ICMSF receives GMA Food Safety Award

On 6 August 6 2008, the ICMSF received the 2008 Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Food Safety Award at the annual meeting of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) in Columbus, Ohio.

ICMSF Chairman Martin Cole, accepted the honour on behalf of the Commission, along with an impressive group of past and present ICMSF members who took the stage with him for the award presentation.

The GMA Food Safety Award is awarded annually to individuals or organisations in recognition of a long history of outstanding and timely contributions to the global management of food safety issues.

In presenting the award plaque and $3,000 honorarium to ICMSF, Craig Henry, GMA Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, stated, “This award recognises an outstanding organisation or individual who has made very significant contribution to food safety. Since 1962, ICMSF has provided microbiological specifications, books and resources to the global food supply chain, putting together hard science in its recommendations and supporting the essential science that the industry needs to assure food safety. We appreciate all the Commission has done in the past four decades, and we look forward to its continued contributions to food safety knowledge in the years to come.”

Cole thanked GMA for recognising the long-time contributions of ICMSF, noting that . “It’s a real thrill for us to have some of ICMSF’s veterans with us here tonight-John Silliker, Frank Busta, Mike Doyle, just to name a few. Thanks to their hard work, they really set a solid foundation for this organisation. The 18 microbiologists from around the world who comprise the current sitting Commission are committed to keeping the traditions of the ICMSF set by these pioneers. We’ve worked well together to provide the scientific and conceptual information that is critical to the successful application of food safety principles, approaches and risk management techniques at all links in the global food chain.”

On behalf of ICMSF, Cole donated the $3,000 honorarium to the IAFP Foundation, which provides financial resources for encouraging development of food safety professionals, sharing and exchange of scientific information on food safety, enhancing food safety in developing nations around the world, and promoting food safety around the world.