NRA to hold annual quality assurance conference

Quality assurance professionals will trade industry tips and information on emerging issues, trends, and best practices at the National Restaurant Association’s annual executive study group meeting on quality assurance, Oct. 7-8 in Baltimore.

The theme of this year’s conference is “The Amazing Race of Food Safety Challenges.”

The agenda includes sessions on international food safety efforts, struggles and challenges with produce quality and safety, and disaster preparedness and emergency response. A keynote presentation will address various food movements and campaigns that are capable of forcing change in the food system. Attendees will hear updates on the federal menu labeling law, FDA regulatory issues, and state and local regulatory trends. There will also be opportunities to share best practices, discuss hot topics, and network at nightly receptions.

“The field of quality assurance and food safety is more complex today than ever,” said John Zimmermann, senior director of quality assurance and food safety for contract foodservice provider Sodexo and chairman of the NRA’s QA study group. “We have planned a comprehensive educational program that incorporates a diverse mix of topics and speakers to put quality assurance professionals ahead of the curve.”

In addition to experiencing education sessions and networking opportunities, attendees will also have an opportunity to meet with vendors who will demonstrate their latest technologies, products and services.

“Participants will leave armed with valuable information and solutions to successfully meet challenges in the ever-changing food safety and quality assurance fields,” said Christopher Melchert, the NRA’s senior manager of food safety and quality assurance. “They will hear from top experts in the food industry, network with peers, and keep current on the latest developments across the entire food chain.”

The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore