The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), Arlington, Va., unveiled the Food Safety Zone, a one-stop food safety resource for all frozen food companies.

“AFFI is committed to advancing food safety practices throughout the frozen value chain,” says Alison Bodor, president and CEO of AFFI. “The Food Safety Zone is the latest example of how AFFI is raising the bar on food safety practices to help prevent and control Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). It takes many people to keep food safe. This comprehensive resource allows the manufacturing sector to search for, access and incorporate food safety practices created by food safety professionals for food safety professionals.”

AFFI’s Food Safety Working Group, comprised of more than 70 experts from more than 40 member companies and the broader frozen food industry, spent the past two years developing food safety best practices that directly address control and prevention of Lm in frozen food manufacturing.

AFFI also announced its inaugural Food Safety Leadership Conference. Comprised of workshops and educational sessions, the conference is focused on the core areas of AFFI’s Listeria Control Program, including Listeria mapping and environmental monitoring, sanitation and hygienic design and process validation.

The twin unveiling is part of AFFI’s effort to lead the science and understanding of Lm through scientific research, innovation, education and training.

“This level of education will lead to a food safety culture that empowers employees to make critical food safety decisions and take preventive actions that reduce the odds of their facilities becoming a recall statistic,” Bodor says.