The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has recently bolstered its Food Safety team with the addition of two prominent experts. Dr. Angela Fraser and Dr. Paul Lewis have joined as Vice President of Food Safety & Quality and Vice President of Food Safety Standards and Regulatory Compliance, respectively. Their extensive backgrounds in food safety and regulatory affairs bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to ensuring high standards within the industry. Both professionals are committed to advancing the association's mission of promoting safe and nutritious produce through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Advancing Educational Initiatives and Industry Support

Dr. Angela Fraser’s role focuses on enhancing the educational and technical support programs for IFPA members. With over three decades of experience in food safety, she aims to develop comprehensive training initiatives that promote best practices and continuous improvement. Her expertise will be instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence within the produce industry.

Dr. Fraser’s career in food safety began as an Environmental Health Specialist in Michigan, where she developed a passion for creating effective educational interventions. After earning her Ph.D. in Food Science from Michigan State University, she held positions at North Carolina State University and Clemson University. In her new role, she plans to collaborate closely with industry leaders and academic partners to set new standards of excellence and innovation. Dr. Fraser is excited about leading educational programs and outreach efforts to ensure the highest levels of food safety across the industry. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and shared goals in achieving these objectives.

Strengthening Policy and Regulatory Compliance

Dr. Paul Lewis brings nearly two decades of experience in regulatory affairs and policy development to his new position. His responsibilities include working closely with the Government Relations team to provide leadership on scientific and policy matters related to food safety standards and compliance. Dr. Lewis is dedicated to ensuring that policies and regulations are both reasonable and scientifically sound, supporting the produce industry's ability to deliver safe and affordable products.

Before joining IFPA, Dr. Lewis served as the director of policy and advocacy at Bayer Crop Science and held various leadership roles at the USDA, EPA, and NIH. He holds advanced degrees in Environmental Science and Policy, Public Administration, and Plant Pathology. Dr. Lewis is committed to partnering with regulatory agencies and standards organizations worldwide to enhance food safety measures. He believes that collaboration is key to developing effective and practical policies that protect consumers while maintaining the integrity of the produce industry. His extensive background in public and private sectors equips him well for this critical role.