Source: NCDA&CS 7/29/15

The impact that highly pathogenic avian influenza could have on the nation’s food supply will be the focus of the 11th annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum on Aug. 18 at the State Fairgrounds.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will host the event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Expo Center. It is open to farmers, food businesses, regulators, health professionals and other interested people. Admission is free and includes lunch, but pre-registration is required.

“Highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been found in North Carolina, but it has led to the loss of more than 48 million birds in 21 states,” Troxler said. “While the virus isn’t a food safety issue, it has had an impact on the availability of certain poultry and egg products.”

The forum will feature presentations by Dr. Barry Meade, area veterinarian-in-charge with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Allyson Perry of the Center for Food Integrity; and Oscar Garrison, director of food safety with United Egg Producers.

Go to www.ncagr.gov/ncfoodsafetyforum by Aug. 14 to register for the forum. People with questions should contact Christina Waggett at christina.waggett@ncagr.gov or 919-707-3008.

The forum is organized by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and sponsored by Harris Teeter.