BC Food Protection Association News

Joint Affiliate Spring Webinar Series - Spring 2026

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:10:11 GMT

Canadian Affiliate Spring Webinar Series with OFPA, AQIA and BCFPA

The Canadian Affiliates of the IAFP are organizing a Joint Affiliate Webinar Series this Spring!

These webinars are FREE for members. Register today and join us for a one hour virtual educational session!

Note: Registration is done via the OFPA website. To bypass the donation component in the registration, please refer to the BCFPA email you should have received (as a member) for the code.

1. OFPA Webinar
March 18, 2026
9:00-10:00 am PST/12:00-1:00 pm EST
Topic: From Hazard Analysis to Risk Management: Using Real Data and Predictive Tools for Smarter Food Safety Decisions
Speaker: Byron Chaves
Registration: https://ofpa.on.ca/upcoming-events/

2. BCFPA Webinar
April 8, 2026
9:00-10:00 am PST/12:00-1:00 pm EST
Topic: Application of Predictive Microbiology to Manage Food Safety Risks in Last Mile Delivery
Speaker: Don Schaffner
Registration: https://ofpa.on.ca/upcoming-events/

3. AQIA Webinar
May 12, 2026
9:00-10:00 am PST/12:00-1:00 pm EST
Topic: TBA
Speaker: Andre Cote, Acxcel SR
Registration: coming soon after our April webinar event, https://ofpa.on.ca/upcoming-events/

Click here to view the poster with QR code!

SPDG Food Career Pathways Night - February 12, 2026

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:29:57 GMT

The SPDG is hosting a Food Career Pathways Night for all students!

Join BCFPA SPDG for an interactive online networking night featuring professionals from research, academia, and industry. Hear real, non-linear career stories in food science, gain insights into diverse career pathways, and connect directly with speakers through small-group discussions.

Date: February 12, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: Zoom (virtual)
Registration is free!
Register here: https://surl.li/mwfxag

Andrew Nguyen
Former Food Entrepreneur, EdTech Professional
Andrew is a former food entrepreneur with experience spanning food service, hospitality, startups, and sales. Now working in the EdTech industry, he focuses on connecting students to real-world learning opportunities and shares a practical, non-linear career journey driven by curiosity and transferable skills.

Rhiannon Wallace, PhD
Research Scientist, Food Microbiomics (AAFC)
Dr. Rhiannon Wallace is a Research Scientist in Food Microbiomics at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her work applies molecular and genomic tools to study antimicrobial resistance across the One Health continuum, focusing on rapid pathogen detection and on-farm strategies to reduce AMR transmission.

Tianxi Yang, PhD
Assistant Professor, UBC Faculty of Land & Food Systems
Dr. Tianxi Yang is an Assistant Professor at UBC specializing in food science, analytical chemistry, and nanotechnology. With research experience in academia, industry, and government (FDA), her work develops advanced analytical tools to improve food safety, sustainability, and system resilience.

2025 Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening - Registration is Open!

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 01:34:08 GMT

2025 FALL HYBRID SPEAKER’S EVENING

We are thrilled to host another hybrid event for our members and general public! For those who wish to participate virtually, we are broadcasting (live streaming) our seminar through Zoom.

THEME
Microbial Risks in Low Water Activity Foods & PFAS in Food Systems

SPEAKERS
Sandeep Tamber, Research Scientist, Head of Salmonella Research Laboratory, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada
Mathew Coady, Environmental Scientist and Risk Assessor, SLR Consulting Canada Ltd

DETAILS
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 8:30 pm PT
In-person Location: Langara Clubhouse (this is the Langara Golf Course - 6706 Alberta St, Vancouver, BC)*
*Parking is free for guests
Virtual Option: via Zoom - registrants will be sent a Zoom link 1-2 days before the actual event

REGISTRATION & DINNER
Register here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-6392658
Early bird deadline is October 28! Register today to take advantage of our early bird rate!
Dinner will be provided for in-person attendees.

BCFPA Student Scholarship Award

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:22:12 GMT

Hello BCFPA Student Members,

This year's application for the BCFPA Scholarship Award is now open!

Details of the application process, forms, and the essay topic can be found here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Scholarships

If you know any students who might be interested in applying, please let them know of this scholarship! Good luck!

BCFPA Summer Webinar Series 1 - June 23, 2025

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:48:27 GMT

The BC Food Protection Association would like to present the Summer Webinar Series!

You are invited to attend our educational Summer Webinar Series through the Zoom platform!

Webinar #1:

Predict and Prevent: Selected Risk Modelling Activities at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Risk modelling helps us predict food safety threats before they reach your table. Learn how CFIA keeps your food safe!

Team Members (Presenters):
Ashwani Tiwari, DVM PhD, Senior Veterinary Specialist
Cory Lindgren, PhD, Science Leader
Justin Falardeau, PhD, Science Specialist
Christina Sparr, BSc, Science Specialist

Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm PT
Registration: Free for BCFPA Members
Register Here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-6215682
Location: via Zoom*
*The Zoom link will be available in a separate email closer to the event date to those who have registered for the webinar event.

Information about the Team: Advanced Data Analytics and Risk Modelling team within the Food Science Advice and Intelligence Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Summary:
Selected Risk Modelling Activities at the CFIA
1. Risk Model to Support the Development of Canadian Performance Standards for Salmonella in Poultry
2. Food Import Risk Explorer (FIRE) model: Ranking risk at the food-hazard-country or origin level.
3. FishNet: Machine learning model to estimate risk at the shipment level.

Registration Rates:
Free for BCFPA Members
$10 for Non-Members
$5 for Non-Members (Students)

IAFP Offers Open Access to Webinars During June 2025!

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:22:56 GMT

Hello all,

Please pass this IAFP message along to your colleagues:

IAFP Offers Open Access to Webinars During June 2025!
World Food Safety Day is June 7, 2025.

In recognition of this day to increase awareness about food safety, IAFP will provide open access from June 1–30, 2025, to all recorded webinars in the IAFP archives for non-Members.

IAFP non-Members can browse the webinar archives on our website where more than 100 webinars dating back to 2009 are located (log-in not required). One of the many benefits of IAFP Membership is access to the Association's free webinars, which are sponsored by the IAFP Foundation.

Free Virtual Live Streaming of Food Safety Summit - May 13-15, 2025

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 02 May 2025 05:06:51 GMT

Hello everyone,

Food Safety Summit is offering FREE registration to everyone to attend some of their virtual sessions.

The Food Safety Summit is a solution-based conference and expo designed to meet the educational and informational needs of the entire food industry. The Summit provides a 3-day comprehensive educational program to learn from subject matter experts and trainers, exchange ideas, and find solutions to your current job challenges.

Date: May 13-15, 2025

Registration and event page: https://www.food-safety.com/events/category/422

Details: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/04/food-safety-summit-offering-key-sessions-via-live-streaming-for-free/

SPDG Professional Communication Workshop - April 3, 2025

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 08:36:43 GMT

Want to learn how to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world?

Join the SPDG Professional Communication Workshop and learn how to elevate your resume, ace interviews, and communicate more professionally.

This hands-on session led by David Karkut, M.A., an experienced business communication professor, will help you move from campus to the workplace.

Date: April 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: UBC, SCRF 209
Free RSVP: https://shorturl.at/Bh8Bo
Snacks Provided | Bring Your Own Laptop

Take advantage of this opportunity to refine your communication skills and build valuable connections!

Click here to view the poster!

BCFPA Annual General Meeting - March 11, 2025

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:14:06 GMT

We would like to invite you to our Virtual Annual General Meeting on March 11, 2025. Details of our event are listed below. We hope to see you there!

BCFPA 2024 Virtual Annual General Meeting

Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Location: Zoom (Virtual)
Registration: Free for BCFPA members
Register link: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-6083484

We highly encourage you to register and participate at our AGM and listen to your BCFPA board members as they go through last year's 2024 AGM Report and other business. We are accepting nominations to run in our 2025 Executive Board. If you are interested in volunteering, please send us an email! We are always looking for volunteers!

We are also inviting Manpreet Singh, Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia; IAFP President-Elect, to talk about “Managing Risks in Poultry Processing”.

Schedule:
5:00-5:05 pm - Opening Remarks
5:05-5:20 pm - IAFP Presentation
5:20-6:00 pm - Speaker: Manpreet Singh – “Managing Risks in Poultry Processing”
6:00-6:10 pm - Q&A
6:10-6:25 pm - AGM Business
6:25-6:30 pm - Closing Remarks

Updated Privacy Policy

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:33:36 GMT

Hello everyone,

We have updated our Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy is meant to explain how we gather, utilize, disclose, and safeguard your personal data when you access and use our website.

You can visit our Policy page to learn more. Click here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Privacy-Policy

BCFPA Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening - Speaker Presentation Recording Available

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:32:37 GMT

Hi everyone,

The recording of the presentation below can now be found on our BCFPA Youtube channel! We were able to edit out some parts of the video recording at the beginning that had to do with some technical difficulties so thank you for your patience as we figured that out.

Unfortunately we had forgotten to hit that record button so we were not able to record Tim Green's insightful presentation on clams. We apologize for that.

BCFPA Hybrid Fall Speaker's Evening
November 25, 2024, at the Langara Clubhouse in Vancouver, BC
THEME: Importance of Shellfish Food Safety for First Nations’ Food Security
TOPIC: Prioritizing Indigenous Shellfish Needs at BCCDC Within a One Health Context
SPEAKER 1: Lorraine McIntyre
SPEAKER 2: Jennifer Kopetzk
RECORDING: https://youtu.be/_uvJu94RiVY

Free NCCEH Webinar on "Multidrug-resistance Pathogens in Foods"

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 20:44:20 GMT

Dr. Siyun Wang from the Faculty of Land and Food Systems in UBC will present a webinar on “Multidrug-resistance pathogens in foods” hosted by National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH).

This webinar is free for everyone.

Date: Dec 12, 2024
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM PT
Details: https://ncceh.ca/events/upcoming-webinars/multidrug-resistance-pathogens-foods

BCFPA Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening - Speaker Presentations Available

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 07:54:45 GMT

Hi everyone,

We would like to thank everyone who attended our BCFPA Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening event. We had a fantastic turnout from our three wonderful speakers, Lorraine McIntyre, Jenny Kopetzky and Tim Green, who talked about shellfish food safety for First Nations’ food security. A big thank you to our three speakers for coming out and engaging our audience on this important topic!

Our speakers have agreed to share their presentation slides with you. For those who were unable to attend or would like to take a closer look at the slides, here is the link to view their presentations!

Click here to view the presentation slides

We are also working on editing the recordings of the event. We had some technical issues and we hope to have that edited out, and posted to our BCFPA Youtube Channel soon! We will keep you posted when the recording is ready.

Thank you for your patience!

BCFPA Student Tour of UBC Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre - Nov 18, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:03:14 GMT

The BCFPA SPDG is organizing a visit to the UBC Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre for food science students and some industry professionals on November 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. Participants will meet at the FNH building on the UBC campus before heading to the center.

Explore the Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre! Join BCFPA SPDG for an exclusive opportunity to explore the newly established facility on Monday, Nov. 18. Gather at the FNH lobby, where you can connect and network with fellow food science students and industry professionals before heading over for an in-depth tour of the impressive Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre.

When: November 18, 2024, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

Schedule:
1:30 Check-in at the FNH building lobby
1:30-1:50 Networking with refreshments provided
1:50-2:00 Heading to the Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre guided by a student lab member
2:00-2:30 Exclusively visit to the center

Where: Meet at the FNH Lobby, UBC (2205 main mall, Vancouver)

Food & Drink: Refreshments provided

Free registration available on a first-come, first-served bases at: https://shorturl.at/G3gfh

Click here for the poster and QR Code!

Save the Date! BCFPA Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening Date Announced!

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:59:56 GMT

SAVE THE DATE! FALL HYBRID SPEAKER'S EVENING DATE ANNOUNCED

We are happy to announce that we have booked the Langara Clubhouse for our Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening on Monday, November 25, 2024!

Please save the date on your calendar and we hope to see you in person soon.

Topic: Importance of Shellfish Food Safety for First Nations’ Food Security

Location: Langara Clubhouse (Golf Course) - 6706 Alberta Street, Vancouver, BC

Date: Monday, November 25, 2024

Time: 5:00-8:30 PM (tentative)

Speaker and Registration Pricing: More details to come soon, stay tuned!

BCFPA Scholarship Award - Applications Are Now Open!

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 02:17:17 GMT

We recognize it takes a combination of both hard work and educational funding for most students to achieve their goal of a post-secondary education. That's why we've developed a scholarship fund to help encourage student funding and interest in food protection in BC.

For this year, one scholarship will be available in the amount of $1000 and will be awarded to one BCFPA student member who meets the criteria. The student selected to receive the scholarship award must attend a future BCFPA event to receive the Scholarship Award Certificate. It is intended that the 2024 Scholarship Awards be presented at our Annual General Meeting in January/February 2025.

To be considered for the scholarship award, please fill out the application form and email your application and essay to the BCFPA Vice President at info@bcfoodprotection.ca

Please visit our Scholarship page for details on the application process and scholarship requirements - click here

Applications must be submitted no later than December 15, 2024. The winning recipient to be awarded the Scholarship Award will be contacted before the AGM.

The Scholarship Poster - click here

This year's essay topic is:
The Impact of Climate Change on Foodborne Disease

We wish all students who are applying the best of luck!

BCFPA Summer Webinar - Post-Event Content

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:40:12 GMT

Hi everyone,

Thank you for attending our Summer Webinar Series! We hope you enjoyed it.

Our speakers have passed along some information related to their talk.

Webinar #1:
Alberto would like to share this JFP article with you: Glove Risk Contamination

Webinar #2:
Alain has kindly allowed us to record his talk for those who are unable to make it. We have just posted his webinar up on our BCFPA Youtube Channel. You can now view it here: https://youtu.be/aqYKVMlob4I

He also wanted to share his presentation slide deck and 3 videos from his talk:
Barcodes and Beyond Slide Deck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3__lBt8SLvw&authuser=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfgG9YaFBf4&t=45s&authuser=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6OoubNEsoo&authuser=4

Thank you for your continued support. We hope to see you at our next event!

BCFPA Newsletter The Grapevine Is Now Out! Vol 5 Issue 10 Summer July 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:18:34 GMT

Hi all,

Read our latest issue of The Grapevine here! We have upcoming events, summaries of past events and a scholarship award winning essay.

BCFPA Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 10 Jul 9 2024

BCFPA Summer Webinar Series #2 - July 30, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 04:04:37 GMT

BCFPA SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

Greetings everyone!

You are invited to attend our educational Summer Webinar Series through the Zoom platform! Learn more about product identification through barcodes, and have a refresher on Health Canada's labelling and packaging regulations.

Webinar #2

Barcodes and Beyond: Understanding Product Identification Through Barcodes and a Review of Health Canada's Labelling and Packaging Regulations

Speaker: Alain Picard, Advisor with the Community Engagement Team, GS1 Canada

Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:15 pm PT
Location: via Zoom*

Click on the link to register today! https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-5788701

Scholarship from CFIG - Deadline July 14, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 07:34:14 GMT

Hi all,

Please pass along to any students you may know of this opportunity.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Growers is offering five scholarships totaling $28,000 to high school and university students. Scholarships will be awarded in the followed categories: $15,000 for the top essay, plus four regional scholarships of $3,250 each.

To be eligible for the awards:
- Applicants must be Canadian residents studying in Canada.
- Applicants must be enrolled or expected to enroll in a post-secondary program of at least 2 years.
- All Graduating High School Students
- College/University students must be enrolled in at least one more year of study as of the current year.
- Applicants must be working for a current CFIG member (retail, associate, affiliate) or be a family member of an employee of a current CFIG member.
- Only complete applications containing full and accurate information will be considered.
- Plagiarism is an infringement of copyright laws. All essays must be properly referenced.

Program Closes: Sunday July 14, 2024

Apply here: https://cfig.ca/national-scholarship/

BCFPA Summer Webinar Series #1 - July 11, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:20:46 GMT

BCFPA SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

Greetings everyone!

You are invited to attend our educational Summer Webinar Series hosted by the BC Food Protection Association! Learn more about risk assessment strategies for your food manufacturing facility or have a refresher on the impacts of the new Health Canada labelling requirements.

Webinar #1

Risk Assessment Strategies in Food Manufacturing Plants: What Can We Do Better to Control Pathogens and Allergens?

Speaker: Alberto Mendoza-Galina, UBC; GFSI consultant/auditor, HACCP certified by the UN/FAO and the USDC/NMFS

Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:15 pm PT
Location: Zoom

Click on the link to register today! https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-5768129

Our Webinar #2 on the "Impact of New Health Canada Labelling Requirements" will be scheduled some time between mid-July to mid-August. Stay tuned for details of our second webinar in July.

IAFP Offers Open Access to Webinars During June 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:43:42 GMT

The IAFP is offering open access to their webinars in celebration of World Food Safety Day (June 7th) during June!

In recognition of this day to increase awareness about food safety, IAFP will provide open access June 1–30, 2024, to all recorded webinars in the IAFP archives for non-Members.

(Please share this message with your colleagues.)

IAFP non-Members can browse the webinar archives on our website where more than 100 webinars dating back to 2009 are located (log-in not required).

Click here to access the webinar archives: https://www.foodprotection.org/resources/webinar-archive/

One of the many benefits of IAFP Membership is access to the Association's free webinars, which are sponsored by the IAFP Foundation.

Not a Member? Consider joining today. Go here to learn more: https://www.foodprotection.org/membership/

GS1 Canada Webinar on Health Canada's New Labelling Regulations - May 7, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:16:58 GMT

Hello all,

GS1 Canada is hosting a free webinar on Health Canada's new labelling regulations on May 7th. If you are interested, please click on the link below to register.

GS1 Canada Ask the Experts Webinar – Don’t miss this free webinar focused on the impact of new Health Canada labeling regulations.

Tuesday, May 7, 1-2 PM EST

Do Your Food Products Align with Health Canada’s New Labelling Regulations?

Health Canada has made improvements to food product labelling, helping Canadians make healthier choices. Organizations may need to adjust product labels and packaging to comply with these changes. Learn the next steps to ensure your updated nutritional information is accessible to trading partners as you align with these new regulations. GS1 Canada is hosting this session to help highlight the changes for small business owners.

Register Now

IAFP 2024 Winter Edition Newsletter, Affiliate View, Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:01:10 GMT

The IAFP's latest newsletter, Affiliate View, is now out! The newsletter dedicates itself to the professionals working to advance food safety in their geographical region. Each quarterly issue is a valuable source of information that includes a column from the current Affiliate Council Chair, summaries of recent Affiliate meetings, information about upcoming events, and news about IAFP programs and services.

The BCFPA is mentioned on page 8!

Read the Winter edition here: https://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/winter%202024.pdf

BCFPA 2023 Virtual Annual General Meeting - Feb 21, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:52:56 GMT

BCFPA 2023 Virtual Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:35 pm
Location: Zoom (Virtual)*
Registration: Free for members
Register here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-5578120

We highly encourage you to register and participate at our AGM and listen to your BCFPA board members as they go through last year's 2023 AGM Report and other business.

We will also be announcing the 2023 BCFPA Scholarship Award Recipients.

We are accepting nominations to run in our 2024 Executive Board. If you are interested in volunteering, please talk to us in person or send us an email! We are always looking for volunteers!

We have invited IAFP speaker, James (Jim) Dickson to speak on, Interventions to Control Foodborne Pathogens in Meat - "Meat Safety - What Can We Expect in 2024?"

Schedule:

5:00-5:05 pm - Opening Remarks
5:05-5:20 pm - IAFP Presentation
5:20-6:00 pm - Speaker: James (Jim) Dickson - Interventions to Control Foodborne Pathogens in Meat - "Meat Safety - What Can We Expect in 2024?"
6:00-6:10 pm - Q&A
6:10-6:30 pm - AGM Business + Announcing Scholarship Awards
6:30-6:35 pm - Closing Remarks

BCFPA Student Professional Development Group - Student Networking Event - Feb 26, 2024

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 04:55:09 GMT

Join our SPDG student networking event on Feb. 26 for a chance to learn from industry professionals and grow your network! Hear experiences and gain knowledge from a panel of professionals working in R&D, consulting, food safety and plant operations.

This is an in-person event, and refreshments will be provided. Come and join us for a fun evening of learning, socializing and networking! Register today for free!

When: Monday, Feb 26, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:30pm

Where: MacMillan Building Room 160, UBC (2357 Main Mall, Vancouver)

Parking: On-site pay parking available (closest is UBC B4 lot)

Food & Drink: complimentary to all attendees

Please register in advance here: https://forms.gle/BXH2q4smZ4v3nWPA9

BCFPA Hybrid Fall Speaker's Evening - Nov 21, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:17:31 GMT

The BC Food Protection Association would like to present:

2023 HYBRID FALL SPEAKER’S EVENING
The BC Food Protection Association is thrilled to again host another hybrid in-person and virtual seminar event for our members and general public! For those who wish to participate virtually, we are broadcasting (live streaming) our seminar through Zoom.

THEME:
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Food Safety

SPEAKERS:
Sylvain Charlebois, Professor, Food Distribution and Policy, Faculty of Management; Professor, Faculty of Agriculture , Dalhousie University, Canada, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab
&
Rickey Yada, Professor and Dean Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia

DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Time: 5:00 - 8:15 pm PT
In-person Location: Langara Clubhouse (6706 Alberta St, Vancouver, BC)*
*Parking is free for guests
Virtual Option: via Zoom - registrants will be sent a Zoom link 1-2 days before the actual event

REGISTRATION:
Register here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-5465014
Early bird deadline is November 14! Register today to take advantage of our early bird rate!
Dinner will be provided for in-person attendees. If you have food allergies or preferences, please let us know under the comment section when you register online, or email us before November 14, as we will be placing an order for the catered food (dinner) that day.

SCHEDULE:
5:00-5:15 PM PT Registration and Light Networking
5:15-5:30 PM PT Welcome Remarks
5:30-6:30 PM PT Speaker 1 - Sylvain Charlebois / Dalhousie University (virtual)
6:30-7:15 PM PT Dinner Intermission and Networking
7:15-8:15 PM PT Speaker 2 - Rickey Yada / UBC (in-person)
8:15-8:45 PM PT Closing Remarks, Door Prizes and Networking

EVENT RATES:
Virtual Rates
$25 for Members, $20 for Students/Retired, $45 for Non-Members
In-Person Rates
BCFPA Members – $60 for Early Bird, $70 for Regular
BCFPA Student/Retired – $45 for Early Bird, $55 for Regular
Non-Member – $90 for Early Bird, $100 for Regular
Early bird rate period lasts from now to Nov 14
Regular rate period lasts from Nov 15 to the day of event

For those who wish to register their colleagues, see below:
Registering another contact through online self-service
A contact can register another contact for an event by:
1. Logging in then entering the other contact's email address during the registration process.
2. If the contact doing the registration is already registered for an event, they can click the "New registration" button after clicking the "Register" button from the event details. In either case, the contact doing the registering will be invoiced for the registration fee.
3. After a contact has registered for an event, an administrator can assign the invoice to a different contact. To change who is invoiced for an event registration, follow these steps:
A. Find and open the invoice.
B. Click the Edit button to enter edit mode.
C. Click the Change link beside the contact's details.
D. Select the contact you want the invoice to be assigned to.
E. Click the Save button to save the change. You can then print or email the updated invoice.
F. Reassigning the invoice will create an entry in your financial history.

BCFPA Hybrid Fall Speaker's Evening Scheduled for Nov 21, 2023!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:31:22 GMT

Hello everyone!

Mark your calendars! We will be hosting the Hybrid Fall Speaker's Evening on November 21, 2023 at the Langara Clubhouse! Our theme will be on Artificial Intelligence in the Food Industry.

More details to come in the next few days!

Accepting BCFPA Scholarship Award Applications Now!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 22:38:13 GMT

We recognize it takes a combination of both hard work and educational funding for most students to achieve their goal of a post-secondary education. That's why we've developed a scholarship fund to help encourage student funding and interest in food protection in BC.

For this year, one scholarship will be available in the amount of $1000 and will be awarded to one BCFPA student member who meets the criteria. The student selected to receive the scholarship award must attend a future BCFPA event to receive the Scholarship Award Certificate. It is intended that the 2023 Scholarship Awards be presented at our Annual General Meeting in January/February 2024.

To be considered for the scholarship award, please fill out the application form and email your application and essay to the BCFPA Vice President at info@bcfoodprotection.ca

Application form: click here

Applications must be submitted no later than December 15, 2023. The winning recipient to be awarded the Scholarship Award will be contacted before the AGM.

The Scholarship Poster - https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/resources/Documents/Scholarship/2023%20BCFPA%20Scholarship%20Announcement.pdf

Application form and rule details for entering can be found on our website: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Scholarships

This year's essay topic is:
Applications of AI in Food Safety

We wish all students who are applying the best of luck!

BCFPA Awards Nominations Are Now Open!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 22:34:45 GMT

The BCFPA welcomes their members to submit their nominations for any BCFPA member who has made a significant contribution and has demonstrated exceptional service to the BC food industry or the Association. The BCFPA Awards are presented during their Annual General Meeting in January/February 2024. See below for our 3 awards.

We are accepting nominations until November 30, 2023.

BCFPA Food Safety Award
This award may be presented to a regular, honorary, special, student or retired member of the Association deemed to have contributed outstanding service to the BC food industry with respect to food safety.

BCFPA President’s Award
This award may be presented to a regular, honorary, special, student, sustaining or retired member of the Association deemed to have contributed outstanding service to the BC Food Protection Association.

BCFPA Lifetime Achievement Award
This award may be presented to a regular or retired member of the Association and recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the objectives of the BCFPA through many years of active service in the association.

How are the award selected?
Selections for awards will be made by the Awards Committee &/or Executive Board. Awards need not be given annually. Please refer to Article VII.G. of the By-Laws (pages 11 and 12) for a full description of award requirements.

What is the award?
Awards will consist of honorariums or gifts as deemed appropriate by the Executive. The Lifetime Achievement award also grants the recipient honorary lifetime membership in the BC Food Protection Association.

How do I submit an award nomination? There are 2 options to submit!
1. Fill out the awards nomination form (pdf) and email it back to the BCFPA President
https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/resources/Documents/Forms/BCFPA%20Awards%20Nomination%20Form.pdf
or
2. Fill out the electronic version of the award nominations form (via Google form) to submit.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnCULKOdRMqGxKfYormr1vzk4BmVqvQU9-NmxLzhHE2pywmA/viewform?usp=sharing

If you wish to submit the nominations form please visit our website for more information: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Awards-and-Nominations

You may provide documents in support of your nomination after the submission deadline, up to December 15, 2023.

BCFPA Fall Event Survey - Deadline Aug 21, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:39:33 GMT

Dear BCFPA Members,

In our continued effort to improve and shape the way we bring future seminars and events to you, we kindly ask that you take a few minutes to complete our fall event survey. The survey should take no more than 5 min to complete. This survey will be available for members to complete until August 21, 2023.

Click here to start the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-kORATBknBXBZROgvhXYe29rk0eWjdyIdtqbQ6cFa1j8iQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link

We thank you for your time!
BCFPA Executive Board

BCFPA SPDG Que Pasa Tour

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 07:06:18 GMT

A big thank you to Que Pasa Foods for allowing the students an opportunity to visit their food production plant on July 20, 2023! The students had a great time and learned lots!

If you are interested in joining or becoming more involved with the Student Professional Development Group, please feel free to email our SPDG Coordinator or through our general email.

SPDG Que Pasa Student Tour - July 20, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 05:51:11 GMT

Hello students!

The SPDG is organizing a student tour to Que Pasa Foods on July 20th and would like you to join them!

Registration is free but spots are limited!

Date: July 20, 2023
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Where: 7453 Progress Way, Delta, BC
What to wear: wear closed toe footwear, pants and shirts with sleeves are allowed, no tank tops or shorts are allowed, no jewelry or loose objects allowed on food processing floor

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bcfpa-student-tour-of-que-pasa-tickets-653686543047

Poster: click here

IAFP World Food Safety Day - Free Access to Webinars from June 1-30, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:03:09 GMT

In recognition of this day to increase awareness about food safety, the IAFP will provide open access from June 1–30, 2023, to all recorded webinars in the IAFP archives for non-Members.

Click here - https://www.foodprotection.org/resources/webinar-archive/

BCFPA 2023 Spring Grapevine Newsletter Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:08:09 GMT

Our Grapevine Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 9 is now out! Click here to read it!
BCFPA Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 9 - May/June Spring Edition

UBC Food Science - Recruitment for Food Industry Partners Research Project

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 26 May 2023 04:09:13 GMT

Hi everyone,

Below is a recruitment message from Patricia Hingston from the UBC Food Science Department, looking for food industry partners interested in being a part of an undergraduate research project as part of the students' capstone course.

Dear BCFPA Member,

The UBC Food Science Department is looking to recruit industry partners that would be interested in having a research project conducted by fourth year undergraduate students as part of a capstone course. The objectives of the course are to provide students with an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge using an integrated approach to address a problem of relevance to the food industry.

The scope of the projects may involve product formulation, process development or improvement, quality assurance, analysis of chemical, physical, nutritional or sensory properties, microbiological assessment, etc. Students work in groups of 3 - 4 on a project in one of our labs here at UBC and can also perform some tasks at the company if needed. More information on the course can be found here.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16oUj3nifW12OwJ2kqe2loCI57EXoqDRpjkrGV7UxUIk/edit#

If you or your team have a project(s) that you would like to submit for consideration, please do so using the form found here. The deadline for submissions is July 21, 2023.

If you have any additional questions please contact the course instructor Patricia Hingston (patricia.hingston@ubc.ca).

Thank you!

SGS - SQFI Canada Focus Day - May 18, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 05:16:34 GMT

From SGS:

Please share this with your group or social media.

We would like to extend a warm invitation to you for an information-packed event that will showcase the latest advancements in food processing and industry insights. The event, organized by SQFI and SGS, will feature distinguished speakers from Whole Foods, Save on Foods, BCFB, and other industry leaders who will share their expertise and knowledge.

The event promises to be an exciting opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technology, innovative practices, and industry trends shaping the food processing and growers' landscape for new and mature businesses.

So, mark your calendars and join us for this exciting event.

https://bit.ly/3MyRUxl

2023 BCFPA Student Networking Event - Mar 3, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 23:29:37 GMT

The BC Food Protection Association (BCFPA) - Student Professional Development Group would like to present:

2023 Student Networking Event - A Career Night with Industry Food Professionals

EVENT SUMMARY:

The BC Food Protection Association - Student Professional Development Group is thrilled to host a hybrid in-person and virtual talk and an in-person networking event. Each speaker will give a 20-minute interactive talk about their career paths, which aims to support students’ career development.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/559154565357

SPEAKERS: Representatives in the Food Industry

Speaker #1: Lavina Gully | Regional Innovation Director (BC), Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

Career Topics: Functional Foods and Research and Development

Lavina is a food scientist and product developer with over 15 years of experience in R&D, process development, and ideation. She has worked in various industries such as bakery, soups, beverages, plant-based nutrition, and meat alternatives, and has launched numerous new products into club, retail, and food service channels.

She loves the multi-disciplinary aspect of R&D and started her career immersed in ingredient functionality, process engineering, quality systems, packaging, and scale-up. Prior to joining CFIN, Lavina was responsible for exploring the fuzzy front end of the innovation process and developing long-range strategies for consumer-led product concepts.

In addition to her R&D experience, she has also worked as an SR&ED consultant, servicing CPG and agri-food businesses across British Columbia, and, as a food technology instructor at BCIT.

Lavina hopes to draw upon her hands-on industry and manufacturing experience to help businesses achieve innovation goals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Food Science from the University of British Columbia.

Speaker #2: Jeffrey Ma | Senior R&D Manager, Daiya Foods Inc.

Career Topic: Plant-Based Foods (Cheese) and Research and Development

Jeffrey Ma has spent the past 11 years in food product development and innovation. Growing up in his parent’s restaurant, he has always been fascinated by how good food can be a commonality that connects people through shared experiences. With a food science and business background, he’s interested in creating natural products that merge what is possible with what consumers want. He believes a winning product merges great branding and a technical advantage that addresses a key consumer need. He’s constantly interested in how businesses can both do well and do good through their brand and products.

Jeffrey received his education from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Food Science and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is currently the Senior R&D Manager at Daiya Foods, a pioneering brand in the plant-based food space, leading the development of next-gen plant-based cheese. His previous experience includes Innovation roles at small and large companies including Vega (Danone), Pure Sunfarms, and Komo Comfort Foods.

DATE: March 3rd, 2023

TIME: 5:30 pm PT - 7:30 pm PT

IN-PERSON LOCATION: SE06 Room 207, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2

VIRTUAL OPTION: via Zoom - registrants will be sent a Zoom link 1-2 days before the actual event

FEE: Free for students!!

Note: Networking and Snack time will be held IN-PERSON.

SCHEDULE:

5:30 - 6:00 pm PT: Registration

6:00 - 6:05 pm PT: Welcome Remark & Introduction about BCFPA

6:05 - 7:00 pm PT: 15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A for each speaker (Hybrid)

7:00 - 7:30 pm PT: Networking & Snack time (In-person)

For any questions, contact our SPDG coordinator: scottbenjaminwilson97@gmail.com

BCFPA Allergen Management Survey Deadline - Mar 3, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:53:42 GMT

ALLERGEN MANAGEMENT SURVEY

As a follow-up to our previous 2022 Fall Hybrid Speaker's Evening event, we would like to know if you are interested in attending a follow-up Q&A webinar on allergen management guidelines with Beatrice Povolo of Food Allergy Canada. Beatrice has offered to set up a Q&A webinar to help answer any questions you may have on allergen management guidelines. This follow-up webinar will occur some time in Q1 or Q2 of 2023.

To gather your feedback, please take a few minutes to fill out this allergens survey - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9Qfz1t1Xi-t2OPTVv9PKVPMBs3taqr2rRKwqji1CEf76eFw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Please let us know below if you are interested in attending this free webinar! We will close this survey on March 3, 2023.

BCFPA Annual General Meeting - Feb 28, 2023

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:55:37 GMT

BCFPA VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Date: February 28, 2023
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm PT (7:05-7:30 pm Networking Optional)
Virtual Location: via Zoom - registrants will be sent a Zoom link 1-3 days before the actual event
Cost: FREE for BCFPA Members

Register here - https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-5128774

Our AGM event will be a jam-packed evening! We will be covering last year's (2022) AGM business, announcing scholarship award recipients, bringing in an IAFP speaker to speak on produce safety, and lastly inviting last year's scholarship winner to speak about his research. Register today!

Managing Risk in a Field of Uncertainty: Foodborne Pathogens on Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Michelle Danyluk, Professor and Extension Specialist of Food Safety and Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida

Bacteriophage-Mediated Antimicrobial Sensitization in Salmonella Enterica
Thomas Guy, MSc Candidate, UBC, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

Interested in sponsoring our events? We have sponsorship packages available, click here to find out more information! https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Sponsorship

Schedule:

5:00-5:05 pm - Opening Remarks
5:05-5:20 pm - IAFP Presentation
5:20-6:00 pm - Speaker #1: Michelle Danyluk - Managing Risk in a Field of Uncertainty: Foodborne Pathogens on Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
6:00-6:10 pm - Q&A
6:10-6:25 pm - AGM Business + Announcing Scholarship Awards
6:25-6:50 pm - Speaker #2: Thomas Guy - Bacteriophage-Mediated Antimicrobial Sensitization in Salmonella Enterica
6:50-7:00 pm - Q&A
7:00-7:05 pm - Closing Remarks
7:05-7:30 pm - Networking (Optional)

IAFP Affiliate View Fall Newsletter Is Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:48:22 GMT

Hi all,

The IAFP's newsletter, The Affiliate View, is now out! And if you browse through to page 7, you will notice your fellow BCFPA executive board posing next to the IAFP Affiliate Communication Materials Award which they won this year!

IAFP Affiliate View - Fall 2022

BCFPA Fall/Winter Grapevine Newsletter Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 08:56:44 GMT

Our Fall/Winter edition of our newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out!

Click below to check it out! It features a message from our BCFPA President, David Mahoney, upcoming events, photos, past event summaries, the 2021 BCFPA Scholarship Award winning essay, and much more!

BCFPA Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 08 Nov 1 2022

Register Today for our 2022 Hybrid Fall Speaker's Evening - Nov 22, 2022

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 08:54:40 GMT

The BC Food Protection Association is thrilled to finally host a hybrid in-person and virtual seminar on Nov 22, 2022 at the Fraserview Clubhouse (Golf Course) in Vancouver, BC.

Register today! https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-5005449

Topic: Enhancing Guidance for Food Allergen Management in Canada including a Risk-based Approach for the Application of Precautionary Allergen Labelling

We have an all-star food allergen speaker list, featuring:
BEATRICE POVOLO, Director, Advocacy & Media Relations, Food Allergy Canada
SILVIA DOMINGUEZ, Research Associate, Université Laval
& SAMUEL GODEFROY, Full Professor, Food Risk Analysis and Regulatory Policies, Department of Food Science, Université Laval

Summary: A multi-stakeholder collaboration in Canada, involving food manufacturers, Université Laval, Canadian Allergists, and Canada’s national patient organization, Food Allergy Canada, has led to the development of new proposed Allergen Management Guidelines for Food Manufacturers. These guidelines aim to help to support food manufacturers in their implementation of effective allergen control plans including the responsible use of Precautionary Allergen Labelling, to better meet the needs of Canadians managing food allergy. Join us to hear from Food Allergy Canada and Université Laval on the launch of the new guidelines and related resources for the food industry.

BCFPA Student Scholarship Is Now Live!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 04:48:40 GMT

Hello all,

Our scholarship topic and details on submission are now posted in our students page - https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Scholarships

This year's hot topic is on: Emerging Risks in Low Moisture Foods

Deadline: Nov 30, 2022

Alberta Association for Food Protection - 1st Virtual Seminar - Sep 29, 2022

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:13:05 GMT

Alberta Association for Food Protection - 1st Virtual Seminar

Topic: Emerging Foodborne Pathogens and Emerging Food Safety Issues in General

Speaker: Jeff Farber, Senior Corporate Scientist, Food Safety & Public Health Director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety and head of the University of Guelph's Food Safety and Quality Assurance M.Sc. program

Date: Thursday, September 29th, 2022
Place: Zoom Meeting
https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/j/93996126198?pwd=ajVBb3JwQzlOeGFicG1ueUNTRmRRUT09
Time: 12:30-1:50 PM MT
Click here to view poster and event details

There is NO cost for this event but you must RSVP and attend to be entered in the draw for a $100 Amazon gift card and Hygiena swag bag.
RSVP by: September 28th to lynn.mcmullen@ualberta.ca

3M Food Safety Symposium 2022 - Sep 27, 2022

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:10:54 GMT

3M Food Safety Symposium 2022

How Big Data can enhance food integrity - presented by industry expert speaker
How to establish a robust hygiene monitoring program - presented by 3M technical expert
Optimize sanitation and cleaning in your facility - presented Sani Marc technical expert
Implementing a risk based a pproach to food safety - presented by 3M technical expert
A chance to network with like minded food safety and quality assurance professionals

Sep 27, 2022
Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre
4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 1C7
Click here to view poster and to register

BCFPA Events Questionnaire

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 05:17:50 GMT

Hello everyone,

In our continued effort to improve upon and shape the way we bring future seminars and events to you, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our survey with your thoughts and preferences.

The survey should take 2-5 min to complete. We will leave the survey up from now until July 28, 2022. We thank you for your time!

Click here: https://forms.gle/d3xRcxx26PGp4ZNTA

Thank you,
BCFPA Executive Board

BCFPA Annual General Meeting

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:34:54 GMT

The British Columbia Food Protection Association held its 2021 Annual Meeting as a virtual event on February 1, 2022.

The event started off with AGM Business, with David Mahoney leading the meeting minutes and agenda. David presented a summary of events from 2021, with an honourable mention of the BCFPA receiving the 2021 IAFP Communications Award, followed by board member nominations.

The BCFPA and Scholarship Awards were also presented to the following recipients:

2021 BCFPA Food Safety Award - Pascal Delaquis
Pascal was awarded the BCFPA Food Safety Award for his outstanding work, expertise and mentorship that he has contributed in BC with respect to the food microbiology of fresh fruits and vegetables, and is nothing short of instrumental to the success of this field of work. He has also published articles on this topic, and the guidance that he has provided to technicians and graduate students has led them to go on to successful careers. His contributions to expert panels from a regional, national and international scale, as well as his devotion as an exceptional mentor to his students and peers, has demonstrated his long history of outstanding commitment and contributions to food safety.

and

2021 BCFPA Scholarship Award Recipient - Bailey Morin
Essay topic: "Food Safety and Food Systems in Indigenous Communities"

A variety of speakers and topics were included throughout the event, including the presentation, “Commissary Kitchens: The Fraser Health Experience.” Fraser Health Authority’s Stephanie Szeto, Environmental Health Officer, and Connie Banting, Practice Consultant, were presenters.

Justin Falardeau, Past President and Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia, presented his findings on “Investigation of cheese microbiome for the inhibition of L. monocytogenes growth in soft-ripened cheeses."

IAFP Spring 2022 Affiliate View

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:15:05 GMT

The IAFP Spring 2022 Affiliate View is now up! Look for the BCFPA AGM summary within the newsletter!

https://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/spring%202022.pdf

AAFP Virtual Seminar Series - Seminar #1 - DATE TBA, POSTPONED

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 03:45:22 GMT

The Alberta Association for Food Protection invites you to attend their first virtual seminar in their new seminar series.

Topic: Emerging Foodborne Pathogens and Emerging Food Safety Issues in General

Speaker: Jeff Farber, PhD, Senior Corporate Scientist, Food Safety & Public Health, Director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety and head of the University of Guelph's Food Safety and Quality Assurance M.Sc. program

Date: ~~October 26, 2021~~ Update: DATE POSTPONED, NEW DATE TO BE POSTED WHEN AVAILABLE

Contact: lynn.mcmullen@ualberta.ca

BCFPA Scholarship Award - Now Accepting Applications

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 23:50:34 GMT

Hello students,

The BCFPA Scholarship Award is now accepting applications for 2021. Details are listed on our Scholarship page: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Scholarships

For this year, up to two scholarships will be available in the amounts of $1500 and $1000 and will be awarded to two BCFPA student members who meet the criteria.

To be considered for the scholarship awards, please fill out the application form and email your application and essay to the BCFPA Vice President at info@bcfoodprotection.ca . Applications must be submitted no later than November 30, 2021.

This year's scholarship award essay topic is:
Food safety and food systems in Indigenous communities

The Scholarship Poster to be available - click here

BCFPA Student Networking Event - Sep 23, 2021

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 02:14:34 GMT

BCFPA Student Career Networking Virtual Event

Speakers: Industry representatives
Date: Thursday, September 23, 2021
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Fee: Free for students
Location: Zoom call, registrants will be emailed a link closer to the date

Registration: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-4475510

BCFPA Spring/Summer Newsletter Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 21:48:44 GMT

The Spring/Summer edition of our newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out!

Click here to read up on our past events, scholarship recipient essays and more! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yPpnHbcA2jTwBEA0iUHa_vQyeiMzdfrq/view?usp=sharing

IAFP Summer Affiliate View Now Out

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:33:21 GMT

IAFP Summer Affiliate View is now out! You can check out page 7 of the newsletter and read up on the BCFPA winning the 2021 Communications Award! Great work to the volunteer Executive Board for all their efforts!

https://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/summer%202021.pdf

BCFPA Wins 2021 IAFP Communications Award

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:51:13 GMT

Earlier in the year, the Executive Board has applied and submitted an application for the IAFP Communications Award. We are pleased to announce that the BC Food Protection Association have been selected to received the 2021 IAFP Affiliate Communication Materials Award!

The award was formally accepted by a member of the BCFPA Executive Board during the IAFP Affiliate Council Meeting on Jun 22, 2021.

BCFPA Spring Webinar Series #2 Registration Now Open!

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 30 May 2021 07:13:40 GMT

The BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar Series - #2 webinar is now open for registration! Registration is FREE for members!

Webinar #2:
Sanitation in Food Processing Facilities

Speakers: Claire Nolan & Nikola Jovic, Sani Marc

Date: June 24, 2021

Time: 4:30-5:30 pm PT

Registration:
Free for BCFPA Members
$20 for Non-Members
For Sani Marc customers - use special code to register*

Event details and registration: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-4341568

Awards and Nominations Now Open Until Oct 15, 2021

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 30 May 2021 07:09:49 GMT

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

The BCFPA welcomes their members to submit their nominations for any BCFPA member who has made a significant contribution and has demonstrated exceptional service to the BC food industry or the Association. The BCFPA Awards are presented during their Annual General Meeting.

Please click the link below for more information about our 3 awards and how you can nomination a BCFPA member for their outstanding work in the community.

Deadline: Oct 15, 2021

https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Awards-and-Nominations

BCFPA Spring Webinar Series #1 Post-Event Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 30 May 2021 07:09:00 GMT

Please take several minutes to take our post-event survey. Your responses will help plan for future events. Thank you!

Spring Webinar Series #1 Post-Event Survey
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSespGGbHPIWXSpaA1w1QqRHTmD1FbeAfiqBBuFsnqm3cZnaHg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

IAFP Spring 2021 Affiliate View Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 08 May 2021 08:36:49 GMT

The IAFP Affiliate View Spring 2021 Newsletter is now out! You can read up on the BCFPA's AGM event summary there!

Click here: http://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/spring%202021.pdf

2020 AGM Report Now Available

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 02:42:47 GMT

Hello Members,

Our 2020 AGM Report is now available on our website. Click here to access it prior to our AGM meeting: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/resources/Documents/AGM%20Documents/2020%20AGM%20Report.pdf

Bacteriophages Survey - Student Research Project

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 00:37:33 GMT

Forwarding a student research survyey below, I hope you can help fill out his survey, thank you.

My name is Lucas Risi and I am a student at Ryerson University. I am conducting a survey under the supervision of Dr. Meldrum regarding bacteriophage use in the food industry. The aim of this survey is to gain insight about the opinions, concerns, and barriers related to bacteriophage applications in food safety. I would like to target individuals with technical roles and positions in the food industry for participation. I would greatly appreciate it if you could circulate this survey for me in the beginning of January. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this.

Thank you for your time and I hope to have your help and support.

Researcher: Lucas Risi
BASc Undergraduate Student in Public Health and Safety
Ryerson University, lucas.risi@ryerson.ca

Bacteriophages Survey - Research Project

Purpose of the Study:
The use of bacteriophages (phages) and its many applications in the food industry is established throughout many studies in the literature. It has been documented that the use of phages as an antibacterial agent can reduce levels of foodborne pathogens, therefore improving food safety. Upon reviewing the literature, various research has indicated potential barriers regarding phage use in the food industry, however it does not consist of the personal opinions of the food industry and food safety professionals. This survey will help explore the gaps between research and practice in the food industry regarding these barriers. The opinions and concerns of the food industry regarding the applications of phages is valuable for the future of food safety.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6YGOjekCi8e2b6egR4Nrizgx95ZEoPHtuKvTo_p-9NwSY3g/viewform?usp=sf_link

Traceability Funding Programs Available

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 08:47:56 GMT

There are Traceability Funding Programs available from Canadian Agricultural Partnership for agriculture, food, seafood sector organizations - see link below:

https://bctraceability.ca/programs

BC Lean for Food Processors Program - Applications Open While Funding Lasts

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 04:48:33 GMT

B.C. Lean for Food Processors Program

Applications are being accepted while funding lasts.

What is B.C. Lean: The B.C. Lean for Food Processors Program supports specialized business skill development to enable processors to make more informed decisions, optimize operating procedures, improve production capacity, labour productivity and strengthen their business. Lean is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local food and beverage processing firms in the sector.

Why participate B.C. Lean: The B.C. Lean Program has a proven track record of improving participating companies, the average return on investment is 400% in the first year.

Cost-shared Funding: The Ministry will provide successful applicants up to $7,000 for services from a Qualified Business Consultant. Successful applicants are required to pay $1,500 upfront to the Qualified Business Consultant.

What to learn more or apply?: Connect with a Qualified Business Consultant now! https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/programs/bc-lean-program-for-food-processors/lean_consultant_list.pdf

Application Instructions

Step 1: Complete application form, and review and approve project proposal created with Qualified Business Consultant, which is to be submitted to Agribusiness@gov.bc.ca.

Step 2: B.C. Ministry of Agriculture Staff evaluate application and the Project Proposal.

Step 3: After receiving email confirmation the Project Proposal is approved, the applicant pays the Qualified Business Consultant upfront.

Step 4: The Project is completed as outlined in the Project Proposal (90 days). Ministry staff reserve the right to conduct mid project review and feedback from applicant(s).

Step 5: Qualified Business Consultant submits final draft report to Applicant.

Step 6: Applicant reviewed and approves draft report and signs claim form.

Step 7: After performing the training, Qualified Business Consultant submits the approved claim form (DOCX) and final report by email.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/programs/agribusiness-planning/final_claim_business_development.docx

Step 8: B.C. Ministry of Agriculture pays Qualified Business Consultant directly.

Step 9: Program Staff contact applicant for feedback.

IAFP Fall 2020 Affiliate View - Now Available

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 22:10:50 GMT

The Fall 2020 Affiliate View is now available on the IAFP website under the Publications tab at: https://www.foodprotection.org/publications/affiliate-view/

Univ of Guelph Food Safety Seminars Symposium - Nov 5, 2020

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 06:14:55 GMT

17th Annual & 1st Virtual Guelph Food Safety Seminars Symposium

Thursday, November 5th, 2020 10:30 AM to Thursday, November 26th, 2020 12:00 PM

More information: https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/events/2020/11/17th-annual-1st-virtual-guelph-food-safety-seminars-symposium

Our BCFPA Instagram Is Now Live!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 03:28:16 GMT

Visit our new BCFPA Instagram account and don’t forget to give us a follow!

You can follow our Instagram account here:
https://www.instagram.com/bcfoodprotectionassociation/

August 2020 BCFPA Grapevine Newsletter Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 03:27:34 GMT

Our newsletter is now out! You can access and read about the latest events, our fall event plans and other BCFPA-related news here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17H5492eGce4mxhnxRh1t7hoCTvF2CDup/view

IAFP Spring 2020 Affiliate View Now Out

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 23 May 2020 06:31:00 GMT

The IAFP's Spring 2020 Affiliate View is now out! The BCFPA Annual General Meeting was even mentioned!

https://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/spring%202020.pdf

BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar #1 Attendee Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 05 May 2020 05:43:42 GMT

Hello everyone!

We would like to thank you for attending our Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar Series #1!

In our continued effort for improvement and to bring seminars and events in that are interesting, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our survey. We also ask that those who did not attend also complete the survey if you wish to provide suggestions for future events.

We will leave our survey open until May 31, 2020. We thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions!

Please visit our website www.bcfoodprotection.ca for the latest updates.

Click below to start the survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TB4jfA0m5Cp-6VwkLHN9zD7suD1CP-w0oIxQHOdIJkU/edit?usp=sharing

Sincerely,

The BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar #2 Coming Up On May 14th!

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 05 May 2020 05:41:22 GMT

Hello everyone!

We hope you enjoyed our Webinar #1 of our Spring Speaker's Webinar Series! We have 2 webinars remaining left! Registration is open for webinar #2 and #3!

Register today to take part in these FREE events! Our next webinar is coming up on Thursday, May 14th!

Update: We will be sending a separate email for all registrants on our Zoom link and how to join our webinar. If you want to join us, please register today!

Our next webinar event is coming up on:

WEBINAR #2
MAY 14, 2020 - 4:30 pm PT
Environmental Monitoring
Speaker: Ana Lozano, Food Safety Division, 3M
Register here: https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-3819233

Free for BCFPA Members
$30 for Non-Members
Note: Each webinar is a separate registration

Speaker bios and topic abstracts are available on our website.

For more information and to register, visit our website: www.bcfoodprotection.ca

The webinar link will be sent to registered members when the event gets closer. Stay tuned!

Registrants are welcome to send in their questions to our webinar speakers ahead of time - you can email your questions to us at info@bcfoodprotection.ca

2020 Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar Series - Registration and Details Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:06:53 GMT

The BC Food Protection Association would like to present:

Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar Series

The BC Food Protection Association is thrilled to host a series of webinars to our members.

Webinar #1:

Food Production During a Pandemic: Lessons learned from COVID-19

Speaker: Aljoša Trmčić, Cornell University
April 30, 2020
4:30-5:30 pm PT

Sponsored by

Registration:

Free for BCFPA Members
$30 for Non-Members
Note: Each webinar is a separate registration
https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-3813537

Webinar Series Schedule:

APRIL 30, 2020 - 4:30 pm PT
Food Production During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned From COVID-19
Speaker: Aljoša Trmčić, Cornell University

MAY 14, 2020 - 4:30 pm PT
Environmental Monitoring
Speaker: Ana Lozano, Food Safety Division, 3M

MAY 28, 2020 - 4:30 pm PT
Safety of Low Water Activity Foods
Speaker: Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, University of Georgia

For more information and to register, visit our website: www.bcfoodprotection.ca

The webinar link will be sent to registered members when the event gets closer. Stay tuned!

BCFPA Members are welcome to send in their questions to our webinar speakers ahead of time - you can email your questions to us at info@bcfoodprotection.ca

Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar Announcement & Winter/Spring Newsletter Now Out

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 08:10:30 GMT

Spring Speaker's Evening Webinar Announcement

Given the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the precautionary measures being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to put on hold any upcoming public events such as our popular Spring Speaker’s Evening. Our top priority to our members and volunteer executive board has always been their health and safety. As such, we feel this is the right decision to make in these difficult times.

However, we are still intent on planning an event. We are thrilled to unveil our plan to "host" our Spring Speaker's Evening as a webinar!

Our upcoming webinar will be FREE for BCFPA members!

More details will be provided once logistics have been finalized, so please stay tuned. But for now, here is a sneak peek:

Newsletter "The Grapevine" Vol 5 Issue 5 Is Now Out!

Click the link here to read our latest newsletter, with new announcements, event summaries, scholarship award essay, and more!

Refer A Colleague Or Friend, Get A Promotional Discount To Your Next Event!

Lastly, in an effort to increase our membership, we are offering the following promotion to our current members: Refer a colleague or friend to the BC Food Protection Association today! As a thank you, you will receive a promotional discount code of $25 which you can use towards your next event (valid through the end of 2021)! Details will be explained in our newsletter which is now out (click the link).

Sustaining Membership Renewals

Interested in becoming a sustaining member? Forget to renew your sustaining membership for 2020? Want to advertise your company in our upcoming webinar? Now is the time to renew today! Talk to us at info@bcfoodprotection.ca to discuss potential sponsorships or ask us more about how you can become a sustaining member!

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you online soon.

Sincerely,

The BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

A Message from the BCFPA Executive Board Regarding the COVID-19 Situation

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 06:51:08 GMT

A Message from the BCFPA Executive Board Regarding the COVID-19 Situation

Given the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the precautionary measures being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to put on hold any upcoming public events such as our popular Spring Speaker’s Evening. Our top priority to our members and volunteer executive board has always been their health and safety. As such, we feel this is the right decision to make in these difficult times.

Since these public events are important for our continued engagement with you, our members, we are working on new ways of drawing in members and educating them through seminars and workshops.

During this global COVID-19 pandemic, we have noticed the increasingly popularity of video conferencing platforms being used as solutions for keeping people connected at a time where schools and businesses have been closed to encourage social distancing.

This brings us to our most exciting announcement:

For the very first time, we are thrilled to unveil our plan to "host" our Spring Speaker's Evening as a series of webinars!

More details will be provided once logistics have been finalized, so please stay tuned.

Lastly, in an effort to increase our membership, we are offering the following promotion to our current members: Refer a colleague or friend to the BC Food Protection Association today! As a thank you, you will receive a promotional discount code of $25 which you can use towards your next event (valid through the end of 2021)! Details will be explained in our upcoming newsletter which will be sent in the coming days.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you online soon.

Sincerely,

The BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

2019 AGM Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 07:53:15 GMT

Dear BCFPA Members & Attendees,

We would like to thank you for attending our Annual General Meeting held on January 16, 2020 at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver, BC.

In our continued effort for improvement and to bring seminars and events in that are interesting to our members, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our survey. We also ask that those who did not attend also complete the survey if you wish to provide suggestions for future events. We also added a new question at the end of our survey on registration numbers and ways to improve our membership numbers.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey. The survey will be available until March 22, 2020.

Click here - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vzNreMDlPUCaGz4resG6kaIVWHrFakBzLan4Zq4rD2k

As a head's up, we are organizing a Spring Speaker's Evening scheduled for mid-May. More details to come soon!

Thank you,

BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

Food Evolution - BCFT Movie Night

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 07:56:15 GMT

Join BCFT at the 2019 BCFT Movie Night on "Food Evolution", a 2016 documentary directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy. The film tackles the schism that has arisen between scientists and consumers over how to feed our expanding population safely and sustainably, follows the controversy surrounding GMOs and food. The film was critically very well-received. Topics in the film range from: food safety, environmental protection, population demand, pesticide use, and general health surrounding GMOs. Through each topic, the film analyzes what data, evidence and sources are being used to argue one way or the other.

Food and drinks will be provided, network with your peers and friends before and after the movie.

When: Wednesday November 20th, 2019

Where: Delta Burnaby Hotel - 2nd Floor Ball Room (4331 Dominion St, Burnaby, BC V5G 1C7)

Schedule: 6:15 pm - 9:30 pm

This event aims to help students and new professionals to build networking, and also to promote the discussion among everyone related to the agri-food system. So everyone is welcome!

The details are in the attached document and links.

RSVP:

https://bcft.wufoo.com/forms/2019-bcft-movie-night-food-evolution

Trailer

https://youtu.be/IVuN19Id_2c

2019 Fall Speaker's Evening - Speaker Presentations Are Now Available

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 06:01:10 GMT

The 2019 Fall Speaker's Evening event speaker presentations are now up on our website. Click below to access:

Roy Fenoff - “Food Fraud Prevention Strategy: Shifting from Detection to Prevention”

Yaxi Hu - “Advancement of Techniques for Food Authentication – The Last Barrier to Prevent Food Fraud”

https://drive.google.com/open?id=13tH0iVfixvHzGTVvQY5IcJdGmigdysOq

2019 Fall Speaker's Evening Survey Now Out

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:11:34 GMT

Hi everyone,

Our post-event survey is now out! Please help provide feedback for our fall event and input for our future events! It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey.

Click here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJG79WVhb15x9s5btFbDQRiJzKiM7gxCz-Dci0EJK2xXwIKg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

BCFPA Fall Newsletter, The Grapevine, Is Now Out - Vol 5, Issue 4

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 06:46:55 GMT

The BCFPA newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out! Volume 5, Issue 4 is now available here! Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tkslsiZEw83JW7W_AYunIzOAs_d8REdR

BCFPA Student Networking Event - September 27, 2019 at 6:00-8:30 pm

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:09:42 GMT

BCFPA executives and members from government, industry, and academia share their experiences to help students become better prepared for their career plan. Students from UBC and BCIT will have chance to meet and share their opinions and passions.

Location:
Room 1501
UBC Life Building, 6138
Student Union Blvd,
Vancouver, BC

Food, drinks & snacks will be provided!

Admission: Free for students! Limited spots!

Please RSVP to: shenmiao.ivy.li@gmail.com before September 24, 2019!

BCFPA Scholarship - Deadline November 15, 2019

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:09:10 GMT

For 2019, up to two scholarships will be available in the amounts of $1500 and $1000 and will be awarded to two BCFPA student members who meet the criteria. Students selected to receive scholarship awards must attend a future BCFPA event to receive the Scholarship Award Certificate. It is intended that the 2019 Scholarship Awards will be presented at our Annual General Meeting in January 2020.

To be considered for the scholarship awards, please fill out the application form and email your application and essay to the BCFPA Vice President at justin.falardeau@ubc.ca. Applications must be submitted no later than November 15, 2019.

The Scholarship Poster is available here.

UBC Industry Survey - Your Assistance Is Needed!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 03:12:03 GMT

Help UBC Students Prepare for a Career with Your Company

Dear Food Science Industry members,

UBC's Food Science program is undergoing a Curriculum Renewal Project to ensure the quality and alignment of our undergraduate program within a rapidly evolving industry. Given your employment in the food industry, you are ideally suited to provide feedback to help our program best prepare future graduates. We value the insights and perspectives that your expertise can provide. The survey should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and can be accessed via the following link:

https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2sYXYV8dbmOf3j7

For any questions, you can reach us at food.renewal@ubc.ca. We thank you in advance for your time and support of this project, and we look forward to working together in increasingly collaborative ways.

Washington Assn for Food Protection Conference - Registration Open - Sep 18-20, 2019

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 19:44:13 GMT

FYI - from our friends at WAFP:

Please join us September 18 – 20 in Chelan, Washington for the 68th annual Washington Assn for Food Protection Conference. The planning committee has been working on an educational conference this year.

Below you will find our Draft Agenda for the conference, as well as Registration Information if paying by check on our link. For those that are paying by credit card instructions are below. We will again be utilizing a computer site (Brown Paper Tickets) to assist with managing our registrations this year.
http://waffp.com/wp1/

Registrations through this site are now open and information to get to the site is below.

Our Hotel Block is now open, and you can reserve your hotel rooms by contacting Campbell’s Resort directly at

1 (800) 553-8225. Please mention our group # 509382 to get into our conference room block. Rooms go quick so please make your reservations soon by calling Campbells directly.   We have negotiated room rates ranging from $150 - $188. For more information about Campbell’s Resort, you can also check out their website at https://campbellsresort.com/

As mentioned above, our registration process is now opened using the site “Brown Paper Tickets” for those of you that wish to pay using a credit card. You can get to the registration site by clicking on the link or copying into your browser: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4289525   On the site, you will be able to register and pay for the conference. $275 registration fee includes your WAFFP annual membership fee, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and one Banquet dinner. You may also add-on additional meals for guests, as well as for golf. You will also be able to choose your banquet meal options on this site.

The golf tournament will be held again at Bear Mountain Golf Resort on Wednesday, September 18th – and tee time is at 10:30 am. The fee for those that wish to golf is $90.00, which includes 18 holes, box lunch and ½ cart.

For those of you wishing to pay using a check, I have attached a registration form that you can fill out, print and send along with your check made out to “Washington Assn for Food Protection” and send to our Treasurer Jill Wisehart. The information is all included on the attachment.

For those of you wishing to help the organization by being a sponsor, you can do so by utilizing the attached sponsorship attachment to pay by check, or you can register on line at the Brown Paper Ticket Site above if paying by credit card. All of our Platinum Sponsorships are sold out, however we still have a few tables for Gold Sponsorships still available, as well as the other options. Contact information for Virginia Ng is on the attached sponsorship document if you have questions.

Finally, please register soon, as early bird prices are only good through September 6th, and will increase on September 7th.

We look forward to another great meeting in Chelan. Keep an eye out on our website for any agenda updates, and we will also include all registration information, as well as sponsorship information on this site, which is www.WAFFP.com

Look forward to seeing everyone in Chelan

Sani Marc Food Safety Seminar - August 22, 2019

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 05:27:46 GMT

Manufacturer and distributor of sanitation products for over 50 years, Sani Marc is a Canadian leader in the Food and Beverage industry.

Spend a day with experts discussing sanitation concerns in the food & beverage industry and take part in an interesting hands-on demonstration. Attend a presentation by Dr. Jovana Kovacevic, entitled “Listeria: Monitoring, Prevention & Regulatory Challenges”, followed by the interactive workshop “Identifying the best methods for foot traffic control” led by Sani Marc experts.

Date and Time:
Thu, 22 August 2019
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM PDT

Location:
Executive Suites Hotel And Conference Center Burnaby
4201 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC V5C 3Y6

Agenda:
9:30 -9:45 am Registration & Breakfast
9:45 – 11:00 am Presentation “Listeria: Monitoring, Prevention, and Regulatory Challenges” by Dr. Jovana Kovacevic
11:00 – 11:15 am Break
11:15 am – 12:15pm Interactive Workshop “Identifying the best methods for foot traffic” by Sani Marc Experts
12:15 – 1:15 pm Lunch
1:15 – 1: 40 pm Prize Giveaway & closing meeting

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/burnaby-food-safety-seminar-hosted-by-sani-marc-tickets-63899921385

BCFPA 20th Anniversary Texas Scramble Golf Tournament - August 17, 2019

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 07:08:14 GMT

Save the date! We are organizing a special event for our 20th anniversary!

Presenting:

BCFPA 20th Anniversary Texas Scramble Golf Tournament

Date: August 17, 2019

Location: Langara Golf Course

More details to come!

Click here for our flyer

Free Webinar on Bacteriophages in Food Applications - with Dr. Siyun Wang & AgriService BC

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 06:04:21 GMT

Dr. Siyun Wang will be doing a webinar with AgriService BC tomorrow on bacteriophages in food applications: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriservice-bc/webinars

Please forward to those who might be interested! Everyone is welcome to listen in on the webinar!

BCFPA April 2019 Newsletter Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 21:17:00 GMT

Our newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out!

Read up on our past events and activities, and find out about upcoming events here!

BCFPA Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 03 Apr 17 2019

BCIT Student Survey - Please help to fill out

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 07:05:53 GMT

Hi all,

Please take this survey and pass along to your family and friends.

This is to support a BCIT student project, and is open to anyone.

The photos might take a minute to open, but it will be fun!

https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/G6X9XVS

BCFPA AGM - Jan 2019 - Post-Event Survey & CFIA Feedback Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 01:49:38 GMT

Hello,

We thank you for attending our event. Please take a few minutes of your time to answer our post-event survey as well as the CFIA survey. Any feedback, opinions or suggestions are much appreciated.

AGM Post-Event Survey

The CFIA survey is also posted if you wish to fill it out by hand and send it back - https://drive.google.com/open?id=10UVxctXp7Jh5pIJ0WGMLpVyRHbDV-ddQ

Thank you!

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations - Presentation Slides Are Now Available

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 01:28:30 GMT

Hello everyone,

The slides are now available from our Jan 28th AGM. Click below to access the slides and pdf handouts.

Safe Food For Canadians Regulations CFIA Slides

CFIA Handouts

Newly Revised Canada's Food Guide

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 06:15:50 GMT

From Health Canada (below):

Dear All:

It gives me great pleasure to announce that today the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, unveiled the new and completely refreshed Canada’s Food Guide that outlines the foundation for healthy eating in Canada.

Click here for view Canada's Food Guide: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en

The Food Guide is no longer a one-size-fits-all print document, but is now a mobile-responsive web application with new resources that provide Canadians, policy-makers and health professionals with information and up-to-date advice on eating well.

The Food Guide continues to encourage Canadians to choose a variety of nutritious foods and beverages while highlighting that healthy eating is more than the foods you eat. Health Canada encourages Canadians to be mindful of their eating habits, to cook more often, to enjoy their food, and to eat meals with others. The new Food Guide recommends the regular intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein foods, and among protein foods, to consume plant-based more often. Protein foods include legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, fortified soy beverages, fish, shellfish, eggs, poultry, lean red meat including wild game, lower fat milk, lower fat yogurts, lower fat kefir, and cheeses lower in fat and sodium. The intention is not to reduce total fat in the diet; rather it is to help reduce intakes of saturated fat while encouraging foods that contain mostly unsaturated fat.

The new web application will allow Canadians to access the Food Guide from their tablets, smartphones, or computers to get the right information in the right format wherever they are. The new Food Guide includes recipes, videos, and actionable advice that will help Canadians apply dietary guidance in their daily lives.

Later in 2019, Health Canada will be releasing Canada’s Healthy Eating Pattern for health professionals and policy makers. Canada’s Healthy Eating Pattern will provide more specific guidance on amounts and types of foods, as well as life stage guidance.

Hasan Hutchinson
Director General
Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Health Canada

BC Food Technologists Meeting on "Entrepreneurship" - Jan 16, 2019

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 05:53:35 GMT

The next BC Food Tech (BCFT) meeting will be on the evening of Wed Jan 16, 2019. The topic is entrepreneurship.

Info can be found at https://bcft.wufoo.com/forms/2019-speakeras-night-entrepreneurship/

Health Canada Canadian Forum on Food Safety - Nov 14, 2018

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 06:03:38 GMT

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is holding the Canadian Forum on Food Safety. The Forum is taking place Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm at the Hilton Hotel Lac Leamy in Gatineau, QC.

The invitation is posted on their website https://www.cfa-fca.ca/events/cdn-food-safety-forum/
. You have to register to participate to the Forum by filling the form available from the same webpage. There is no fee. For people travelling, there is a block of rooms reserved to the hotel. The info is on the same webpage.

Note that the Federation is holding a 2018 Public Trust Summit that starts the afternoon of the day before and goes on in the evening and the morning of the Forum.

This Summit has some registration fees that go up to $500.00 depending of the sessions.

Thank you!

Bureau of Microbial Hazards/Bureau des dangers microbiens
Food Directorate/Direction des aliments
Health Canada/Santé Canada
hc.bmh-bdm.sc@canada.ca

BCFPA 2018 October Food Safety Workshop - Attendee Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:52:05 GMT

Dear BCFPA Members & Attendees,

We would like to thank you for attending our 2018 Food Safety Workshop held on Thursday, Oct 18, 2018 at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam, BC.

In our continued effort for improvement and to bring seminars and events in that are interesting to our members, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our survey if you have not done so yet. We also ask that those who did not attend also complete the survey if you wish to provide suggestions for future events. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

We will be closing our survey on Nov 13, 2018.

Click below to start our survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0NdIMQFddEgj4amknTLBdjgAYlkr0NbIIX2trqnthdPbScQ/viewform?c=0&w=1

Thank you,

BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

BCFPA Food Safety Workshop - Speaker Presentations

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:26:26 GMT

Most of the speaker presentations are now up! We have a few more which we will upload once it is ready.

You can access the speaker talks here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Mqw1bNwwsYWkyztYDNG5t7PFayYy-oP1

BCFPA Food Safety Workshop - Photo Highlights

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:24:21 GMT

Hello everyone,

Photo highlights from our food safety workshop have now been posted up on our google drive.

You can view them here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Zu8bDscjRHNtznLFkvZCX6GqmlO5L51k

BCFPA Workshop - Early Bird Rate Extended to Oct 15th!

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 07:24:58 GMT

Our early bird deadline has been extended to Monday, Oct 15th! Register today to take advantage! This is to give those with payment issues time to register and pay online, now that our new payment system is now live and running (we no longer use PayPal). Please let us know if you encounter any issues.

Click here for registration, schedule, confirmed speakers, sponsorship and other workshop information - https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-3055232

New Payment System (Affinipay) Is Now Live!

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 20:34:37 GMT

Hello all,

Our Afffinipay payment system is now live so we no longer use PayPal. If you encounter any payment-related issues during registration of our workshop, please do not hesitate to reach us.

Thank you!

BCFPA Award Nominations Form - deadline Oct 18, 2018

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:44:54 GMT

We are taking in award nominations from our BCFPA members. Awards will be presented at our Annual General Meeting in January 2019.

There are 3 categories:
BCFPA Food Safety Award
BCFPA President's Award
BCFPA Lifetime Achievement Award

Deadline to submit nominations is Oct 18, 2018. We will have physical copies of the nomination forms for members to fill out at our Workshop. If you wish to submit the nominations form ahead of time, please click on the forms below:

BCFPA Awards Nomination Form (pdf) - click here
BCFPA Awards Nomination Form (online form) - click here

We will have physical copies of the nomination forms for members to fill out at our Workshop. Alternatively, you can fill in and submit the nominations form (pdf) and send it back to us, or fill in this electronic nomination form (Google form) and submit to us.

How are the award selected?
Selections for awards will be made by the Awards Committee &/or Executive Board. Awards need not be given annually. Please refer to Article VII.G. of the By-Laws (pages 11 and 12) for a full description of award requirements.

What is the award?
Awards will consist of honorariums or gifts as deemed appropriate by the Executive. The Lifetime Achievement award also grants the recipient honorary lifetime membership in the BC Food Protection Association.

How do I submit an award nomination? We have three options:
1. Fill out the award nominations form (pdf) and email it back to the BCFPA President;
2. Fill out the electronic version of the award nominations form (via Google form) to submit; or
3. Fill out the physical form on the day of the Oct 18th workshop and hand it back to us.
E-mail: info@bcfoodprotection.ca

BCFPA Food Safety Workshop - Full Line-up Of Speakers Now Up

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 22:42:54 GMT

Hello all,

You can now access and read up on our full line of speakers for our food safety workshop scheduled for Oct 18, 2018.

Speaker bios and abstracts - click here

Click here for registration, schedule, confirmed speakers, sponsorship and other workshop information - https://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-3055232

Keep in mind that our early bird deadline has been extended to Oct 12, 2018.

Update: Our Payment System (PayPal) Is Now Back Up

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 04:01:37 GMT

Hi everyone,

Our PayPal registration is now back online and working again. You are welcome to register for our food safety workshop at any time! Keep in mind we still plan on switching to Affinipay once they complete the payment set-up.

We thank you for your patience and continued support. Let us know if you encounter any more issues.

Kind regards,
Stephanie

IAFP Fall 2018 Affiliate View Newsletter Is Now Out

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 06:23:41 GMT

The Fall 2018 Affiliate View is now available on the IAFP website under the Publications tab at: https://www.foodprotection.org/publications/affiliate-view/

Update on the New Payment System

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 05:43:33 GMT

Hi all,

We have extended our early bird deadline to October 12th due to our PayPal registration issues. We are doing the best we can to set up a new payment system to replace PayPal. We hope Affinipay will complete the set up and paperwork this week. We will let you know once our new payment system is up and running.

We thank you for your patience and continued support, and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

In the meantime, if you would like to maintain the early bird registration cost, you can just register to generate the invoice, and pay later, and this will allow you to pay the early bird rate even after Oct 12th.

Our speaker bios will be up on our website soon. Please check our schedule for recent changes to our speaker times.

As always, please let your colleagues and coworkers know about our food safety workshop! We have a huge line up of well known speakers from out of town!

Updated 4th Oct - Payment Issues with Workshop Registration - Now resolved

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 03:56:33 GMT

4th October 2018 - PayPal is now once more accepting payments. We don't foresee any further issues in accepting credit card payment. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Hello all,

Please accept our apologies for the issues related to payment for the Fall Workshop registration. For those who have registered, be assured we have received your application and you are on the participant list and you are guaranteed at the early registration rate.

We are experiencing issues with the link to PayPal, our current payment processor, and intend to resolve that by switching to Affinipay who have set up a partnership with our website provider. This will take a few more days to complete and we will send out a notification at that time when you will be able to pay the invoice for registrations.

Once we notify you that our payment system is active those who have registerd can go to the invoice, link in the email you received at registration, and pay online, or you can log into the website and look up your invoices.

Early registration will be extended until October 12th.

Sincerely,
Simon Cowell, BCFPA Treasurer

BCFPA Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 02 Aug 2018 Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 05:26:14 GMT

Hello everyone!

Our latest newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out! Click here to read it!

BCFPA Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 02 Aug 2018

We have also archived past newsletters in our library. You can now access all of our newsletters here. Some of the older files are not working or can be partially read, but we tried our best to retrieve and keep them here.

Newsletter Archives - click here

BCFPA Food Safety Workshop - Oct 18, 2018

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 03:25:22 GMT

Your BC Food Protection Association Executive Board is hard at work planning the next event: a one-day food safety workshop for the fall.

Poster 1

We have secured a date and venue for our next event so mark your calendars – our one-day Food Safety Workshop (title TBA) will take place on October 18, 2018 at the Executive Plaza Hotel (405 North Road, Coquitlam, BC).

FOOD SAFETY WORKSHOP
Location: Executive Plaza Hotel (405 North Road, Coquitlam, BC)
Date: October 18, 2018
Keynote Speaker (confirmed): Linda Harris on “Safety of low moisture foods”
More speakers TBA
Sessions and topics TBA
Online registration and agenda to be announced soon! We will send an email announcement when this is made available on our website.

Interested in sponsoring our workshop? We are currently looking for sponsors!

FOR STUDENTS/RESEARCHERS:

Student Poster Competition abstract guideline information is now up on our website - please click this document for more information on how to enter!

Deadline is August 31, 2018. Good luck!

BCFPA Members Win Awards at the IAFP Conference in Utah

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 00:33:28 GMT

Terry Peters, long time member and volunteer of the BCFPA, was one of five recipients who received the 2018 IAFP Honorary Life Membership Award at the IAFP Conference in Utah.

Luyao Ma, who is a UBC graduate student and BCFPA student member, also received the 2018 Student Travel Scholarship Award at the IAFP Conference.

Well done, Terry and Luyao! A hard-earned and well-deserved award!

BCFPA Fall Workshop - Student Poster Abstract Submission Guidelines

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:00:27 GMT

BCFPA Fall Workshop - Student Poster Abstract Submission Guidelines Poster

Deadline is coming up on August 31, 2018! Submit your poster abstract today!

What your poster should demonstrate:

Projects or research that contributes to food safety and food safety culture in British Columbia

Workshop date and location:

October 18, 2018, at Executive Plaza Hotel Coquitlam

Time:

Authors of the posters should be prepared to discuss their work between 12:30-14:00

Posters will be displayed for the entire duration of the event

Guidelines:

Posters should fit on a 4’ x 4’ area

Use visual images where possible

Non-commercial

Deadline for poster abstract submission:

August 31, 2018, email to justin.falardeau@ubc.ca

Guidelines for poster abstracts:

Submit poster abstracts to Justin Falardeau: justin.falardeau@ubc.ca

You will be notified by September 21, 2018 if your poster has been approved

250 word limit, single spaced and must adhere to the following format:

Cover letter – Include name, contact information, student status and brief biography

Title of Poster – One line description

Author(s) – Underline the name of the person presenting the poster

Background – State the issue/problem and its impact

Objective/Aim – State the objectives/aims of the research

Methods – Describe the type of study, setting for the study, sample characteristics, methodologies used, how the analysis was conducted, etc.

Results – Key findings from the study (no charts or graphs)

Conclusions – The importance or relevance of the results

2018 WAFP’s 67th Annual Conference – September 20-21, 2018

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 04:27:27 GMT

Washington Association for Food Protection 67th Annual Conference – September 20-21, 2018.

Golf Tournament September 19, 2018.

Details, agenda and registration: waffp.com/wp1/conferences-events/

Health Canada UPDATE – Restricting the Marketing of Unhealthy Foods to Children

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 12 May 2018 05:35:19 GMT

UPDATE – Restricting the Marketing of Unhealthy Foods to Children

On May 8, 2018, Health Canada published an update on its proposed direction for the development of regulations to restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. This update reflects policy development since receiving feedback from the 75-day public consultation launched on June 10, 2017.

The update is available on the Canada.ca website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-restricting-unhealthy-food-and-beverage-marketing-to-children/update-proposed-regulations.html

IAFP Affiliate View - 2018 Spring Newsetter

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 05:21:20 GMT

Hi all,

The IAFP has published their 2018 Spring Newsletter, Affiliate View. They have posted our AGM event summary. We welcome everyone to have a read when you have the chance!

https://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/spring%202018.pdf

BCFPA May Spring Speaker's Evening - May 3, 2018

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 05:41:32 GMT

We are organizing a Spring Speaker's Evening on "Biopreservation: Biological Solutions To Biological Problems" on May 3, 2018, at the Langara Clubhouse (Langara Golf Course) in Vancouver (6706 Alberta Street, Vancouver). Complimentary parking is available.

Registration, schedule, rates and speaker line-up are now found on our event page of our website. Due to scheduling conflicts, our Sani Marc speaker will no longer be able to speak at our event. We have found another amazing speaker who will speak on biopreservatives.

To register, click here - http://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-2890579

Our poster is available here - click here

Featured Speakers: Lynn McMullen & Siyun Wang

Speaker Bios - click here

This event has been generously sponsored by Sani Marc

Visit our website to register and for more information www.bcfoodprotection.ca

Register by April 23 to take advantage of our early bird rate!

Sustaining Member Display Tables available on first-come, first-serve basis. Contact us at info@bcfoodprotection.ca to reserve a table!

Schedule:
5:00-5:20 PM Registration
5:20-5:30 PM Welcome Remarks
5:30-6:30 PM Speaker: Lynn McMullen on "Biopreservation - From Benchtop To Commercial Reality"
6:30-7:15 PM Dinner
7:15-8:00 PM Speaker: Siyun Wang on "Bacteriophages as a Strategy for Food Safety Enhancement"
8:00-8:10 PM Closing Remarks & Door Prizes

Lynn McMullen
Professor, Food Microbiology, University of Alberta

Dr. McMullen is a Professor of food microbiology in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. Her research for the past 20+ years has focused on the microbiological safety and quality of meat products, particularly with respect to controlling the growth of bacteria on meat. Her research focuses on antimicrobial peptides as biopreservatives and the application of interventions to reduce bacterial populations on meat. She is the Scientific Lead of the Meat Safety and Processing Research Unit, a level II biocontainment meat processing research facility where research with foodborne pathogens can be done under conditions similar to that found in the meat industry.

Lynn will present on: “Biopreservation - From Benchtop To Commercial Reality”.

Abstract: In recent years, concerns about the safety and quality of foods have increased the attention given to the discovery and development of new methods of preservation of foods. Biopreservation with lactic acid bacteria that produce antimicrobial compounds has been a focus of research at the University of Alberta since the late 1980s. This has included fundamental research on understanding the genetics of production of antimicrobials and structure function relationships of different antimicrobial compounds that can be used to target specific pathogens. The fundamental research was coupled with research on the application of biopreservatives in meat products to control pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. This presentation will tell the story of how the research on biopreservation became a commercial reality and how research continues to support commercial activities.

Siyun Wang
Assistant Professor, Food Safety Engineering, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia

Dr. Wang is an Assistant Professor of Food Safety Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Siyun received her BSc degree in Pharmacy from Fudan University (2005) and PhD degree in Biology from the Institute for Food Safety and Health at Illinois Tech (2010). Prior to joining UBC in 2013, she was a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University. Her research group utilizes systems biology approaches to understand the microorganisms that post major threats to food safety and public health. Over the past five years, she has worked with BC-based growers and food producers on resolving food safety issues using innovative strategies. Dr. Wang was awarded the Young Researcher Initiative from the European Food Safety Authority, and a travel grant for young women scientists in underrepresented disciplines by the National Science Foundation of the U.S.

Siyun will present on: “Bacteriophages as a Strategy for Food Safety Enhancement”.

Abstract: It is a big challenge to control foodborne bacterial pathogens in foods and food processing environment. Phages lytic to foodborne pathogens have been explored to reduce the contamination of Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga-toxigenic E. coli in food supply systems. This talk will present a current overview of commercially-available phage-based products, as well as recent research findings contributing to the improvement of phage-based food safety strategies.

NOW LIVE: Canada’s Food Guide Consultation – Phase 2: What We Heard Report

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 06:40:43 GMT

You may have received this through other channels:

NOW LIVE: Canada’s Food Guide Consultation – Phase 2: What We Heard Report

As part of the Healthy Eating Strategy, Health Canada is revising Canada’s Food Guide to reflect new evidence and meet the needs of various audiences who use the healthy eating recommendations. In the summer of 2017, over 6700 stakeholders and Canadians provided input to the second consultation for the revision of Canada’s Food Guide. The What We Heard Report presents the results from the consultation. The report is now available online: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/food-nutrition/canada-food-guide-phase2-what-we-heard.html

You are invited to share this notice with your networks.

Should you have any questions about the revision of Canada’s Food Guide, please email nutrition@hc-sc-gc.ca with the subject line: Canada’s Food Guide revision. If you are interested in receiving information about nutrition initiatives please add yourself to the CSIMS registry here: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/public-consult/stakeholder-intervenants/index-eng.php

For the “areas of interest” page, be sure to include ‘‘Canada’s Food Guide/Nutrition.’’

Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Health Canada

Launch of Health Canada's Front-of-Package Regulatory Consultations

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:16:05 GMT

FYI. From Health Canada:

Dear Interested Canadians and Stakeholders,

Health Canada launched the Healthy Eating Strategy for Canada on October 24, 2016. The goal of the Healthy Eating Strategy is to create a food environment where the healthier choice is the easier choice. Chronic diseases are a major public health concern in Canada. Unhealthy diets high in saturated fat, sugars and sodium are one of the top risk factors for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Health Canada is proposing to introduce mandatory front-of-package labelling for foods that are high in nutrients of public health concern, namely saturated fat, sugars and/or sodium. Front-of-package labelling will provide quick and easy guidance to help you make informed choices about packaged foods and help improve the nutritional quality of packaged foods available in the marketplace.

Health Canada is launching a consultation on front-of-package labelling. The official Canada Gazette, Part I consultation will take place from February 10 to April 26, 2018. Please note that the Canada Gazette is available online on Friday at 2 p.m. Eastern time, ahead of its publication on Saturday.

Since we want to hear from as many Canadians as possible, we have also created a short, consumer-friendly online consultation for you to tell us which front-of-package nutrition symbol you find useful. This consultation is open today until April 26, 2018.

Your responses will help guide the choice of a nutrition symbol for the front of food packages in Canada. We invite you to participate in both front-of-package labelling consultations and to spread the news about the consultations to your family, friends and colleagues.

Health Canada will be holding a one hour webinar on March 1, 2018 that will provide a technical overview of the Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Nutrition Symbols, Other Labelling Provisions, Partially Hydrogenated Oils and Vitamin D) posted in Canada Gazette Part I on February 10, 2018.

We invite you to send us any questions you may have about the regulatory package by February 22, 2018. We will use your questions to inform the webinar content. Please submit your questions to: Nut.Labelling-Etiquetage@hc-sc.gc.ca

Invitations to the webinar are forthcoming.

Thank you.

2017 Annual General Meeting Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 07:38:00 GMT

Our 2017 AGM Survey is now out. Please take a few minutes of your time to fill this out, thank you! Your feedback is greatly appreciated in helping us plan our future events!

https://goo.gl/forms/TwdipBVohN9MA5Hw1

2018 January BCFPA Grapevine Newsletter (Vol 5, Issue 01) Is Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 06:49:47 GMT

Click here to read our BCFPA Grapevine Newsletter (January 19, 2018, Vol 5, Issue 01)!

Sponsorship Package Form

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 06:39:40 GMT

Hello BCFPA Members!

For those interested in sponsoring our events and student activities, we have a sponsorship form available on our website.

Click here

Annual General Meeting - January 29, 2018

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 06:56:25 GMT

Dear BCFPA Members,

On behalf of the BC Food Protection Association Executive Board, we would like to thank you for your generous support in 2017. We hope you consider renewing your membership for 2018.

We would like to inform you of our 2017 Annual General Meeting on January 29, 2018 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Performing Arts (6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC).

Visit our website to register and for more information: www.bcfoodprotection.ca

Registration has been extended to January 28! Register today to attend our AGM!

Attendance is FREE for BCFPA Members who renewed in 2018 and for members from 2017!
Register here: https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/event-2774390

Sustaining Member Display Tables are available on first-come, first-serve basis. Interested in sponsoring? Contact Peter Taylor at info@bcfoodprotection.ca to sponsor our event or to reserve your table today! Our sponsorship package form will be distributed in the next few days for those interested in sponsoring our events.

We are accepting nominations to run in our 2018 Executive Board. If you are interested in volunteering, please talk to us in person or send us an email! We are always looking for volunteers!

Schedule:
5:00-5:30 PM    Registration
5:30-5:45 PM    Welcome Remarks & AGM Business
5:45-6:35 PM    Speaker: Dr. Peter Slade on "Food Safety Risk Intelligence"
6:35-7:20 PM    Dinner
7:20-7:30 PM    Scholarship Presentation & Awards
7:30-8:00 PM    Speaker: Justin Falardeau on "Microbial safety of surface waters used for irrigation in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia"
8:00-8:15 PM    Closing Remarks & Door Prizes

Speaker biography and topic description available - click here

The 2016 AGM Minutes and 2017 AGM Report will be made available for our members at the meeting or click here to view.

To streamline our communications process, we will have only ONE BCFPA email address for all future communications. If you wish to contact any of our executives, please send your emails to:
info@bcfoodprotection.ca and please add this to your address book for future reference! Thank you!

Seasons Greetings from the BCFPA Executive Board

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 07:29:53 GMT

Wishing you all the joy and warmest wishes for this holiday season.

Sincerely,

The BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

BCFPA 2017 November FSMA Full Day Workshop - November 9, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 04:31:57 GMT

2017 November FSMA Full Day Workshop
Introduction to FSMA: Preventive Controls for Human Food and What You Should Know

Featured FSMA Trainers:
Claudia Coles & Jovana Kovacevic

November 9, 2017

Langara Clubhouse
6706 Alberta Street, Vancouver, BC

Complimentary Parking Available

Visit our website to register and for more information www.bcfoodprotection.ca

Workshop Description & Speaker Bios: Click here

Register by Oct 26 to take advantage of our early bird rate!
Full Day Event: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Schedule:
8:30 – 9:00 AM    Registration
9:00 – 10:15 AM    Overview of FSMA - Jovana Kovacevic
10:15 - 10:30 AM Nutrition Break
10:30 - 11:30 AM Brief Introduction to Produce Safety Rule - Jovana Kovacevic
11:30 - 12:00 PM Agricultural Water in British Columbia: What do we test for and what do we know about the quality? - Justin Falardeau
12:00 - 1:00 PM    Lunch
1:00 - 1:30 PM    Introduction to Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule - Claudia Coles
1:30 - 2:45 PM    The Future of Food Safety and FSMA - Claudia Coles
2:45 - 3:00 PM    Nutrition Break
3:00 - 4:00 PM    What you should know about the Foreign Supplier Verification Program Rule - Claudia Coles
After 4:30 PM    Networking

https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/event-2689338

The Fall 2017 IAFP Affiliate View Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 06:07:15 GMT

The Fall IAFP Affiliate View is out!

The IAFP invites you to review the latest edition of Affiliate View, IAFP’s newsletter for and about our 55 Affiliates around the world. Affiliate View dedicates itself to the professionals working to advance food safety in their geographical region. Each quarterly issue is a valuable source of information that includes a column from the current Affiliate Council Chair, summaries of recent Affiliate meetings, information about upcoming events, and news about IAFP programs and services.

https://www.foodprotection.org/upl/downloads/publications/affiliates-view/fall%202017.pdf

Join IAFP today - https://www.foodprotection.org/

BCFPA 2017 Scholarship Award - Deadline November 30, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 05:41:25 GMT

For 2017, two scholarships will be available in the amounts of $1500 and $1000 and will be awarded to two BCFPA student members who meet the criteria. Students selected to receive scholarship awards must attend a future BCFPA event to receive the Scholarship Award Certificate. It is intended that the 2017 Scholarship Awards will be presented at our Annual General Meeting in January 2018.

To be considered for the scholarship awards, please fill out the application form and email your application and essay to the BCFPA Vice President at justin.falardeau@ubc.ca . Applications must be submitted no later than November 30, 2017.

The Scholarship Poster is available here.

This year's topics:

1. Food Safety Within Sustainable Food Production
2. How FSMA may affect Canadian Food Production
3. Chemical Hazards in Agri-Food Products

Details of the scholarship criteria and requirements can be found under our Scholarship page here: http://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/Scholarships

83rd CIPHI Annual Education Conference - Early Bird Deadline on Oct 7, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 04:48:33 GMT

Early bird registration for the 83rd CIPHI Annual Education Conference, including the Group Rate, will end on October 7, 2017. Do not miss this opportunity to explore innovative ways to safeguard public health with other environmental public health professionals in Canada. Check out our conference program here for details.

Early bird registrants will be automatically entered to win 1 of 10 CIPHI BC gift packs. Register today!

Poster

For conference registration, please follow the link below:
https://ciphi2017annualeducationconference.eventsmart.com/events/ciphi-2017-annual-education-conference/

IAFP Update: Seeking Scientific Co-Editor, Nominations Open for IAFP Secretary Role & Upcoming IAFP Conference Deadlines

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 04:53:10 GMT

IAFP is seeking a Scientific Co-Editor for the Journal of Food Protection (JFP), to begin January 2, 2018. Among the many duties, this position will work closely with IAFP editorial staff to manage the peer-review process of submitted manuscripts for publication in JFP and will serve as an intermediary between manuscript reviewers and authors. Applicants may forward a letter of interest and C.V. by Tuesday, September 12, 2017, to Sean Leighton, Selection Committee Chair, c/o David Tharp, dtharp@foodprotection.org. For more information about this position, go here: http://www.foodprotection.org/publications/journal-of-food-protection/

Nominations are open for candidates from the industry sector to serve as IAFP Secretary during 2018–2019. This position serves a five-year term on the IAFP Executive Board. Nominators may forward a letter of nomination and a biographical sketch to Ian Jenson, Nominating Committee Chair, c/o David Tharp, at dtharp@foodprotection.org. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 is the deadline for symposium, roundtable, and workshop proposals for IAFP 2018. Next year’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for July 8–11 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The deadline for IAFP 2018’s call for abstracts is Tuesday, January 16, 2018. No late submissions will be accepted. For more information on IAFP 2018 submissions, go here: https://www.foodprotection.org/annualmeeting/

Health Canada's Front-of-Pack Labelling Stakeholder Engagement Meeting - Sep 18, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 04:46:49 GMT

Dear All,

This email is to inform you that Health Canada will be hosting an all-day meeting with stakeholders and experts on front-of-package food (FOP) labelling on Monday, September 18th from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. In line with Health Canada’s commitment to open and transparent government, we are inviting you to attend via live streaming. There will be a limited opportunity for online participants to submit questions to contribute to the discussion.

The goal of the meeting is to bring together experts, industry and health stakeholders to share and review the evidence related to FOP labelling, including the public health context, consumer research, and international experiences.

Health Canada will have a professionally facilitated discussion about FOP symbol options at the meeting. These discussions will help inform the development of the regulatory proposal for FOP.

Please find attached the draft agenda.

If you are interested in registering for this meeting, please click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/health-canadas-front-of-pack-labelling-stakeholder-engagement-meetingrencontre-de-mobilisation-des-tickets-37486066835

Please note that registration ends on September 13, 2017.

If you are interested in participating in future stakeholder engagement and consultations at Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, please feel free to register in the Consultation and Stakeholder Information Management System (CSIMS). You will receive an email notification when there is an upcoming engagement or consultation opportunity in the area(s) of interest you selected during registration.

Celebration of Life - Karen Catherwood

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 04:58:31 GMT

It is with a heavy heart I pass along news of the passing of our colleague and dear friend Karen Catherwood. Karen passed on September 5th just after 6:30 pm at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC.

Karen had been fighting to recover from a stroke, and multiple complications requiring continual kidney dialysis. Karen's sister Sue was with her as her soul escaped.

Karen was a respected microbiologist always willing to share her knowledge. She was a talented porcelain painter, cook/baker, gardener and floral arranger. Karen loved a good joke or story and for those who worked closely with her, we will always remember her amazing laughter resounding through the building.

I have tried to forward this message along to many of her former colleagues at Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and some of her microbiology contacts for whom I have contact information. Please share with those of your contacts particuarly those who would have know Karen through her work. I will endeavour to provide further details of any service as available.

Sincerely,
Lance Hill

Date: Monday September 11, 2017
Time: 1 – 4 pm
Place: 6839 Copper Cove Road, West Vancouver (Karen’s Home)
Finger food, tea, coffee, wine
For those planning on attending please RSVP to Susan Catherwood:
(scatherwood@emulogix.com)

BCFPA 2017 May Spring Speaker's Evening - Attendee Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 03:45:15 GMT

Dear BCFPA Members,

We would like to thank you for attending our our Spring Spring Speaker's Evening held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

In our continued effort for improvement and to bring seminars and events that our interesting to our members, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our Survey.

We also ask that those who did not attend also complete the Survey.

Click here to begin the Survey: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19ZxBF682RL_7H6VwtxgDm1Hm3cUWk3tNe2mn9D0EgXQ

We plan on organizing an event in the fall and would like your input. Please click on the survey and answer the questions, especially near the end. Your input on future topics and speakers are greatly appreciated!

Student Scholarship: CALA Scholarship

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 02:09:40 GMT

Hello students,

I am just passing along some information regarding a student scholarship that may be of interest to you (or someone you know who is also a student)! Please pass along this to any student who may be interested in this, thank you!

This is the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) student scholarship. It is a scholarship for students who have some experience working in a CALA lab.

Deadline: Aug 4, 2017

Details in the link below:
http://cala.ca/awards.html#scholarships

http://cala.ca/17student_award_nominations.pdf

Article - Sous vide style cooking practices linked to Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 05:01:27 GMT

Sous vide style cooking practices linked to Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses

Three Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses investigated in British Columbia, Canada, were potentially linked to consumption of sous vide style cooked foods in 2014. In two separate incidents on different days, two illnesses at one restaurant implicated sous vide eggs. The third illness was linked to a different restaurant serving sous vide duck breast. Inspections of the restaurants revealed inadequate sous vide cooking practices that did not fully cook the foods. Although other high-risk foods were also eaten at these premises (raw oysters and tuna in one restaurant, foods with raw egg dressing and mayonnaise in the second restaurant), and although no leftover foods were available for testing from these meals, the investigation suggested improper sous vide style cooking practices amplified the risk and were the most probable cause of illness.

Newly published article by one of our BCFPA members, Lorraine McIntyre!

http://pubs.ciphi.ca/doi/10.5864/d2017-014

IAFP Conference - July 9-12, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 05:00:20 GMT

Hi all,

The IAFP is having their Annual Meeting on July 9-12, 2017 in Tampa, FL, USA.

Registration and details are here: https://www.foodprotection.org/annualmeeting/

BCFPA Receives the 2017 Affiliate Education Award!

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:05:39 GMT

Hello fellow members,

I am pleased to share with you great news from our organization!

The British Columbia Food Protection Association have been selected to receive the 2017 Affiliate Education Award! Through the development and implementation of both a Spring and Fall Workshop (in 2016), we were able to attract a significant number of participants to educate them in current relevant matters in food safety.

Justin Falardeau, BCFPA Vice President, will attend the Affiliate Council Meeting in Tampa, Florida on Sunday July 9, 2017, to accept the award which consists of a mounted certificate.

I would like to thank all our members for your continuous support for the organization and all our volunteers and executives who have taken their free time to organize these successful events!

I hope to see you at our next event in the Fall.

Best Regards,

Stephanie Nadya
BCFPA President, 2017

To register and attend the IAFP Annual Meeting: https://www.foodprotection.org/annualmeeting/

Photos & Speaker Presentations Now Up - From BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening (May 31, 2017)

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:03:35 GMT

Photos on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1284788501590115.1073741839.150100595058917&type=1&l=39c29dda50

Speaker Presentation - Biofilm in Food Production Environments

Speaker Presentation - Food Safety - A Chemical Company Perspective

3M Food Safety Symposium - June 23, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 05:28:29 GMT

3M Food Safety Symposium - June 23, 2017

Featuring:
Ken Davenport, Ph.D., MBA
Product Development Manager
3M Food Safety Department

Title of presentation: Preventing food safety failures - a multi-pronged approach to controlling raw materials, process, and the environment

Topics to be covered:
Preventing food safety failures - a multi-pronged approach to controlling raw materials, process, and the environment in which the product is made. Over the last few years, the control of the environment has become increasingly important as evidenced by numerous foodborne illnesses linked to failures in sanitation, repairs, and control of the food manufacturing environment. Environmental monitoring has emerged as one of the most important tools in preventing foodborne illnesses, but good actionable training on how to design an effective Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) has been lacking. This seminar will reinforce the importance of EMPs and provide some practical guidelines on how to establish and maintain an effective EMP.

Speaker bio:
Currently the Product Development Manager for the 3M Food Safety division in St. Paul, Minnesota, MN, and a highly praised expert in the industry, Dr.Ken Davenport has had a vast career in Biology and Food Safety. After obtaining his B.A in Chemistry and Biology from Spring Arbor University, Dr. Ken Davenport decided to further his education and obtained a MBA from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from Rice University. Proceeding his educational accomplishments, Ken developed a strong career throughout the years, by fulfilling major roles such as Director of R&D at Quality Bioresources as well as Former Vice President of Technical Services at Biotrace International. Upon the acquisition of Biotrace By 3M In 2006, Dr. Davenport joined the 3M Food Safety Global Technical Support team, where he was able to further develop this division with his expertise and valuable knowledge obtained throughout his career.

REGISTER TODAY
https://engage.3m.com/symposium2017

Event Details:
3MSM Health Care Academy – Food Safety Symposium
Refreshments will be provided

Where:
Burnaby
Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre
4331 Dominion St,
Burnaby BC V5G 1C7

When:
June 23rd 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presentations start at 9 a.m.

CIPHI 2017 Conference - November 5-7, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 04:30:00 GMT

CIPHI 2017 Annual Education Conference

Date: November 5-7, 2017

Location: Richmond, BC

Call for Abstracts

Do you have ideas to share about current and emerging environmental public health issues? An innovative way to safeguard public health? Submit your abstract today
and connect with environmental public health professionals from all across Canada!

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: June 9, 2017

http://ciphi2017.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CIPHI-AEC-2017-abstract-submission-form.pdf

Registration open: https://ciphi2017annualeducationconference.eventsmart.com/events/ciphi-2017-annual-education-conference/

Share your educational content on topics related to:

Air Quality
Built Environment
Communicable Disease & Infection Control
Drinking Water
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Food Safety
Indigenous Populations
Personal Services
Pest Management
Recreational Water

For more information about the conference:

Visit our website: http://ciphi2017.ca/

We will be contacting selected speakers by email by June 23, 2017

Produce Safety Alliance Integrated Grower and Train-the-Trainer Course - June 8-9, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 06 May 2017 06:19:18 GMT

Produce Safety Alliance Integrated Grower and Train-the-Trainer Course - Aurora, Oregon

Date: Thursday, June 8, 2017 8:00 AM

Location: North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University (15210 Northeast Miley Road, Aurora, OR, 97002)

This is the integrated produce safety training for growers and trainers (official FSMA Produce Safety rule curriculum recognized by FDA) on June 8-9 in Aurora, Oregon. Please share to your colleagues and friends who might be interested.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/produce-safety-alliance-integrated-grower-and-train-the-trainer-course-aurora-or-registration-34125190363?aff=eiosprexshremail&ref=eiosprexshremail

Our BCFPA Spring Newsletter, The Grapevine, Is Now Out! Vol 4, Issue 12

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 04 May 2017 05:34:14 GMT

Our newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out! Spring edition, Vol 4, Issue 12.

Our newsletter is available here: https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/resources/Newsletters/BCFPA%20Newsletter%20Vol%204%20Issue%2012%20Apr%2030%202017%20v1.pdf

BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening - May 31, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 05:13:18 GMT

BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening: Sanitation and Biofilm Challenges in the Food Industry - A Chemical Company’s Perspective

May 31, 2017

Featured Speakers: Brian March & Benoît Gagnon

Event generously sponsored by Sani Marc

Location: Langara Clubhouse (6706 Alberta Street, Vancouver, BC Complimentary Parking Available)

Visit our website to register and for more information www.bcfoodprotection.ca

Register by May 15th to take advantage of our early bird rate!

Register here: http://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-2538000

5:00-5:30 PM Registration
5:30-6:15 PM Welcome Remarks & First Speaker: Benoît Gagnon on "Food Safety - A Chemical Company’s Perspective"
6:15-6:45 PM Nutrition Break 6:45-7:30 PM Second Speaker: Brian March on "Biofilm in Food Production Environments"
7:30-7:45 PM Closing Remarks & Door Prizes

Poster here

Speaker bios and topic abstracts here

Free One-Day Event on High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation - Hosted by Bruker

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:50:22 GMT

Hi everyone,

Bruker is organizing a free, one-day exploration into the latest advances in high resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation designed to help you be successful in the lab.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

9:30 am - 3:15 pm

Holiday Inn Vancouver - Centre, 711 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC

To register, you can click here: http://tinyurl.com/l25ub37

Webinar: Regulatory Update on Nutrition Labelling, Food Colours and List of Ingredients

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 05:04:20 GMT

Dear Stakeholder,

On October 24, 2016, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, launched the Healthy Eating Strategy for Canada. One of the intended outcomes of the Healthy Eating Strategy is to help make the healthier food choice, the easier choice. In order to help achieve this, final amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations – Nutrition Labelling, Other Labelling Provisions and Food Colours were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on December 14, 2016.

We would like to invite you to a webinar, presented by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and hosted by Ipsos. The webinar will provide you with an overview of the recent food labelling changes and compliance and enforcement activities (including information on the transition period) and offer you an opportunity to seek clarification on these changes.

English webinar registration:
Thursday March 30 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
http://ipsospasurveys.com/s/sc-hc/webinaire/langeng/

Due to the large audience, audio interaction will not be possible; however, questions may be submitted through the webinar platform for the Question and Answer session at the end of the webinar. Please confirm your participation before March 27th by registering at: http://ipsospasurveys.com/s/sc-hc/webinaire/langeng/
. Feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues who may be interested.

For any technical questions related to this invitation please contact Consultations@ipsos.com.

Best regards,

Bureau of Nutritional Sciences
Food Directorate
Health Canada

International Sprout Growers Association 27th Annual Convention

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 06:04:09 GMT

The ISGA conference is being held in Victoria, British Columbia April 24-28, 2017.

http://www.isga-sprouts.org

The course will run from the afternoon of April 27th to the afternoon of April 29th 2017.

Course overview:
This is a 2.5 day course that is mandatory for US sprout growers.

Course Description:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of certain produce grown for human consumption. Unless specifically exempt or excluded, sprout growing operations are subject to the Produce Safety Rule including the sprout-specific requirements in subpart M. This two and a half day Sprouter Training Course developed by the Sprout Safety Alliance (SSA) is the “standardized curriculum” recognized by FDA. Successfully completing this course is one way to meet the requirements for training under the Produce Safety Rule- "at least one supervisor or responsible party for each sprout operation must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the FDA". Also it is helpful in understanding and implementing the Produce Safety Rule requirements and best practices for enhancing sprout safety.

CFIA Webinars on Food Labelling Modernization

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 06:00:00 GMT

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is holding webinars on proposals to modernize the food labelling system. The webinars will review the reasons for change, present highlights of what we heard from our first phases of consultations and outline the proposals for a more modern food labelling system and for a new approach for truthful and not misleading food labelling.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/labelling/labelling-modernization-initiative/consultations/webinars/eng/1483710622580/1483710623263

Once you register, you will receive confirmation of your participation by email from messenger@webex.com.

These webinars are part of the CFIA’s and Health Canada’s ongoing work to modernize food labelling in Canada. For more information, please contact us: labellingmodernization-modernisationetiquetage@inspection.gc.ca

BCFPA 2016 Annual General Meeting - Presentation Slides Available Now

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 05:00:11 GMT

January 31, 2017 - BCFPA Annual General Meeting

Yasmin Yorish's presentation on "Nutrition Labelling and Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy" is now available here: https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/resources/Presentations/2017-01-31%20Yorish%20HC%20HES.pdf

BC Food Protection Association - Annual General Meeting on January 31, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 05:48:14 GMT

2016 Annual General Meeting

Featured Speaker: Yasmin Yorish (Health Canada) to present on "Nutrition Labelling and Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy"

January 31 2017
Shadbolt Centre for the Performing Arts
6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC

Visit our website to register and for more information: http://www.bcfoodprotection.ca/event-2427734

5:00-5:30 PM Registration
5:30-5:45 PM Welcome & AGM Business
5:45-6:35 PM Yasmin Yorish on "Nutrition Labelling and Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy"
6:35-7:20 PM Dinner
7:20-7:30 PM Scholarship Presentation
7:30-8:00 PM Student Presentation: Karen Fong on "Characterization of Virulent Bacteriophages for Control of Salmonella in Fresh Produce"
8:00-8:15 PM Door Prizes & Closing

Poster: https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Event%20Posters/2016%20AGM%20-%20Poster%202.pdf

Speaker bios: https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Event%20Posters/2016%20AGM%20-%20Featured%20Speakers.pdf

Attendance is FREE for BCFPA Members in good standing.

Sustaining Member Display Tables available on first-come, first-serve basis. Interested in sponsoring? Contact Peter Taylor to sponsor or reserve your table today!

BCFPA November 2016 Food Safety Workshop Attendee Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 04:57:34 GMT

Dear BC Food Protection Association Members,

We would like to thank you for attending our one-day Food Safety Workshop held on Monday, November 7, 2016 at the Delta Hotel Burnaby Conference Centre in Burnaby, BC.

In our continued effort for improvement, and to bring seminars and events that are interesting to our members, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our survey. Thank you.

Please click here to begin our survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19cTjocZDiyBuBSlJXFcQwup9ZH0hpjcv67V2ceCalH8/viewform?edit_requested=true

If you did not attend the Workshop, you may answer the first 2 questions and last 3 questions.

Please complete the survey no later than November 24, 2016. If you wish to contact us after the survey closes, we will always be happy to receive additional feedback and messages from our members.

Please visit our website at www.bcfoodprotection.ca for updates on events including our upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held in January 2017.

Thank you,

BC Food Protection Association Executive Board

University of Guelph Survey on Antibiotics & Antibiotic-free Foods

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 04:45:40 GMT

Hello all, we just want to help pass along this survey to our BCFPA members regarding a Survey on Antibiotics & Antibiotic-free Foods. Greatly appreciate your help in promoting this survey far and wide with colleagues, friends and family across Ontario and Canada. Details below:

The University of Guelph invites you to take part in this unique survey on the future of antibiotics & antibiotic-free foods from animal-based proteins! We are engaging both consumers and industry perspectives alike. Take this 6-minute survey and you could win!

Please follow link: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erKKoEayCnSwqt7

Mark Juhasz Ph.D
Department of Marketing & Consumer Studies
College of Business & Economics
University of Guelph

Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainer Course - Portland, OR - Nov 29-30, 2016

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 05:11:53 GMT

Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainer Course - Portland

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/produce-safety-alliance-train-the-trainer-course-portland-registration-28609736492?aff=eivtefrnd

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM to Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 5:00 PM (PST)

OSU's Food Innovation Center
1207 Northwest Naito Parkway
Suite 154
Portland, OR 97209

Description

This two-day course will provide detailed information about Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management of natural resources and food safety, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and a review of the seven module PSA Grower Training curriculum. The course will also cover principles of adult education, how to incorporate the PSA curriculum into other extension trainings, developing working partnerships, expectations for trainers, and how to register a PSA Grower Training Course with the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Produce safety educators and others who work with fruit and vegetable growers who are interested in becoming PSA Trainers or PSA Lead Trainers. Those who become a PSA Trainer or PSA Lead Trainer are able to offer the PSA standardized curriculum to train fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. This curriculum was developed through a nationwide collaboration including produce growers, extension educators, researchers, produce industry representatives, and government personnel.

2016 November BCFPA Food Safety Workshop - Sponsorship Opportunities

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 05:57:16 GMT

We are organizing a one-day Food Safety Workshop entitled, “New Technologies and Traditional Methods: Piecing Together the Food Safety Puzzle”, on November 7, 2016, at the Delta Hotel Burnaby Conference Centre in Burnaby, BC. This event will bring together representatives from the food industry, academia, and government, to learn from experts on topics such as environmental monitoring and sanitation, traceability, trends in food processing, and genomics, and to share ideas on food safety issues, exchange information and best practices.

Hosting this full day event involves a lot of organizational work from our volunteer board as well as finding the required funding. Expenses include bringing in speakers, hospitality and catering food throughout the workshop. We would like to offer the opportunity to sponsor the one-day workshop, or upgrade your current sustaining membership category to a higher tier and take advantage of our workshop perks.

Click below if you are interested in sponsoring our event or just want to support us by becoming a sustaining member! We have perks for those who become a sustaining member including free display tables!

Sponsorship Opportunities Information
Sponsorship Opportunities Poster

The Global Food Safety Conference 2017 - February 27 to March 2, 2017

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 03:48:30 GMT

Registration is now open for the GFSI Conference 2017, scheduled for Feb 27 to Mar 2, 2017, in Houston, TX, USA.

This 2017 GFSI Global Food Safety Conference will be held at the Hilton Americas-Houston under the theme: Leadership For Growth: Innovation, Networking & Efficiency.

Details can be found here: http://www.tcgffoodsafety.com/the-conference

BC Food Protection Association - November Food Safety Workshop Schedule Is Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 05:42:16 GMT

Hi everyone,

The tentative schedule is up for our November 7th Food Safety Workshop, click here to see our confirmed speakers and titles. More speakers and titles will be announced soon!

BCFPA Fall Newsletter Is Now Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 07:47:45 GMT

Hi all,

Our Fall Newsletter, The Grapevine, is now out! Click here to read it!

City of Vancouver Zero Food Waste Workshop - September 30, 2016

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 02:00:49 GMT

The City of Vancouver would like you to join us on September 30, 2016 for “ZERO WASTE 2040: FOOD”, part of a workshop series focused on Vancouver’s goal to becoming a zero waste city. Learn more about the workshop and RSVP at www.zerowastefood.eventbrite.com

Thank you for your time and we hope you can join us in helping shape Vancouver’s zero waste future.

2016 Fall Food Safety Workshop - Student Poster Competition

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 08:48:48 GMT

Poster abstract guidelines poster link

The BC Food Protection Association is providing a one-day Fall Workshop on topics ranging from current and emerging food safety issues to innovative technologies, and the opportunity to network with local food safety professionals from academia, government and industry. In addition, the BCFPA is organizing a Student Poster Competition during the Fall Workshop where students are invited to submit their poster abstract for acceptance to the Fall Workshop, as this is a good opportunity for them to demonstrate the work being done in the area of their expertise.

What your poster should demonstrate:
Projects or research that contributes to food safety and food safety culture in British Columbia

Workshop date and location:
November 7, 2016, at the Delta Hotel Burnaby Conference Centre, Burnaby, BC

Time:
Authors of the posters should be prepared to discuss their work between 12:30-14:00
Posters will be displayed for the entire duration of the event

Guidelines:
Posters should fit on a 4’ x 4’ area
Use visual images where possible
Non-commercial

Deadline for poster abstract submission:
October 3, 2016, email to vicepresident@bcfpa.net

Guidelines for poster abstracts:
Submit poster abstracts to Alex Montgomery: vicepresident@bcfpa.net
You will be notified by October 10, 2016 if your poster has been approved

250 word limit, single spaced and must adhere to the following format:
Cover letter – Include name, contact information, student status and brief biography
Title of Poster – One line description
Author(s) – Underline the name of the person presenting the poster
Background – State the issue/problem and its impact
Objective/Aim – State the objectives/aims of the research
Methods – Describe the type of study, setting for the study, sample characteristics, methodologies used, how the analysis was conducted, etc.
Results – Key findings from the study (no charts or graphs)
Conclusions – The importance or relevance of the results

2016 Fall Food Safety Workshop - November 7, 2016

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 06:02:33 GMT

Organized by the BC Food Protection Association

2016 Fall Workshop

November 7, 2016

Delta Hotel Burnaby Conference Centre (4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby, BC)

BC Food Safety Workshop on:
Microbial Safety
Trends in Food Processing
Traceability
Environmental Monitoring
Sanitation
Genomics

Keynote Speaker: Jeffrey Kornacki, PhD
“Assumptions that keep us from adequate food safety and prevent us from solving contamination problems in food processing plants”

Student Poster Abstract Submission Deadline - October 3, 2016

Early Bird Deadline: Oct 17, 2016

Contact Simon Cowell at events@bcfpa.net for more information on Sustaining Member Display Tables!

Link to Poster 3

Schedule, speakers, information and registration can be found on our website. Register today! https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/event-2331352

May 2016 Speaker's Evening - Attendee Survey

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 04:40:11 GMT

Hi everyone,

Please take a few minutes to complete this Survey as it pertains to our recent May 11, 2016 Speaker's Evening event.

Even if you did not attend our Spring Speaker's Evening event, please fill it out as it asks questions about our Fall Conference. We are looking for speaker and topic suggestions for our Fall Conference.

Thank you for your time!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kenKkYw_kLV-eCC2ELMsfe0t9VfXoWdtLSlQKisy_e4/viewform?edit_requested=true

Job Posting with Vancouver Food Bank

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 18 May 2016 04:35:00 GMT

To students:

The Vancouver Food Bank is looking for someone with:

-Good communication skills who would be responsible to train staff and volunteers on acceptable food donations,

-Food safety, security knowledge who could provide guidance that food safety/quality requirements are met per the regulations and best practice standards,

-Be responsible for inspecting incoming pallets of foods/ donated foods at the warehouse level, and

-Assist with setting up programs surrounding food safety /security issues.

To apply for this job, please contact Erin Nichols (Manager, Community Angel Food Runners, Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society) at:
erinn@foodbank.bc.ca
Direct: 604.216.3074
Mobile: 778.980.2237
www.foodbank.bc.ca

FDA Recognizes Canada as Having a Comparable Food Safety System to the U.S.

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 05 May 2016 02:32:05 GMT

May 4, 2016

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signed an arrangement with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Department of Health Canada (Health Canada) recognizing each other’s food safety systems as comparable to each other. The arrangement was signed at a meeting of the FDA-CFIA Health Canada Joint Committee on Food Safety. This is the second time that the FDA has recognized a foreign food safety system as comparable, the first being New Zealand in 2012. A similar system recognition process is underway between FDA and Australia and the European Commission.

By recognizing each other’s systems, FDA, CFIA, and Health Canada, have confidence that they can leverage each other’s science-based regulatory systems. For example, each partner will consider the oversight of the other when prioritizing inspection activities, but the benefits go beyond inspection and admissibility. Systems Recognition establishes a framework for regulatory cooperation in a variety of areas that range from scientific collaboration to outbreak response.

Full article here: http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm498611.htm

Free IAFP Webinar on May 24, 2016: "Listeria monocytogenes: Current Industry Practices Part 2"

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 01 May 2016 09:37:33 GMT

Free IAFP webinar on "Listeria monocytogenes: Current Industry Practices Part 2" on May 24, 2016. Register online to join in on the webinar!

https://events-na9.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/1249703707/en/events/event/shared/default_template/event_landing.html?sco-id=1266349183&_charset_=utf-8

BCFPA Spring Speaker's Evening - Early Bird Deadline Extended to May 3

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 04:14:18 GMT

Hi all,

The early bird deadline has bene extended to May 3rd. You still have time to register!

BCFPA Spring Newsletter Is Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 03:30:36 GMT

Our Spring newsletter Vol 4 Issue 10 "The Grapevine" is now out!
https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/BCFPA%20Newsletter%20Vol%204%20Issue%2010%20Apr%2017%202016%20v2.pdf

Guelph Food Safety Seminars - Free Webinar on Applied Bacterial Genomics - April 25, 2016

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 01:03:32 GMT

The Guelph Food Safety Seminars presents....

Title: Applied Bacterial Genomics
Speakers: Dr. Attiq Rehman, Biologist and Dr. Genevieve Labbe, NSERC Visiting Fellow, National Microbiology Lab at Guelph, Public Health Agency of Canada

Date: Monday April 25, 2016
Time: 10-11AM
Place: Conference Room 1 OMAFRA Building, 1 Stone Rd W., Guelph

Please see attachments for abstract and speakers' bios. Invite all interested colleagues. NO registration is required.

Not in Guelph? Join us by webinar!
WebEx Meeting Invitation Instructions: Food Safety Seminar Monday April 25, 2016

Meeting name: Food Safety Seminar
Date: Monday, April 25, 2016
Time: 10:00 am

- Within 15 minutes of meeting start time, go to:
https://omafra.webex.com/omafra/j.php…

- Login by entering your name and e-mail address
- If required, enter the meeting password: food
- For the audio component, join the teleconference: For the audio component, join the teleconference:
Teleconference_number: 1-866-633-1033 or 416-212-8013
Conference_ID: 4753955

To ensure that you can successfully join the meeting online, please join a test meeting at http://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html at least one day in advance. If you have problems connecting, contact phone Bell WebEx Support at 1-866-861-2121 or 905-602-3973, or by e-mail at webconfsupport@bell.ca

CFIA Laboratory Analyst

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 06:13:10 GMT

FYI. Deadline to apply is Feb 22, 2016.

https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?poster=877597

2016 CIFST Conference

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 06:23:00 GMT

February 22-23, 2016 at the Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre in Burnaby, BC.

Details are here: https://www.cifst.ca/default.asp?ID=1416

Annual General Meeting Planned for February 4th, 2016

Peter Taylor — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 15:16:37 GMT

Save The Date !

The BCFPA Annual General Meeting is planned for Thursday February 4th, 2016 at the Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby.

This meeting and seminar is open to all BCFPA Members in good standing at no additional charge.

Remember to renew your membership.

Details to follow in early January 2016.

Presentations from Fall 2015 Speakers Evening.

Peter Taylor — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 22:40:40 GMT

Presentations from our Fall 2015 Speakers evening on November 3, 2015 are now available.

Brian Nummer - 'Of Roman Recipes and King Midas Feast'

Lorrain McIntyre - Guidelines for Restaurant Sous Vide Cooking Safety in BC

National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health - New Facebook and LinkedIn Page

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 22:54:42 GMT

FYI.

The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health is aiming to reach more students and disseminate EH evidence through new networks.
If you teach or are part of a professional network that would benefit from environmental health information, please share this:

NCCEH is now on Facebook and posts new environmental health research evidence and articles daily. "Like us" here: https://www.facebook.com/nccEnvironmentalhealth/

For LinkedIn and the newest research evidence postings, "Follow us" here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncceh-ccnse

Las Vegas FSMA (Human Foods Preventative Controls) Workshop - Nov 30, Dec 1-2, 2015

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 06:19:11 GMT

Dr. Brian Nummer is giving a talk on November 30th and Dec 1-2nd in Las Vegas.

Here are more details of the first Las Vegas FSMA (Human Foods Preventative Controls) workshop.

I am providing a FSMA HARPC workshop in Las Vegas – Nov 30, Dec 1-2. I’ve attached three docs (attached) photo, one pager and six pager on the event and FSMA. The six-pager has details on what food manufacturing businesses must do to comply including receive training in HARPC to become a “qualified individual”. Retail-foodservice folks are not mandated, but should have this information in order to audit their suppliers. Food safety professionals (consultants, etc) should have this training to be up to date. The last document has a six-page review of HARPC and would be beneficial to distribute to staff who would like a synopsis for their own education.

I appreciate if you could forward this to anyone in your group or extended network!!

Registration is found here: http://food-safety-guru.eventbrite.com

3 attachments:
Event poster, one pager, six pager

BCFPA - Fall Newsletter Is Out!

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 04:23:23 GMT

Our Fall Newsletter, the Grapevine, is out!

Click here to read it!

BCFPA Fall Seminar

Peter Taylor — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:25:55 GMT

Mark your calendar! BCFPA Fall Seminar on November 3, 2015 from 3:30 pm until 7pm at the Delta Burnaby Convention Centre. Details and registration to be announced.

CFIA Updates as of September 28, 2015

Peter Taylor — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 23:10:02 GMT

Follow this link for latest CFIA updates

Planned Fall Seminar Event

Peter Taylor — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:53:55 GMT

Hold your calendars available for early November as BCFPA has a planned evening seminar event during the first week of November 2015.

Information will be posted soon. Watch this website for further updates!

Early Bird Extended Until May 4th! Register Today for the May 6th BCFPA Speaker's Evening!

Stephanie Chiu — Sun, 03 May 2015 06:00:00 GMT

The early bird deadline has been extended to May 4th for the upcoming BC Food Protection Association May Speaker's Evening. Topics are on nanotechnology and food fraud. Register today to save on registration fees!

Register here:

https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/event-1897910

BCFPA Spring Newsletter Issue 4 Vol 8 is now out!

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 04:33:37 GMT

Click here to read our latest spring newsletter!

World Health Day 2015: From Farm to Plate, Make Food Safe

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 06:37:18 GMT

April 7th is World Health Day! The focus this year is on food safety. New data on the harm caused by foodborne illnesses underscore the global threats posed by unsafe foods, and the need for coordinated, cross-border action across the entire food supply chain, according to WHO.

Today, WHO will be highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with food safety under the slogan “From farm to plate, make food safe.”

“Food production has been industrialized and its trade and distribution have been globalized,” says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. “These changes introduce multiple new opportunities for food to become contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals.”

Dr Chan adds: “A local food safety problem can rapidly become an international emergency. Investigation of an outbreak of foodborne disease is vastly more complicated when a single plate or package of food contains ingredients from multiple countries.”

Unsafe food can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, and cause more than 200 diseases - ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. Examples of unsafe food include undercooked foods of animal origin, fruits and vegetables contaminated with faeces, and shellfish containing marine biotoxins.

Today, WHO is issuing the first findings from what is a broader ongoing analysis of the global burden of foodborne diseases. The full results of this research, being undertaken by WHO’s Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG), are expected to be released in October 2015.

Some important results are related to enteric infections caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa that enter the body by ingestion of contaminated food. The initial FERG figures, from 2010, show that:

there were an estimated 582 million cases of 22 different foodborne enteric diseases and 351 000 associated deaths;
the enteric disease agents responsible for most deaths were Salmonella Typhi (52 000 deaths), enteropathogenic E. coli (37 000) and norovirus (35 000);
the African region recorded the highest disease burden for enteric foodborne disease, followed by South-East Asia;
over 40% people suffering from enteric diseases caused by contaminated food were children aged under 5 years.

Unsafe food also poses major economic risks, especially in a globalized world. Germany’s 2011 E.coli outbreak reportedly caused US$ 1.3 billion in losses for farmers and industries and US$ 236 million in emergency aid payments to 22 European Union Member States.

Efforts to prevent such emergencies can be strengthened, however, through development of robust food safety systems that drive collective government and public action to safeguard against chemical or microbial contamination of food. Global and national level measures can be taken, including using international platforms, like the joint WHO-FAO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), to ensure effective and rapid communication during food safety emergencies.

At the consumer end of the food supply chain, the public plays important roles in promoting food safety, from practising safe food hygiene and learning how to take care when cooking specific foods that may be hazardous (like raw chicken), to reading the labels when buying and preparing food. The WHO Five Keys to Safer Food explain the basic principles that each individual should know all over the world to prevent foodborne diseases.

“It often takes a crisis for the collective consciousness on food safety to be stirred and any serious response to be taken,” says Dr Kazuaki Miyagishima, Director of WHO’s Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses. “The impacts on public health and economies can be great. A sustainable response, therefore, is needed that ensures standards, checks and networks are in place to protect against food safety risks.”

WHO is working to ensure access to adequate, safe, nutritious food for everyone. The Organization supports countries to prevent, detect and respond to foodborne disease outbreaks—in line with the Codex Alimentarius, a collection of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice covering all the main foods.

Food safety is a cross-cutting issue and shared responsibility that requires participation of non-public health sectors (i.e. agriculture, trade and commerce, environment, tourism) and support of major international and regional agencies and organizations active in the fields of food, emergency aid, and education.

Source article: World Health Organisation

BCFPA May 2015 Spring Speaker's Evening - Nanotechnology and Food Fraud

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:30:00 GMT

The BCFPA would like to invite you to their upcoming May Speaker's Evening entitled Nanotechnology and Food Fraud: Emerging Topics in Food Safety.

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Location: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (Burnaby, BC)

Time: 5:30 PM

Guest Speakers: Dr. Robert Hanner & Dr. Rick Yada

Registration is now up on our website! Take advantage of our Early Bird Rate until April 24th today!

Click here to register!
https://bcfoodprotection.wildapricot.org/event-1897910

Our posters are now available for viewing and distribution.

Agenda
Speakers Poster

Global Food Traceability Center Releases Report on the Impact of Traceability on the Seafood Industry

Stephanie Chiu — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:34:47 GMT

Download a newly published report which outlines the impact of traceability on improving seafood industry business performance, including reducing waste, and enhancing consumer trust. Download the report.

UBC LFS and Science Career Fair

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Where: University of British Columbia

Time: 5:00-8:00 pm

Hosted by the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) of UBC, Life sciences Student Society, Science Co-op and the Centre for Student Involvement and Careers. The Science Career Information Fair is designed to provide undergraduates with an overview of the companies that hire Bachelor of Science graduates and describe the various fields open to them with their degree. The event also aims to share best job search strategies with students and offer employers a chance to share their insight and guidance to future applicants.

To register: https://ubc-csm.symplicity.com/employers/index.php/pid949056?

IAFP 2015 Conference - Registration and Hotel Room Group Rates Now Available

Stephanie Chiu — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:00:00 GMT

Registration is now open for the 2015 IAFP Food Safety Conference held in Portland, Oregon from July 25-28, 2015.
Details can be found here: http://www.foodprotection.org/regonline/

Rooms at our group rate are
still available for IAFP 2015
in Portland, Oregon, July 25-28.
(Note: Event dates are Saturday-Tuesday this year only.)

But hurry! Rooms are going
quickly, so book today!

For more information on hotels offering
our group rate and to book online, go here

.

Be Careful:
Book your IAFP 2015 hotel rooms only through our official housing agency,
Travel Portland. You may contact them directly at the numbers below. IAFP is aware
that Global Housing Services, Corp. has actively been soliciting our exhibitors
and attendees. They are not an authorized housing agency, and we do not
recommend doing business with this company.

Travel Portland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm PST
Phone: +1 503.275.9295 Toll Free: +1 877.678.5263 x2
Email: housing@travelportland.com

+1 515.276.3344 www.foodprotection.org

CFIA Food Labelling Modernization Face-to-Face Engagement Sessions 2015

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 19:30:00 GMT

The CFIA is conducting a series of consultations on Food Labelling Modernization including Health Canada's proposed Nutrition Labelling changes. The BC session will be held in Vancouver, BC.

When: March 10, 2015
Time: 12:30 to 5:00 pm
Where: Metrotown Holiday Inn

Registration deadline is March 8, 2015. Please register by clicking on this link: http://inspection.sondages-surveys.ca/surveys/CFIA-ACIA/2015-flm-consultation-sessions-external/?l=en

More information on the process can be found here: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/transforming-the-cfia/action-plan/food-regulatory-forum/presentations/discussion-paper/eng/1402236927770/1402236929317

BCFPA Student Networking Event

Stephanie Chiu — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 01:30:00 GMT

The BCFPA Student Group is organizing a student networking event at Molson Coors (1550 Burrard Street, Vancouver).
RSVP to our SPDG Coordinators (BCIT or UBC) by March 1, 2015 to attend. Dinner and drinks will be provided.
Details can be found here: UBC poster, BCIT poster
Topic: Food safety and food safety knowledge applied to the real world

Speakers include: Brian Johnson (retired) & Sajan Joseph, both BCIT Alumni and Senior Environmental Health Officers of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

BC Food Processors Association - Export Marketing Workshop

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:30:00 GMT

Organized by the BC Food Processors Association

Website: http://groundedstrategies.ca/export-marketing-workshops/

Workshop: The United States Market – Pacific Northwest Focus; Opportunities and Export Tips for British Columbia Agri-Food and Seafood Companies

WHEN: February 17th, 2015
WHERE: Pacific Inn Resort & Conference Centre 1160 King George Highway, Surrey, BC (map)
TIMING: All workshops will be 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
COST: $30.00 per person plus GST, includes lunch

BC Food Technologists - 2015 Speaker's Night

Stephanie Chiu — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:45:00 GMT

Organized by BC Food Technologists

Website & Registration: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2015-bcft-speakers-night-consumer-driven-product-development-for-export-markets-tickets-15395433155

2015 BCFT Speaker's Night - Consumer-Driven Product Development for Export Markets

Date: Monday, 16 February 2015 from 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM (PST)

Location: Building SE2 Room 214 Townsquare D, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G

Details: This year’s speaker is Dr. Chris Findlay from Compusense Inc., Guelph, Ontario. The topic is “Consumer-driven Product Development for Export Markets”. Dr. Findlay will discuss how a systematic approach to product development based on Sensory Informed Design can improve product success, especially for export markets.

Food Safety Americas 2015

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 22:58:42 GMT

When: Tues March 24th - Wed March 25th
Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL

The fourth series of the BRC Food Safety Americas conference will take place on 24th -25th March 2015 in Orlando.

http://brcfoodsafetyamericas.com/home.aspx

2014 AGM Report and Proposed Amendments in Constitution & Bylaws Available Now

Stephanie Chiu — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 00:42:55 GMT

Hello everyone,

The 2014 AGM Report and the proposed amendments to the BCFPA Constitution and Bylaws are now available for download. Please have a read at it before our AGM and Speaker's Evening on January 13, 2015.

The proposed amendments in the Constitution and Bylaws are in blue font.

Don't forget to register - it is FREE for members! We hope to see you there!

IAFP 2015 Conference - Travel and Scholarship Awards Deadlines February 24, 2015

Stephanie Chiu — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 03:08:59 GMT

Love to Travel?
Apply Today to Attend IAFP 2015!

Portland, Oregon - July 25-28, 2015

Applications are being
accepted for the following:

Travel Award
for State or Provincial Health or Agricultural Department Employees

Travel Award
for a Food Safety Professional in a Country with a Developing Economy

Student Travel Scholarship

Deadline for all Award applications is Tuesday, February 24, 2015.
For more information on these Travel Awards and how to apply, go here

Agenda and Speaker Poster for AGM now available.

Peter Taylor — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:01:09 GMT

Agenda and Speaker Poster for AGM on January 13, 2015 are now available.

Files can be found here:

Agenda

Speaker Poster

Be sure to register for this event!

Membership Renewals to Start December 1st, 2014

Peter Taylor — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 23:05:46 GMT

Membership renewal notices will be sent out on December 1, 2014 for 2015 membership dues. Your continued support of our association is appreciated!

Registration for 2014 AGM now open

Peter Taylor — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:59:25 GMT

Visit the events page for information on the 2014 AGM on January 13, 2015.

Registration is now open to members in good standing.

Date for AGM 2014

Peter Taylor — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:37:02 GMT

BC Food Protection Association is pleased to announce that our Annual General Meeting will be held on January 13, 2015 at the Delta Burnaby Conference Centre starting at 5:30PM.

Details and Registration will be available soon.