Back

Explore every episode of the podcast Food Safety Matters

Dive into the complete episode list for Food Safety Matters. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

Rows per page:

1–50 of 302

TitlePub. DateDuration
Ep. 228. Adam Holt, BCE: Smarter Pest Management, From IPM to AI27 Oct 202601:12:15

Adam Holt, BCE is a Board Certified Entomologist with decades of hands-on experience. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant at NameDatBug, a pest control consulting firm grounded in real-world success across every level of the pest control industry. Adam has held executive roles at several PCT Top 100 companies and brings unmatched industry expertise to every engagement. He holds a patent for an electronic rodent monitoring device, has worked in pest control software development, and has collaborated closely with manufacturers and distributors on both product design and market strategy.  

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Adam [25:47] about: 

  • How his experience across pest management, consulting, and other sectors has shaped his approach to developing effective IPM programs for food facilities 

  • Common pest management vulnerabilities in food processing facilities, including structural gaps, conducive conditions, sanitation deficiencies, and inadequate internal quality assurance (QA) programs 

  • How electronic remote monitoring technologies can improve rodent detection, identify pest activity trends, and help technicians prioritize inspections and corrective actions 

  • The benefits and limitations of AI-assisted pest identification, including concerns about accuracy, image quality, and the importance of expert verification 

  • Why food safety teams must understand pest management service reports, monitoring data, and digital logbooks to evaluate program effectiveness 

  • Common pest management audit deficiencies, including inadequate documentation, unreported conducive conditions, and failure to document corrective actions when pest activity thresholds are exceeded 

  • How food facilities can integrate IPM into their broader food safety and QA programs through routine inspections, proactive prevention, and oversight of pest control providers 

  • How changing weather patterns, emerging pest pressures, and restrictions on rodenticides and other control methods may influence future pest management strategies. 

News and Resources 

FDA Quietly Included Provision in GRAS Proposed Rule to Expand One 'Loophole' While Tightening Another [4:46] 

Pennsylvania Advances Bill That Would Set Limits on Heavy Metals in Baby Foods [8:46] 

Survey of Low-Moisture Food Manufacturers Reveals Opportunities to Strengthen Dry Sanitation [13:31] 

Refrigerator Cyberattack at Hundreds of Stores in France, Other Countries Results in Mass Food Losses [19:17] 

We Want to Hear from You! 
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com 

Ep. 227. Michael Ciepiela: Gap Assessments, Audit Readiness, and Continuous Improvement13 Oct 202601:07:20

Michael Ciepiela is Vice President of Quality and Continuous Improvement at Southern Specialties. He brings over a decade of diverse experience in the food and beverage industry, along with experience in the pharmaceutical sector, specializing in quality assurance and food safety. Throughout his career, he has excelled in multi-site implementation and adherence to GFSI requirements and regulations. Michael has also been instrumental in promoting and educating Lean Six Sigma principles in fast-paced, cross-departmental settings. As a recognized thought leader, he frequently speaks at national conferences. He is also a senior member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Michael holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Alfred University and a Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Villanova University.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Michael [33:14] about:

  • What an effective, unbiased gap assessment looks like, common mistakes companies make, and how assessments can reveal opportunities for meaningful improvement
  • How food safety and quality leaders can assess a new organization's current state and determine which quality and operational priorities require attention first
  • How to distinguish isolated compliance issues from systemic problems involving processes, resources, leadership, organizational structure, or food safety culture
  • What continuous audit readiness looks like in practice, and how companies can replace last-minute audit preparation with sustainable, everyday systems
  • Practical strategies for building accountability for food safety and quality across departments and translating food safety culture goals into concrete action
  • How Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies can strengthen food safety and quality without allowing efficiency or productivity goals to take precedence
  • How organizations can select and use meaningful KPIs to evaluate whether food safety and quality systems are actually improving over time
  • Why some organizations achieve sustainable operational excellence, while others repeatedly react to the same food safety, quality, and operational problems.

News and Resources

News

A Note From the Editorial Director: Welcome to Our New Web-First Features Collection! [3:38]

FDA Closes Taylor Farms Lettuce Investigation, Announces Action Plan to Prevent Future Cyclospora Outbreaks [11:30]

USDA-FSIS to Roll Out Listeria Environmental Sampling Program Nationwide at RTE Facilities [19:05]

UK FSA Board Decides to Advance Sweeping Food System Regulatory Reforms [25:12]

EPA Announces Glyphosate Safety Review Efforts, Decision Expected by Early 2027; Experts Question Scientific Rigor [28:53]

Resources

Register for the 2027 Food Safety Summit

Sign up for a FREE Food Safety Magazine membership

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Brashears and Rottenberg: Consumer Education as a Food Safety Essential29 Sep 202600:33:37

Mindy Brashears, Ph.D. is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Under Secretary for Food Safety. She previously served as Under Secretary for Food Safety from 2020–2021, and Deputy Under Secretary in 2019. Dr. Brashears returns to USDA from Texas Tech University, where she was a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor of Food Safety and Public Health, the Roth and Letch Family Endowed Chair for Food Safety, and the Director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence.

Dr. Brashears' research program has advanced food safety in meat and poultry production, with a focus on public health. Her work evaluated interventions in pre- and post-harvest environments and antimicrobial drug resistance in animal feeding systems. She has led international research teams across the globe to enhance food safety, security, and sustainable agriculture systems. Her research has resulted in more than 20 patents and patents pending for innovations in food safety.

Beyond academia, Dr. Brashears has held leadership roles on boards and advisory committees, including the American Meat Science Association, the Development Council, the International Stockman's Educational Foundation, and the Protein Pact. She was a founding member of the SAFE Think Tank and has chaired the National Alliance for Food Safety and Security and the USDA's multi-state research group. Her contributions have earned national and international recognition, including induction into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, Fellow status in the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) and the National Academy of Inventors, and numerous awards from leading associations. 

Carmen Rottenberg is a leader in food safety and agriculture policy, serving as Managing Director of Groundswell Strategy a Board Member for the Partnership for Food Safety Education. Prior to launching Groundswell Strategy, Carmen served as Administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Over her 13 years with USDA, Carmen held several leadership roles and was credited with spearheading key agency initiatives including modernizing food safety inspection systems and establishing and updating pathogen performance standards. Carmen has extensive experience achieving collaboration across federal, state, and municipal agencies including with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with state departments of agriculture and across USDA's 29 agencies and offices.

Carmen began her federal career in the Federal Trade Commission's Office of General Counsel and has experience working in both the public and private sectors. She holds a B.A. degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Hope College and a J.D. from American University's Washington College of Law.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Brashears and Carmen [4:02] about:

  • Why consumer food safety education remains essential to foodborne illness prevention alongside safeguards throughout food production, processing, inspection, and regulation
  • How USDA approaches its role in educating consumers about safe food handling and what effective consumer food safety education looks like
  • Where consumers fit within the shared responsibility for food safety across the farm-to-fork continuum
  • The respective roles of government, industry, and nonprofit organizations in supporting consumers and advancing food safety education
  • Key challenges in translating established, science-based food safety recommendations, including "Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill," into consistent consumer behaviors
  • How social media, influencers, news outlets, government agencies, and other information sources are affecting consumer trust and food safety messaging
  • Opportunities to make consumer food safety education more effective and accessible through partnerships, communication strategies, educational resources, and targeted outreach
  • Which safe food handling behaviors deserve greater consumer attention, and how food safety professionals can reinforce those messages beyond National Food Safety Education Month.

Resources

Partnership for Food Safety Education

2026 IFIC Food and Health Survey: A Focus On Food and Ingredient Safety

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 226: Jules Shepard: From Celiac Disease Advocacy to Gluten-Free Food Manufacturing22 Sep 202601:12:17

Jules Shepard is the CEO and Founder of gfJules, the number-one‑voted gluten‑free flour and baking mixes company in the United States. A recognized gluten‑free baking expert, she has authored three award‑winning books in the field and recently released a new cookbook dedicated to gluten‑free bread. A long‑standing and respected leader in the gluten‑free and food allergy community, Jules championed the gluten‑free food labeling movement in 2011. Her tireless advocacy, education, and lobbying efforts culminated in her receiving the first‑ever "Gluten Free Person of the Decade" award in 2020.

 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jules [32:50] about:

How her celiac disease diagnosis led her from practicing law to consumer advocacy and eventually gluten-free food manufacturing

The consumer challenges that prompted grassroots advocacy for standardized FDA requirements governing "gluten-free" labeling

What food safety professionals should understand about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, exposure risks, and consumers' need for vigilance

Essential manufacturing controls, certifications, supplier practices, and other safeguards for producing trusted gluten-free and allergen-free foods

Gaps in U.S. gluten labeling requirements, including the treatment of wheat, barley, rye, and related hybrids

How gluten cross-contact, ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains, and voluntary precautionary statements can complicate consumers' evaluation of packaged foods

How regulators can approach thresholds, precautionary allergen labeling, and substantiation of "free-from" claims while considering practical implications for manufacturers

Where the gluten-free and allergen-free food sector needs to go next to better address the needs of consumers with celiac disease and food allergies.

 

News and Resources

 

News

Abbott Nutrition to Pay $385M Settlement for 2022 Infant Formula Shortage, Contamination Incident [2:13]

 

Recommendations from Industry-Led Reagan-Udall Roundtable on Controlling C. botulinum in Infant Formula [7:41]

 

Cattlemen's Associations Oppose Trump's Push to Allow On-Farm Meat Processing: 'Food Safety is NOT Red Tape' [15:36]

 

Trump Executive Order Seeks Meat Inspection Modernization by Cutting 'Unnecessary' Requirements, Expanding State Programs [17:16]

 

EU Reaffirms Stance That Glyphosate is Not Carcinogenic After Considering New Data [23:26]

 

Study Shows Food Allergens Can Carry Over From Insect Feed to Edible Insects [27:28]

 

Resources

 

gfJules

 

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 225. Yasuda, Boeffard, Boyce: The Stop Alliance Mentorship Program: Lessons Learned and Collaborations Shared08 Sep 202601:24:33

Lily Yasuda is the Deputy Director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, where she leads national initiatives that bring together food industry leaders to strengthen food safety culture and support continuous learning across the sector. She oversees collaborative working groups that develop practical, accessible tools to help companies share best practices and improve food safety outcomes. Prior to joining the Alliance, Lily held leadership roles across nonprofit organizations in the U.S., managing large-scale programs and partnerships. Her work focuses on building cross-industry collaboration, translating complex topics into actionable insights, and elevating the human stories behind food safety. 

Athenais Boeffard is a collaborative and people-focused production leader with over a decade of experience in food manufacturing and food safety. As Vice President of Production at Bread Alone Bakery, she oversees daily operations to deliver high-quality, organic baked goods that meet rigorous food safety and sustainability standards. Originally from France, Athenais holds an M.S. degree in Engineering and studied Food Science at Mississippi State University. She has led teams through operational change, built systems for continuous improvement, and fostered a culture where food safety is a shared responsibility. Athenais brings optimism and energy to her work every day, creating an environment where teams feel empowered, engaged, and proud of the food they produce. 

John Boyce has over 45 years of experience in various aspects of food production, food safety, quality assurance, sanitation, training, and auditing. He spent 25 years with Trident Seafoods, starting as a crab fisherman and then working in roles as plant manager, corporate human resources, regulatory compliance, national account sales, FSQA, and then as Director of Training and Development for the company. John is now an independent food safety consultant based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He enjoys working with clients to help them ensure food-safe products, and he is an expert partner and Core Team Member at Cultivate SA, helping assess and change food safety culture in food businesses. John is a citizen of both the U.S. and Canada and has a broad understanding of the cultures and food companies across the two countries. 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Lily, Athenais, and John [49:50] about:

  • Why the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness Mentorship Program was created, and the professional development needs it is intended to address
  • How the Alliance matches mentors and mentees, and the factors that contribute to a successful and productive mentorship relationship
  • Athenais and John's experience as mentorship partners, including their initial goals and how their relationship developed over time
  • Lessons John drew from more than 45 years in food production, FSQA, training, and auditing, and what he learned as a mentor
  • How Athenais used an outside perspective to work through food safety, operational, and leadership challenges at Bread Alone Bakery
  • How mentorship can build communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills that may be difficult to develop through technical training alone
  • The broader value of mentorship for strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge, and developing professionals across the food safety field.

Sponsored by: Michigan State University

News and Resources

News

Stop Foodborne Illness Kicks Off STOP3000 Food Safety Education Month Fundraiser [3:58]

FDA's Listeria Prevention Public Meeting: Experts Debate Zero Tolerance, Emphasize Environmental Monitoring and Fundamental Controls [11:51]

Harvard Law Analysis Warns Food Safety Preemption Bill Could Impact More Than Additives, Create Oversight Gaps [21:12]

News That USDA Cyclospora Research Was Defunded in 2026 Emerges as Nation's Largest-Ever Outbreak Continues [29:55]

Alfalfa Sprouts Contaminated With Both E. coli, Salmonella Sicken 55 People in 15 States [31:53]

China Investigates Illegal Use of Formaldehyde to Preserve Cabbage [42:15]

Resources

STOP3000 Fundraiser by Stop Foodborne Illness

Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness Mentorship Program (applications open for 2027 program!)

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 224. Rhodes Yepsen: Balancing Food Safety, Sustainability, and Packaging Policy25 Aug 202601:06:59

Rhodes Yepsen joined the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in 2015, where he leads the organization's efforts to promote the value of compostable products. Rhodes is passionate about systems-based solutions, where there is synergy in solving for food waste and packaging simultaneously—addressing climate change, ecosystem impacts, and regenerative agriculture. Previously, he served on the Board of USCC, worked for biopolymer producer Novamont, and was a staff editor and writer at BioCycle magazine.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Rhodes [30:05] about:

  • An overview of California bills AB 2226, AB 1812, and SB 1031, and why the proposed packaging policies matter to food processors and packaging manufacturers nationwide
  • Potential compliance challenges for food companies navigating evolving California packaging requirements while trying to maintain consistent packaging systems across multiple markets
  • How compostable food packaging and organics diversion programs can contribute to food waste reduction and broader sustainability goals within the food industry
  • Why packaging decisions must account for food safety, shelf life, and product protection alongside sustainability and end-of-life considerations
  • BPI's concerns about the proposals and the revisions it would like lawmakers to consider to support composting infrastructure, organics diversion, and sustainable packaging
  • Key factors food processors should weigh when selecting packaging amid changing regulations, including food safety requirements, shelf-life needs, and sustainability commitments
  • How policymakers, food manufacturers, and packaging suppliers can collaborate on sustainable packaging solutions without compromising food safety, product quality, or consumer confidence.

Sponsored by:

Michigan State University

News and Resources

News

FDA Proposes Mandatory GRAS Notifications for Ingredients Introduced to U.S. Food Supply [3:08]

FDA, USDA Submit 'Ultra-Processed Foods' Definition for Final Review [9:35]

FDA Finalizes FSMA Preventive Controls Guidance for Fresh-Cut Produce [16:09]

FAO, Wageningen Researchers Review Broad Range of AI Food Safety Applications [18:53]

FDA Finalizes Guidance for Assessing Human Health Risks of Antimicrobial Use in Food-Producing Animals [26:04]

Resources

Biodegradable Products Institute

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 223. Brittney Miller: HACCP, SQF, and Food Safety on America's First Quail Farm11 Aug 202601:12:01

Brittney Miller is President of Manchester Farms, America's first quail farm. What started over 40 years ago as a backyard hobby has grown into a nationally recognized, family-owned business that produces more than 80,000 quail weekly, raising them responsibly, without antibiotics or hormones, and shipping premium products to chefs, retailers, and home cooks across the country. Brittney's story is about more than farming: it is about stewardship, innovation, and family values. She combines her passion for sustainable agriculture with modern food safety standards. Her SQF Level 2 certified, HACCP-compliant farm sets the benchmark for quality in specialty poultry.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Brittney [28:27] about:

  • The history of Manchester Farms, America's first quail farm, and how the Miller family built a vertically integrated specialty poultry operation
  • How food safety considerations for quail production compare with those for more conventional poultry, including unique challenges and operational considerations
  • What SQF Level 2 certification and a HACCP program look like in practice within a specialty poultry production environment
  • How HACCP guides day-to-day operations, and how it has evolved as production expands and processes change

News and Resources

News

Researchers Propose Listeria Biofilm Colonization Hypothesis to Explain Persistence in Food Processing Plants [7:05]

Researchers Identify Plastic Food Contact Material Properties, Background Microbes that Influence Listeria Biofilm Persistence [8:52]

Research Collaboration Produces Guidance for Controlling Spore-Forming Bacteria in Plant-Based Beverage Ingredients [17:22]

FDA to Centralize Administrative Functions, Generalize Inspectors [21:00]

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Live From IAFP with USDA Leaders—New Strategies for Salmonella, AI, and Inspection Tech06 Aug 202600:44:43

Mindy Brashears, Ph.D. is the USDA's Under Secretary for Food Safety. Dr. Brashears previously served as Under Secretary for Food Safety from 2020–2021, and Deputy Under Secretary in 2019. Dr. Brashears returns to USDA from Texas Tech University, where she was a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor of Food Safety and Public Health, the Roth and Letch Family Endowed Chair for Food Safety, and the Director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence.

Dr. Brashears' research program has advanced food safety in meat and poultry production, with a focus on public health. Her work evaluated interventions in pre- and post-harvest environments and antimicrobial drug resistance in animal feeding systems. She has led international research teams across the globe to enhance food safety, security, and sustainable agriculture systems. Her research has resulted in more than 20 patents and patents pending for innovations in food safety.Beyond academia, Dr. Brashears has held leadership roles on boards and advisory committees, including the American Meat Science Association, the Development Council, the International Stockman's Educational Foundation, and the Protein Pact. She was a founding member of the SAFE Think Tank and has chaired the National Alliance for Food Safety and Security and the USDA's multi-state research group. Her contributions have earned national and international recognition, including induction into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, Fellow status in the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) and the National Academy of Inventors, and numerous awards from leading associations. 

Justin Ransom, Ph.D. is Administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), where he oversees FSIS' mission to ensure the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of America's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products. He leads the agency's modernization efforts, streamlining inspection systems, strengthening public health protections, and advancing science-based policies. 

Dr. Ransom brings more than 20 years of executive leadership in food safety, quality systems, animal welfare and sustainability. Immediately prior to his appointment, he served as senior director of sustainable food strategy at Tyson Foods, where he spearheaded enterprise-wide sustainability programs. His diverse industry experience also includes roles at McDonald's and OSI Group, where he managed and advanced complex food supply chains across global markets. 

With roots in production agriculture, Dr. Ransom has worked as a scientist, livestock breeder, and global supply chain leader, deepening his first-hand knowledge of end-to-end food system management. He began his public service career at USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, contributing to the development of technical standards for the National School Lunch Program, instrument grading systems, and international trade facilitation. 

Dr. Ransom holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University and earned an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Michigan State University and Colorado State University, respectively. 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Brashears [4:35] about:

  • USDA-FSIS' in-progress plans for its Salmonella SAFE Strategy, encompassing a new Salmonella Gold Standard
  • The data FSIS will be gathering across all poultry facilities and at individual establishments producing higher-risk products
  • How the new data-gathering initiatives will help FSIS spot trends sooner and take faster action to address food safety issues
  • FSIS' updated approach to Listeria compliance, and how it plans to address the overreliance among small establishments on compliance method Alternative 3
  • FSIS' creation of a new Office of Food Safety Scientific Panel, and the areas of FSIS work in which this scientific expertise will be utilized

We also speak with Dr. Ransom [20:11] about:

  • How USDA-FSIS is shifting from examining individual inspection findings to analyzing connected datasets, and how this will optimize FSIS inspection work
  • FSIS' use of AI and large language models to help identify food safety risks, and the safeguards FSIS is putting in place to ensure the scientific accuracy and transparency of these tools
  • How video-enabled glasses and AI-assisted imaging could change how inspections are conducted in the field
  • How FSIS is preparing inspectors and veterinarians to work alongside new data and AI-enabled tools
  • The importance of retaining human judgment in food safety oversight as these emerging technologies are rolled out across FSIS departments

Resources

USDA-FSIS Announces Pilot Program to Evaluate Salmonella Control Strategies in Raw Poultry Establishments

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 222. Elena Medo: Food Safety Lessons From the Global Infant Formula Cereulide Recall28 Jul 202601:28:28

Elena Medo, M.B.A. is an entrepreneur, researcher, and inventor who has spent nearly 40 years transforming neonatal care through leadership and innovation. She has secured numerous patents, raised over $40 million across four companies, and built a legacy of firsts, including the first commercially available shelf-stable donor breast milk product; the first milk bank owned exclusively by nursing mothers; and the first medical device designed to analyze human milk. Today, as CEO and co-founder of Leonie Health PBC, established in 2023 with her daughter, Adrianne Weir, Elena is developing a revolutionary product that replicates the immune properties of colostrum to protect preterm infants against the three deadliest neonatal infections—necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAC), and sepsis—which together claim the lives of more than 30,000 hospitalized infants per year.

Elena's work is driven by an unwavering commitment to ensure that human milk's unparalleled bioactive benefits reach the world's most vulnerable patients. Companies she has founded—including Prolacta Bioscience, Medolac Laboratories, North American Instruments, and White River Concepts—have applied disruptive technologies to serve the 15 million preterm infants born each year. A frequent speaker at neonatal, women's health, and leadership conferences, Elena holds an M.B.A. degree in Healthcare Management from the University of California, Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business and is widely recognized for assembling world-class teams to solve critical challenges in infant health.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Elena [38:58] about:

  • Her work in human milk science and the founding of Leonie Health, which offers bioactive infant nutritional products mimicking colostrum to support neonatal health and early development
  • Reflections on the recent global infant formula recall due to cereulide contamination, which affected 99 countries and multiple brands
  • Why U.S. disease surveillance systems might miss or misclassify infant foodborne illness cases
  • What the cereulide incident reveals about risks for infants in neonatal intensive care (NICU) and donor milk settings
  • Improvements to public health and laboratory systems that would enable earlier detection and response to infant formula contamination incidents and related illnesses
  • The importance of infant-specific toxicological reference values for contaminants like cereulide, such as those recently established in the EU, and how the EU's response could influence regulatory approaches to other emerging hazards in infant foods
  • Leonie Health's process for verifying the safety of donor milk
  • Key principles for clinicians, hospitals, and parents to consider when making decisions about infant feeding when contamination events affect commercial formula products.

News and Resources

News

U.S. Cyclosporiasis outbreak [2:46]:

Codex Alimentarius news [28:30]

Following Infant Formula Incidents, FDA Urges Manufacturers to Implement Stronger, Substantive Supplier Oversight [29:53]

USDA-FSIS to Expand Testing for Metals in RTE Foods Under National Residue Program [33:59]

Resources

Infant formula cereulide contamination incident:

U.S. Cyclosporiasis outbreak:

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Elanco: Summer Fly Pressure, Food Safety, and Smarter IPM in Poultry Houses24 Jul 202600:22:40

Alissa Welsher, Ph.D. is a Senior Consultant at Elanco Poultry Food Safety. Dr. Welsher received a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a master's degree in poultry science and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Arkansas. Her area of expertise is meat and poultry food safety, and she specializes in integrated pest management (IPM).

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Welsher [1:39] about:

  • The seasonal conditions that allow fly populations to surge and become more difficult to control during the summer months
  • The food safety risks posed by flies in preharvest poultry operations
  • The benefits of fitting fly control into a broader IPM strategy
  • The initial signs of increasing fly activity and the first steps that integrators and applicators should take to respond
  • How insecticides like Agita can be used in combination with monitoring, sanitation, and other pest management practices for effective fly control.

Resources

Agita® 10 WG

Sponsored by:

Elanco

NomadX: Preventing Food Safety Crises—A New Approach to Detection, Decontamination, and Intervention21 Jul 202600:23:40

Lyle Probst is the CEO of NomadX and an accomplished entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in operations, product development, engineering, biodefense, and advanced technology commercialization.

Lyle was previously a scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and has founded and led multiple companies spanning technology development, manufacturing, biomedical technology, and biological defense. He was part of the team that developed the U.S. BioWatch program and previously served as CEO of MicroFluidic Systems, which, under a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, developed the M-BAND biological detection system to continuously monitor for biological threats. The system was ultimately licensed by a major defense contractor. Lyle has also designed and shipped multiple mobile command centers and laboratories around the world for several governments and notable private companies.

Today, Lyle leads NomadX's mission to help food producers prevent contamination through innovative approaches to detection and decontamination. He has spoken at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National BioWatch conferences, and has appeared as a contributor on national media outlets. He is the recipient of several awards and certificates of appreciation from the U.S. Government for his work and contributions to the BioWatch program and related projects. Lyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an MBA in Executive Management.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Lyle [2:18] about:

  • How his background in biodefense, autonomous pathogen detection, and national security led Lyle into food safety, and lessons from biodefense that can be applied to food production and food safety
  • The importance of moving beyond a compliance mindset when it comes to food safety and how recalls and food safety events can impact a business beyond direct costs
  • Industry blind spots related to microbiological contamination control
  • The advancement of rapid pathogen detection technologies and what it means for real-life applications
  • Utilizing pathogen detection data to guide root cause analyses, inform targeted interventions, and prevent recurrence
  • Potential applications for artificial intelligence in food safety
  • What the future of food safety programs may look like in light of advancements in testing, automation, and data integration
  • Advice for food safety leaders as they prepare for the future.

Resources

The Three-Pillar Food Safety Solution

Sponsored by:

NomadX

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 221. Dr. Alex LeBeau: The Science Behind Food Contaminant Testing14 Jul 202600:57:19

Alex LeBeau, Ph.D., M.P.H., CIH is the owner of Exposure Assessment Consulting LLC in Orlando, Florida, where he offers toxicology, industrial hygiene, risk assessment, and public health consulting services. Over his 13-year career, he has evaluated environmental and occupational exposures and has performed toxicological evaluations of chemicals and biological agents. He has also performed human health risk assessments of contaminated sites using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulatory guidelines and has monitored remediation activities at those sites. To evaluate the exposure impacts on building occupants, he has performed indoor environmental quality assessments, including Legionella and water quality assessments, at healthcare, residential, and industrial facilities.

Dr. LeBeau has been a co-author on industry guidance for COVID-19 issues. He has also been retained as a testifying expert witness and provided consultation on several occupational and environmental exposure claims. Finally, Dr. LeBeau has authored safety assessments on consumer products, including antimicrobial pesticide registration dossiers, Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) determinations for food ingredients following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for scientific procedures, and submitted a health claim petition to the FDA that was successfully accepted by the agency.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. LeBeau [26:40] about:

  • The Healthy Florida First contaminant testing initiative for food products, which has notably raised concerns about arsenic in candy
  • Gaps around Healthy Florida First's testing methodology, data reporting, and transparency that make the contaminant findings difficult to interpret in a scientific context
  • How arsenic is typically evaluated in food products and what factors are relevant to determine whether detected levels are significant to human health
  • Why detection does not always equate to danger (i.e., the difference between hazard identification and risk assessment)
  • The exposure assumptions and risk calculations that are required to translate contaminant testing results into a realistic assessment of consumer risk
  • How FDA and EPA typically conduct exposure science and toxicological risk assessments for contaminants in food, and how Healthy Florida First's approach compares
  • Best practices for the communication of contaminant testing results to ensure the information is accurate, transparent, and responsibly interpreted by both industry and consumers.

News and Resources

News

Novel C. Botulinum Test for Infant Formula Developed After ByHeart Study Reveals Industry Standard Falls Short [1:54]

Infant Formula Brands Behind Botulism Outbreaks Used Same Organic Whole Milk Supplier [3:57]

USDA-FSIS Announces Pilot Program to Evaluate Salmonella Control Strategies in Raw Poultry Establishments [10:29]

EU Report on Food Safety Alerts Highlights Top Hazards, Major Incidents in 2025 [14:04]

California Law Standardizing 'Best By' Dates Now in Effect: What Packaged Food Manufacturers Need to Know [19:16]

Resources

Florida Contaminant Testing Program Raises Concerns Over Arsenic in Candy

Exposure Assessment Consulting

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

MilliporeSigma: Uncharted Territory—Food Risks, Rapid Responses, and the Race to Adapt09 Jul 202600:51:53

Sally Powell Price, PG.Dip., M.Sc. joined MilliporeSigma in 2020 as a Regulatory Subject Matter Expert for Public Health focusing on food safety, testing, and environmental monitoring in North America. Previously, she served as Food and Environmental Lab Supervisor at the New York City Department of Health Public Health Laboratory, and as Director of Lab Operations at a Boston-based startup. She holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Hamilton College and an M.Sc. degree in Microbiology and Immunology from James Cook University (Australia), and completed her professional training at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Sally currently co-chairs both the International Government Relations Committee and the Laboratory Science and Technology Committee for the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). She is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Food Safety Communities of Practice and has served as an Advisory Panel member for several AOAC International working groups. 

Justyce Jedlicka, M.B.A. works in North America Commercial Applications for Food, Beverage, and Industrial Regulatory for MilliporeSigma, where she is responsible for engaging with influencers in the food and beverage industry to align initiatives with regulatory compliance and promote best practices for food safety and quality testing methods. Justyce has been serving the food and beverage industry since 2013, and received both a B.S. degree in Chemistry and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. She previously served as the Chair of the Food Sciences Section of the American Council of Independent Labs (ACIL) and currently serves on the Food Science Section Executive Committee at ACIL and the Board of Directors for the Independent Laboratory Institute. She is a member of IAFP, ISBT, SMA, and AOAC.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Sally and Justyce [2:51] about:

  • Emerging food risks in North America, and how the concept of a "food risk" has evolved over the past decade
  • Differences and similarities in how regulators are handling novel versus established food risks
  • What a rapid and agile response to a food risk might look like, whether such a response exists in North America, and whether existing regulatory frameworks can become more proactive than reactive
  • Manufacturers' challenge of balancing speed-to-market with regulatory compliance in an evolving risk landscape
  • The greatest tensions between food innovation and regulatory readiness in the North American market
  • Whether contract laboratories and testing laboratories are equipped to keep pace with emerging food risks
  • How companies can future-proof their testing and compliance strategies
  • The role that scientific partners like MilliporeSigma play in helping regulators and manufacturers become more agile in an evolving food risk landscape.

Resources

MilliporeSigma for Food Safety

Sponsored by:

MilliporeSigma

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 220. Ramirez and Hodgson: What it Takes to Build and Maintain an Effective Food Safety Culture23 Jun 202601:08:11

Miguel Ramirez is a seasoned food manufacturing executive with more than three decades of operational leadership experience in the food industry. He currently serves as Vice President of Operations at Fresca Foods Inc. in Louisville, Colorado, where he has held progressive leadership roles over the past 13 years including Plant Manager, Director of Operations, and his current VP role. Prior to Fresca Foods, Miguel spent over 24 years with Butterball LLC, where he managed more than 12 production lines across a two-shift operation with a workforce of 350 employees.

Known for championing food safety culture at the operational level, Miguel brings a rare perspective to food safety conversations—that of a senior operations leader who understands that food safety and operational excellence are not competing priorities, but instead, are deeply interconnected.

Madisen Hodgson, M.S. is a food safety and quality assurance professional with nearly a decade of progressive experience spanning food manufacturing, retail bakery, beverage, and airline catering environments. She currently serves as a Quality Assurance Manager for a protein and nutritional bar manufacturer in Denver, Colorado, where she oversees the full food safety management system and leads a multi-shift quality assurance team across multiple production lines.

Madisen holds an M.S. degree in Food Safety from the University of Arkansas and carries certifications including PCQI, SQF Practitioner, HACCP Coordinator, and CP-FS. She is passionate about building strong food safety cultures, developing food safety professionals, and bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and practical, operational food safety.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Miguel and Madisen [30:31] about:

  • The evolution and current understanding of food safety culture in the food manufacturing industry
  • Operationalizing food safety culture across teams and balancing production demands with food safety priorities
  • Specific practices and behaviors that indicate a robust food safety culture
  • How leadership visibility and engagement influences employees' food safety behaviors and accountability
  • Challenges companies face when trying to move from a compliance-based mindset to a true culture of food safety, and how they can be overcome
  • Measuring the effectiveness of food safety culture initiatives by paying attention to certain indicators and utilizing feedback mechanisms
  • What sets a great food safety culture apart from an average or ineffective food safety culture
  • The future of food safety culture in light of increasing regulatory scrutiny and industry emphasis on accountability and transparency.

Sponsored by:

Registrar Corp 

See how training can impact food safety culture in research data from the Global Food Safety Training Survey.


News and Resources

News

New Research Reveals Addictive Design, Health Harms of Ultra-Processed Foods; Calls for Systemic Change [2:48]
Study Suggests Food Processing, Not Just Nutrient Content, May Affect Health Impacts of UPFs

Global Foodborne Disease Burden Comparable to Malaria, Per Updated WHO Estimates [14:34]

After Infant Botulism Outbreak, FDA Shares Root Cause Analysis Findings from ByHeart Formula Plants [23:00]

Eight Sick, One Dead in Three-Year Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese [25:23]


We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 219: World Food Safety Day 202607 Jun 202600:51:26

Elaine Borghi, Ph.D. is Unit Head for Monitoring and Surveillance, Nutrition, and Food Safety at the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Borghi contributes to the coordination of efforts for nutrition and food safety data management, the generation of regional and global-level estimates and data-sharing tools, and the facilitation of inter-department data and methods harmonization. She holds a Ph.D. from the Statistics Department of the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in Statistics from the State University of Campinas in Brazil. Before her time at WHO, Dr. Borghi was a lecturer at the State University of Campinas for 12 years. In addition to teaching, she provided statistical support to research in agriculture planning for rural sustainable development.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Borghi [24:38] about:

  • How the methodology behind the new WHO global foodborne disease burden estimates has evolved since the original 2015 estimates
  • New insights related to national and regional differences and trends over time
  • How WHO compiles and validates the data on which the estimates are based, and the role that international partners and surveillance systems play in this process
  • Translating the data into actionable food safety interventions, as promoted by the theme of WFSD 2026, "From Burden to Solutions—Safe Food Everywhere"
  • How different stakeholder groups can utilize the estimates to prioritize risks, allocate resources, and strengthen food safety systems
  • What regional differences in the burden of foodborne illness reveal about the need for targeted interventions
  • The importance of also estimating and communicating the economic burden of foodborne diseases
  • How WHO envisions the updated estimates shaping global food safety policy, surveillance, and collaboration.

News and Resources

News

FDA Modernizes Oversight of Pesticides in Food [3:48]

Bipartisan Bill Would Give FDA Authority to Destroy Contaminated Food Imports [7:00]

'Natural' Food Dyes May Have Health Risks Too, Studies Show [13:38]

Study Suggests Sweetener May Contribute to Liver Disease [20:51]

Resources

World Food Safety Day 2026 to Coincide with Release of Updated WHO Foodborne Disease Burden Estimates

Global Foodborne Disease Burden Comparable to Malaria, Per Updated WHO Estimates

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Elanco: Spring and Summer Pest Pressure—Smart Insecticide Strategies for Poultry Producers28 May 202600:23:59

Alissa Welsher, Ph.D. is a Senior Consultant at Elanco Poultry Food Safety. Dr. Welsher received her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree in poultry science, and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Arkansas. Her area of expertise is in meat and poultry food safety, and she specializes in integrated pest management (IPM). 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Welsher [1:39] about:

  • Why pests become more problematic for poultry operations in the spring and summer months and which pets are of particular concern
  • How pests in preharvest poultry operations are related to food safety threats like Salmonella that persist throughout production
  • The importance and core pillars of a robust IPM program
  • How chemical solutions like insecticides can provide an additional layer of defense alongside strong IPM
  • Best practices for insecticide application to maximize effectiveness and mitigate resistance
  • Different insecticide products and how they act on insects in all life stages
  • The benefits of working with an expert IPM and insecticide partner like Elanco to ensure effective and proper insect control, especially moving into spring and summer.

Resources

Elanco Poultry Food Safety Solutions

Sponsored by: 

Elanco

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 218. Dr. Brady Carter: Water Activity, Shelf-Life Validation, and Food Safety Controls26 May 202601:23:02

Brady Carter, Ph.D. is the Chief Scientific Officer at Carter Scientific Solutions. He specializes in water activity, moisture sorption, shelf-life stability, plant science, and wheat production and quality. He has 23 years of experience in research and development and previously was a Research Professor at Washington State University focusing on wheat end-use quality. Dr. Carter has pioneered work in using dynamic isotherms to investigate product stability and establish critical water activities for optimal shelf life. He also specializes in shelf-life loss and effective utilization of instrumentation to address product safety and quality issues. Dr. Carter holds a Ph.D. in Crop Science and Food Engineering and an M.S degree in Cereal Chemistry and Crop Science from Washington State University, as well as a B.A. degree in Botany from Weber State University.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Carter [41:18] about:

  • The basics of water activity, including how it is measured and how it differs from moisture content
  • The influence of water activity on food safety and shelf life, and how water activity data can support the validation of shelf-life claims
  • Ways manufacturers can incorporate water activity into their shelf-life and food safety testing, and during research and development when formulating products
  • Regulatory expectations around water activity monitoring as part of validation and verification
  • The realities of water activity measurement that make real-time, inline testing impractical with current technology
  • How water activity monitoring can help mitigate food waste
  • The importance of the statement, "water activity is the energy of water."

News and Resources

News

Donald Prater Becomes New Head of FDA Human Foods Program [16:54]
FDA Commissioner Steps Down, To Be Replaced by Agency's Human Foods Leader
Top U.S. Food Safety Officials Discuss Regulatory Landscape at Food Safety Summit

FDA Encourages Industry to Develop Best Practices, Use Root Cause Analyses [20:30]

FDA Finalizes Systematic Post-Market Food Chemical Review Process [21:34]

FDA Launches One-Day Inspectional Assessments [22:30]

Scientists Tackle Food Waste with More Accurate 'Sell By' Dates Based on Meat Microbial Activity [27:42]

Monitoring Data Show EU Food Mostly Compliant with Pesticide Limits [35:58]

Resources

Food Safety Rockstar T-Shirts on Amazon (BE ADVISED: they run small)

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Live from the 2026 Food Safety Summit—Part 221 May 202602:08:03

To get a taste of the discussions that were happening at the 2026 Food Safety Summit, we spoke face-to-face with Roberta Wagner, M.Sc., Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA); Steven Mandernach, J.D., Executive Director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) and Sandra Eskin, J.D., CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness; Jacob Nelson, Asset Protection Sales Manager at the Sherwin-Williams Company and Feraas Aiameh, Food and Beverage Marketing Manager at the Sherwin-Williams Company; Conrad Choiniere, Ph.D., Director of  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Office of Microbiological Food Safety, Vanessa Coffman, Ph.D., Director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, and Lone Jespersen, Ph.D., Founder and Principal of Cultivate SA; and Cindy Jiang, Senior Director, Global Food Safety Risk Management, Global Supply Chain at McDonald's (retired).

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with:

  • Ms. Wagner about food ingredient safety and labeling trends, policy developments, and risk communication [2:48]
  • Mr. Mandernach and Ms. Eskin about progress and gaps in the implementation of FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the 15 years since it was passed [26:19]
  • Mr. Nelson and Mr. Aiameh about a facility lifecycle approach to food safety [47:37]
  • Drs. Choiniere, Coffman, and Jespersen about perspectives, challenges, and opportunities related food safety culture across sectors [1:16:42]
  • Ms. Jiang about practical applications for artificial intelligence (AI) in food safety. [1:44:37]

Sponsored by: Sherwin Williams

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Live from the 2026 Food Safety Summit—Part 119 May 202601:27:01

To get a taste of the discussions that were happening at the 2026 Food Safety Summit, we spoke face-to-face with Jeremy Zenlea, M.B.A., Vice President and Head of Health and Safety for EG America and Laurie Farmer, Director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Office of Retail Food Protection; David Clifford, M.B.A., Director of Food Safety at Nestlé USA and Sara Mortimore, M.Sc., Founder of Sara Mortimore LLC and formerly Vice President for Food Safety at Walmart; Frank Curto, Ph.D., Vice President of Operations at Ecowize North America; and Drew McDonald, Senior Vice President of Quality, Food Safety, and Regulatory Affairs for Taylor Fresh Foods and Conrad Choiniere, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Office of Microbiological Food Safety.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with:

  • Mr. Zenlea and Ms. Farmer about issues related to retail/foodservice food safety, including the intersection of sanitation and culture, FDA's Comprehensive Employee Health Toolkit, and utilizing employee health policies to reduce norovirus risk [3:06]
  • Mr. Clifford and Ms. Mortimore about the process and benefits of digitalizing Hazards Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programs [21:46]
  • Dr. Curto about building an "audit-ready everyday" food safety culture [42:31]
  • Mr. McDonald and Dr. Choiniere about data sharing within organizations and across sectors. [1:00:04]

Sponsored by: Ecowize 

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 217. Larry Keener: Learnings From an Award-Winning Career in Food Safety12 May 202601:16:13

Larry Keener, CFS, PA is President and CEO of International Product Safety Consultants Inc. and an internationally regarded microbiologist and process authority in the food industry. His areas of expertise range from applied food microbiology to the development and application of novel preservation technologies.

Mr. Keener is a 2013 Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a Board Certified Food Scientist by the International Food Science Certification Commission, and a 2018 recipient of an International Union of Food Science and Technology's (IUFoST's) lifetime achievement award for his work in microbiology and food safety. He is also the recipient of Food Safety Magazine's 2026 Distinguished Service Award.

He is a past president of IFT's Nonthermal Processing Division and a two-term past president of Tuskegee University's Food and Nutrition Sciences Advisory Board. He is also a past co-chair and founding member of the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI). Additionally, Mr. Keener is a 2022 inductee to the George Washington Carver Society and has received numerous other awards and honors.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Larry [40:37] about:

  • The beginnings of his career in food safety and formative experiences that shaped his understanding of the field and his future work
  • Important contributions Larry has made to the food safety field, and concepts his research and publications have helped advance
  • The advantages of food safety professionals and scientists sharing knowledge and engaging in conversations, such as those facilitated by Food Safety Magazine
  • Which risk assessment, regulatory, and technological developments have made the biggest difference in improving food safety outcomes over the years
  • The underappreciation of food irradiation as a viable food safety intervention, which Larry will discuss during his session at the 2026 Food Safety Summit, titled, "Food Irradiation Today: What's Allowed, Where, and Why?"
  • Advice for early-career food safety professionals to "learn the business" and drive value.

News and Resources

News

USDA Announces Reorganization of Food Safety and Inspection Service [4:24]

Federal Preemption of State Food Safety Laws Debated During Congressional Hearing [10:42]
Congress to Hold Legislative Hearing on 28 Active Bills Related to Food Safety, FDA
FRESH Act Aims to Preempt State Food Safety Laws, Proposes Controversial GRAS Reforms
Bill Reintroduced to Allow FDA to Share Information with State Agencies During Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

FDA Testing Shows U.S. Infant Formula is Safe, with Undetectable or Very Low Chemical Contamination [23:32]

WHO Estimates a $46 Return for Every $1 Investment in National Foodborne Disease Surveillance [29:42]

Study Finds Cold Plasma Treatment Reduces Peanut Allergenicity [36:29]

Resources

Larry Keener to be Honored with Food Safety Magazine's 2026 Distinguished Service Award

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Apeel Sciences: Helping Growers and Suppliers Build the Future of Food30 Apr 202600:30:59

Jenny Du, Ph.D. is Co-Founder of Apeel Sciences, a post-harvest intelligence and solutions company helping suppliers and retailers deliver fresh, healthier, and simply better produce at scale—using plant-based materials science to close the gap between what consumers expect from fresh produce and what the supply chain is able to deliver. Jenny earned her bachelor's degree in engineering chemistry and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, where she was awarded an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship. She then joined the University of California, Santa Barbara as a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry, where she met co-founders James Rogers and Lou Perez. In 2013, the three founded Apeel in a garage in Goleta, California. Today, Apeel has earned regulatory clearances and operates in several markets worldwide, including in the U.S. and in Europe. Jenny was named to Inc.'s 2021 Top Female Founders 100 list and named one of TED's Top 10 most-watched speakers of the year following her 2025 talk, "The Science of Making Fruits and Veggies Last Longer."

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jenny [1:51] about:

  • Her journey from being a postdoctoral chemistry researcher to co-founding Apeel Sciences
  • The science behind Apeel's clean, edible produce coating and how it differs from traditional products applied to produce post-harvest
  • Apeel's evaluation and approvals by FDA, EFSA, and regulators in more than 40 countries
  • How Apeel disrupts the existing $11 billion dollar post-harvest industry and what happens to produce between the field and retail
  • The implications of Apeel on food safety standards and protocols for post-harvest treatment and microbial control
  • Apeel's response to industry resistance and disinformation
  • The broader consumer movement demanding transparency about food production and ingredients, and where Apeel fits into this conversation.

Resources

Follow Apeel Sciences on Substack!

Sponsored by:

Apeel Sciences

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com.

Ep. 216. Sandro Tarchini: Driving Global Food Traceability, Authenticity with Blockchain28 Apr 202601:02:57

Sandro Tarchini serves as Global Head of Business Development at Cardano Foundation. He has more than a decade of experience in digital financial services, fintech innovation, and strategic partnerships across blockchain and traditional finance sectors. Prior to joining the Foundation, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Saxo Bank, and most recently, Wyden. Sandro's latest work at the Foundation includes collaboration with Grant Thornton Switzerland to execute the first financial audit attestation on a blockchain.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Sandro [38:28] about:

  • What blockchain is, and how it can be applied to the food supply chain to improve traceability and transparency
  • How blockchain's "immutable transparency" could help solve problems like food fraud and increase trust in food systems
  • Hurdles to industry adoption of blockchain technology for traceability
  • The Cardano Foundation's work with the Georgian National Wine Agency to establish the Georgian Wine Traceability Program, which uses blockchain to authenticate wine from vineyard to retail
  • Educational resources offered by the Cardano Foundation to help industry understand and adopt blockchain solutions
  • Trends driving blockchain momentum, such as regulatory changes, and near-term challenges to blockchain implementation
  • Lessons and best practices for setting up the right ecosystem of partners and resources in Switzerland, where the Cardano Foundation is based.

Before we speak to Sandro, listen to Adrienne's interview with Patrick Schneider [22:17], Vice President of Operations and Engineering at CDG Environmental LLC, about the importance of chlorine dioxide for comprehensive sanitation programs in food manufacturing facilities. Patrick also discusses what sets CDG's chlorine dioxide solutions apart from others on the market, as well as CDG's presence at the upcoming Food Safety Summit.

News and Resources

News

FDA FY 2027 Budget Request Includes $57 Million for 'MAHA' [5:31]

FDA Launches BRIDGE Project to Modernize Food Facility Inspections [8:23]

FDA Finds Adulteration in 4 Percent of Honey Samples [13:19]

Global Survey Highlights Gaps and Opportunities in Food Safety Training [15:06]

Study Evaluates Pathogen Reductions on Microgreens Treated with UV-C [19:41]

USDA Creates Office of Seafood [21:00]

Resources

Cardano Foundation

Food Safety Summit Live Streaming

Register for the Food Safety Summit, taking place May 11–14 in Rosemont, Illinois!

Sponsored by:

CDG Environmental

Visit CDG–the Chlorine Dioxide Company at Booth #446 at the 2026 Food Safety Summit!

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 215. Stalker and Terada: Aligning Culture, Risk, and Operations at the Food Safety Summit14 Apr 202601:00:46

Suzette Stalker is Director of FSQA Program Compliance at FreshRealm Inc. Formerly, she served as Director of Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory compliance at Target Corporation. At Target, Suzette was responsible for food safety standards and programs, covering nearly 2,000 stores and more than 60 supply chain facilities. Her work encompassed owned brand supplier manufacturing facilities, product labeling, produce farms, supply chain facilities, retail stores, and managing food recalls. Previously, Suzette led teams to develop and execute comprehensive internal audits of food safety and operational risks across Target.

Before joining Target, Suzette gained valuable food safety and quality experience in manufacturing with roles at Agropur and Schroeder Milk Company, where she implemented Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) programs across multiple factories. Suzette holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of St. Scholastica.

Sabrina Terada is the Manager for Food Safety Risk Management and Measurement at Yum! Brands. She is a seasoned professional in food safety and quality assurance with extensive experience at Yum! Brands, where her roles have included Manager of Global Food Safety Risk Management and Measurement and Manager of Global FSQA. In these positions, Sabrina held responsibilities supporting the Food Safety Governance Framework, coaching, and assisting business units with crisis management.

Her prior experience includes serving as a Food Safety Specialist at Citrosuco, where she established certifications and coordinated Hazards Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and as a master's student at the University of Florida researching enzyme reactions. She holds a master's degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Florida and a bachelor's degree in Food Technology and Processing from Universidade Federal de Viçosa.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Suzette and Sabrina [30:38] about:

  • Their contributions as members of the Editorial Advisory Board for the 2026 Food Safety Summit and the value the Summit brings to industry and the broader food safety community
  • The differences between food safety risk management in manufacturing and retail environments
  • The perspective that global experiences offer in the context of food safety risk management
  • Leadership strategies that can help manage food safety programs for large-scale operations with thousands of stores
  • The challenges that companies may face when trying to implement a strong food safety governance structure across multiple brands, markets, or business units
  • A real-world example that illustrates how an imported food safety issue can escalate into a regulatory or crisis communication challenge, previewing Suzette's Summit session, "Beyond the Headlines: Food Safety Risks in Imported Foods"
  • The importance of bridging the gap between quality teams and business operations in the context of food safety culture and building effective food safety programs, previewing Sabrina's Summit session, "Beyond Compliance: Elevating Food Safety Buy-In Through Interpersonal Influence"
  • Key skills and experiences for food safety professionals entering the field today.

News and Resources

News

IFSAC Publishes Latest U.S. Foodborne Illness Source Attribution Estimates [6:43]

Raw Farm Recalls Unpasteurized Cheese While Denying Link to E. coli Outbreak [11:47]
Patient Count in Raw Farm E. coli Outbreak Grows, Majority are Young Children

GFSI Unveils Updated Food Safety Culture Framework [21:05]

UK FSA Reveals Plans to Modernize Food Regulatory System [26:14]

Resources

The 2026 Food Safety Summit, taking place May 11–14 in Rosemont, Illinois!

Public Fails to Appreciate Risk of Consuming Raw Milk, Survey Finds (Annenberg Public Policy Center)

Sponsored by:

Michigan State University Online Food Safety Program

Ep. 214. Chris McGarvey: UK/EU Food Regulatory Changes on the Horizon24 Mar 202601:11:50

Chris McGarvey is the Director of the Regulatory and Compliance Team for Walker Morris LLP in the UK. He has more than 25 years of experience working in both the private and public sector, and has a track record of helping clients navigate complex legal challenges in areas of highly regulated economic activity. Chris specializes in food law and led the Food Standards Agency's (FSA's) Legal Team through Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain challenges associated with the Ukraine conflict. Chris' typical clients are Directors, Senior Managers, and specialists, particularly food scientists, who demand quick, accessible, and accurate advice. His work often has national reach and spans all four nations of the UK.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Chris [26:40] about:

  • Impending regulatory changes in the UK and EU that will have immediate impacts for food business operations, and what companies should be doing to prepare
  • The legal, ethical, and compliance challenges posed by the increasing regulatory attention being paid to emerging food innovations like precision fermentation and cannabidiol (CBD) products, and the potential influence of consumer perceptions on regulatory outcomes
  • How Brexit can serve as a case study for food businesses navigating significant regulatory changes
  • The legal and financial implications for food exporters related to ongoing UK–EU food trade negotiations
  • Benefits, drawbacks, and realities of the EU's prescriptive, stringent approach to regulating food substances versus the U.S.'s current deregulatory, voluntary approach
  • Possible consumer health and legal outcomes that could emerge if countries choose to adopt Codex-aligned, risk-based precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) requirements
  • Advice for companies to go beyond minimum compliance with traceability and recall regulatory requirements, including the role that technology can play in achieving this goal.

News and Resources

News

Larry Keener to be Honored with Food Safety Magazine's 2026 Distinguished Service Award [7:16]

RFK Jr. Says Federal Ultra-Processed Foods Definition is Coming in April [8:49]

FDA Releases Initial Findings from Foodborne Pathogen Study in California Growing Region [15:09]

EU Considers Adoption of Harmonized Precautionary Allergen Labeling Rules [20:27]

UK-EU Trade Agreement Would Harmonize Certain Food Safety Rules by Mid-2027 [21:33]

EU Launches AI Traceability Platform to Strengthen Detection of Food Fraud, Safety Risks [22:45]

World Food Safety Day 2026 to Coincide with Release of Updated WHO Foodborne Disease Burden Estimates [23:33]

Resources

"2026 Trends in the EU/UK Food Law Space" by Chris McGarvey

Sponsored by:

Eagle Product Inspection

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

FlexXray: Emerging Technologies for Improving Foreign Material Detection17 Mar 202600:23:59

Kye Luker serves as the Chief Product Officer at FlexXray, where he leads development of the company's innovative X-ray inspection process and technology. With more than two decades of experience in the service, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and food and beverage industries, Kye brings a wealth of knowledge in continuous improvement, quality assurance, and formulations to his role.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Kye [1:34] about:

  • How foreign material (FM) contamination continues to challenge food manufacturers as it remains one of the leading causes of food recalls each year
  • Why certain contaminants are difficult to detect with traditional metal detectors and inline X-ray systems
  • How many FM control strategies remain reactive, with detection systems acting primarily as signaling devices rather than preventing contamination upstream
  • The role of third-party inspection partners in helping manufacturers investigate FM incidents, narrow hold windows, and support data-driven product release decisions
  • Key limitations of re-inspecting product in-house using the same inline equipment, speeds, and sensitivity settings that originally failed to detect FM
  • How computed tomography (CT) inspection can analyze products in three dimensions, allowing inspectors to identify FM hidden by layering effects in complex food products
  • The benefits of a multi-pronged FM control strategy that combines upstream detection technologies with advanced downstream inspection
  • Advanced technologies utilized by FlexXray to enhance detection sensitivity and precision, including photon-counting X-ray systems and machine learning algorithms.

Resources

2025 Foreign Material in Food Benchmark Report

Sponsored by:

FlexXray

 

Ep. 213. Richard Stier: Driving Continuous Improvement in Food Safety and Sanitation10 Mar 202601:01:28

Richard (Rick) Stier, M.S. is a consulting food scientist who has helped food processors develop safety, quality, and sanitation programs. He believes in emphasizing the importance of how these programs can help companies increase profits. Rick comes from a family background in food science, with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) establishing an award in his mother's name—the Humanitarian Award for Service to the Science of Food in honor of Elizabeth Fleming Stier. Rick holds degrees in food science from Rutgers University and the University of California at Davis. He is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Food Safety Magazine.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Rick [18:38] about:

  • His path into food science and food safety, influenced by his upbringing around the Rutgers University food science community and early mentorship in the field
  • His work as an independent consultant helping processors improve food safety, sanitation, and quality programs, and how he addresses suboptimal practices he encounters in processing facilities
  • Memorable experiences from his career, including industry-wide efforts to address food safety challenges and examples of innovations that helped prevent future problems
  • Why crisis management and preparedness are critical for food companies, and how building strong programs in advance helps organizations respond effectively to disruptions
  • Common misconceptions about internal audits, and how companies can design audit programs that evaluate every element of their food safety management system and drive continuous improvement
  • Key challenges in managing the physical plant as a prerequisite program, and why details such as facility design, maintenance, and infrastructure can have major food safety implications
  • Frequently misunderstood hygiene practices in food processing facilities, including the importance of adequate handwashing infrastructure and strong employee hygiene policies
  • Practical ways companies can ensure hygiene and food safety procedures are followed, such as leadership accountability, employee education, and reinforcing expectations through facility design and incentives
  • A preview of Rick's upcoming two-part article series on HACCP, which will explore how HACCP plans fit within broader food safety management systems and prerequisite programs.

News and Resources

News

FDA Releases Produce Regulatory Program Standards [6:22]

FDA Announces FSMA 204 Stakeholder Engagement Initiative, Releases Guidance [8:11]

RFK Jr. Highlights FDA's Focus on GRAS Rule, But Makes No Promises [10:44]

FAO, EFSA Sign MOU to Strengthen Collaboration on Science-Based Food Safety [15:36]

Resources

Richard Stier's articles for Food Safety Magazine

Sponsored by:

IFC {LOGO LINKS TO: indfumco.com/chlorinedioxide}

 

FACT SHEET: A Clean Break to Reset the Environment with Chlorine Dioxide [BH1]  

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

#

 [BH1]PRISCILA: Please include the uniquely linked "FACT SHEET: A Clean Break…" resource below the logo.

Ep. 212. Dr. Claire Sand: The Future of Food Packaging and Chemicals of Concern24 Feb 202601:02:43

Claire Sand, Ph.D. is a global packaging leader with 40 years of experience in food science and packaging. As founder of Packaging Technology and Research LLC, her mission is to enable a more sustainable food system by advancing innovations that extend food shelf life and reduce waste.

Dr. Sand specializes in leading cross-functional teams, developing technology strategies, and creating implementation roadmaps for complex packaging challenges across the value chain. With over 150 publications to her credit, she is a regular contributor to leading food science and packaging publications and has held adjunct faculty positions at Michigan State University and California Polytechnic State University.

Her industry recognition includes Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Fellow status and the Riester-Davis-Brody Lifetime Achievement Award in Food Packaging. She serves on numerous editorial boards, authored The Packaging Value Chain, and co-chairs PACfoodwaste, a collaborative initiative addressing food waste through packaging innovation. Dr. Sand's career spans leadership roles at General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, Safeway, and Total Quality Marketing, with international experience in Germany, Colombia, and Thailand across R&D, market research, and commercialization. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and both M.S. and B.S. degrees in Packaging from Michigan State University.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Claire Sand [19:45] about:

  • Her background in packaging science, early research on migration standards in the EU, and career-long focus on food packaging and chemicals of concern
  • How she defines "clean packaging" and the importance of using only essential, safe substances in food-contact materials
  • Why per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present unique challenges compared with Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates
  • Why the origin of PFAS (i.e., intentionally vs. non-intentionally added) is becoming less relevant, and how this shift affects regulatory approaches and industry compliance
  • Reasons why chemicals of concern (CoCs) are still used in direct food-contact packaging
  • How varying regulations internationally and among U.S. states impact global brands and packaging suppliers, and why many companies choose to align with the strictest standards
  • Key challenges in eliminating PFAS and other CoCs
  • How CoCs intersect with state Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, and why cleaner recyclate is crucial to maximizing end-use value across markets
  • Concerns with compostable or biodegradable packaging related to chemical contamination, sustainability, and regulations
  • The potential for circular economy goals and CoC-free packaging to be synergistic, and the decisions industry may face about recycled content in direct food-contact applications
  • Actions companies can take to ensure packaging is free of CoC, particularly when dealing with supply chain disruptions or supplier substitutions.

News and Resources

News

FDA Allows Foods with 'Natural' Food Dyes to Claim 'No Artificial Colors' [5:16]

FDA Begins Post-Market Safety Reassessment for BHA [6:40]

Boar's Head Reopens Production Facility Behind Fatal Listeriosis Outbreak [9:41]

FDA Petitioned to Stop Protecting Identity of Companies Involved in Foodborne Illness Outbreaks [13:35]

EU Sets Provisional Safe Level for CBD as Novel Food [16:44]

Resources

"Promising Practices are Being Used to Tackle PFAS in Food Packaging," by Dr. Clare Sand for the December '23/January '24 issue of Food Safety Magazine

"In Pursuit of Clean Packaging with No Chemicals of Concern," by Dr. Clare Sand for the December '22/January '23 issue of Food Safety Magazine

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 211. Kathy Sanzo: The Implications of FDA's Synthetic Food Dye Phase-Out10 Feb 202600:58:51

Kathleen Sanzo, J.D. is Co-Chair of Morgan Lewis' life sciences industry team. She centers her practice on regulatory and compliance issues connected to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated products. She leads and counsels clients on all legal and regulatory issues concerning food, dietary supplements, and cosmetic product manufacture, approval, marketing, and distribution; food, drug, and device compliance and enforcement matters; and consumer product issues regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and state enforcement agencies, among other areas. A frequent author and co-author on publications related to FDA matters, Kathleen regularly speaks on these issues at industry events. She serves as Vice Chair of the Consumer Product Regulation Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice, and is a member of the Food and Drug Law Institute's Medical Products Committee.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Kathy [32:33] about:

  • Why FDA chose a voluntary approach to phasing out synthetic food dyes, the implications of this approach, and industry's response
  • Why state-level food additive restrictions are outpacing federal action
  • How the emerging patchwork of state laws creates significant operational and legal challenges for food manufacturers nationwide
  • The expected supply chain impacts of phasing out synthetic dyes              
  • The legal risks companies face, from state enforcement to labeling, false advertising claims, and product liability
  • How companies can prepare by monitoring legislation, securing dependable ingredient suppliers, updating labels, and planning consumer communication
  • How state actions on additives may influence consumer expectations, spur industry innovation, and shape food policy over the next decade.

News and Resources

News

FDA Releases Human Foods Program Priority Deliverables and Guidance Agenda for 2026 [5:48]

FDA Testing Pinpoints Contaminated Ingredient in Infant Botulism Outbreak [17:44]

EFSA Sets Safety Thresholds for Cereulide Toxin in Infant Formula [19:43]
EFSA to Advise on Cereulide Levels in Infant Formula Following Global Recall
UK Mother's Allegation that Recalled Nestlé Formula Sickened her Baby is Unconfirmed

Experts Share Lessons from a Successful Listeria 'Seek and Destroy' Process [23:36]

FDA to Hold Virtual Public Meeting on Food Allergen Thresholds, Releases Event Materials [29:44]

Sponsored by:

CINTAS

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 210. Campbell Mitchell: Executive Leadership in Food Safety on a Global Scale27 Jan 202601:03:47

Campbell Mitchell, M.B.A., is Head of Food Safety and Compliance for Kraft Heinz North America. He has more than 30 years of international experience in food safety, quality management, and risk mitigation. Prior to joining Kraft Heinz, Campbell served as Vice President of Quality and Safety at Fairlife LLC, a $4-billion Coca-Cola-owned dairy brand. He has also held senior leadership roles with Kerry Group and Almarai in the Middle East. Additionally, he founded a consultancy that supported Tiger Brands in Africa.

A microbiologist by training, Campbell holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Massey University in New Zealand. He frequently speaks at industry events on the topics of food safety culture and sustainability.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Campbell [38:24] about:

  • His childhood experience of growing up in different parts of the world and how it prepared him for an international career working in cross-cultural environments
  • What led Campbell from an education in microbiology to a profession in food safety, which he describes as "more of an art than a science"
  • What his role at Kraft Heinz entails, such as communicating that food safety is more than just lab testing—it's about every decision made within the organization
  • The drivers behind and work involved in Kraft Heinz's decision to phase out synthetic food colorings from its U.S. product portfolio
  • How Campbell manages high-level leadership responsibilities with the task of meeting technical and regulatory requirements for food safety and quality
  • The difference between food safety professionals' and consumers' concepts of "food safety" and how consumer demand influences business decisions
  • Kraft Heinz's near-term objectives for strengthening organizational food safety culture and compliance, starting with an enterprise-wide food safety culture survey
  • Examples of how digital tools can be used to proactively address food safety in complex supply chains, such as artificial intelligence (AI) for predicting when clean-in-place (CIP) needs to be conducted.

News and Resources

Eat Real Food: New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Name and Shame 'Highly Processed Foods' [6:29]

USDA-FSIS Describes Vision for Science-Based Approach to Reducing Salmonella in Poultry [14:35]

GAO Identifies Areas in Which FDA Has Yet to Fulfill FSMA [24:40]

Journal Retracts Hallmark Glyphosate Safety Study, Increasing Cancer Concerns [28:33]

EU Provides Guidance on Shelf-Life Studies to Reflect New Listeria Criteria for RTE Foods [35:09]

Sponsored by:

Michigan State University Online Food Safety Program

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 209. Helena Bottemiller Evich: The MAHA Effect on American Food Policy13 Jan 202600:51:45

Helena Bottemiller Evich is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Food Fix. She previously led coverage of food and agriculture at POLITICO for nearly a decade, winning numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious George Polk Award for a series on climate change and two James Beard Awards for features on nutrition and science. In 2022, she was a James Beard Award finalist for a deep dive on diet-related diseases and COVID-19. Helena is also a sought-after speaker and commentator on food issues, appearing on CNN, MSNBC, CBS, BBC, NPR, and other outlets. Her work is widely cited in the media and has also been published in the Columbia Journalism Review and on NBC News.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Helena [2:58] about:

  • The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 and their much-debated details, such as their saturated fats advice and focus on "highly processed foods"
  • Contention around the undecided definition for "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs), and what the use of "highly processed foods" instead of UPFs in the revised DGAs could imply
  • The differences in FDA's structure and its unique challenges today (e.g., facing the 2025 infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart formula) versus 2022, during the Cronobacter sakazakii/Abbott Nutrition infant formula crisis and before the establishment of FDA's Human Foods Program
  • The rise of "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA), from a grassroots movement to an official White House-backed agenda with bipartisan support, and the implications for the food space
  • The question within the Trump Administration of whether MAHA rhetoric will translate into real policy changes that advance MAHA objectives
  • Shortcomings of the MAHA approach to food safety policy and regulation, particularly a lack of focus on microbiological safety and inconsistent handling of chemical safety
  • Why the MAHA agenda may not succeed with a deregulatory approach and a weakened federal workforce and resources
  • How the Trump Administration's moves in 2026 may determine if MAHA will remain in the forefront of public discussion, moving forward.

News and Resources

Eat Real Food: New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Name and Shame 'Highly Processed Foods'

Food Fix

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Yiannas, McDonald, Besser, Hedberg: Fixing the Outbreak Investigation System30 Dec 202501:16:24

Frank Yiannas, M.P.H. is a renowned food safety leader and executive, food system futurist, author, professor, past president of the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP), and advocate for consumers. Most recently, he served under two different administrations as the Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a position he held from 2018–2023, after spending 30 years in leadership roles with Walmart and the Walt Disney Company.

After retiring from FDA, Mr. Yiannas founded Smarter FY Solutions to help organizations address critical food safety and supply chain challenges. He also advises several well-known companies, offering consultancy services to modernize compliance strategies and ensure that clients meet regulatory requirements and industry standards. Throughout his career, Mr. Yiannas has been recognized for his role in strengthening food safety standards in new and innovative ways, as well as building effective food safety management systems based on modern, science-based, and tech-enabled prevention principles.

Drew McDonald is the Senior Vice President of Quality and Food Safety at Taylor Fresh Foods in Salinas, California, where he oversees the quality and food safety programs across the foodservice, retail, and deli operations under both FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jurisdictions. Mr. McDonald works with an impressive team developing and managing appropriate and practical quality and food safety programs for fresh food and produce products. He has more than 30 years of experience in fresh produce and fresh foods.

Over the course of his career, Mr. McDonald has worked with growers and processors of fresh food and produce items across the globe. He currently serves on numerous food safety-related technical committees and has participated in the authorship of many produce safety articles and guidelines. He serves on the Food Safety Summit Educational Advisory Board and is a former chair of the Center for Produce Food Safety's Technical Committee and United Fresh's Technical Council. Mr. McDonald received his education from Lawrence University in Wisconsin.

John Besser, Ph.D. worked for ten years as Deputy Chief of the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he was involved in national and global programs to detect, characterize, and track gastrointestinal diseases. Prior to CDC, Dr. Besser led the infectious disease laboratory at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for 19 years and served as a clinical microbiologist at the University of Minnesota Hospital for five years. He currently works as an independent contractor and consultant. Dr. Besser is the author or co-author of more than 70 publications. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota.

Craig Hedberg, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota and Co-Director of the Minnesota Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence. He promotes public health surveillance as a prerequisite for effective food control, and his work focuses on improving methods for collaboration among public health and regulatory agencies, academic researchers, and industry to improve foodborne illness surveillance and outbreak investigations.

With a background in public health practice, Dr. Hedberg also focuses on public health workforce development and works with state, local, and tribal public health partners to build capacity for preparedness and emergency response. He is a member of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the Minnesota Environmental Health Association, and IAFP. Dr. Hedberg holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and an M.S. degree in Environmental Health, both from the University of Minnesota.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Mr. Yiannas, Mr. McDonald, Dr. Besser, and Dr. Hedberg [6:43] about:

  • The increasing rate of food recalls issued by federal regulatory agencies, and what that might imply about the current systems for outbreak investigation and disease surveillance
  • How federal and state public health agencies conduct foodborne illness outbreak investigations and the current success rates of these investigations
  • Elements of the foodborne illness outbreak investigation process that are working well
  • Potential areas for improvement for foodborne illness outbreak investigations and the metrics for "success"
  • An idea for a National Foodborne Outbreak Investigation Board, similar to the model used for airlines with the National Transportation Safety Board, and how such a system might help improve food safety in the U.S.

Sponsored by:

Michigan State University Online Food Safety Program

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 208: Reviewing 2025—A Year of Change for Food Safety Policy23 Dec 202501:31:46

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we discuss the top food safety stories of 2025 and their implications. We cover:

The Trump Administration's impact on federal agencies overseeing food safety [7:52]:

States and the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement declare war on "toxic" food chemicals and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) [27:52]:

FDA's focus on infant formula safety and the infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart formula [57:44]:

Emerging science on Listeria monocytogenes and biofilms [1:08:26]:

The ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and poultry flocks and continued monitoring to ensure food safety [1:14:09]:

Growing artificial intelligence (AI) applications for food safety [1:17:57]:

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 207. Brian Sylvester: Preparing for 'MAHA'-Driven Policy Changes on Food Dyes, UPFs, GRAS09 Dec 202501:10:45

Brian P. Sylvester, J.D. is a Partner and Head of Food Regulatory in Morrison Foerster's FDA and Healthcare Regulatory and Compliance Group, and is an influential thought leader and practitioner in food tech regulation. Brian counsels clients across the full lifecycle of regulated products, serving global brands, startups, life sciences companies, investors, and trade associations. In the area of food and beverage, Brian develops regulatory strategies to commercialize a range of food tech innovations, including transgenic crops and alternative proteins, such as cultivated meat and fermentation-derived food ingredients, among others. He has been recognized by several legal industry awards and publications such as Chambers USA, Bloomberg Law, and The National Law Journal.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Brian [35:44] about:

  • State-level food additive regulatory developments since the passage of the California Food Safety Act in October 2023
  • How the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement is shaping federal food additive and nutrition regulations
  • Challenges and questions that arise from the growing number of state-level food regulations, including legality and constitutionality, implications for interstate commerce, and ensuring compliance
  • Industry responses to FDA's push to phase out synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply
  • California's recently passed legislation to establish a legal definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and how it might affect a federally recognized UPF definition to be established in the future
  • Practical recommendations for companies navigating the rapidly evolving U.S. regulatory landscape around food.

News and Resources

News

USDA Indefinitely Delays Enforcement of Salmonella as Adulterant in Raw Breaded, Stuffed Chicken [4:41]

Contamination in Infant Formula as Botulism Outbreak Grows; FDA Publishes Inspection Reports [18:38]

Unsolved German E. coli Outbreak Grows, Sickening Hundreds [28:52]

Codex Commission Adopts New International Food Standards at 48th Session [32:37]
Codex Committee Discussions Held at CAC48 Cover Key Fishery Initiatives

Resources

Ep. 162. Brian Sylvester: How the California Food Safety Act is Shaping U.S. Food Additives Regulation 

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 206. Jay Berglind: In Fearless Pursuit of Safer Eggs and Food Safety Innovation25 Nov 202500:54:49

Jay Berglind is a nationally respected food safety expert and the principal of Aegis Foods, a consultancy focused on strengthening food safety systems across the supply chain. Aegis Foods is also the maker of Fearless Eggs, the only pasteurized in-shell and poached eggs that are safe to eat raw. With more than 25 years of experience in food manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance, Jay is a trusted voice on preventing foodborne illness, understanding federal regulations, and responding to product recalls.

Jay has served in leadership roles overseeing food safety and quality programs for major U.S. food manufacturers. His expertise spans U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection standards, Hazards Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and third-party audit preparation. Through Aegis Foods, he now advises clients on building proactive, recall-resistant systems that prioritize both consumer health and brand integrity.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jay [38:36] about:

  • The history of Jay's career and how his experiences led to the creation of Fearless Eggs
  • The science behind the pasteurization method used by Fearless Eggs and how it differs from traditional shell egg pasteurization, as well as Fearless Eggs' latest innovation, the in-shell poached egg 
  • How Fearless Eggs' pasteurization method inactivates Salmonella and other food safety hazards like avian influenza
  • The process of working with FDA to get Fearless Eggs' pasteurization method approved
  • The consumer trust built not only by Fearless Eggs' pasteurization, but also its prioritization of food safety
  • Jay's perspective on the Trump Administration's resource and staffing cuts to FDA and the effect on consumer confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply
  • How Aegis and Fearless Eggs are helping move the entire industry toward safer egg products and food safety innovation
  • Where to find Fearless Eggs products.

News and Resources

News

ByHeart Outbreak Grows: 31 Infants in 15 States Hospitalized for Botulism From Tainted Formula [4:29]
ByHeart Formula Now Linked to 23 Infant Botulism Cases in 13 States
Infants Nationwide Hospitalized With Botulism After Consuming ByHeart Formula

Regan-Udall Report Supports FDA Infant Formula Safety Efforts [16:16]

Analysis Shows FDA Foreign Facility Inspections Hit Historic Low After Trump Admin Cuts [23:02]

First-of-its-Kind Study Shows How Listeria Strains Evolve Into Strong Biofilm Formers [31:44]

FAO Report Highlights Needs for Responsible AI Adoption in Food Safety Fields [35:01]

Resources

Webinar: Dry Sanitation and Cleaning Techniques for Facilities and Equipment

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 205. Black and Gabor: Digital Transformation and Emerging International Standards for Food Safety11 Nov 202501:26:43

Tom Black is the First Assistant Secretary of the Exports and Veterinary Services Division at the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. In this role, he is responsible for regulating and facilitating Australia's exports of animal commodities and certified organic products, while also providing the overarching technical food safety framework for both food exports and imports.

Tom leads the Australian Government's bilateral and multilateral technical market access negotiations for these commodities and represents Australia in international standard-setting forums, including the Codex Alimentarius Commission. He has over 20 years of experience in government and is currently the Australian delegate to the Codex Alimentarius Commission. He also serves as Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS).

Gabor Molnar, Ph.D. is an Industrial Development Officer at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), technically leading UNIDO's food safety work. As part of his responsibilities, Dr. Molnar designs and implements food safety capacity-building initiatives, mostly in Asia and Africa. He also represents UNIDO in various global forums, including the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Dr. Molnar is the main organizer of the Vienna Food Safety Forum (VFSF) and specializes in the domain of digitalization for food control and safety systems. Dr. Molnar holds a Ph.D. from Université Laval, as well as multiple master's degrees and certifications.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Mr. Black and Dr. Molnar [32:51] about:

Emerging trends in international food safety standards and regulations, and how digitalization and AI are informing these trends

How regulators are incorporating emerging, global trends into the future of food safety

The experiences and responses of developing countries to emerging food safety guidelines and standards that are based on trends driven by industrialized nations, including challenges to and solutions for adoptions

CCFIC's focus areas related to food safety guidelines and best practices in the context of an increasingly digitalized world

The specifics and importance of UNIDO's work

UNIDO's new approach to food safety, "Food Safety 2.0," and how the organization works with countries and industry worldwide to implement this approach

The origins and history of the Vienna Food Safety Forum, who participates in the forum, and learnings from the 2025 forum

Potential dangers posed and questions raised by the growing application of AI in food safety work

A sneak peek at the 2027 Vienna Food Safety Forum.

News and Resources

News

Food Industry Stakeholders Share Input on FDA, USDA's Intent to Define UPFs [3:58]

Industry Giants Support New Coalition Aimed at Stopping MAHA-Aligned State Food Additive Bans, More Than 80 Groups Urge Congress Not to Block State Food Additives Bans [14:30]

Fast Food Employee Survey Reveals Serious Food Safety Problems, Pressures to Work While Sick [23:07]

Study Shows Water Hoses as Reservoirs for Biofilms in Food Processing Facilities [27:58]

Resources

Vienna Food Safety Forum

Vienna Food Safety Forum 2025 Concludes With a Call for Smarter, Inclusive Food Safety Systems Through Digitalization

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS)

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Kris Sollid: What Does Consumer Sentiment Say About the Safety of the U.S. Food Supply?30 Oct 202500:30:22

Kris Sollid, R.D., is the Senior Director for Research and Consumer Insights at the International Food Information Council (IFIC). A registered dietitian with a passion for improving nutrition science communications, his role at IFIC includes leading consumer research projects, educational resource development, social and traditional media engagement, and written contributions to various consumer, trade, and peer-reviewed publications.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Kris [1:20] about:

  1. The methodology and key metrics of IFIC's 20th annual "Food and Health Survey," which found that consumer confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply has hit a 13-year low
  2. Specific beliefs driving consumers' declining confidence in U.S. food safety, including the perception of food corporations prioritizing profits over safety, as well as the perceived inadequacy of federal regulatory oversight of the food supply
  3. Key findings from IFIC's supplemental "Americans' Perceptions of Food Recalls" survey
  4. Whether consumer concerns about rising recall rates reflect reality, based on FDA and USDA recall data
  5. How high-profile recalls associated with severe or far-reaching foodborne illness outbreaks may influence consumer perceptions about the number of recalls
  6. Another IFIC supplemental survey on Americans' perceptions of FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program, and what the results say about consumer confidence in food safety, as well as their GRAS awareness
  7. The potential influence of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s (RFK Jr.'s) "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement on consumer perceptions of food ingredient safety in the U.S. food supply and the federal government's responsibility for oversight.

Resources

2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey: A Focus on Food & Nutrition

IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans' Perceptions of Food Recalls

IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans' Perceptions of the U.S. FDA GRAS Program

Survey: Confidence in U.S. Food Safety Hits Record Low, Foodborne Pathogens Are Top Concern

Ep. 204. Spink and Fenoff: How to Prevent Food Fraud in Your Supply Chain28 Oct 202501:08:56

John Spink, Ph.D. is the Director and Lead Instructor for the Food Fraud Prevention Academy, as well as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the College of Business at Michigan State University (MSU). His food fraud prevention research focuses on policy and strategy to understand and prevent supply chain disruptions and to implement procurement best practices. He is widely published in leading academic journals and has helped lead national and global regulatory and standards activity. More recently, his teaching and research has expanded to supply chain disruption management and procurement best practices.

Roy Fenoff, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at The Military College of South Carolina (The Citadel). He is also a Forensic Handwriting and Document Examiner and an expert in forgery detection. Dr. Fenoff specializes in forgery and document fraud, food fraud and protection, and transnational crime.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Drs. Spink and Fenoff [33:30] about:

  • Their recurring workshop and certificate course for the annual Food Safety Summit on food fraud prevention
  • What makes food fraud an urgent and misunderstood issue
  • The intersections between food safety and food fraud
  • Different ways to check for, catch, and trace food fraud
  • The elements of a comprehensive food fraud vulnerability assessment
  • Focus areas for companies trying to develop a deep enough understanding of their supply chains and end products to prevent food fraud from occurring
  • How to implement a food fraud prevention strategy and management system, which is taught during Drs. Spink and Fenoff's annual Food Safety Summit course, and how course participants respond to and have applied these teachings within their companies
  • What Drs. Spink and Fenoff find both meaningful and challenging about their food fraud prevention and research work.

News and Resources

News

Color Manufacturers Sue West Virginia Over 'Unconstitutional' Food Dye Ban [7:08]

California Enacts Law Defining Ultra-Processed Foods, Will Ban UPFs in Schools [14:40]

Reagan-Udall Report Explores Strengthening Cross-Sector Responses to Food Safety Threats [23:09]

Novel Salmonella Vaccine Shows Promise in Clinical Trial [28:57]

Resources

"Ultraprocessed Nation" in the New York Times' October 20, 2025 "The Morning" newsletter

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 203. Dr. David Dyjack: What Does the Future of the Food Safety Workforce Look Like?14 Oct 202501:14:56

David T. Dyjack, Dr.P.H., CIH has served as Executive Director and CEO of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) since May 2015. Dr. Dyjack's 30-year career includes expertise in environmental health, emergency preparedness and response, public health informatics, infectious disease, workforce development, governmental infrastructure, maternal and child health, health equity, and chronic disease. A board-certified industrial hygienist, Dr. Dyjack also has advanced degrees in public health with a doctorate from the University of Michigan and a master's degree from the University of Utah.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Dyjack [36:33] about:

  • Which demographics may make up the future food safety workforce, based on NEHA data, and what professional support they may need
  • How the learning preferences of younger generations are shaping current education and training initiatives for the food safety sector
  • Shifting priorities at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and their potential influence on the future food safety workforce
  • Industry's role in attracting and educating the future food safety workforce, and how NEHA works with industry to help realize these goals
  • The work of NEHA's Food Safety Committee to help address food safety workforce training gaps and emerging challenges
  • Who can benefit from NEHA's food safety courses and certificate programs
  • The need for additional emergency preparedness training to mitigate food safety risks associated with increasing and more severe natural disasters brought on by climate change.

News and Resources

Government Shutdown Affects Food Safety: HHS Furloughs Employees, FDA Pauses CORE Investigation Table, Federal Layoffs to Hit HHS Amid Government Shutdown, May Affect Food Safety Staffers [3:08]

Another Death Reported in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Pasta Meals [8:09]

FDA Reveals Unsolved E. Coli Outbreak in New Foodborne Illness Outbreak Transparency Tools [16:19]

Fruit, Salmonella Caused Most Multistate Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in 2023, per CDC [19:16]

Four-Year UK Foodborne Pathogen Surveillance Program Concludes, FSA to Launch New Initiative [23:47]

USDA-FSIS Now Includes Gluten in Major Allergen Verification Activities [29:51]

Sponsored by:

Michigan State University Online Food Safety

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 202. Dr. Kathy Knutson: What Does a Robust Environmental Monitoring Program Look Like?23 Sep 202501:23:55

Kathy Knutson, Ph.D., PCQI, is educated in bacteriology, food science, and education. She speaks, writes, and trains on compliance for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). She has trained over 500 Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQIs). Dr. Knutson works with managers to write thorough hazard analyses, food safety plans, recall plans, environmental monitoring programs, and allergen programs. In 2020, she published a book, Food Safety Lessons for Cannabis-Infused Edibles. Dr. Knutson travels to manufacturers for swabbing to locate a pathogen during recall investigations and for gap assessments of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Knutson [30:14] about:

  • Which variables are important to consider when designing an environmental monitoring program (EMP)
  • The importance of controlling the quality and movement of air and water in a facility
  • Actions for preventing foot traffic from bringing in and spreading pathogens
  • How a strong sanitation program contributes to a robust EMP
  • How to verify sanitation through sampling and record-keeping, which includes having written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and swabbing protocols informed by hygienic zoning
  • The capabilities and responsibilities of a well-trained and educated EMP team.

News and Resources

News

What the Final MAHA Report Could Mean for Food Safety [3:36]
FDA to Issue Proposed Rule Tightening GRAS Oversight

Public Health Professionals, Groups Demand Resignation of HHS Secretary RFK Jr. [20:58]

Protein Processing Act Would Lift Pork, Poultry Line Speed Limits if Food Safety Criteria Are Met [24:19]

Resources

Challenges for Evaluation of Your Environmental Monitoring Program

Ep. 157. Dr. Kathy Knutson: Food Safety Considerations and Regulations for Cannabis-Infused Edibles

Sponsored by:

IFC

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 201. Mick Dutcher: The Work of FDA OII's Food Products Inspectorate09 Sep 202501:01:48

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Dutcher [38:31] about:

  • The internal structure of the Food Products Inspectorate (FPI) within FDA's OII
  • OII's role and responsibilities for inspecting human foods at FDA, including examples of frontline activities
  • How the FPI is equipped to facilitate outbreak investigations and recalls
  • Priority work plans assigned to FPI in 2025, and how this work will be accomplished
  • In light of reduced funding for state inspectoral partners, how FPI can work with state public health agencies to ensure that priority inspections are carried out How OII is working to help restore confidence in the food supply among U.S. consumers
  • New technologies and platforms being leveraged by OII to advance operations both internally and structurally, and how they are benefitting OII operations and functions.

News and Resources

News

Leaked Second MAHA Report Emphasizes Food Industry Deregulation, Reliance on Voluntary Industry Action [4:10]

CDC Slashes FoodNet Surveillance From Eight Foodborne Pathogens to Two [16:21]

Trump-Appointed CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez Fired After Clashes With Secretary Kennedy [23:00]

Boar's Head to Reopen Facility Behind Fatal Listeria Outbreak While Other Plants Remain Insanitary
USDA Taking Over Boar's Head Inspections From State Officials at Plant Responsible for Outbreak [31:37]

FDA Adds Six Artificial Food Dyes to List of Chemicals Under Post-Market Review [35:27]

Resources

Partnership for Food Safety Education—National Food Safety Education Month

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

 

Ep. 200: A Celebration of Food Safety Matters Podcast History26 Aug 202501:15:18

In this special 200th episode of Food Safety Matters, our hosts look back at the podcast's eight-year history, sharing their stories and experiences, as well as reviewing some of the show's most memorable episodes and guests.

Resources

Ep. 1. Dave Theno: No One Cooks Their Salad

Ep. 2. Larry Keener: Food Safety is Manufactured

Ep. 3. Lone Jespersen: "Culture comes first"

Ep. 10. Mike Taylor: We're in a Whole New World Now

Ep. 18. STOP Foodborne Illness: The Why of Food Safety

Ep. 25. Bill Marler: 25 Years of Food Safety

Ep. 33. Maple Leaf Foods: Food Safety After Tragedy

Ep. 35. John Butts: Listeria—Seek and Destroy

Ep. 55. CDC: Investigating Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Ep. 61. EFSA: Creating Food Safety's Future in the EU

Ep. 66. Frank Yiannas: A New Era of Smarter Food Safety

COVID-19: Assessing the Impacts on the Food Industry

Ep. 69. Popham, Cramer, Leighton: Prioritizing food safety during COVID-19

Ep. 111. Jennifer McEntire: IFPA—The New Voice of Produce

Ep. 127. Dr. John Butts: The Jungle and the Evolution of Meat and Poultry Safety 

Ep. 129. Michael Taylor: Legislating after the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli Outbreak

Ep. 133. Coffman, Brice, Kenjora: Allied to Advance Food Safety

Ep. 134. Sandra Eskin: How USDA-FSIS is Tackling Salmonella in Poultry

Esteban and Eskin: On the Frontlines of the Food Safety Fight Against Salmonella in Poultry

Ep. 139. Dr. Susan Mayne: CFSAN's Mission, Today and Tomorrow

Ep. 167. James (Jim) Jones: Engaging Stakeholders for a Unified FDA Human Foods Program

Diamantas and Choiniere: FDA Focuses on Produce Safety, MAHA, Culture, and More

Sponsored by:

CDG

Elanco: Implementing a Holistic Approach to Salmonella Control in Poultry19 Aug 202500:12:50

Vic Fox is a Poultry Account Manager at Elanco. Prior to his time at Elanco, Fox worked as a Breeder Hatchery Manager, Live Production Manager, and Complex Manager, granting him a holistic view into live production, with a special focus on food safety. Vic earned his bachelor's degree in poultry science from North Carolina State University, and he is currently based in Virginia.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Vic [1:40] about:

  • The importance of a holistic approach to Salmonella in modern poultry operations
  • Some of the most critical control points for Salmonella in the poultry production chain
  • How animal health and vaccination programs fit into an integrated Salmonella control program
  • Effective biosecurity measures for limiting Salmonella load on farms
  • Ways in which advances in diagnostics have changed how producers manage Salmonella risk
  • How a farm's Salmonella control program translates to consumer safety and confidence
  • The benefits of Elanco's multidisciplinary approach that brings together veterinarians, food safety experts, nutritionists, and diagnostics experts.

Sponsored by: Elanco

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 199. George Misko: The Future of Food Regulation Under MAHA12 Aug 202501:17:19

George G. Misko, Esq. is a Partner at Keller and Heckman LLP in Washington D.C. He counsels domestic and foreign clients on food and drug matters and advises clients on regulatory requirements relating to chemical substances specific to food contact, plastics, and food products in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, including Canada, the EU, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. George also has experience in counseling on environmental concerns, including pesticide regulation, right-to-know laws, and toxic substance control regulations. He represents trade associations and is legal counsel to the Global Silicones Council.

Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, George was Senior Regulatory Counsel for the Chemical Specialty Manufacturers Association (now known as the Household and Commercial Products Association), where he counseled on a broad range of environmental and health and safety issues. George is a frequent contributor to trade publications, including Food Safety Magazine, and he is frequently invited to speak at conferences on food contact and chemical control laws.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with George [41:42] about:

  • The potential regulatory implications for the food industry of the Trump Administration's focus on food packaging chemicals and food contact materials, as outlined in the May 2025 "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Report
  • How new policies or laws on food packaging and food contact materials could impact food safety assurance and packaging innovation
  • The existence and quality of evidence supporting the MAHA Report's claims about the negative health effects of certain food additives and preservatives
  • How food companies can address the Trump Administration's concerns about preservatives, sweeteners, and other additives without compromising food safety and quality
  • The MAHA Report's call for federal reform of the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) provision and what it means for food chemicals and ingredients regulation
  • Ways in which GRAS reform could be implemented and how it would affect food companies
  • Cases where GRAS could still be a useful tool for food companies and regulators.

News and Resources

News

Reagan-Udall Foundation's 'Roadmap to Produce Safety' Encourages Private Sector-Led Collaboration [10:21]

Survey: Confidence in U.S. Food Safety Hits Record Low, Foodborne Pathogens Are Top Concern [17:12]

Half of Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreaks Caused by Overhead Irrigation Water, Study Finds [29:51]

Senate Confirms Dr. Susan Monarez as CDC Director [37:46]

USDA-FSIS Names Trey Forsyth as Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety [38:22]

FDA, USDA Issue Joint RFI to Address the Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods [38:54]

Resources

Food Safety Leadership in the Business of Food Safety, Second Edition in Paperback

"The Views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Food and Food Packaging Safety" by George G. Misko, Esq. for Food Safety Magazine August/September 2025

"Diamantas and Choiniere: FDA Focuses on Produce Safety, MAHA, Culture, and More," Food Safety Matters Podcast

MAHA Report Sets Stage for Overhaul of Food Chemicals, Environmental Contaminants, and Childhood Nutrition

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Diamantas and Choiniere: FDA Focuses on Produce Safety, MAHA, Culture, and More05 Aug 202500:31:13

Kyle Diamantas, J.D. is the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Human Foods Program (HFP), where he oversees all FDA nutrition and food safety activities. As FDA's top food executive, Mr. Diamantas sets the strategic direction and operations for food policy in the U.S., while serving as a critical liaison between FDA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the White House. He also represents the agency on food activities and matters in dealings with foreign governments and international organizations.

Mr. Diamantas has extensive experience working with various federal and state agencies and policy-makers, scientific organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders. He has wide-ranging experience on matters spanning regulatory, compliance, investigative, enforcement, rulemaking, and legislation. He holds a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a bachelor's degree in pre-law political science from the University of Central Florida.

Conrad Choiniere, Ph.D. is the Director of the Office of Microbiological Food Safety (OMFS) at FDA's HFP. OMFS uses a risk management approach to evaluate and determine priorities that will help reduce the burden of pathogen-related foodborne illness in foods regulated by FDA, leads the development of risk-based policies, provides regulatory oversight, and recommends research priorities related to microbiological food safety. Dr. Choiniere joined FDA in 2003. He has a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland and a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Mr. Diamantas and Dr. Choiniere [3:09] about:

  • Mr. Diamantas' background and his responsibilities as Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, a role that he assumed in February
  • The evolution of Mr. Choiniere's role at FDA since the structural reorganization that led to the creation of the new HFP, and how the OMFS within the HFP works to ensure food safety and protect public health
  • Key issues to be addressed at HFP and potential changes to the program projected for the next 2–3 years
  • Ways in which food safety culture influences the function and operation of the HFP
  • How the HFP contributes to the broader goals of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • Ongoing efforts to collaborate with industry to improve produce safety, and how a food safety culture mindset might affect the way FDA and industry approach produce safety.

Resources

Reagan-Udall Foundation's 'Roadmap to Produce Safety' Encourages Private Sector-Led Collaboration

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 198. Dr. Jim Fredericks: Controlling Rodent Risks in Food Facilities22 Jul 202501:00:48

Jim Fredericks, Ph.D. is a Board Certified Entomologist and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). He received his B.S. degree in Biology Education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and his M.S. degree in Entomology from The University of Delaware. In 2012, Dr. Fredericks received his Ph.D. in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology from the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Prior to his role with the NPMA, Jim spent more than 11 years working for a commercial pest control company as a Technical Director, where he was responsible product selection, treatment protocol development, service quality assurance, and technical training.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Fredericks [17:48] about:

  • The fundamentals of rodent-proofing a facility—the "gold standard" in rodent control
  • Important factors to consider when rodent-proofing a facility, such as behavioral differences between species
  • Why rodent identification, including species and sex, is critical for pest control
  • Benefits of establishing and maintaining a collaborative relationship between a pest management provider and a food facility
  • Best practices for rodent control device placement in a food facility, based in "common sense driven by knowledge of pest biology and behavior"
  • Challenges that may arise when addressing different kinds of pests in the same facility, as well as possible overlap in pest control approaches
  • Real-time data collected by pest control tools and technologies, and how this data is used
  • Ways in which food facilities can lean on their pest control providers—beyond the task of checking pest traps.

News and Resources

News

Judge Stephen Vaden Sworn in as USDA Deputy Secretary [2:22]

USDA-FSIS Announces Dr. Justin Ransom as New Administrator [2:57]

EFSA Board Nominates Dr. Nikolaus Kriz as Executive Director [3:29]

Conagra Brands to Remove FD&C Colors from U.S. Frozen Product Portfolio by End-2025 [4:18]

FDA Plans to Issue Guidance on Natural Food Colorants, Other Priority Topics in 2025 [6:38]

Secretary Rollins Unveils New USDA Food Safety Policy Plan at FSIS Midwestern Lab Grand Opening [8:57]

FDA Issues Final Guidance for Industry on its Use of Remote Regulatory Assessments [14:19]

Resources

National Pest Management Association

Upcoming Webinar: Strategies for Rodent Control in Distribution Facilities

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 197. Jatin Patel: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Handling a Recall08 Jul 202500:48:03

Jatin Patel is the Head of Operations at FGS Ingredients Ltd. He has over two decades of extensive experience in the food industry and has been a cornerstone of FGS Ingredients for the past 11 years. A qualified ACCA Accountant, Jatin combines his strong financial acumen with an in-depth understanding of food industry operations. He holds a Level 3 Food Safety Certification and has completed Advanced HACCP training.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jatin Patel [20:54] about:

  • How FGS Ingredients discovered the source of the peanut contamination that caused a recall of some of its mustard-based products
  • How FGS Ingredients initiated and carried out the recall, and lessons learned from the process
  • Changes that FGS Ingredients has made to its allergen controls, food safety program, and supply chain as a result of the recall
  • The broader implications for food safety standards, especially around allergen control, related to FGS Ingredients' recall experience
  • How FGS Ingredients' learnings and risk mitigation efforts can help other companies be better prepared to maintain food safety along their supply chains.

News and Resources

HHS Budget Request Beats Familiar Drum [2:24]
USDA Extends H5N1 Testing in Dairy Cattle; EU Releases Guidance on Avian Flu Prevention [8:20]Pennsylvania Bill Aims to Protect Restaurant Patrons with Food Allergies [14:12]
Trump Nominates Mindy Brashears to Second Term as USDA's Under Secretary for Food Safety [19:35]

Sponsored by:

Hygiena: Innovative Diagnostics Solutions for Hygiene and Food Safety

Allergen Diagnostics and Data Management | Hygiena

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 196. Dr. Lane Highbarger: How the FDA Workforce Cuts May Impact Food Safety24 Jun 202500:45:33

Lane Highbarger, Ph.D. worked for 26 years in the food additive regulatory and compliance field with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), serving as lead microbiologist in FDA's Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS). He is also an expert in food additive regulations and served as the regulatory review scientist for regulatory submissions at OFAS. Dr. Highbarger holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a B.S. degree in Microbiology, both from the University of Maryland.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Highbarger [23:58] about:

  • His previous work at FDA's Office of Food Additive Safety and how his area of work is important to food safety
  • His thoughts on what effect the Trump administration's FDA workforce cuts will have on the agency's ability to ensure safe food for consumers
  • What the future of chemical safety work looks like at FDA now, in light of the changes and FDA's newly established risk management "pillars"
  • His thoughts on FDA's approach to fast-tracking approval of new food dyes and chemicals so that other chemicals considered "harmful" can be phased out
  • What role he sees science playing in the new administration's approach to food safety policy.

News and Resources

California Bill Would Remove Ultra-Processed Foods from School Lunches [2:12]

ECDC: Europe Saw Record-High Levels of STEC and Listeria Infections in 2023 [9:21]

Research Reveals Drop in AMR Bacteria Levels During Poultry Processing [18:35]

STOP Foodborne Illness Opens Nominations for '40 Under 40' Program [22:16]

 

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

FlexXray: How External X-Ray Inspection Helps Close the Gap on Foreign Material17 Jun 202500:24:16

Kye Luker serves as the Chief Product Officer at FlexXray, where he leads the development of the company's innovative X-ray inspection process and technology. With over two decades of experience in the service, CPG, food, and beverage industries, Kye brings a wealth of knowledge in continuous improvement, quality assurance, and formulations to his role. 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Mr. Luker [1:15] about:

  • Why foreign material (FM) contamination is a major challenge for food processors, and how processors have tried to control FM to date
  • How external X-ray inspection services can assist companies in responding to an FM contamination event
  • How FlexXray helps fill gaps in inspection programs with innovative technologies
  • How external X-ray inspection services are different from in-house inspection systems
  • How companies are leaning on external inspection services in innovative ways
  • The ways in which X-ray inspection technology is evolving, and the trends in supplier requirements for X-ray inspection
  • New and exciting developments happening at FlexXray, and how these technology advances can help processors better assure food safety.

Resources

FlexXray® Foreign Material X-Ray Inspection Services

 Sponsored by:

FlexXray

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Ep. 195. Dr. Christopher Daubert: The Value of a Food Science Education10 Jun 202500:46:55

Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D., serves as the President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and as the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), as well as a Professor in the Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering. He joined Mizzou from North Carolina State University, where he served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Services; Director of the Food Rheology Laboratory; and system Co-Chair of Food, Biochemical, and Engineered Systems. His research explained the physical chemistry, molecular-level interactions, and functionality of food systems through an understanding of rheological behavior, while solving problems facing the food and pharmaceutical industries. 

Dr. Daubert has received distinguished alumnus awards from Pennsylvania State University and Michigan State University. He is also a Fellow of IFT and previously served IFT as chair of the Food Engineering Division and a member-at-large of the Dogwood section. He holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Penn State University, a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and Food Science from Michigan State University, and a Post-Doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University.

 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Daubert [23:34] about:

  • The challenges and opportunities for attracting students to food science and other food-related academic programs
  • The value of an education in food science
  • The role the food industry plays in food science education
  • The complex food system challenges that today's students—tomorrow's workforce—can help address
  • Dr. Daubert's work at Mizzou in promoting food science education
  • How IFT helps prepare students to contribute to the global food community upon graduation.

News 
USDA Secretary Rollins Increases Funding to Reimburse States for Food Safety Inspections [3:34]
Senator Cotton Introduces Bill to Consolidate Federal Food Safety Agencies [6:38]
MAHA Report Sets Stage for Overhaul of Food Chemicals, Environmental Contaminants, and Childhood Nutrition [10:18]
Mars Removes Titanium Dioxide from Skittles in the United States [21:41]


Sponsored by:

CINTAS

 

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Elanco: Diagnostics and the Role of Testing in Ensuring Food Safety03 Jun 202500:15:28

Savannah Applegate, Ph.D. is a Senior Consultant at Elanco Poultry Food Safety. Dr. Applegate received her B.S. degree in Meat Science from Ohio State University and her M.S. degree and Ph.D. in Applied Food Microbiology from Texas Tech University. Her areas of expertise are meat and poultry food safety, and she specializes in diagnostics and pathogen mitigation. 

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Applegate [1:10] about:

  • The importance of diagnostics for ensuring food safety and implementing effective disease management protocols in the poultry industry
  • Common misconceptions among industry about diagnostics and how to effectively implement diagnostic tests on-farm
  • Key first steps to integrating effective diagnostic testing protocols alongside biosecurity programs
  • The difference between serotyping data versus quantitative data, and the importance of both to determining the effectiveness of Salmonella vaccines for poultry
  • Support and solutions offered by Elanco for collecting and interpreting serotyping and quantification data to improve poultry food safety outcomes.

Sponsor
Elanco

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

© My Podcast Data · Independent project · Data from Apple & Spotify