Membership in the RFA

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

The Refrigerated Foods Association offers 5 types of memberships, designed to meet the needs of the entire industry. Details about each of the membership types are listed below.

1.) Manufacturing Membership

Available to any individual, firm or corporation engaged in the manufacture and sale of prepared, refrigerated food products. These foods are defined as edible preparations that are commercially prepared, safely packaged, requiring refrigeration, and ready-to-eat/heat/cook.

* Commercially Prepared - Value added by the manufacturer, not packaging of a commodity.
* Safely Packaged - When using modern technology, (e.g. MAP/CAP) the safety of the product is assured by introducing a barrier(s), other than refrigeration of the product.
* Requiring Refrigeration - Finished product must be held at 45 degrees F or less (40 degrees F or less is recommended). Seafood product must be held at 38 degrees F or less.
* Ready-To-Eat/Heat/Cook - Refers to its method of preparation by the consumer to include heating, slicing or cooking.

2.) Associate Membership

Available to companies who supply goods and/or services to the refrigerated foods industry.

3.) Affiliate Membership

Available to any person or company, exclusive of refrigerated food processors/manufacturers and industry suppliers, engaged in business or operations related to the refrigerated foods industry and its supply chain and interested in the betterment and growth of the industry.

4.) Academic Membership

Available to any individual or institution with an academic interest in the refrigerated foods industry. They shall include individuals or institutions involved in teaching, research, or extension.

5.) Honorary and Life Membership

Honorary or Life membership status may be granted by the Board of Directors in recognition of valuable service, on such terms as the Board shall specify from time to time.