Food Protection Trends - June 2010 - 369

WhAT’S hAPPENING IN FOOD SAFETY
M-Vac collects a more representative microbial sample from any environmental surface, making it the best collection method on the market. It also collects bacteria off product surfaces, including beef trim, which allows for an extremely effective, more efficient, and nondestructive product sample for meat packers and other food processors.” The excision method for sampling beef trim has long been considered the most effective. The validations conducted with the M-Vac have demonstrated that it is not statistically different from excision in collecting bacteria, even at extremely low levels of contamination. The M-Vac is easy to use and will increase consistency of surface area per sample and repeatability between users. Mr. Bradley stated, “The M-Vac will now give beef packers and processors another approach by which they can sample beef trim in an equally effective, yet more efficient manner.” In addition to the improvements in the plant, the M-Vac sample will also improve lab processes. It collects a cleaner, easier sample to process and it requires much less enrichment media than excision samples. It also eliminates the need to dispose of excised meat samples due to its liquid collection. and execution, integrated marketing effectiveness, existing product and services integration and client relationship building. “Pam brings a breadth of experience that will be tremendously helpful to FMI as we create and develop new business opportunities for the organization,” said FMI President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie G. Sarasin. “Our goal is to enhance the value proposition FMI presents to its members and to assist them in meeting the needs of their customers. Pam will play an integral role as part of our strategic plan.” Ms. Stegeman joins FMI from the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council where she served as president. She also served in various roles during her eight years at the Grocery Manufacturers Association, including vice president, supply chain and technology. Previously, she served as vice president of marketing at U.S. Office Products Company; senior marketing manager, new products marketing and global business development for Colgate-Palmolive Corporation; and management positions at Sprint Corporation and The Procter & Gamble Company. Ms. Stegeman earned a BA from Hamilton College and an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. She has also participated in the executive education program at the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. director since December 1, 2009. He will also continue as a member of the Board of Directors for IFPTI. Mr. Wojtala joined IFPTI after a 26-year career with the State of Michigan. In his most recent position as deputy director of the food dairy division with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, he managed the food protection programs in Michigan and was responsible for liaison with lawmakers on legislative issues. Mr. Wojtala is also the recent past president of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), an international non-profit organization recognized as a leading voice in shaping the regulatory playing field of the future. He is also a current lead instructor with the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training, Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education at Louisiana State University. Prior to government service, Mr. Wojtala worked as a microbiologist in Detroit. He is a longstanding member of the Institute of Food Technologists and a delegate to the Conference on Food Protection. Mr. Wojtala received the FDA Commissioner’s Special Citation for his role in investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A among school children from the consumption of strawberries and also for managing the response to the Power Blackout of 2003 that occurred in the NE United States. He has worked with Michigan’s apple industry in efforts to implement safe cider production practices and with the Michigan food processing industry on process water discharge issues. Mr. Wojtala recently coordinated a multi-agency, four-state effort to assess food safety transportation practices and response. Mr. Wojtala holds a degree in microbiology from Eastern Michigan University and graduate work in food science at Wayne State University.

FMI Names Pamela Stegeman Vice President of Business Planning and Development he Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Pamela Stegeman to the newly created position of vice president, business planning and development. Ms. Stegeman will be responsible for leading, developing and integrating the value creation, revenue generation, new business and community development activities for FMI. She will focus on business development, sales planning

Gerald Wojtala Named Executive Director of the International Food Protection Training Institute he International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) announced that Gerald Wojtala was named executive director. Mr. Wojtala has served as IFPTI’s acting executive

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Food Protection Trends - June 2010

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