On March 1st, we lost a strong advocate for retail food safety and science-based validation. Dr. O.P. Synder (Pete) died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. While some of you may have come across him at IFT, IAFP or CFP meetings/conferences and knew of his strong stance on food safety through science, some may not have known that he was a career Army officer having served in Germany, Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a LTC after 22 years and was awarded a Bronze Star and Legion of Merit for outstanding and meritorious service. I was fortunate to meet Pete early in his career and share his passion for retail food safety.
His writings made available thru the company he founded, HITM, remain one of the best resources for science-based validations for food safety practices. I personally thank you Dr. Snyder for the education you provided me in my career as a food safety professional. RIP Dr. Snyder. Your contributions will long be remembered. Dr. Synder’s obituary can be found in the Wednesday. March 6th edition of the Star/Tribune (www.StarTribune.com) newspaper.
By Fred Reimers
