Advertise on podcast: Food Safety Matters

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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]: Experts Set Record Straight on FoodNet, CDC Cuts as Senators Press RFK Jr. for Answers Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Michigan, Ohio Together Report More than 9,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases; CDC Outbreak Count Exceeds 4,000 Taylor Farms Lettuce Named as Source of U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak How the U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak Reflects a Strained National Foodborne Illness Surveillance System Senator Klobuchar Urges CDC, FDA to Restore Food Safety Programs Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak CDC Reports Up to 7,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Across U.S., Identifies Large Midwestern Outbreak Cluster Cyclospora Cases Climb, But Actual Number Unclear as CDC Reporting Lags Behind States Foodborne Parasite Cyclospora Sickens Thousands Across U.S. Codex Alimentarius news [28:30] Codex Publishes Strategic Plan for 2026–2031 Codex Adopts Internationally Harmonized Precautionary Allergen Labeling at CAC49 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: EFSA Reviews Cereulide Infant Formula Incident, Says Likelihood of Exposure is Low EFSA Sets Safety Thresholds for Cereulide Toxin in Infant Formula EFSA to Advise on Cereulide Levels in Infant Formula Following Global Recall U.S. Cyclosporiasis outbreak: "Cyclospora cayetanensis: An Emergent Public Health Threat and an Enigma for Traceback Investigation," Food Safety Magazine "Please Don't Stop Eating Vegetables and Fruits Because of Cyclospora," The Washington Post "Cyclospora Spreads Through Human Feces. How Did it Get Into Our Food Supply?" The New York Times "Publisher's Platform: The Traceability Rule was Supposed to be Law in January. This Cyclospora Outbreak Started in May." Food Safety News We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

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

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]