety
With the safety and quality of food and feed a growing public concern, a cooperative agreement to advance scientific research was signed November 10 by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
[Link to release]
FSIS Directive for Meat and Poultry Inspections
Issued November 17, this six-page directive from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides instruction to inspection program personnel regarding pre-operational sanitation verification in raw and ready-to-eat product processing establishments.
[Link to FSIS]
Research & Reports
EFSA Completes Opinion on Salmonella in Turkey
Published in October, this is Part B of the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) April 2008 analysis of the prevalence of Salmonella in turkey flocks.
[Link to EFSA]
Salmonella Saintpaul: Lessons from an Outbreak
This report from the Produce Safety Project (PSP) at Georgetown University examines the US public health system's management of the summer 2008 outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul.
[Link to report]
Human and Animal Exposure Risks to TSE
In response to research published in April 2008 on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) in milk derived from small ruminants, EFSA's Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) provided this update on the risk assessments for humans and animals.
[Link to EFSA]
Items of Interest
EFSA Calls for New Experts
Through January 7, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is accepting applications to fill vacancies that will arise on its Scientific Committee and select Panels when current mandates expire. For successful applicants, a three-year renewable mandate will begin in summer 2009.
[Link to EFSA]
FPI Releases Crumbine Award Guidelines
On November 12, the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) released these guidelines for the 2009 Samuel J. Crumbine Award for Excellence in Food Protection at the Local Level. The award is among those to be presented at IAFP 2009.
[Link to Crumbine pdf]
CSPI Updates Outbreak List
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) in November, seafood tops the list among foods most frequently linked to foodborne illness outbreaks, and turkey is three times more likely to cause illness than chicken. Details are available in the updated Outbreak Alert! Report 2008.
[Link to report]
Comments or suggestions for IAFP Report may be sent to report@foodprotection.org, or directly to the Contents Editor, Dr. Jeff Farber, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada. E-mail jeff_farber@hc-sc.gc.ca
Thank You to Our Contributors
Logos: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Photos: Science Photo Library (food safety research, by Jerry Mason; turkey breeding farm, by Peter Menzel; transmission of BSE to humans, by Russell Kightley; Samuel J. Crumbine photo, courtesy of kshs.org)
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