Registration Open for Updated Advanced Listeria Workshop January 29-30, 2008, in Chicago

Washington, D.C., - Innovative breakout session topics, discussions on advanced intervention techniques, analysis of a timely case study and a talk on food safety assessments will be part of the agenda for the updated Advanced Listeria Intervention and Control Workshop, scheduled for January 29-30, 2008, at the Hilton Chicago in downtown Chicago, Ill.

Co-sponsored by the American Meat Institute and the North American Meat Processors Association, the two-day workshop has been updated to provide attendees with an even greater take away. The first day of the event begins with a general session on producing safe ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products and the public health and regulatory implications for Listeria control. This session will be followed by discussions on sanitary equipment and facility design and sanitation best practices.

The first day luncheon topic will be an update on USDA’s Listeria rule and implementation, followed by afternoon sessions on verification and validation, developing a routine sampling plan for process control and data analysis. The first day will wrap up with a reception and technology fair and panel discussion.

On the second day, attendees will benefit from a session where a case study concerning root cause identification will be discussed. A breakout session on best practices for Listeria control will be featured as well as discussions on lot and line segregation and successfully completing risk-based Listeria moncocytgenes sampling (RLM) and food safety assessment.

The workshop is limited to 60 participants. For more information, contact AMI Manager of Membership and Convention Services Eric Zito at 202-587-4223 or via email at ezito@meatami.com. To register online, go to MeatAMI.com and click on the Events Education section. AMI members receive the special conference rate of $595. NAMP members are also eligible to receive AMI Member registration rates. Three or more member company attendees receive a discounted rate of $495. All other attendees may register for the regular rate of $695.

To make hotel reservations call the Hilton Chicago directly at 312-922-4400 by January 4, 2008. After this date, rooms will be on a space and rate available basis. Please mention AMI to receive the special group rate of $149 single or double occupancy. Hotel reservations must be cancelled 24 hours prior to day of arrival to receive a full refund.

The American Meat Institute Foundation is a non-profit research, education and information foundation established by the American Meat Institute to study ways the meat and poultry industry can produce better, safer products and operate more efficiently.

AMI represents the interests of packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey products and their suppliers throughout North America. Together, AMI’s members produce 95 percent of the beef, pork, lamb and veal products and 70 percent of the turkey products in the United States. The Institute provides legislative, regulatory, public relations, technical, scientific and educational services to the meat and poultry packing and processing industry.