NSF International appointed Donna Garren to president and general manager of NSF Davis Fresh, a provider of food safety audits, consulting, training, and testing services for the produce industry. Garren will work closely with the NSF Davis Fresh team to verify safer, consistent produce practices utilizing NSF Davis Fresh’s technical expertise.
Garren has more than 14 years of experience working in the food industry. Most recently, she served as the vice president of Food Safety Programmes for The Consumer Goods Forum, where she managed the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) activities in the North American region. GFSI helps ensure confidence in the delivery of safer food to consumers, while continuing to improve food safety supply chain management.
Garren served as the vice president of Health and Safety Regulatory Affairs for the National Restaurant Association (NRA). She advised the NRA and its members on health and safety legislative and regulatory issues impacting the restaurant industry. Prior to the NRA, she spent six years as vice president of Scientific and Technical Affairs at the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United), a trade association committed to driving the growth and success of produce companies.
Earlier in her career, Garren was the director of Research & Development and Product Safety at Boskovich Farms Inc. She developed and managed the produce food safety programs in field growing and harvesting operations, packing facilities and processing facilities, and led new fresh-cut product research and development projects.
In 2005, Produce Business Magazine selected Dr. Garren as one of the produce industry’s “40 under 40 Rising Stars.” She earned a doctorate degree in food science and technology from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition with a minor in microbiology from Clemson University.
“Donna’s extensive background and expertise in the produce industry is an ideal fit for the food safety initiatives at NSF Davis Fresh,” says Tom Chestnut, vice president of NSF International Supply Chain Food Safety and Quality.
