The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has named Jennifer Norka as its director of scientific and regulatory affairs. Among her duties will be supporting the Arlington, Virginia-headquartered trade association’s outreach to and engagement with key federal agencies and the food industry, and advancing AFFI’s regulatory and technical priorities.
Norka, a food scientist and public health professional with expertise in nutrition, food safety and regulatory affairs, holds a Bachelor of Science in food science from Purdue University and a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
While pursuing her advanced degree, she served as a food safety extension program assistant with the NC State University Agriculture Extension. In this role, Norka led a number of activities in support of food safety, including the development of a training program in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for Nutrition Managers regarding food recalls and outbreak preparedness in K-12 schools.
Prior to earning a master’s degree, Norka held a number of quality assurance positions at Eight O’clock Coffee, which included management of the quality lab at a coffee roasting plant. She also worked at DC Central Kitchen, serving as a community engagement intern.
“I am excited to join the AFFI team and represent the frozen food and beverage industry as we work to promote a bright future for safe, nutritious and easy-to-prepare frozen foods,” said Norka, who will report to AFFI’s executive vice president of science and policy, Dr. Donna Garren.
“Jennifer is an excellent addition to our food safety program, bringing firsthand work experience in food safety regulations, regulatory technical management and evidence-based program development and implementation,” said Garren. “Her technical understanding and food safety and nutrition experience will bolster AFFI’s regulatory contributions and benefit our members in the frozen food and beverage industry.”
