Now in its third year, IDFA’s Regulatory RoundUP will provide dairy professionals the opportunity to hear firsthand from the decision-makers and the regulatory officials who have direct responsibility for the rules that affect dairy plants, products and personnel.

The latest speakers added to the agenda are Michael Blume, director of the Consumer Protection Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and Dana Coale, deputy administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Dairy Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They will join John Sheehan, head of the Food and Drug Administration’s dairy safety division, and other government officials at this year’s event, June 13-14 in Washington, D.C.

“Increased criminal enforcement of food law by DOJ and USDA’s trade assistance are important issues for dairy companies,” said Emily Lyons, IDFA director of regulatory affairs and counsel. “We are pleased to provide the opportunity for attendees to meet with officials from DOJ and AMS and discuss these topics.”

Session Highlights

‘Food Police: Under Investigation’
In his session, Blume will explain the department’s role, jurisdiction, and increased involvement in food investigations, and discuss which food cases the agency chooses to prosecute and which factors help make those decisions.

‘Exporting U.S. Dairy Products: Technical and Regulatory Aspects’
In her session, Coale will discuss barriers dairy companies face when exporting dairy products and how the USDA assists dairy companies in exporting their products around the world.

‘FDA Dairy Food Safety Update’
In his session, Sheehan will outline the agency’s dairy food safety priority areas, discuss information on upcoming sampling assignments and review FDA’s changing policy and guidance on Listeria.

Learn more about Blume, Coale and Sheehan here.

The Regulatory RoundUP agenda, registration and hotel information are available online.

Stay for Advocacy Days

IDFA members registered for Regulatory RoundUP are encouraged to stay and participate in IDFA’s Advocacy Days, June 14-15 in Washington, D.C., which provide opportunities to speak directly to legislators on Capitol Hill about dairy industry issues and concerns. Members registered for both meetings will receive a special discount on the Advocacy Days registration fee.

For more information, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA meetings coordinator and registrar, at mvelasco@idfa.org.