Ep. 148. Tracy Fink: IFT’s Research, Resources, and Reach

Tracy Fink is the Director of Scientific Programs and Science and Policy Initiatives at IFT. She has more than 25 years of experience in leading food safety and logistics initiatives for the food industry, including with Schwan Food Co. and NSF International.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Tracy [29:49] about:

• Tracy’s work overseeing IFT’s food safety programs, which focus on several strategic topics of interest
• Programming and discussions that will take place at the IFT FIRST conference in July, the theme of which will be “Innovation in a time of crisis: Can we future-proof the food system?”
• Industry concerns, like facility cleanliness, with the introduction of sesame as a major food allergen, and resources for industry provided and being developed by IFT
• IFT’s commodity-specific video series to help industry comply with FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule (FSMA 204)
• How IFT’s global membership and partnerships with international organizations contribute to strengthening food science and food safety on global and regional levels.

News and Resources

Following California’s Example, New York State Bill Would Ban Five Most “Pervasive and Harmful” Chemical Food Additives [1:48]Bill Reintroduced to Congress Would Create FDA Office for Regularly Reassessing Safety of Chemicals in U.S. Food Supply [3:04]USDA-FSIS Updates Guidance for Salmonella Control in Swine Slaughter, Pork Processing Establishments [7:48]40 Percent of Retail Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Linked to Sick Employees, Says CDC [11:02]Appropriations Bill Reveals Congressional Priorities for FDA in FY 2024: Restructuring Foods Program, Listeria Action Levels, and More [16:56]FDA Finalizes Action Level of 10 ppb for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice [17:49]Effort to Develop Early Mycotoxin Warning System for European Cereal Grains Underway [18:20]

IFT IFT FIRST IFT Global Food Traceability Center (GFTC) IFT GFTC Commodity-Specific Videos (FSMA Traceability Rule Resources)

Food Safety Insights Column, Bob Ferguson

Food Safety Priorities—Your Thoughts on FDA's Proposed Reorganization [21:16]

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