December 2, 2019
Food science doctoral student receives prestigious scholarship
Daniel Vega, doctoral graduate student in food science, was recently awarded a $3,000 scholarship from the Food Marketing Institute, in collaboration with the Safe Quality Food Institute, that recognizes outstanding students enrolled in a university food and agricultural science program who are interested in pursuing a career in food systems auditing.
As production, processing, distribution and sales of food products continue to expand across global markets, food companies are required by customers, retailers and regulators to verify that they meet established standards for food safety, quality, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and other certification programs. Formally trained food systems auditors are relied upon to ensure that these diverse programs are operated effectively around the globe.
The Safe Quality Food program is recognized by retailers and food service providers around the world as a rigorous, credible food safety management system. It is the only certification system recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative that offers certificates for primary production, food manufacturing, food packaging, distribution and retail/wholesale grocers. These auditing certificates enable suppliers to assure their customers that a specific food product has been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards at all levels of the supply chain.
In addition to the cash award, Vega received an all-expense paid trip to San Antonio, Texas, where he attended the November 2019 Safe Quality Food International Conference to network with more than 850 food safety professionals.