ARLINGTON, VA. — The Food Marketing Institute is establishing The Center of Excellence for Food Safety and Protection, with the goal of being a comprehensive resource for food safety and protection information, initiatives and programs.

“Food safety is a priority for retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of the F.M.I. “The Center of Excellence for Food Safety and Protection will create a valuable benefit for members as they address all aspects of food safety and protection within their companies. The center will serve as a resource to consolidate our knowledge of food safety and strengthen our commitment to ensuring that the food we sell is as safe as possible.”

The center will bring together food safety experts and professionals from government relations, asset protection, food defense, supply chain management, health and wellness, sustainability and industry relations to deal with food safety issues through the development of prevention programs, enhanced public/private partnerships, strengthened collaborations, crisis management and stronger response and recovery plans.

Jill Hollingsworth has been named senior vice-president for the F.M.I. and will lead efforts at the center.