Pablo Valdés, Director of Quality Assurance and Food Safety for Dulcinea Farms, steps in front of the camera.

After more than 40 industry representatives learned how to handle the fundamentals of a product recall in Salinas last week, a select group of industry leaders chose to stick around and brave the hot lights, pressing microphones and unforgiving camera lenses of United’s recall media training.

The course demonstrated how to work effectively with the media during a recall situation, focusing on basic interview techniques to advanced messaging points as part of United's the popular Training for a Recall, Communicating Under Fire course.

Each participant had the opportunity to be "grilled" on camera as a part of a mock-recall interview scenario.

"Regardless of the scenario, being questioned on camera can be nerve-racking for even the most seasoned spokesperson" said Ray Gilmer, United Fresh vice president of communications. "But in the midst of a crisis, keeping composure while staying on message can seem almost impossible. Practice is key and this course is a great opportunity for any company spokesperson to learn the right messages and tools to weather the storm."

Presented through a generous sponsorship by Syngenta, the next Training for a Recall course will take place October 28-30 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Space is limited, and interested parties may register online or contact Julie Jacocks, United Fresh education coordinator, at 202-303-3400 ext. 405 for additional information.