The 13th annual Food Safety Summit kicks off in Washington, D.C. today. The event, which runs through Thursday, April 21, 2011 will feature more than 1,400 experts and leaders in food safety.

Hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the event will be keynoted by David Gregory of NBC’s Meet the Press on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

“Millions of Americans, including many Food Safety Summit attendees, watch Mr. Gregory every Sunday morning interview world leaders and newsmakers,” said Emily Patten, director of Tradeshows and Conferences for BNP Media, producers of The Food Safety Summit. “He has moderated many discussions about food safety issues and we are confident he will deliver a highly relevant and timely speech for our audience.”

The Food Safety Summit will offer three half-day workshops starting today. Topics include: Training For Results; Effective Risk Communication In Order To Secure Food Safety Resources; and the Three Pillars Of Successful Food Liability Program: Prevention, Response and Resolution.

Wednesday and Thursday the summit will cover key food policy areas, including Food Regulations: What New Mandates Face the Food Industry in 2011 and Beyond; The FDA Food Code: Content, Adoption and Implementation, to manufacturing issues including Traceability, Managing Allergens and Food Defense. There will also be a Food Safety Media Training presentation — which Food Safety News‘ Helena Bottemiller will be participating in — as well as a session on Working with Public Health Officials.

For a complete schedule, see the summit’s online guide here.