ALEXANDRIA, VA. — On Nov. 8, the North American Renderers Association (NARA) announced that David Meeker, Ph.D., has received the 2022 Don Franco Distinguished Service Award. Meeker received the award at NARA’s 2022 Annual Convention in Dana Point, Calif.

The Don Franco Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor from NARA. The award seeks to recognize outstanding service to the rendering industry in science, policy, marketing or communications.

Meeker currently serves as senior vice president of scientific services at NARA and is the scientific and technical advisor to the rendering industry on science, animal disease and feed safety concerns. At NARA, he has helped with governmental negotiations, including the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rulemaking on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the rulemaking for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Meeker also aided in collaborative research that eventually led to the development of the Pet Food Alliance.

Meeker also serves as research director for NARA’s research segment, the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF). During his time at the FPRF and NARA, Meeker has played a key role in various programs and research, helped increase the association’s efficiency and expand its donor base, and supported NARA members through Salmonella poultry and swine disease outbreaks.

Aside from his work at NARA, Meeker has spent three decades serving as an advisor to governmental, business and professional organizations throughout the world. He served as president of the US Animal Health Association and is a former member of the USDA Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health.

Following his lengthy career, Meeker plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2022.

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