IFT To Host 2 Food Traceability Webcasts

CHICAGOThe Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will host two food traceability webcasts this month as part of its new Global Food Traceability Center, designed to utilize key stakeholders in the food industry to create a not-for-profit, scientific entity focused on product tracing.

"The Fundamentals of Food Traceability" webcast, to take place on Dec. 11, will include information on common traceability terminology, what is driving food traceability today, traceability laws and regulations, the importance of traceability, traceability challenges and operational principles of traceability. Speakers will include Hilary S. Thesmar, Ph.D., CFS, vice president, food safety programs, Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Brian Sterling, senior program advisor, IFT Global Food Traceability Center.

"Traceability Technology and How It Improves Your Bottom Line," on Dec. 12, will address current traceability technology and its role in traceability; benefits of incorporating traceability technology into current business processes; and specific solutions that can help business practices. Speakers will include Thesmar, Sterling and Paul Lothian, business solutions architect, Tyson Foods, Inc.

IFT recently announced the founding sponsors of the traceability center, including Wegmans Food Markets and the National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD). The center will improve response time to foodborne outbreaks, reduce the scope of recalls and conduct root-cause analysis to encourage efficient traceability practices, ultimately benefiting both companies and consumers.