Officials from 18 Countries Receive Training in Battle Creek

Battle Creek, Michigan (PRWEB) July 29, 2013 -- Food protection officials from 18 countries met July 25 at the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) to discuss effective food safety training within a globally integrated food system. The group’s visit to The Training Institute was part of the annual “International Food Safety Short Course” sponsored by Michigan State University (MSU) and included presentations by Gerald Wojtala, executive director of IFPTI.

“This is our third year partnering with MSU and providing training for the International Food Safety Short Course,” said Wojtala. “This course is an important example of different countries working and learning together to keep the global food supply safe.”

Forty-three food protection officials visited the Battle Creek-based institute from the following countries:

Argentina
Barbados
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Ghana
Hong Kong
Jamaica
Nigeria
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Sudan
Thailand
Uganda

“An increasingly global food supply requires us to look at the big picture when it comes to food safety,” said Wojtala. “The programs provided by The Training Institute focus on helping food safety professionals not only in the U.S., but also throughout the world.”

About IFPTI
IFPTI 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 protection professionals.

Joan Bowman, IFPTI, 269-350-1811, [email protected]