NEWARK, Del. — The Produce Marketing Association here has named Robert Whitaker its first chief scientific officer. In this position, Whitaker will direct the creation of programs and services related to food safety, traceability, sustainability and other science-based issues impacting the produce industry. Whitaker’s recent credentials include helping to develop Good Agricultural Practices for the leafy greens industry after a foodborne illness outbreak devastated spinach growers in the fall of 2006. He has also served on the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement’s Technical Committee, testified before both houses of Congress as an expert on food safety, and was the recipient of the International Fresh-cut Processing Association’s Technical Achievement Award in 2006.

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