Conference for Food Protection 2025 Biennial Meeting Support

Conference for Food Protection Project Summary/Abstract PAR-23-072 October 2024 The Conference for Food Protection (CFP), established in 1971, promotes food safety through collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry professionals, academia, and consumer advocates. CFP works closely with federal agencies like the FDA and USDA to address emerging food safety issues, including foodborne illness outbreaks and evolving food technologies. Through its biennial meetings, CFP assembles three Councils— focused on laws and regulations, administration and certification, and science and technology—composed of experts from different sectors. These Councils deliberate on approximately 100 submitted food safety issues, generating recommendations for the FDA Model Food Code and related regulatory practices. The Executive Director then forwards these recommendations to the FDA for further action. In 2023, the CFP’s three Councils reviewed 117 issues, 91 of which were adopted by the Assembly of State Delegates, demonstrating the impact of the organization’s collaborative efforts. The CFP ensures equitable participation by offering travel subsidies and involving diverse stakeholders in the planning, execution, and deliberation processes. The next biennial meeting will take place in March 2025 in Denver, CO, with anticipated participation from 500 attendees. The conference plays a crucial role in fostering regulatory uniformity across U.S. states and aligning food safety practices with scientific advancements. Additionally, a virtual workshop is offered alongside the main conference to provide supplemental, focused discussions on key food safety topics. Overall, the CFP facilitates a unified approach to food safety, enhancing public health protections across the food supply chain. 1