The International Association for Food Protection’s program committee is now accepting abstracts submitted with “incomplete data” by trough Jan. 19, 2021. However, the complete data must be submitted by April 6 2021, to be included for presentation at IAFP 2021.

This decision comes after a recognition that because of laboratory closures and the reduction of laboratory staffing as a result of COVID-19, many 2020 research projects were delayed and therefore have delayed results.

The IAFP 2021 annual conference is set for July 18-21 in Phoenix, AZ.

Presenters must register for the annual meeting. There is no limit on the number of abstracts an individual may submit. The author must deliver a presentation on their abstract. Accepted abstracts will be published in the Abstract Book and made available online. Editorial changes may be made to accepted abstracts at the discretion of the Program Committee.

Abstracts must report the results of original research based on accepted scientific practices or subject matter of an educational nature, as well as case studies and literature reviews, dealing with food protection including:

• Causes of foodborne illness or food spoilage
• Contaminants of food
• Control of foodborne illness, food spoilage and food contamination during pre-harvest production and postharvest processing, distribution, preparation and service to consumers including advances in sanitation and food processing, quality control/assurance, and food protection systems
• Advances in laboratory methods including novel approaches for tracking foodborne pathogens, validation or matrix extensions or sample preparation
• Public health significance of foodborne disease, including outbreak investigation and risk assessment
• The study of pathogenesis and/or microbial ecology
• Food fermentations and food-related probiotics
• Public health policy
• Education and training effectiveness

For more information and to submit an abstract, click here.

Attendees will join thousands of food safety professionals from around the world for three days of sharing, learning and networking.

In a usual year, the IAFP Annual Meeting is attended by about 4,000 of the top industry, academic and governmental food safety professionals from six continents. The event is known for the quantity, quality, and diversity of each year’s program; the quality and relevance of exhibits sharing the latest in available technologies; leading experts speaking on a variety of timely topics; and special recognition of outstanding professionals and students for their contributions in the food safety field.

The IAFP officials say the nonprofit organization is committed to producing a high-quality program, including presentations, general sessions, symposia, poster exhibits and award recognitions.