Ecolab regularly partners with governmental, industry and professional associations to support forums for discussion and promotion of food safety. Ecolab experts are frequently featured as guest speakers for important topics. Our involvement includes the organizations and activities listed below, as well as many more around the world.

National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD)

Ecolab is an active participant in the National Center for Food Protection and Defense. The mission of this Homeland Security Center of Excellence is “to advance the security and safety of the nation's food supply through research, education, and outreach.” Ecolab is a research partner on the Disposal and Decontamination Team and Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab Chairman and CEO, serves on the Center’s External Board of Advisors. Results of Ecolab’s work have been shared in public settings and will be published. In fact, the January 2006 NCFPD newsletter highlighted Ecolab’s work with the Center.

FDA/IFT Task Order Panels

Ecolab associates have served on a number of FDA sponsored panels organized by the Institute of Food Technologists. Ecolab has been a key contributor to panels addressing food defense issues, providing valuable information, knowledge, and experience that assists in planning response to potential issues that would involve intentional contamination of the food supply.

Conference for Food Protection (CFP)

Ecolab understands the important role that CFP plays in harmonizing food safety regulations across the U.S. in retail and food service settings, through recommending enhancements to FDA’s Food Code. Ecolab believes that sound science and practical application is essential in this regulatory process. Ecolab executives serve on CFP’s Executive Board and Council III. Other Ecolab associates contribute to issue proposal and in deliberations during the CFP meetings.

International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF)

Because of Ecolab’s global presence, it is essential that we understand global food safety issues. Ecolab is an active participant on the ICMSF, which pioneered the concept of Food Safety Objectives and statistical implications of food sampling. An Ecolab expert is currently chairing the editorial committee for ICMSF’s next book related to microbiological criteria.

Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines and The Manila Times

Ecolab is actively involved in the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) through membership support, as well as serving as the Health and Food Safety Chair for the group, and by offering ServSafe^® seminars. Ecolab Philippines has also partnered with The Manila Times to provide regular information promoting food safety in the region.

Food Safety Symposium - Ecolab and NRN

Avian flu, foodborne illness, terrorism threats and food allergy awareness were among the significant issues on tap at the Ecolab-sponsored Nation's Restaurant News Food Safety Symposium. This first annual two-day event was held as part of National Food Safety Education Month in September 2006 and brought together foodservice operators interested in food safety, security and quality assurance. The keynote speaker provided a big picture presentation covering current food safety issues affecting the foodservice industry such as Avian flu, foodborne illness, terrorism, BSE, and food allergy awareness and alert strategies. Other topics at the Symposium included best practices in supply chain management, best practices in food safety at the unit level and crisis management. In addition, the attendees participated in a hands-on workshop at the Johnson & Wales campus in Charlotte, where they cooked their own dinner with an emphasis on implementing best practices in food safety.

International Food Safety Council

Taking the lead in educating the foodservice industry abot the importance of food safety is the mission of the International Food Safety Council. As a sponsor, Ecolab is recognized throughout the industry for championing this important cause. Sponsors help with creating specific National Food Safety Education Month campaigns and are involved in the leading food safety event of the year, the Food Safety Summit.