The importance of proper training will be discussed by a unique panel of individuals with vastly different perspectives when it comes to produce food safety.
This critical discussion is part of the United Fresh Produce Association’s FreshTech Learning Center taking place at the United Produce Show next week in Chicago, IL. The workshop titled, Training Employees: How Understanding the "Why" Behind Food Safety Motivates Culture Change will take place Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. CDT.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Jorge Hernandez, Chief Food Safety Officer at Wholesome International and includes: Rylee Gustafson, a young woman whose life was forever changed by the 2006 e-coli outbreak associated with spinach; Scott Horsfall, CEO of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement; Deirdre Schlunegger, CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness and Dan Sutton, general manager of the Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange, a certified handler member of the California LGMA.
“In 2012, the California LGMA reached out to STOP Foodborne Illness to learn more about this important organization which advocates for victims of foodborne illness,” explains the LGMA’s Horsfall. “What we quickly learned was how deeply both of our groups care about working to prevent foodborne illness. The LGMA has since developed a working partnership with STOP and we want to share our experiences with others in the produce industry as part of this workshop during the United Show.”
One important outcome of the LGMA’s partnership with STOP is a video that is used in the LGMA’s comprehensive food safety training program. The video helps convey why it is so important to follow the LGMA’s required food safety practices and how this can help save lives.
“This video has become so important in training workers throughout the leafy greens community, because it allows real people who have been impacted by foodborne illness to talk about their experiences.” explains Dan Sutton. “It really has changed the way our employees look at the required metrics because it puts a face on the issues we deal with the field each day and reminds us to always take precautions to prevent contamination.”
“I have a passion about this topic because I believe that training is only good if the employee connects with it and follows it,” emphasizes Jorge Hernandez, who is responsible for the design and implementation of the Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability Programs at Wholesome International. “This unique program created by the LGMA and STOP is truly helping make this connection for workers and it is producing amazing results.”
Hernandez, who is also a member of the STOP Foodborne Illness Board, is encouraging everyone in the produce industry to attend this important workshop to hear about this training program and learn more about STOP Foodborne Illness. “The partnership between the LGMA and STOP is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together. I hope everyone comes out to hear this story.”
For more information:
April Ward
California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement
+1 916 441 1240