U.S – Dr. Jennifer McEntire, the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer, is expected to vacate her seat after almost seven years in the role.

Dr. McEntire joined the IFPA legacy organization, the United Fresh Produce Association, in July 2016. There, she committed her professional life to training and education in food safety and public health.

She developed a reputation as one of the most well-respected professionals in the field of food safety over the course of her more than 20 years in the industry, offering advice and direction to member firms, regulatory partners, decision-makers, and the media.

“In my 20+ years working in food safety, I can truly say that serving the fresh produce industry has been a career highlight.

“When I joined United Fresh, it was clear that collaborating with PMA was a priority. I’m thankful to have supported the formation of IFPA, and with it, a food safety team able to serve member needs,” she said.

Dr. McEntire, according to IFPA, is trying to rebalance her personal and professional life after spending six and a half years with the association. She will still serve the sector through a few consulting engagements, though.

“Jennifer has been an incredible advocate for the IFPA member community and fresh produce industry, both in collaboration with regulatory agencies so that they understand how our industry works, but also in the role of a trusted and credible resource to help members with their produce safety issues.

“Most recently her voice and leadership in pushing for reform in FDA’s foods program has been a steady drumbeat that we expect will result in more effective agency partnerships, policy, and regulations,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns.

At IFPA, Dr. McEntire has established a strong food safety team that includes Tressie Jefferson, Vice President of Food Safety Support, Gretchen Wall, Director of Food Safety and Quality, and Emily Moyer, Ph.D., Vice president of Regulatory Compliance and Global Food Standards.

The team will continue the association’s food safety work in addition to the government relations team of the IFPA.

IFPA states that Dr. McEntire was integral to IFPA’s staff culture during the PMA-United Fresh integration process and the association’s first year by keeping members’ needs at the forefront of her work.

“Thanks to Jennifer’s efforts, IFPA’s food safety programs will continue to deliver value to our members and industry. 

“Throughout the PMA-United integration process and first year of IFPA, she was a wonderful contributor to our staff culture by always putting the members’ needs first. I will miss her and wish her nothing but success in her next chapter,” Burns added.

While Dr. McEntire will provide transitional support to the association, IFPA will immediately begin a search for her successor.

IFPA is the global trade association representing the fresh produce and floral supply chains. It is a new association formed under the leadership of the two previous fresh produce and floral associations, the United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association.

The two organizations reached an agreement to join forces in March 2021 to create a new global trade association for the produce industry.

Launched on January 1, 2022, IFPA continues the legacy of the two organizations, providing extensive training and professional development opportunities for members wanting to expand or fortify their produce safety knowledge.

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