TSX: MFI
    www.mapleleaf.comTORONTO, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods (MFI: TSX) today announced the
appointment of Dr. Randall Huffman to the position of Chief Food Safety
Officer for Maple Leaf Foods. Dr Huffman will assume this position effective
January 5, 2009, reporting to Michael H. McCain, President and CEO.
    He joins Maple Leaf Foods from his current role as President of the
American Meat Institute (AMI) Foundation. AMI is the oldest and largest trade
association in the U.S., representing over 600 meat processing firms and
industry suppliers globally. As President of the AMI Foundation, he led the
Food Safety Initiative, which in the past eight years has funded over 60 food
safety research projects. He also worked with federal agencies to increase
support of food safety research; represented AMI on numerous issues related to
food safety; and managed a range of research related to nutrition, diet and
health issues. Dr. Huffman also served as a primary technical and scientific
resource to the industry on food safety and quality. Prior to joining AMI, he
held a number of senior roles related to food safety, quality assurance and
product development in the food industry.
    "Dr. Huffman brings vast scientific and industry knowledge and experience
to Maple Leaf in global food safety best practices," said Michael McCain,
President and CEO. "He will drive continuous improvement in our protocols,
assets, and human resource strategies that will reflect the latest research
and highest standards globally."
    As Chief Food Safety Officer, Dr. Huffman will have overall
responsibility for leading Maple Leaf's food safety and quality programs
across the Company. This will involve identifying and assessing global best
operating practices, technologies, ingredients and resources that support
Maple Leaf's leadership in food safety and quality assurance. He will also
support the establishment of a Food Safety Advisory Council, a team of experts
who will increase the Company's access to global knowledge and expertise in
areas of food safety, microbiology and public education.
    Dr Huffman holds a Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Meat and Animal Science from
the University of Florida and a B.S. degree in Animal Science from Auburn
University. He sits on the Cornell University Institute of Food Science
Advisory Council; the Food Safety Research and Response Network Advisory
Board; the Kansas State University Animal Industries Advisory Council and has
participated on key U.S. Department of Agriculture food safety research
advisory panels.

    Maple Leaf Foods is a leading food processing company, headquartered in
Toronto, Canada. The Company employs approximately 23,500 people at its
operations across Canada and in the United States, the United Kingdom and
Asia. The Company had sales of $5.2 billion in 2007.