IFST launches Register of Food Safety Professionals

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) has formally launched their Register of Food Safety Professionals, a new accreditation scheme that will provide recognition to professionals working within food safety.

Food safety is critical to every food and drink business. Businesses need the assurance that their employees have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to deliver safe food. Likewise, those working in food safety roles want to be able to demonstrate to their employers, or potential employers, that they are a recognised food safety professional and are keeping their knowledge up-to-date.
IFST’s new Register of Food Safety Professionals provides the vehicle to achieve this. As an independent body, IFST is in the prime position to offer this accreditation and recognise food safety professionals in all aspects of food safety and food fraud prevention. IFST is offering a four-level professional structure which takes into consideration a combination of an individual’s academic qualifications and experience. Those working in food safety can apply for recognition in one of the four categories (Technician, Practitioner, Manager, Principal) and develop their career through the levels.

IFST’s Register of Food Safety Professionals is already gaining good levels of support from the food sector.

Professor Chris Elliott, Director of the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast and author of the Elliott Review into the Integrity and Assurance of Food Supply Networks, has offered his support of the register, saying:

“The food industry is of huge importance to the UK in terms of supplying our citizens with safe, wholesome and authentic food and also as an employer of nearly 4 million people. The need for a highly skilled, well trained workforce has never been greater. I very much welcome and support the excellent initiative to develop a professional registration scheme which will acknowledge the wealth of professional knowledge, skills and competencies that exist within our food industry.”

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) are also supporting the introduction of the Register. Barbara Gallani, Director, Regulatory, Science and Health Division at FDF, says:

“Food safety and authenticity are of paramount importance for the food industry. FDF and its members recognise the importance of knowledgeable, experienced and committed people in delivering safe, nutritious and delicious food. Training initiatives and professional development of employees are critical to the continued success of the industry. The IFST Register for Food Safety Professionals is another tool available to companies to highlight the importance of personnel in food safety roles and ultimately help to enhance their professional development.”

IFST’s Register was formally launched at a special 50th Jubilee reception held at the House of Lords on 2 July hosted by Lord Rooker with guest speaker, Catherine Brown, FSA Chief Executive.

If you or your organisation would like to register your interest in IFST’s Register of Food Safety Professionals, please contact Marjo Kiiveri, Technical and Registration Officer, [email protected] or 0207 348 1904.