The United Fresh Produce Association has hired Dr Barry A. Eisenberg, formerly head of technical services for River Ranch Fresh Foods, as its new vice-president of food safety services.
“I’m thrilled that we’re able to add such a well-respected industry leader to the United Fresh team,” said United president and CEO Tom Stenzel.
“Dr Eisenberg’s 25-year food safety career provides him a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be highly valued in this new position designed to increase our direct support and assistance to United member companies.”
In the new position of vice-president of food safety services, Dr Eisenberg will develop education programmes, training and individualised expert support to help companies in their food safety planning, operations and compliance with best practices and regulatory standards.
In directly supporting United members, Dr Eisenberg’s work will complement that of Dr David Gombas, United’s senior vice-president of food safety and technology, in shaping overall government and industry food safety policies and best practices.
“Working together, Dave and Barry really provide our members a one-two punch to make sure that science-based rules prevail, whether in government policy or private sector audits, and then learn how to best incorporate food safety standards and practices in their own operations,” Mr Stenzel explained.
The new position fills a need identified by the United Fresh Executive Committee to increase food safety support for member companies.
“As we evaluated the food safety demands on the association from our members during the past year, it became apparent that many companies look to our staff expertise for help in understanding and adopting best food safety practices,” said United Fresh board chairman Steffanie Smith and CEO of River Point Farms.
“From local farms to global producers and marketers, companies large and small through every segment of the produce supply chain are facing numerous food safety challenges and looking for help,” Ms Smith continued.
“The addition of Dr Eisenberg will greatly expand United’s strength as the go-to resource not only in shaping food safety policy but for support in understanding and complying with food safety requirements.”
Dr Eisenberg will work from United’s western regional office in the Grower-Shipper Building in Salinas, California, and will spend significant time working with member companies around the globe.
