New Presentation: “Fresh Produce Safety: A Collaborative Model” Summary by Dr. Robyn McConchie

A presentation delivered at PMA Fresh Connections last month by Dr. Robyn McConchie provides a summary of the the outcomes achieved by FPS A&NZ.

Click here to view the presentation.

Over the past year the program has raised awareness of the risks involved in food safety through a number of avenues:

• Forum in November last year Bob Whitaker, Bonnie Fernandez- Fenaroli and Lorna Christie
• Development of this website with a monthly newsletter
• Formed a partnership with the CPS in the US on funding research and also sharing of information so that the wheel wouldn’t be reinvented   – they have very generously shared their research outcomes so as to build on that work rather than start from  scratch.
• We have also spoken at the Biennial Freshcare Workshop in April where we also drew on the knowledge and expertise of those involved in  QA to identify the most pressing research needs of the industry
• Importantly we have canvassed industry on every occasion to scope out the feasibility of setting up a similar centre that would be independent but affiliated with the CPS in the US. Affiliated in the sense that we share information and outcomes.
• Conducted an industry survey through the registered newsletter recipients who represent all stakeholders of the industry – Does Industry need a Fresh Produce Safety Centre?

After this Survey, it was established that the industry did want and need a Fresh Produce Safety Centre. How it will operate, what its roles will be and where to from here can all be seen in the full presentation by Dr. McConchie.