"IFCO is the global leader in Food Safety for pooled RPCs and we are fully committed to continued excellence in this critical area," said Daniel Walsh, President of IFCO North America. "I am delighted to welcome Jeff to the IFCO North America team. His experience, qualifications and deep industry knowledge will ensure we maintain our leadership position, and expand our Food Safety and Quality program in partnership with our grower and retailer customers, as well as the IFCO North America leadership team."

In his new role, Mr. Mitchell’s responsibilities will include food safety strategy and compliance with IFCO’s Quality Assurance/Food Safety processes. In addition, he will represent IFCO on food safety interactions with customers as well as serve as the company’s food safety and operations representative to industry organizations, associations, committees and working groups.

Prior to joining IFCO, Mr. Mitchell served as Vice President of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs at CHEMSTAR, where he was responsible for all operational and strategic initiatives related to food safety and sanitation for retail grocery, quick service restaurants and food processing facilities. Prior to CHEMSTAR he served over 20 years in the U.S. Army Public Health Command where he last served as Command Food Safety Officer. Mr. Mitchell was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for his contributions to food safety and public health.

"IFCO has an excellent reputation regarding food safety," said Mr. Mitchell. "I look forward to working with the leadership team, the operations staff and IFCO’s grower and retailer partners to implement new and innovative strategies that will continue to bolster the company’s food safety and quality commitment."

Mr. Mitchell holds a Bachelor’s of Food Science and a Master’s of Food Science and Technology from the University of Georgia, and is a member of the United Fresh Food Safety and Technology Council. He holds professional certifications in:

• Food Defense Coordinator (AIB)

• HACCP Manager Certified

• SQF Practitioner

• FCCS ISO 22000 Lead Auditor Certification

• Quality Auditor – Food

• Milk Pasteurization Controls and Tests Certification (FDA)

Mr. Mitchell will begin his new role on March 27, 2017 and will report to Daniel Walsh, President, IFCO North America.