The Fresh Produce Safety Centre’s annual conferences always face up to the important issues underpinning food safety in the fresh produce sector, and 2018 will be no different.

A line-up of expert speakers will take the stage in Sydney to address this year’s core theme: “Food safety – It’s your responsibility”.

Time/date: 8:30am-4:30pm, Wednesday 26 September 2018
Location: Veterinary Science Conference Centre, University of Sydney, Regimental Drive, Camperdown NSW

The keynote address will be delivered by Suresh DeCosta, Director of Food Safety at Lipman Family Farms (Illinois USA) and a member of the Technical Committee at the US Center for Produce Safety. Suresh will discuss international developments in food safety to give delegates a global perspective of how overseas industries are handling this vital area.

In the wake of the recent outbreak of Listeria in Australia, microbiologist and food scientist Dr Robert Premier and a speaker from the NSW Food Authority will investigate if we’re any wiser about why Listeria is such an issue for fresh produce, and look at case studies that could provide clues for preventing future outbreaks.

Growers should also be sure to catch the two-person panel looking at a crucial question: is food safety training hitting the mark? AUSVEG’s Andrew Shaw will be presenting the grower perspective to the conference, and there’s sure to be a robust discussion with his co-panellist Brendan Hayes of Coles, who’ll be presenting a retailer’s perspective.

If you want to offer your insights about the challenges, triumphs and priorities of producers when it comes to food safety training, e-mail Andrew at andrew.shaw@ausveg.com.au.

For more information on the event program and speaker line-up, visit the Fresh Produce Safety Centre website. To register to attend, visit its Eventbrite page – early bird rates finish on 16 August, so get in quick!

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 7 August 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!