Nut Industry Leaders and Food Safety and Defense Experts Convene at Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association Technical Forum

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) hosted its annual Technical Forum June 28 and 29 in Chicago. 

Conference participants included corporate food safety and quality assurance experts, company owners, FDA leaders, food defense and supply chain safety experts — and PTNPA member company representatives willing to share their insights and experiences. Presenters and attendees focused on and openly discussed the rapidly changing nature of the technology, collaboration and adaptability required to constantly manage and continue to enhance a safe, stable food supply. 

“The PTNPA Technical Forum brings together nut industry leaders and representatives who work tirelessly to continually innovate and prioritize food safety while managing supply chain challenges and critical manufacturing quality measures. We were thrilled to hear directly from food safety and regulatory experts, including the FDA, along with our own PTNPA members, who are informed authorities in quality and safety assurance. There is something powerful that happens when a group of professionals come together to collaborate on new strategies and examine current obstacles, resources and opportunities — resulting in a stronger nut industry for all involved,” said Jeannie Shaughnessy, executive director and CEO, PTNPA.

PTNPA Technical Forum Highlights

Educational presentations designed specifically for PTNPA Technical Forum purposes focused on specific methods, technologies and best practices for working in formidably complex conditions and markets, and the ongoing industrywide expansion and elevation of food safety. Expert presenters included Dr. John Spink, professor at Michigan State University and director of the Food Fraud Initiative; Rod Wheeler, founder and CEO of The Global Food Defense Institute; Jenny Scott, senior advisor for the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Dr. Lauren Jackson, chief of process engineering for FDA/CFSAN Division of Food Processing Science and Technology; and general counsel Martin Hahn of Hogan Lovells. Topics spanned regulatory guidance updates, proactive supply management insights, global food defense case studies, and associated scientific and technical solutions for an increasingly complex industry. 

The PTNPA Technical Forum included interactive panels that candidly addressed food safety realities, expectations and actionable takeaways that participants could apply to their operations immediately.  

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