Source:  NCDA&CS, 8/25/10

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting a one-day workshop Sept. 28 that focuses on “Protecting your Business, Preventing a Recall.” The food safety workshop offers business owners an optional opportunity to develop their own recall plan.

The workshop, which will be held at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, is designed for meat producers and processors, value-added food producers and mid-sized food processing/packaging businesses.

“We are seeing growing interest in value-added processing in the state, but we want to be sure companies are taking the necessary steps to ensure food safety,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “It is important to remember that we all have a role to play in ensuring food safety, and this workshop will cover a number of topics that food businesses need to consider.”

Topics to be covered include lessons from the food safety front, the economics of food recalls, how supermarkets address food safety, how to communicate with your customers and the public about a food recall, and common and avoidable mistakes in the food chain.

Following the program, organizers have allotted two hours to work with businesses on developing a recall plan.

The cost for the workshop is $25 and includes lunch and materials. Registration is required, and the deadline is Sept. 21. More information on the workshop, including an agenda, can be found at www.ncagr.gov/markets/agbizmarketing.htm or by calling Annette Dunlap at (919) 733-7887, ext. 257.