3M Microbiology Wins IAFP's Black Pearl Award

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) recently selected 3M Microbiology as the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award. The award is given annually to one company for its outstanding achievement of corporate excellence in advancing food safety and quality.

When evaluating candidates for the Black Pearl Award, IAFP seeks companies that exemplify excellence in advancing food safety and quality through numerous channels, including customer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards and support of the goals and objectives of IAFP.

According to David Tharp, executive director of IAFP, 3M Microbiology has long been an active and dedicated member of IAFP. “3M Microbiology’s integrated approach to providing food safety solutions to the food industry is second to none. They have a history of partnering with customers and industry organizations to address issues or problems. Through active involvement in IAFP scientific journals and industry events, 3M Microbiology regularly provides ideas and solutions to the food industry.”

“We are honored to win such a prestigious award, and appreciate our efforts being endorsed in this way,” said Karen Mullery, global business manager, 3M Microbiology.  As the food industry faces dynamic challenges, we at 3M are committed to responding with truly innovative solutions.”

“In my opinion, 3M Microbiology epitomizes the commitment to protecting the food supply that we all strive to attain. Not only have they developed revolutionary technologies, they have also contributed to the profession by allowing their people the freedom to work with their customers in long term thinking about methods to improve the quality of the food supply,” said Larry Cohen, North American senior food safety program leader for Kraft Foods, who submitted a nomination letter in support of 3M Microbiology. “We have worked with 3M Microbiology for almost 20 years, and in this time, we’ve come to view our relationship as a partnership.”

3M Microbiology has been an IAFP Sustaining Member for 22 years and its employees are actively involved in IAFP committees, events and volunteer work.