Food Safety Matters

Christian Ararat, M.Sc., M.Eng. is a food safety professional with more than ten years of experience in food safety and quality. After earning a bachelor's degree in Food Science from Valley University in Colombia, he began his career in the bakery industry, where he implemented and enforced good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and prerequisite programs. After moving to Canada, Christian joined Natursource Inc., a Montreal-based food manufacturing company dedicated to producing healthy snacks. As head of the Quality Assurance department, Christian implemented the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) SQF food safety system; helped the company to achieve claims such as gluten-free, non-GMO, and Halal; and maintained certifications such as Organic and Kosher. Christian has continued his education and pursued a master's degree in Food Safety and a master's degree in Quality Systems Engineering. Currently, he serves as the Director of Quality and Laboratory at Geloso Beverage Group, the first wine manufacturer in Québec, Canada. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Christian [46:53] about: How variances in audit scores can cause issues for food safety professionals Things food and beverage companies should be paying close attention to on their audit results The importance of striving for continuous improvement over a specific audit score, and how this informs food safety culture How traceability is measured on audits and why food and beverage companies should still prioritize traceability, despite the recent 30-month extension of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Food Traceability Final Rule/FSMA 204 compliance date A $26-million budget cut coming to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 2026, and how it could affect CFIA’s surveillance and enforcement work The differences between certified “Organic” criteria required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) versus FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification program (FSVP), and how those differences affect organic food and beverage exporters to the U.S. Limitations imposed by FDA's evaluation protocols for FSVP-registered entities Potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) that could bolster food safety efforts, as well as possible pitfalls that should be considered when looking to leverage AI for food safety. In this episode, we also interview Joseph Corby [24.26], the recipient of Food Safety Magazine’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award, about his career in food safety and his advocacy for a nationally integrated food safety system. After receiving a degree in Environmental Health, Joseph Corby worked for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for 38 years, beginning as a Food Inspector in 1970 and retiring in 2008 as the Director of the Division of Food Safety and Inspection. He then went on to become the Executive Director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), a role he held for ten years, and is now a Senior Advisor for AFDO. Joseph has served as an Instructor for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AFDO, the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), Louisiana State University, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the University of Tennessee, and Oregon State University. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for the advancement of a nationally integrated food safety system and works with numerous groups and associations in support of this cause. News and Resources News USDA Withdraws Proposed Regulatory Framework for Salmonella in Poultry After Years of Development FDA Announces Plan to Phase Out Synthetic, Petroleum-Based Food Dyes From U.S. Food Supply Rumored FDA Budget Proposal Would Cut Funding, Move Routine Food Inspections to States FDA Reportedly Reinstating Some Fired Food Safety Scientists, Inspection Support Staff FDA Testing Finds Bottled Water Samples Do Not Exceed EPA Limits for PFAS in Drinking WaterResearchers Develop Nanocage-Based Filter That Removes 90 Percent of PFAS From Groundwater Resources “Is AI 'Food Safe?'” by Christian Ararat, M.Sc., M.Eng. for Food Safety MagazineJoseph Corby to be Honored with Food Safety Magazine's 2025 Distinguished Service Award Sponsored by: Hygiena We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Alfredo Fernández, J.D. is an attorney and Partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP. As a member of the firm's national Environmental Practice, Alfredo advises clients across industry types on environmental, health, and safety issues that arise in all areas of business operations. Risk management pertaining to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is one area of focus. Alfredo also counsels private and public entities regarding abatement of hazardous materials and conditions. He received his J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law and holds a B.S. degree from the University of Michigan. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Alfredo [28:37] about: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), coming into effect in January 2026, and the requirements it sets for PFAS in food contact materials Emerging state-level statutes related to PFAS that will affect the food and beverage industry How a patchwork of state-level PFAS regulations will complicate compliance for businesses that operate in multiple U.S. states The broader implications of PFAS contamination and regulations for businesses in the food and beverage sector Challenges industry may face related to PFAS compliance in light of the current unpredictability at EPA and differences in state regulations Actions that companies should be prioritizing to prepare for compliance with TSCA PFAS regulations by 2026 Ways in which legal, consulting, and operational teams can collaborate to help businesses meet upcoming and emerging regulatory demands regarding PFAS. News and Resources News HHS' Proposed FDA Reorganization Would Drastically Alter Structure of Agency, Eliminate Product-Specific Offices [5:30] As U.S. Pieces Together How HHS Cuts are Affecting Food Safety, Stakeholders Speak Out [8:02] Utah Bans Fluoridated Drinking Water [13:29]Study Shows Combining Antimicrobial Blue Light and Chemical Sanitizers Can Enhance Listeria Inactivation [23:22]Study Shows Chewing Gum Releases Thousands of Microplastics, Whether Gum is Synthetic or Natural [25:22] Resources Get 20% off your registration for the 2025 Food Safety Summit using code “FSMatters20” at checkout! 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

Dr. Edward Dudley, a leading expert in foodborne bacteria at Penn State, discusses innovative wastewater monitoring methods to track foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. He highlights a study showing how genome sequencing links pathogens in wastewater to human illnesses. Patrick Schneider adds insights on chlorine dioxide's effectiveness in food plant sanitation, showcasing its advantages as a biocide. Together, they explore challenges in food safety, the implications for public health, and the importance of early pathogen detection.

Phil Kafarakis, President and CEO of the Food Away from Home Association, shares insights from his extensive food industry career. He discusses the strategic rebranding of IFMA, emphasizing its mission to enhance collaboration in food service. Kafarakis reflects on the resilience required post-COVID-19 and introduces the ambitious 'Level Up 2027' plan to reposition the association as an industry leader. He also highlights crucial lessons from McDonald's in managing food safety, particularly during outbreaks, showcasing the need for adaptability and effective communication.

Mark Carter is the Senior Software Product Manager at Hygiena. He assumed the presidency of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) at the conclusion of the IAFP Annual Meeting in July 2024. Mr. Carter has extensive international business and technical experience. He most recently served as COO of Matrix Sciences, as well as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, where he was responsible for Matrix Sciences Mergers and Acquisitions activity. He previously held positions as CEO of QC Laboratories and Corporate Vice President of Research and Development with the Silliker Group Corporation (now Mérieux NutriSciences). He has served within the food industry as Section Manager for Microbiology and Food Safety at Kraft Foods and Corporate Laboratory Group Leader at McKee Foods Corporation. An active member of IAFP since 1993, Mr. Carter has served on the Maurice Weber Laboratorian Selection Committee, the Food Protection Trends Editorial Board, the Nominating Committee, the Journal of Food Protection Management Committee, and the Tellers Committee. He was a co-founder of the Sample Prep working group and actively participates in both the Applied Laboratory Methods and the Food Sanitation and Hygiene professional development groups. His commitment to the association also includes participation and organization of numerous technical symposia and poster presentations. Mr. Carter is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.S. degree in Microbiology, and he holds an M.S.A. degree from Columbus State University. He is a registered clinical and public health microbiologist with the American Academy of Microbiology.   In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Mr. Carter [2:38] about: The challenge presented by data fragmentation across different systems and why this hinders food safety and quality How data visualization and centralization, enabled by tools like Hygiena’s SureTrend analytics software, enhances food safety and operational efficiency Important factors that businesses should prioritize to maintain and demonstrate regulatory compliance Examples of how predictive analytics and scenario modeling can help companies proactively address potential risks Technological innovations that are helping industry extend food product shelf life The benefits of data-driven sanitation programs, which can help reduce chemical use while ensuring that standards are met Other technology advancements that will be impactful for the food industry in the future Hygiena’s acquisition of Nexcor Food Safety Technologies Inc., and how integration of Nexcor’s sanitation and compliance software complements SureTrend. Resources SureTrend: Streamline Food Safety Data Management | Hygiena Sponsored by: Hygiena We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Jason Evans, Ph.D. is the Dean of the College of Food Innovation and Technology (CFIT) at Johnson & Wales University, which offers baccalaureate and graduate programming in Culinary Arts, Culinary Science, Culinary Nutrition, Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Food Systems. Formerly, Dr. Evans was an Associate Professor of Agricultural Business Management at the State University of New York's College of Agriculture and Technology, Cobleskill (SUNY Cobleskill), where he also served as the Director of the Institute for Rural Vitality and Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Food Management. Before joining the SUNY Cobleskill faculty in 2009, Dr. Evans was an Assistant Research Professor at West Virginia University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics in 2007. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Evans [47:30] about: His role as the Keynote Presenter at the 2025 Food Safety Summit in May, and what he is looking forward to at the Summit The topic of Dr. Evans’ Keynote speech, “Leadership When Nothing is Easy,” and the challenges he sees with worker disengagement in the context of food safety Why it is crucial for food industry leaders to foster a sense of engagement, accountability, and collaboration among their teams Dr. Evans’ experience as the Founding Dean of CFIT at JWU, and what a JWU education in food innovation and technology offers to students Topics that Dr. Evans emphasizes as a food and agriculture educator and researcher, and how he has seen the academic field evolve throughout his career Why the need for problem-solvers in the food system is greater now than ever. News and Resources News Changes happening at U.S. federal food safety regulatory agencies [3:48] Letter From 85 Congresspeople Urges End to Federal Public Health ‘Gag Order,’ Addressing Bird Flu [3:48] FDA Moves to Rehire Some Human Foods Staffers Who Were Previously Fired [7:09] USDA to Invest in Farm Biosecurity, Chicken Vaccinations to Combat Avian Influenza [7:50] FDA Leader Jim Jones Resigns After 89 'Indiscriminate' Firings in Human Foods Program [8:14] Attorney Kyle Diamantas Expected to Replace Jim Jones as FDA Deputy Commissioner of Human Foods [8:34] Major Advocacy Groups Say Mass Layoffs at FDA Could Jeopardize Food Safety, 'MAHA' Agenda [8:50] RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary; Widespread Firings Coming to FDA, CDC [9:39] Brooke Rollins Confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture, Cites 'Aggressive Plan' to Eliminate USDA Jobs [9:39] Hospitalizations, Deaths Caused by Foodborne Illnesses More Than Doubled in 2024 [19:02] Listeria Outbreak Linked to Nutritional Shakes Served at Healthcare Facilities Causes 12 Deaths [25:58] California Bill Would Set State Drinking Water Limits for PFAS in Case EPA Standards are Weakened [31:12] Food Safety Insights “Food Safety Insights” by Bob Ferguson [35:24] Regulatory Changes Impacting Your Food Safety Program, Part 1—What Should FDA's Priorities Be? Food Safety Magazine December ‘24/January ’25 Regulatory Changes Impacting Your Food Safety Program, Part 2—What Should USDA's Priorities Be? Food Safety Magazine February/March ‘25 Sponsored by: CINTAS We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Kimberly Baker, Ph.D. serves as the Food Systems and Safety Program Team Director and an Associate Extension Specialist with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. She received her Ph.D. in Food Technology from Clemson University and is both a registered and licensed dietitian, as well as a trained chef. Since joining Clemson Extension in 2007 as a Food Safety and Nutrition Agent in Greenville County, Dr. Baker has become a leading authority in food safety and education. She is a certified Seafood HACCP Trainer and Instructor, a Food Safety Preventive Controls Lead Instructor for both Human and Animal Food, a certified Produce Safety Alliance Lead Trainer, and a ServSafe® Instructor/Proctor. Dr. Baker is passionate about empowering others through education. She leverages her extensive expertise to teach home food preservation, promote consumer food safety, and support food entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Baker [33:43] about: Her work at Clemson Extension educating growers and manufacturers on how to prevent contamination and product recalls, as well as conducting root cause analysis on actual recall events How Dr. Baker collaborates with federal and South Carolina State regulatory agencies to prevent foodborne illnesses and to promote and advance food safety Specific strategies for mitigating contamination of ready-to-eat foods by Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens Best practices to help industry avoid product recalls The Food2Market program, a Clemson Extension program developed by Dr. Baker that provides education and technical assistance to food producers related to food safety regulations and processes What the South Carolina Home-Based Food Production Law is, and how Clemson Extension helps producers navigate and comply with the law Education for home-based food producers and small entrepreneurs on allergen cross-contact and labeling, corrective actions in the face of food safety incidents, and recall management. News and Resources News FDA Leader Jim Jones Resigns After 89 ‘Indiscriminate’ Firings in Human Foods Program [3:45]National Food Safety Strategy Would Help Reduce Foodborne Illness in U.S., GAO Suggests [10:22]House Bill Aims to Block USDA From Implementing Stricter Standards for Salmonella in Raw Poultry [20:58]New EU Regulation Requires WGS Analysis, Data Reporting for Important Foodborne Pathogens [24:36]USDA Announces Detection of New HPAI H5N1 Genotype in Dairy Cattle [28:04]New Avian Influenza Genotype Found in Dairy Cattle Resources [WEBINAR] Recall Readiness: How to Conduct a Mock Recall and Ensure Traceability Sponsored by: Hygiena Hygiena Pathogen and Spoilage Organism Detection We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Natalie Rainer, J.D., M.P.H. is a Partner and a Member of K&L Gates LLP's Health Care and FDA practice. She focuses her practice primarily in the food and beverage industry. Natalie practices food and drug law, advising clients on regulatory requirements for foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and food and drug packaging in jurisdictions around the world, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Natalie has in-depth experience in evaluating the regulatory status of food additives, color additives, and food contact materials. She counsels companies on advertising and labeling requirements, including claim substantiation, nutrition labeling, menu labeling, and environmental claims. She also provides guidance regarding compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, including the Bioengineered Labeling rules, organic rules, and regulations related to additives in meat and poultry products. Natalie holds a J.D. from Georgetown University, an M.P.H. degree from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a B.A. degree from the University of California–Berkeley. Peter Coneski, Ph.D. is a Senior Scientific Advisor in K&L Gates LLP's Health Care and FDA practice. He provides technical assistance in evaluating the regulatory compliance of food additives and food contact materials in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. He also develops strategic testing plans and protocols for analytical data acquisition that support industry filings to regulatory agencies globally. In addition to his work related to food additives and food packaging materials, Peter advises clients on global sustainability initiatives, Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, and compliance with emerging legislations impacting companies operating in a global marketplace. Peter also has an extensive research background, authoring numerous peer-reviewed publications and holding several patents related to his work. He was granted an American Society for Engineering Education Postdoctoral Fellowship at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where he focused on the development and characterization of novel, high-performance polymeric and composite materials. While earning his Ph.D., he developed absorbable and persistent polymer with enhanced biocompatibility for use as implantable biomaterials.  Peter holds a Ph.D. and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a B.S. degree from Clarkson University. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Ms. Rainer and Dr. Coneski [30:07] about: The growing understanding of the health effects of dietary exposure to chemicals migrating from packaging to food How concerns about chemical contaminants and environmental contaminants are shaping food safety policy and regulations Technical challenges producers face when attempting to reduce chemical usage in food packaging Impacts on the sustainability and composability of packaging stemming from producers’ efforts to adapt to regulatory developments and shifting attitudes about chemicals in packaging How the federal government is reacting to emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs that vary by state The challenge that producers face in assuring the quality and safety of packaged food while maintaining compliance with regulations and adhering to various state EPR requirements The wave of state legislative efforts to regulate food chemicals following the California Food Safety Act, and how an emerging patchwork of state regulations could impact processors’ ability to meet regulatory requirements for all markets Whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) enhanced, systematic process for the post-market safety assessment of chemicals in food could lead to better state-federal cooperation on food chemical regulation Thoughts on the prioritization of food chemical safety under FDA’s reorganized Human Foods Program and whether it will be successful in the near-term and long-term, in light of the new presidential administration. News and Resources News FDA, CDC Ordered to Temporarily Pause All External Communications, Obtain Trump Admin Approval [4:32] USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong Dismissed by Trump Administration [6:41] Dr. Sara Brenner Appointed FDA Acting Commissioner as Trump Nominee Awaits Senate Confirmation [7:31] Scientists Seek to Develop Improved Tests for Norovirus, Hepatitis A on Berries, Leafy Greens [16:47] FAO/WHO Developing Risk Assessment Models for Listeria in Four Food Commodity Groups [20:37] EU Regulation Limits PFAS in Food Packaging, Bans Single-Use Plastic Packaging for Produce [25:07] Resources The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) Furlough We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Lucy Angarita is the Director of Food Supply Chain visibility at GS1 US, where she works with retail, grocery, foodservice, and healthcare companies to increase data quality, operational efficiencies, and full supply chain traceability. With over 20 years of experience in program management and process improvement, as well as a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, she has a passion for solving complex problems and delivering value to customers and stakeholders. Prior to joining GS1 US, she led a team at Independent Purchasing Cooperative that focused on supply chain data governance and GS1 standards adoption, as well as incident management, for the SUBWAY® system. She also participated in various GS1 workgroups to collaborate and promote trading partner alignment in the foodservice industry. Lucy has a strong background in food safety and quality, and she is committed to advancing the adoption of GS1 standards for enhanced traceability and transparency in the food supply chain. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Lucy [54:14] about: The challenges industry is facing related to Section 204 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA 204), also known as the Food Traceability Final Rule, as the January 2026 compliance date approaches Progress toward compliance that is being made through supply chain-wide alignment, facilitated by initiatives like the GS1 US FSMA 204 work group How a continuous improvement approach can help industry more easily meet the FSMA 204 deadline Immediate actions companies should be taking to achieve FSMA 204 compliance, and why it is not necessary to “reinvent the wheel” Reasons industry should begin their traceability journeys now, even if legislative proposals to delay or weaken FSMA 204 are passed. How GS1 US standards help enhance traceability and transparency in the food supply chain, and how GS1 US is working to help companies achieve FSMA 204 compliance. Before we speak to Lucy, listen to Adrienne’s interview with Julie McGill [32:17], Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Compliance at Trustwell, to gain valuable insights regarding FSMA 204 implementation. She provides strategic guidance to drive the implementation of effective supply chain strategies, from her deep understanding of the industry. Julie previously spent 16 years at GS1 US, where she led the Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative, collaborating with key industry players to establish a foundation for traceability and supply chain visibility. Her career also includes roles at Coors Brewing Company, where she gained expertise in foodservice and CPG supply chains. News and Resources News USDA Considering More Changes to Listeria Rule, RTE Sampling After Boar's Head Outbreak Review [4:44] FDA Publishes Long-Term Strategy to Increase Resiliency of U.S. Infant Formula Market [15:45] FDA Releases New Guidance on Food Labeling Regulations, Low-Moisture RTE Food Safety [20:14] FDA Finalizes Action Levels for Lead in Processed, Packaged Food for Babies and Young Children [21:39] Study: Canadian Rule for Frozen, Breaded Chicken Products Slashed Salmonella Illnesses by 23 Percent [22:58] FDA Bans Red Dye 3 in Food [27:06] Resources GS1 US on LinkedIn  GS1 US FSMA 204 Resource Hub  Independent Purchasing Cooperative (IPC) Case Study on Inventory Management  IPC Case Study on End-to-End Traceability Presenting Sponsor: Trustwell Check out Trustwell's Guide to FSMA 204 Compliance!  We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Haley F. Oliver, Ph.D. is the Director of the Feed the Future Food Safety Innovation Lab at Purdue University. She is also the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars and the 150th Anniversary Professor of Food Science at Purdue University, renowned for her expertise in food safety microbiology. She earned dual B.S. degrees in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from the University of Wyoming in 2004, followed by a Ph.D. in Food Science, with minors in Epidemiology and Microbiology, from Cornell University in 2009. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell, Dr. Oliver joined Purdue University in 2010. Her research focuses on the prevalence, persistence, and control of foodborne pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella in retail food environments. She has been instrumental in developing practical strategies to mitigate cross-contamination in food systems. In June 2019, Dr. Oliver became the Director of the Feed the Future Food Safety Innovation Lab, leading efforts to enhance food safety in countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, and Senegal. Throughout her career, Dr. Oliver has received numerous accolades, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and Agriculture Science Excellence in Teaching Awards, the International Association for Food Protection's (IAFP’s) Larry Beuchat Young Researcher Award in 2016, and the Purdue University Agriculture Research Award in 2023. Beyond her research, Dr. Oliver is dedicated to serving the over 13,000 students and professionals seeking graduate education and postdoctoral training at Purdue University.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Oliver [3:40] about: Purdue’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Safety (FSIL), founded in 2019 by Dr. Oliver with a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Food safety knowledge gaps and challenges identified by FSIL during its first phase, and how FSIL will address these gaps and challenges in the project’s second phase over the next five years FSIL’s poultry safety project in Kenya, and the food safety challenges and opportunities faced by the Kenyan poultry sector FSIL’s project to reduce microbial contamination of Cambodian produce, and interventions that are being implemented as part of this work How FSIL will leverage insights from surveys measuring consumer perspectives and attitudes toward food safety in Kenya, Cambodia, and Nepal The intersections between FSIL’s food safety work and efforts to improve global food security, nutrition, and sustainability Other projects on the horizon for FSIL Insights from Dr. Oliver’s personal academic research work on foodborne pathogens in retail food systems, control strategies for reducing cross-contamination, and food safety capacity-building. News and Resources Purdue Receives $10 Million to Continue Work to Strengthen Global Food Safety We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com