30 January 2023 - In response to the recent announcement that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy Frank Yiannas will be departing the agency on February 24, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) wishes to thank him for contributions to the field of food safety and his collaborative leadership approach with stakeholders across the global fresh produce supply chain.
“I remember first meeting Frank as part of the Produce Traceability Initiative years ago where he openly shared his viewpoints on how the fresh produce industry could strengthen its food safety practices through track-and-trace systems,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Later, he spent time with the then-PMA Board discussing the potential of blockchain and transparency in the supply chain. Whether it was serving on a committee or speaking on an educational program, his dedication to raising the food safety bar and making our industry even better is without question.”
IFPA Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer Dr. Jennifer McEntire added “when Frank moved from industry to the FDA, we knew the agency was deepening its bench strength in terms of gaining practical and applicable insights into how the fresh fruit and vegetable industry works.”
“We are disappointed to see him go, but based on what Commissioner Califf shared with IFPA in recent meetings and what he’s said publicly – we are optimistic that FDA will be working to introduce its new leadership structure soon,” said Dr. McEntire.
“We encourage the Commissioner to consider the Reagan-Udall Foundation report recommendations, and we support the appointment of an empowered Deputy Commissioner for the foods program.”
Source:https://www.freshproduce.com/