AFDO 114th Annual Educational Conference

"2010: The Decade for Integration". Food and drug safety is and continues to be of national and international significance. The importance spans the world as it has a substantial impact on both public health and economic activity. Leading food and drug safety experts will discuss current issues revolving around the challenges and solutions of maintaining a safe food supply in a global economy. AFDO is dedicating this year's conference to the concept of integration. First proposed by AFDO more than a decade ago, it now appears the timing for integrating government resources at all levels has arrived. Not only is the country ready for reform, but there are a number of efforts currently in place intended to advance integration. These efforts and so much more will be part of AFDO's conference this year - a conference you will not want to miss.

Saturday, June 19th, there will be a pre-conference workshop, "Sanitation, Sampling & Record- Keeping" sponsored by the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Leading experts will guide you through plant sanitation beginning with choosing and understanding microbial swabbing zones and controls. You will learn of FDA's proactive guidance on traceability and the Institute of Food Technologists product tracing recommendations from farm to table; which will contribute to improved public health and maintain consumer confidence. IFPTI's mission: "Deliver career spanning, certified food protection training to State, local, tribal and territorial food protection professionals to meet established US food safety standards."

Conference agenda topics are wide-ranging and are sure to include the most current and informative information available. On Tuesday, June 22, Michael R. Taylor, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods, FDA will discuss the importance of "Stronger Partnerships for Safer Food." Updates will be issued on the "Retail Food Safety Consortium", the FDA's "Partnership for Food Protection Workgroup" and an update on activities and future plans of the US FDA's foreign posts. Integration and Regulation of Drug and Medical Devices in the Global Environment will be thoroughly discussed by leading regulatory experts.

AFDO brings together federal, state and local governments, industry, academia and consumers to build and sustain mutually beneficial, long-term relationships to ensure that critical information is not only available, but accessible. The conference and workshop programs will be available on the AFDO Web site's Conference Pages. CEU's are anticipated to be available to conference participants.

http://www.afdo.org/conferences/2010Conference.cfm