The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) has been granted Observer Status as an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, providing the produce industry a focal point for interaction regarding global produce standards with the commission. 

The news came shortly after the IFPS held its annual meeting May 24 in Rotterdam, in which Board members reviewed progress over the past year and set work plans for committees addressing Product Identification, Information Management, and Food Safety standards. 

During the meeting, immediate past Chairman Hans Maurer, United Fresh New Zealand, and Vice Chairman Oddmund Estebo, Norges Frukt-og Gronnsaksgrossisters Forbund, Norway, were recognized for their past two years of leadership.  Elected as the new Chairman of IFPS was Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Produce Association, US; Harrij Schmeitz, Frug I Com, The Netherlands, was elected Vice Chairman.

[Read the rest of this article...]