IAFP 2022

Monday, August 22, 2022

Des Moines, Iowa - IAFP 2022 was held for the first time in three years as an in-person only meeting by the International Association for Food Protection. The three-day event took place July 31–August 3 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and concluded with more than 3,000 registered attendees representing 50 countries, 49 states plus the District of Columbia and Guam, and five Canadian provinces. The meeting has earned recognition as the leading food safety conference.

President Ruth Petran officially welcomed attendees to Pittsburgh at IAFP 2022’s Opening Session on Sunday evening. Those honored throughout the session included five Fellow Award recipients; three Travel Award recipients from State or Provincial Health or Agricultural Departments; three Travel Award recipients from a Country with a Developing Economy; and 23 Student Travel Scholarship Award recipients. Dr. Michelle Danyluk, IAFP President-Elect, then introduced this year’s Ivan Parkin Lecture, presented by Dr. Lucia Anelich, Anelich Consulting, Pretoria, South Africa, who spoke on “Out of Africa.”

IAFP 2022’s program featured more than 900 presentations including 70 symposia, 23 roundtable sessions, 144 technical presentations, and more than 500 poster presentations. Most sessions were recorded and are available to all registered attendees as well as those who could not attend. Representatives from 149 companies showcased equipment and the latest innovations in food safety services through presentations in this year’s Exhibit Hall. Participating exhibitors also took part in the Exhibitors Showcase, demonstrating their products and services in more detail to select audiences.

Monday’s agenda included a “U.S. Regulatory Update on Food Safety,” featuring Ms. Sandra Eskin with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Mr. Frank Yiannas with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

On Wednesday afternoon, the John H. Silliker Lecture featured Dr. Katie Swanson, KMJ Swanson Food Safety Inc. (retired), Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Dr. Swanson presented “The Power of Diverse Perspectives for Effective Food Safety Management.”

Wednesday night’s Awards Banquet honored excellence in food safety by recognizing 30 individuals and organizations with awards. The meeting concluded with the gavel presentation to Incoming President, Dr. Michelle Danyluk, Professor and Extension Specialist of Food Safety and Microbiology, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, Florida.