A delegation of 20 senior government food protection officials from China were in Battle Creek from July 22 through July 24 to participate in an in-depth training program in dairy safety offered through the International Food Protection Training Institute.
The officials learned U.S. dairy farm practices and farm milk safety. Milk and infant formula supply regulations in the U.S. also were part of the training program. So were: Laboratory testing and accreditation in the United States; the Food Safety Modernization Act overview; pasture-based farming, milk production efficiency, robotic milking and farm tour and laboratory best practices.
As part of the two day visit they also discussed new international standards for testing infant formula, which has been of
particular concern in China.
The delegation took a tour of Covance Laboratory, a nutritional chemistry and food safety laboratory in Battle Creek.
The delegation then traveled to Lansing to visit the Geagley Laboratory and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. They also met with representatives of the governor's office. The course concluded in Chicago at Mead Johnson Nutrition, makers of Enfamil.
The delegation told International Food Protection Training Institute representatives the team they sent to Battle Creek learned many concepts from the U.S. regulatory system that they can apply directly as they write their policies and procedures for the new food safety law in China.
IFPTI officials say the invitation also is part of their mission to take a proactive role in ensuring the food that reaches tables in the United States is safe. China imports foods with milk-based ingredients to the U.S.
"With the globalization of the food supply, an integrated food safety system is critical," says Gerald Wojtala, Executive Director of the International Food Protection Training Institute. "IFPTI’s training, delivered through these kinds of public/private partnerships, lays the foundation for a safer global food supply."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Joan Bowman, International Food Protection Training Institute
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