Senator Stabenow Announces Major Food Safety Designation for Battle Creek’s International Food Protection Training Institute

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced that the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) in Battle Creek has been named the National Coordination Center for Food Safety Training by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Institute will oversee development and implementation of national food safety training programs for small farmers and businesses across the country. The expansion of national food safety training was authored by Stabenow in the 2010 Food Safety Modernization Act.

"This important designation recognizes the leadership and unique resources of the Institute and community of Battle Creek," Senator Stabenow said. "Food safety is a critical issue for consumers and once again, Michigan will be leading the way in making sure the food we put on our table is safe for our families."

"We are excited to lead this coordination effort for implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act," Dr. Julia Bradsher, President and CEO of IFPTI said. "From our unique vantage point, IFPTI will be able to focus the interests and efforts of a broad range of stakeholders committed to assuring the safest food for United States consumers. We'd also like to thank Senator Stabenow for her long-term commitment to IFPTI and for her leadership on food safety issues."

As the National Coordination Center, the Institute will help train and educate small- and medium-sized producers, small processors, and small fruit and vegetable wholesalers on the importance of developing comprehensive food safety plans. Additionally, the Institute will help establish a series of regional centers for food safety training.

Stabenow is a longtime champion on food safety issues. In 2009, Stabenow led the enactment of legislation to establish a national food safety training program for small farmers and processors as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act. In 2011, she hosted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for a visit to the International Food Protection Training Institute in order to highlight the work and strengths of the Institute in the area of food safety.

Since 2009, the Institute has trained more than 4,500 highly-skilled food safety professionals representing state and federal inspectors from countries around the world.