FDA Commissioner to Speak at United Fresh Policy Conference

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg is scheduled to addresses the 2009 Washington Public Policy Conference, held Sept. 9-11 in Washington, D.C.

Appointed by President Barack Obama in March, Hamburg has extensive experience in the field of public health, including work with the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Health and Human Services and most recently the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

“Given the importance of discussions about food safety legislation in Congress, Dr. Hamburg’s contributions to the White House Food Safety Working Group and the FDA’s recent issuance of commodity specific guidelines for tomatoes, melons and leafy greens, this is an outstanding opportunity for our industry to hear from the commissioner. Food safety continues to be a critical priority for United Fresh and we remain committed to working with Dr. Hamburg to pass sound, science-based food safety legislation and improve the health of all Americans by providing wholesome, fresh and safe fruits and vegetables,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and CEO

In addition to hearing Dr. Hamburg’s remarks, conference attendees will also take part in three busy days of advocacy and networking, including a private, interactive town hall meeting with FDA officials.

Hamburg joins a growing list of speakers at the Washington Public Policy Conference, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who will deliver the keynote address on Thursday, September 10. For more information on the conference, contact Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400, ext. 416.