Related organizations:
IAFP
NJEHA
NEHA

Useful links:
NJLMN
NJ HSS Food and Drug
FDA CFSAN
USDA FSIS

Presidents Message Summer 2008

The Spring 2008 MAFP seminar took place on May 8th 2008 at the Cook College Student Center in Rutgers University. The registration for the seminar was one of the highest ever for our association. I am glad to see so many professional taking advantage of the programs we offer. The agenda for the seminar included two speakers on pest control, a speaker on antimicrobial resistance, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services team speaking on standards for specialized retail food operations and our Key Note speaker Dr. Lee-Ann Jaykus of North Carolina State University presenting technical update on food borne viruses. Right after the seminar the MAFP Board met for a dinner meeting to allow us to discuss the seminar while it was still fresh in our minds. This format as well as the input from our two new board members seemed to be successfully in generating fresh ideas for future MAFP activities, proving that we can have fun and get a lot accomplished at the same time. The planning efforts for the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 seminars are currently taking place. We have found that planning well in advance is the only method to secure the best possible speakers. The food industry is dynamic and there are numerous topics that we can address. The organization seems to be on a roll in strengthening our board and our programs. I envision opportunities to become even stronger and expanding our efforts to be a leading food safety organization. It is our goal to offer educational programs in which members can also obtain credits towards their professional certifications. To that end we are interesting in hearing your ideas. Feel free to contact me if you have suggestions on seminar topics or speakers. MAFP is here to serve our membership and the industry. Thanks for all of you who attended the spring seminar, we hope to see and hear from more of you in the future.

Gary
MAFP President
gary.moore@runaton.com