The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has opened nominations for the prestigious 2024 Black Pearl Award, recognizing outstanding commitment and achievement in corporate excellence in food safety and quality. The award is a symbol of distinction in the industry, highlighting companies that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to maintaining high standards in food safety.

The Black Pearl Award, sponsored by F&H Food Equipment Company, is a mark of excellence in the field of food safety. The 2023 recipient, Compass Group North America, was acknowledged for exemplary contributions to food safety and quality at last year’s IAFP Annual Meeting. Previous winners are also eligible to reapply for the award after a five-year interval, showcasing the sustained commitment required to achieve this recognition.

Nominations for the 2024 Black Pearl Award are currently being accepted, and the deadline for submissions is set for Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The process is open to both members and non-members of IAFP. Interested parties can find detailed information on how to submit their nomination packets on the official IAFP website. Electronic submissions are encouraged and will be accepted.

The Black Pearl Award is just one among various accolades presented by IAFP to honor professionals and companies in the food safety domain. The association aims to recognize excellence across different categories, emphasizing that nominees need not be IAFP members. Alongside the awards, IAFP encourages its members to explore opportunities for travel awards, facilitating participation in the IAFP Annual Meeting.

about IAFP Annual Meeting
Scheduled for July 14-17, 2024, in Long Beach, CA, the IAFP Annual Meeting is a global platform attracting over 3,500 industry, academic, and governmental food safety professionals from six continents. The event serves as a dynamic hub for sharing insights into current and emerging food safety issues, featuring the latest scientific advancements, innovative solutions, and networking opportunities.

Nominations for various awards and travel scholarships are currently open, with a deadline of Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, for most award categories. Students, industry experts, and professionals in health or agricultural departments are encouraged to apply for these accolades, contributing to the continuous elevation of excellence within the food safety field.

For those interested in attending the IAFP 2024 Annual Meeting, registration details can be found on the association’s website. The meeting is anticipated to uphold its reputation as the premier global food safety conference, offering a comprehensive program, cutting-edge technology exhibits, and featuring renowned experts as speakers. The IAFP continues to play a crucial role in fostering a community dedicated to advancing food safety standards and honoring those who excel in the field.