Learn About Resources for Certification, Education at the Expo

Virtual Food Systems Training Consortium developed by the Auburn University Food Systems Institute features 11 online, on-demand FDA training courses to deliver a cost-effective approach to skills development for inspectors. Course topics include “Basic Food Microbiology” and “Rapid Detection Methods for Food Contaminants” as well as several courses focusing on specific bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Courses are supplemented by e-books such as HACCP for the Poultry Industry. Auburn University Food Systems Institute, www.aufsi.auburn.edu, Booth 1506

Peer-reviewed research in food science and technology can be found in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society. The journal publishes high-quality research representing complete studies and research advances dealing with the chemistry and biochemistry of agriculture and food. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS Publications, http://pubs.acs.org/jafc, Booth 1611

Clinical research facility follows recognized methodologies or custom-designed protocols for conducting acute and long-term trials in healthy subjects or specific target populations. GI Labs’ range of services includes satiety and satiation assessment, metabolism markers analysis, Glycemic Index determination, continuous blood glucose monitoring, cardiovascular disease risk factors evaluation, weight-loss trials, multi-center trials, and novel fiber classification. Glycemic Index Laboratories, www.gilabs.com, Booth 804

On-campus and online food science education options are available through Kansas State University. The Kansas State University Food Science Institute offers undergraduate and graduate educational programs; supports basic and applied research initiatives; and provides technical and scientific information to consumers, the food industry, and governmental agencies. Degrees available through Kansas State include the master of agribusiness—an industry-centered, distance education program designed for professionals who are currently employed. Kansas State University Food Science Institute, www.foodsci.k-state.edu, Booth 3148

Accredited certification services for international food safety standards include SQF, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000, among others. A new service, the Gluten-Free Certification Program, is designed for manufacturers and other brand owners committed to producing safe, reliable gluten-free products. The program examines a facility’s complete production process, including ingredient sourcing, employee training, cleaning practices, cross-contamination controls, operational management, and end-to-end testing plan. This program has been endorsed by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. EAGLE Certification Group, www.eaglecertificationgroup.com, Booth 1005

Halal certification conducted by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) is available for meat, ingredients, and processed foods as well as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and chemicals. The Council’s services include ingredient sourcing, product development, and export market expertise. Major markets that accept IFANCA certification include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, www.ifanca.org, Booth 2109

Turnkey program for the development of non-GMO products is available through the Global ID Group. This global framework capitalizes on the company’s expertise in GMO testing and sampling, non-GMO certification, sourcing of non-GMO ingredients, and global regulatory policies. Global ID Group also offers SupplyTrak supply chain compliance software for companies seeking to ensure that their supply chain complies with requirements in areas related to the production of products that are non-GMO, kosher, allergen-free, and gluten-free. The software can also help companies to address issues such as fair trade, social responsibility, and sustainability. Global ID Group, www.global-id-group.com, Booth 5015

Custom solutions for product developers are available from Pharmachem Laboratories Inc., which manufactures and supplies a range of ingredients used in foods and beverages. Its capabilities range from manufacturing standardized extracts and custom ingredients to developing solutions for process problems. Pharmachem Laboratories Inc., www.pharmachemlabs.com, Booth 3023