International Food Protection Training Institute Hosts Chinese Delegation
Battle Creek, Michigan (PRWEB) July 19, 2013 -- Food safety is a growing international concern, and the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) is taking a proactive role in ensuring the food that reaches our tables is safe. IFPTI has joined with the State of Michigan Governor's Office, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Covance Laboratories, Inc., to welcome a delegation of senior government food protection officials from China.
The Chinese officials will participate in an in-depth training program titled: Leadership Seminar: “Dairy Safety and Lab Quality,” from July 22 to July 24 at the WMU Kendall Center, Room 212, 50 West Jackson Street in Battle Creek, then travel to Lansing, and conclude their U.S. visit in Chicago.
Topics discussed will include dairy farm practices and farm milk safety; milk and infant formula supply regulations in the United States; laboratory testing and accreditation in the United States; the Food Safety Modernization Act overview; pasture-based farming, milk production efficiency, robotic milking and farm tour; laboratory best practices; tour of Covance Laboratory, a nutritional chemistry and food safety laboratory in Battle Creek; and development of new AOAC/Codex Standards for testing infant formula.
The course continues in Lansing, where the delegation will visit the Geagley Laboratory, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), then continue to the George W. Romney Building, where the delegation will meet with representatives of the Governor's office. The course concludes in Chicago at Mead Johnson Nutrition.
The International Food Protection Training Institute is an example of the many scientific and technological resources in Michigan that can attract international food and agriculture professionals to do business in Michigan. The Training Institute delivers career-spanning, standards-based training in food protection for U.S. and international regulatory officials as well as the food industry.
“Food safety is an issue that impacts everyone, and Michigan is helping set a global standard for food safety practices through the efforts of the International Food Protection Training Institute,” said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD Director. “This is a great example of how Michigan’s effort to build relationships with Chinese officials is working and MDARD staff are thrilled to be able to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in food safety for the delegates to take back and apply.”
“With the globalization of the food supply, an integrated food safety system is critical,” said Executive Director of the International Food Protection Training Institute, Gerald Wojtala. “IFPTI’s training, delivered through these kinds of public/private partnerships, lays the foundation for a safer global food supply.”
About the Training Institute
The Training Institute is an initiative of the Global Food Protection Institute (GFPI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Battle Creek, Mich., that is driving the adoption of food protection policies and practices for a safer global food supply. GFPI’s mission is to improve public health and reduce mortality, morbidity and economic costs associated with foodborne illnesses.
The Training Institute is building and administering the training infrastructure for the nation’s Integrated Food Safety System. IFPTI is dedicated to improving food safety by building training systems, providing evidence-based curriculum, and delivering training for U.S. and international public and private sector food safety professionals.
Joan Bowman, Global Food Protection Institute, 269-350-1811, [email protected]
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