Advancing food safety within the frozen food industry supply chain has always been a priority for the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI). In recognition of this and in honor of #WorldFoodSafetyDay on Sunday, June 7, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the hardworking men and women in the frozen food supply chain who are dedicated to the prevention, detection and management of foodborne risks to provide Americans with the much-needed safe, convenient and nutritious frozen food options 365 days a year.
On the journey from farm to table, it takes many people to keep frozen foods safe. That’s why AFFI is committed to advancing food safety practices throughout the frozen supply chain. Let me share how:
1) Lead with science
AFFI invests in scientific research to guide the development of best food safety practices to prevent foodborne risks from farm to frozen food facility to freezer to fork.
2) Develop and disseminate best practices
Based on science, AFFI works with its members and the broader frozen food industry to develop best practices aimed at control and prevention of foodborne risks. AFFI’s Food Safety Zone serves as a one-stop food safety resource for all frozen food companies. This website allows manufacturers to search for, access and incorporate food safety practices, created by food safety professionals FOR food safety professionals. The tools are available for download so they can be applied to the food safety plans of our industry companies.
3) Collaborate to educate
We must ensure consumers understand most frozen foods are intended to be cooked and to follow the package cooking instructions. There’s strength in numbers when it comes to sharing this knowledge. That’s why we collaborate with AFFI members and other organizations on educational strategies that effectively bring food safety messages to consumer audiences. AFFI is proud to support the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) to provide seniors, parents and more than 14,000 local health officials with important food safety messages.
I invite every domestic and international frozen food processor to utilize the best practices and related resources at AFFIFoodSafety.org. THIS is how we raise the bar on food safety 365 days a year.
The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association that advances the interests of all segments of the frozen food and beverage industry. AFFI works to advance food safety and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf to create an environment where members’ foods and beverages are proudly chosen to meet the needs of a changing world.
