Silbermann joins a diverse Board representing leaders from all aspects of the food industry including producer associations, allied trade associations, consumer interest organizations and the academic community. Several government agencies (including FDA, USDA and CDC) actively contribute to the development of PFSE programs aimed at informing consumers about simple steps they can take to reduce their risk of contracting foodborne illness. The PFSE is creator of the Fight BAC! campaign – a national public consumer education campaign that emphasizes four basic food handling behaviors: cook, clean, separate and chill.

PFSE Chairman Tim Hammonds, Ph.D., President of the Food Marketing Institute applauds the Board’s expansion. "The produce industry has been an active PFSE member since the inception of the organization. PMA's contributions to the Board of Directors will help the PFSE advance, shape and direct future food safety initiatives, particularly those related to raw produce." The PFSE is initiating the expansion of its communication program to help educate consumers on proper handling of fruits and vegetables.

Silbermann shares Dr. Hammond's enthusiasm and is eager to work with the PFSE to help reduce the incidence of foodborne illness. "While the industry takes great pride in the safety of fresh produce, we are always striving to find ways to educate consumers about the steps they can take to further reduce risk of foodborne illness. The PFSE has developed consumer-tested messages as part of the Fight BAC! campaign and we are eager to find ways to expand these messages to specifically address the handling required for produce, much of which is eaten uncooked" says Silbermann.

Following an extensive consumer research process, the Fight BAC! campaign was launched in 1998 and to date has reached millions of consumers. Fight BAC! materials are utilized by thousands of teachers, dietitians, public health officials and extension agents across the United States every year.

Silbermann joins the following individuals serving on the PFSE’s Board of Directors: Chairman, Tim Hammonds, Ph.D., President and CEO Food Marketing Institute; Vice-Chairman John R. Farquharson, President, International Food Safety Council, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; J. Patrick Boyle, President and CEO, American Meat Institute; Louis Raffel, President and CEO, American Egg Board; Mildred M. Cody, PhD, RD, Associate Professor, Georgia State University; Anthony Volk, President, Volk Enterprises; Carol Tucker Foreman, Distinguished Fellow and Director, Consumer Federation of America. For membership information please contact Shelley Feist, PFSE Executive Director.