TheFrozen Food Foundation and theInternational Association for Food Protection(IAFP), said they presentedDr. Linda J. Harrisof theUniversity of California, Davis, with an inaugural "Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award."

Officials said the award "recognizes individuals or organizations whose research contributes to the continued enhancement of food quality and safety through freezing." They recently presented an award to  Dr. Harris during IAFP's 2010 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

Dr. Harris has worked in food science for 30 years, with the last 19 focused on food safety. Among the projects that qualified Dr. Harris for receipt of the award is her research on the effects of the freezing process on Salmonella in frozen poultry. Her findings were subsequently used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop guidance for the poultry industry.

“The Frozen Food Foundation congratulates Dr. Harris for her outstanding achievements, and is honored to present this award to such a deserving individual,” said Frozen Food Foundation President Kraig R. Naasz, also president and CEO of theAmerican Frozen Food Institute(AFFI). “Dr. Harris’ work has contributed greatly to the success of the frozen food industry in producing the consistently safe, convenient and nutritious products that Americans enjoy.”

IAFP has traditionally presented awards to members of the food industry for their work to enhance food safety. However, the Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award is the only award to be given by IAFP specifically for frozen food-related research.

“Dr. Harris has made significant contributions over her distinguished career in the areas of frozen food safety and quality,” said Dr. Douglas Archer of the University of Florida. “Her research has translated into educational materials and programs that have positively affected both the food industry and consumers.”

As the recipient of the 2010 Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award, Dr. Harris received a $2,000 honorarium and a plaque presented by foundation Vice-Chairman Kurt Buckman of Pinnacle Foods Group LLC/Birds Eye Foods.

The Frozen Food Foundation is affiliated with the American Frozen Food Institute. Incorporated in 2004, the foundation’s mission is to foster scientific research, public awareness and frozen food industry education for the benefit of the common good.