Food-protection group changes name to reflect broader mission

The National Center for Food Protection and Defense said this week that it has changed its name to the Food Protection and Defense Institute as it expands the scale of work it does internationally. The institute originally was founded to identify threats to the food system through intentional contamination and was funded through a grant from the U.S.  Department of Homeland Security.

"Our beginnings as a small research consortium have expanded over the years into an agile organization that is able to provide a multitude of food-protection needs,” Amy Kircher, director of the Food Protection and Defense Institute, said. “Over time, the production of our food supply has become increasingly complex. Our role and work have expanded to deal with the challenges associated with providing a safe, abundant food supply for all.”

The food marketplace has seen a huge change since the institute started over a decade ago. Global manufacturing and distribution of food, as well as ever-changing best food-production practices, have caused the world to struggle with infrastructure and sanitation issues globally. In response to these problems, the institute has expanded its role to help companies solve food problems abroad.

"The challenge of food protection is not one that can only be borne by only one organization. It has to be a responsibility of both government and private companies in the industry," Kircher said. "We're all in this together. The role of the institute is to bring to the table state-of-the-art research and an understanding of domestic and global issues, thus assuring a safer food supply,” Kircher said.