Industry leaders will gather to discuss best practices throughout the supply chain

(Washington, D.C.) The National Restaurant Association today announced that registration is open for its “Food Safety in the 21st Century Marketplace: Best Practices Throughout the Supply Chain” conference in Atlanta October 22-24, 2008. In partnership with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the Gerson Lehrman Group, the conference will explore the many facets and challenges of food safety, at all points in the foodservice supply chain.

“We are proud to organize this major conference dedicated to providing the latest information and training of food safety, encourage discussion and sharing of best practices, and how to ensure safety at every point in the supply chain,” said Dr. Donna Garren, vice president of health and safety regulatory affairs for the National Restaurant Association. “The conference is an excellent opportunity for leaders from across the foodservice industry to come together to connect, collaborate and learn about maintaining superior food safety practices from farm to table.”

The conference will focus on the following three themes:

* Harmonization of Global Food Safety Standards
* Emerging Supply Chain Issues
* Collaboration to Improve Global Food Safety

Speakers include U.S. and international experts from restaurant and foodservice companies, distributors, government, allied industry organizations, consumer groups, and the scientific community.

In May 2008, the National Restaurant Association announced a major new strategic alliance to share best food safety practices and the use of common food safety standards worldwide. The Association works closely together with GFSI to strengthen food safety systems and increase consumer confidence.

The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Doubletree Hotel Atlanta-Buckhead, October 22-24, 2008. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To view the conference agenda and register to attend, visit www.restaurant.org/events/foodsafety.  

The Global Food Safety Initiative, managed by CIES – The Food Business Forum, was set up by international food retailers in 2000 to pursue continuous improvement in our food safety systems, cost efficiency in the supply chain, and above all safer food for consumers worldwide.

Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) manages the world’s leading network of experts. Since 1998, its platform for collaboration and consultation has helped the world’s leading financial services firms, professional service firms, corporations, and nonprofits find, engage, and manage experts across a broad range of industries and disciplines. GLG facilitates more than 12,000 consultations every month.