The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Jeff Hall in the new role of Food Safety Specialist with the CPMA. Mr. Hall will begin his new role on January 23rd, 2017.
Food safety was identified as a top priority area of focus for the CPMA, and members agreed that while many organizations focus on food safety research, there was very little which specifically addressed the Canadian produce industry. CPMA Chairman Sam Silvestro noted, “This position will enable CPMA to provide resources for members to enhance employee and management knowledge in the area of food safety.”
Mr. Hall will hold primary responsibility for CPMA’s food safety efforts and will act as the principal liaison with all food safety stakeholders including: industry, government and academia. Hugh Bowman, Chair of the CPMA Food Safety Committee commented “Through this new position, we hope to lead the empowerment of industry on the awareness, understanding and the culture of implementing food safety standards across the fresh fruit and vegetable sectors.”
The new position will also be responsible for food safety efforts including: responding to member food safety inquiries, crisis management, monitoring domestic and international regulations, developing/delivering education/training programs to CPMA members, and resourcing public/private funding. Ron Lemaire, CPMA President, noted that “Immediate areas of attention will focus support on members’ understanding of the emerging food safety regulations.”
Mr. Hall brings a wealth of experience within the food industry from both the retail and association level including work on the CPMA and Retail Council of Canada’s Food Safety Committee. “Jeff’s work and volunteer history, education and overall knowledge will fit extremely well in this new position to support our membership and industry” added Mr. Lemaire.
For more information:
Sue Lewis
Director, Market Development
CPMA
Tel: 613-226-4187 ext. 226