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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jennifer K. Ibrahim, PhD MPH MA and Tamar Klaiman, MPH. Department of Public Health, Temple University, 304D 1700 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, 215-204-9657, jibrahim@temple.edu

Background: There is an increasing need for research on the infrastructure of the U.S. food industry to be prepared for and respond to an emergency situation. While research is currently underway to assess the role of the government in such scenarios, there is a paucity of research related to the private sector. The purpose of this study was to analyze emergency response policies of major food retailers in Pennsylvania as well as the manner in which those policies are translated into practice at the store level.

Methods: We surveyed a random sample of 50 retail food corporations and 200 individual retail stores from among the corporations selected. The mailed surveys addressed response plans currently in place in the event of a food emergency, training activities, internal communications and infrastructure, and external relations with local, state, and federal agencies. Follow up was conducted via telephone and fax machine, as necessary.

Results: While food corporations in Pennsylvania are currently prepared for an emergency food situation, the study provided individual corporations with an opportunity to examine areas that could further be strengthened. In particular, the need for an improved system of response and increased collaboration and communication between private corporations and the government was identified.

Conclusion: Adequate emergency preparedness in the food industry is essential. Improved collaboration between the public and private sectors, related to both policies and practices, may help to minimize morbidity and mortality in the event of a food-related emergency.

Learning Objectives: Following the session, participants will be able to

• Discuss the level of preparedness in the retail food industry for a food-related emergency.
• Evaluate current practices of retail food corporations to respond to an emergency.
• Identify areas which need improvement both within corporations and between corporations and government officials.

Keywords: Food Safety,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No