The Institute of Food Technologists has been a partner with PFSE for 10 years including representation on the Board of Directors. In 2007, IFT Executive Vice President presented a 10th anniversary salute to PFSE. I’ve personally been involved with the partnership since 2004 and have found the experience to be most rewarding and fulfilling by working on research-based, actionable consumer food safety initiatives that reduce foodborne illness.
IFT exists to advance the science of food. Our long-range vision is to ensure a safe and abundant food supply contributing to healthier people everywhere. By aligning with the Partnership, IFT is partnering with a well-respected non-profit organization that is dedicated to reducing the incidence of foodborne illness. At the Partnership we connect with public and private partners from all links in the food chain from farm to table: producers, retail, restaurants, consumers, and government agencies.
Foodborne illness remains a threat to public health. CDC estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. Collaborating on consumer research to explore awareness, attitudes and behaviors, then working together to develop food safety education materials and programing, we know that we can make a difference. Campaigns such as Mythbusters, Be Food Safe, and Holiday Food Safety have been very successful. These public education efforts align with IFT’s overall commitment to help the public understand the importance of food safety. We also serve as a promotional partner on PFSE efforts through our media relations channels and our IFT Food Facts consumer materials located at wwwiftfoodfacts.org.
The Partnership serves the public interest by bringing together government, industry and consumer groups to combat foodborne illness on a national scale. By aligning with the Partnership your organization can help contribute to addressing food safety education on a national level. IFT is proud to be a supporting member of the Partnership.
Please consider joining the Partnership today.