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President’s Update
Food Safety Legislation
AFI continues to make the point that much of what has
been proposed would not result in improvements to food safety. We continue
to push for a risk-based approach. We continue to assert the quickest,
most-efficient way to achieve the goal of a risk-based approach is to
enhance FDA’s computer system.
While it still appears unlikely that any significant
food safety legislation will be passed soon, it’s imperative the education
process continues. Essentially, we’re in negotiations. We have to continue
to explain the problems with the proposed regulations and develop
alternatives to those proposals. Your membership in AFI gives you the
opportunity to participate in this process. Periodically, you’ll receive
short surveys seeking input on various topics. Please complete and return
those surveys. The information from those surveys helps determine AFI’s
position on those topics.
Another aspect of our efforts is to educate the
domestic industry about the problems caused by legislative proposals – and
their own proposals. AFI has made it clear that the food import industry
does not support a proposed program by the Grocery Manufacturers
Association/Food Products Association that calls for, among other things,
mandatory quality control programs for all importers of record. While AFI
has made it clear the food import industry is committed to food safety, it
opposes a legislative requirement because of the costs and delays such a
requirement would create. These are the same reasons the domestic industry
doesn’t want the same requirement.
Food Safety
With the increased focus on food safety, AFI encourages
members to continually review and make any possible improvements to
procedures related to food safety. The Board of Directors is considering
developing food safety recommendations for AFI members. This will be among
the topics to be covered at the AFI Convention.
Surveys
All domestic members will soon receive an update to a
survey conducted by AFI in 2004. The survey, which can be completed online,
asks for details on products handled and countries from which those products
come. This data is extremely important in helping AFI work for you.
Those who completed the survey in 2004 will not have to
complete the entire survey again. They will simply have to make any needed
changes.
A different survey for foreign members will be
distributed later this year. |
Association Meetings
Two sections of AFI, the National Honey Packers and Dealers
Association and the North American Olive Oil Association held meetings earlier
this month.
The NHPDA held its meeting in Sacramento, Calif., in
conjunction with the American Beekeeping Federation and American Honey Producers
Association conventions. The NHPDA continues to work toward a new,
more-effective research and promotion order for honey than the one currently in
place. Minutes of the meeting were sent to all NHPDA members.
The NAOOA held its meeting in San Diego, just before
the Fancy Food Show. The group formally adopted a program that will allow NAOOA
members to put the organization’s seal on their products and literature. Members
participating in the program will sign a licensing agreement which will require
random product testing. Minutes of the meeting were sent to all NAOOA members.
Cashew
Standard
Members approved updates to AFI’s standard for cashews. The
new version of the standard was created based on input from all sectors of the
cashew trade worldwide.
Increasing Exposure for AFI and its Members
The AFI Board of Directors would like to continue to expand
AFI’s presence around the world. If you participate in or know of a conference
or trade event you think AFI should participate in, please forward information
on the event to the AFI office. AFI’s participation could be in the form of a
booth, a presentation, attending a trade show, etc.
Additionally, if you have ideas on how AFI could help you
get more of events such as the Fancy Food Show, ANUGA or SIAL, please share that
information as well.
AFI
News
Among the information all members have received or will
receive shortly related to AFI are:
·
2008 dues invoice. Members are reminded dues must be paid
promptly.
·
Information on reports available from AFI; subscription renewal
forms for existing subscribers.
·
Information on the 2008 AFI Convention
·
Information on the 2008 AFI Annual. Please return your listing
form by Feb. 15, even if there are no changes.
AFI Convention
The
AFI Convention will take place March 27-30 at the Hilton in Clearwater
Beach, Fla. The program will focus
on the impact of proposed food import safety legislation, steps importers can
and should take to ensure quality product and AFI’s role in food import safety.
There will also be a panel discussion on economics. Topics to be discussed
include the impact of the weak U.S. dollar, a global economic outlook and
product recall insurance issues.
Look for complete
program details shortly.
In the meantime, those who know they’ll be attending the
convention are encouraged to make their travel plans.
Hotel
The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is approximately 30
minutes from the airport in Tampa. The discounted room rate is $219.
Reservations can be made by calling 800-753-3954 or by registering online at
www.hiltonclearwaterbeachresort.com with the group code AFIGN. Members
traveling with their families are encouraged to make reservations as soon as
possible.
Airfare: A travel discount has been negotiated with Continental Airlines.
Continental offers discounts off published fares of 2 percent to 15 percent or
zone fares. Call your travel professional or Continental Meeting Works at
800-468-7022 for reservations. When booking your reservation, please refer to
Z-Code ZCXS and Agreement Code ASPBZS. Or save an additional 3
percent by booking your own reservation at
http://www.continental.com/specials/group/meetingworks/reservations.asp by
entering both the Z-code and Agreement Code without a space (ZCXSASPBZS) in the
Offer Code Box. Booking online avoids the $10 service fee collected per ticket
through MeetingWorks reservations or any Continental Airlines ticketing
facility.
Car
Rental: A discount has been arranged with Dollar. Call 1-800-800-4000 or
visit
www.dollar.com and refer to Corporate Discount # CC1040.
SIAL
Montreal
AFI
will have a booth at the SIAL show in
Montreal, Canada, April
23-35, 2008. AFI will also host a reception from
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Thursday,
April 24 in the Palais des Congres de Montreal, site of the trade show. There is
no cost to attend the reception but pre-registration is requested. Members are
invited to bring guests but are asked to pre-register them as well.
AFI
Calendar
February 13, 2008 – AFI Board of Directors Meeting,
Lyndhurst, N.J.
March 27-30, 2008 – 2008 AFI Convention – Hilton
Clearwater Beach Resort, Clearwater Beach, Fla.
April 24, 2008 – AFI Reception at SIAL Montreal
June 27, 2008 – North American Olive Oil Association
Annual Meeting, New York
AFI will host a
reception at SIAL in Paris, October 19-23.
