Following the high-profile incidences of ice cream contamination with the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes over the past year, the ice cream industry is coming under closer scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration. This action comes just as the agency is releasing new regulations on preventive controls for human food, which will be effective in the next year. 

To help the industry prepare, IDFA will offer “Ice Cream Food Safety 101,” a webinar that will review fundamental food safety programs and practices that are essential for every ice cream manufacturer. It will be held November 10, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Perfect as an introductory course for new plant-level employees or as a refresher course for seasoned professionals, the webinar will cover good manufacturing practices (GMPs), as well as proper cleaning, sanitation and hygiene.

Food safety professionals from the Schwan Food Company, who have years of experience working with a variety of food products, will share tried-and-true techniques for controlling pathogens and producing safe, high-quality ice cream. They are Lars Pekay, Ph.D., senior director of food safety and quality, and Steven Janish, manager of food safety and quality. John Allan, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards, will moderate the session.

The Schwan Food Company is a multibillion-dollar private company with more than 14,000 subsidiary employees worldwide. Based in Marshall, Minn., the company sells ice cream and a wide range of other food products.

Members will receive a discount when they register. For more information, contact Allan at jallan@idfa.org.