Former FDA researcher Christina Ferreira joins IFPA to provide technical guidance on microbial hazards, produce safety and quality
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced that Christina Ferreira has joined the organisation as vice-president, food safety and quality.
According to the IFPA, Dr Ferreira brings more than 13 years of applied research and regulatory experience at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the role.
In her new position, she will become a resource for IFPA members on microbial hazards, produce safety, and quality across the supply chain.
Ferreira will provide technical guidance to members, lead development of science-based best practice resources, support industry-wide efforts in root cause analysis and partner closely with the food safety advocacy team, the organisation confirmed.
“Christina’s appointment reflects exactly the kind of commitment IFPA has made to food safety programs ” said Dr Max Teplitski, chief science officer at IFPA.
“She brings a rare combination of skill and experience including deep bench science, regulatory fluency, and the ability to translate complex findings into practical guidance that growers and industry partners can actually use.
”With Christina on our science and technology team, working alongside our food safety regulatory experts, IFPA members have access to the kind of specialised, science-backed support that makes a real difference in how our industry maintains consumer confidence in fruits and vegetables – the healthiest most nutritious products on a supermarket shelf.”
Ferreira comes to IFPA from FDA’s Human Foods Program, Office of Applied Microbiology and Technology, where her research centred on the persistence and dissemination of foodborne pathogens in agricultural water, soils, and plant systems.
“I’ve spent my career studying how pathogens behave in produce systems and how science can be used to better understand, prevent, and reduce food safety risks,” said Ferreira.
“I’m excited to bring that experience directly to IFPA members and work alongside growers, shippers, and industry partners as they navigate an increasingly complex food safety and regulatory landscape.
”Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most effective food safety solutions are the ones grounded in strong science yet realistic enough to work in day-to-day operations,” she added.
In addition to Ferreira, industry veteran Erik Larsen will also join the science and technology team as director of supply chain.
