IFCO North America adds director of food safety, quality

IFCO North America has appointed Jeff Mitchell as director of food safety and quality. Mitchell will oversee the North American food safety and quality initiatives at the company’s Reusable Plastic Container (RPC) service centers throughout North America, as well as food safety and quality programs that extend along the entire fresh food supply chain.

In his new role, Mitchell’s responsibilities will include food safety strategy and compliance with IFCO’s Quality Assurance/Food Safety processes. In addition, he will represent IFCO on food safety interactions with customers as well as serve as the company’s food safety and operations representative to industry organizations, associations, committees and working groups.

Prior to joining IFCO, Mitchell served as vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at CHEMSTAR, where he was responsible for all operational and strategic initiatives related to food safety and sanitation for retail grocery, quick service restaurants and food processing facilities. Prior to CHEMSTAR he served over 20 years in the U.S. Army Public Health Command where he last served as command food safety officer. Mitchell was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for his contributions to food safety and public health.

Mitchell holds a Bachelor’s of Food Science and a Master’s of Food Science and Technology from the University of Georgia, and is a member of the United Fresh Food Safety and Technology Council. He holds professional certifications in:

• Food Defense Coordinator (AIB)
• HACCP Manager Certified
• SQF Practitioner
• FCCS ISO 22000 Lead Auditor Certification
• Quality Auditor – Food
• Milk Pasteurization Controls and Tests Certification (FDA)

Mitchell will begin his new role on March 27 and will report to Daniel Walsh, president, IFCO North America.