Food Safety Matters

Hilarie Warren, M.P.H., C.I.H., manages the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center at Georgia Tech, one of the first OTI Education Centers in the national network of occupational safety and health training organizations authorized by OSHA. Jenny Houlroyd, M.S.P.H., C.I.H., has worked as an industrial hygienist with the OSHA Consultation Program for 16 years, providing onsite OSHA compliance assistance for businesses throughout the state of Georgia. She serves as the Manager of the Occupational Health Group for that program. Wendy White, M.Sc., is the Food and Beverage Industry Manager for the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech. She leads GaMEP's food industry services, which include regulatory compliance, HACCP food safety plans, and third-party audit certification preparation. Ms. White holds a B.S. degree in Biology and an M.Sc. degree in Food Microbiology from the University of Georgia and is an FSPCA PCQI Human Foods Lead Instructor, an International HACCP Alliance Lead Instructor, and an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. She is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Food Safety Magazine.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Hilarie, Jenny, and Wendy [18:35] about: The critical intersection of food safety and worker safety in food production and processing The difficulties third-shift workers face with regard to safety and workplace culture, and how those difficulties affect worker health and safety, as well as food safety The importance of internal communication between food safety and personnel safety departments and how communication gaps can occur Addressing workplace injury trends, using a holistic approach, to uncover broader issues that may also impact food safety Factors that lead to underreporting of worker injuries and how companies can encourage workers to report occupational and food safety hazards Confusion that contractors and small businesses face in navigating their responsibilities to OSHA Differences between food safety and worker safety audits and inspections The OSHA Consultation Program that is available for small- and mid-sized businesses as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act Links to Warren, Houlroyd, White Food Safety Magazine articles:Food Safety and Employee Safety: Two Sides of the Same Coin Into the Wee Hours, Sanitation and Safety Keep Working Side by Side News and Resources FDA Completes Report on Processed Avocado and Guacamole Sampling[5:43] USDA: Salmonella Causes Most Pathogen-Based Import Violations, 2002–2019 [9:37] New FSIS Webpage: Reducing Salmonella in Poultry [14:22] IFST Releases New Best Practice Food Safety Governance Guide for Directors [15:52] Register for the Food Safety Summit: May 9–12. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount on registration! Use the code FSMPodcast. We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Kathy Gombas is a recognized food safety expert with over 30 years of experience in the food industry—specializing in preventive controls, supply chain management, food safety auditing, and regulatory affairs.  Kathy is the founder of FSMA Solutions, a consulting group that provides food safety solutions to the food industry. She works with large food companies in conducting corporate food safety system gap assessments to identify vulnerabilities and assists small- to medium-sized businesses in developing food safety plans and supporting programs. Kathy retired from FDA after ten years of service. She was a Senior Advisor at FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). While at CFSAN, Kathy was in a leadership role supporting FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act implementation efforts, including the Preventive Controls Regulator Training and launch of FDA's FSMA Technical Assistance Network for industry. Kathy also led the implementation of FDA's Reportable Food Registry.  Before joining FDA, Kathy held senior food safety positions at Dean Foods overseeing food safety programs for the company's northeast dairy operations and then the corporate Supplier Management Program. Prior to that, she spent eight years at Kraft Foods conducting food safety audits worldwide and developing corporate food safety policies. Kathy is currently Chair of the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) Executive Advisory Board and Co-chair for the FSPCA International Subcommittee working on industry training, outreach, and technical assistance programs for food companies worldwide. She is also Co-chair of the FSPCA Trainer-of-Trainers Work Group responsible for training and monitoring of FSPCA Lead Instructors. Kathy is an FSPCA Trainer-of-Trainers and Lead Instructor for Foreign Supplier Verification Programs and Preventive Controls for Human Food. She is also a member of the Food Safety Magazine Editorial Advisory Board. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Kathy [21:35] about: Background on the founding of the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) and the benefits of FSPCA training Becoming an FSPCA Lead Instructor and Trainer-of-Trainers Courses developed and offered by FSPCA How to determine if a course is a registered FSPCA course Advantages of FSPCA virtual training Impact of the pandemic on FSVP and the current status of audits Looking ahead to future FSPCA services and products News and ResourcesFAO Report: Thinking About the Future of Food Safety [4:20] World Food Safety Day: June 7, 2022 – Theme and Resources [11:10] FSIS Exchanges WGS Information with FDA, Enhances Data Sharing with CDC [12:37] Food Microbiology Forum: FoodMicrobiologyForum@rdls.nestle.com EFSA Releases Scientific Opinion on High-Pressure Processing [16:36] FSPCA Resource Links FSPCA Website Intentional Adulteration Training Courses FSPCA Registered Courses Preferred Vendor List for Qualified Translators and Reviewers Sign up for FSPCA Updates and Newsletters Register for the Food Safety Summit: May 9–12; Early Bird ends March 31. Podcast listeners get an EXTRA 10%! Use the code FSMPodcast. Register before March 31 and get 10% in addition to the Early Bird discount. After March 31, get 10% off published rates. We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Jeff Hahn, Principal at Hahn Marketing & Communications, is a crisis communications expert with 30 years of experience in communications and public relations. He is a specialist in the food and energy sectors and is the owner of a family of integrated agency brands including Apron Food & Beverage Communications, Hahn Public Communications, the Predictive Media Network, and White Lion Interactive. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, where he completed his associate degree in administration, and then graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is formally trained in persuasion communication and holds a master’s degree in communication studies from Texas State University. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jeff [19:39] about: Demystifying crisis communications Twelve essential communication tools for food companies Three types of crises: emergencies, safety issues, and reputation issues The five stages of a crisis that companies must navigate Understanding the communication options at every stage and step Maintaining authenticity and control Beginning reputation repair during a crisis or issue Jeff’s “favorite crisis” How to get a complimentary copy of Breaking Bad News News and ResourcesDr. Robert Califf Confirmed by Senate to Lead FDA for Second Time [3:20] FSIS Requests Input on Salmonella Programs for Pork and Poultry [6:25]Dole Packaged Salads and Infant Formula Recalls [10:35]Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Dole Packaged Salad (Dec 2021) FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints: Powdered Infant Formula (Feb 2022) Cronobacter Illnesses Linked to Powdered Infant Formula Food Safety Insights Column, Bob Ferguson How WGS Continues to Change Food Safety [13:12] Register for the Food Safety Summit: May 9–12; Early Bird ends March 31. Podcast listeners get an EXTRA 10%! Use the code FSMPodcast. Register before March 31 and get 10% in addition to the Early Bird discount. After March 31, get 10% off published rates. We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Shawn Stevens is the founding member of Food Industry Counsel, the only law firm in the world that represents the food industry exclusively. As a food industry consultant and lawyer, Mr. Stevens works throughout the U.S. and abroad with food industry clients—including the world’s largest growers, processors, restaurant chains, distributors, and grocers—helping them protect their brands by reducing food safety risks, complying with FDA and USDA food safety regulations, managing recalls and defending high-profile foodborne illness claims. Mr. Stevens also speaks regularly to audiences on a wide variety of emerging scientific, regulatory, and food safety legal trends, authors columns for food industry publications, and is quoted regularly by national media publications such as TIME Magazine and Corporate Counsel. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Mr. Stevens [18:20] about: Recent recall trends related to the impacts of COVID-19 Using data from the Food Recall Reporter online tracking tool to generate predictive analytics Changes in inspections as we emerge from the pandemic Examining recalls by category, allergen, pathogen, and foreign material Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in food facilities Upcoming changes to FDA’s policy around Listeria—it’s about persistence Trends in regulatory enforcement Industry trends related to the Smarter Era of Food Safety Food Safety Summit workshop—Mock Civil Trial 2.0. News and Resources FDA Resumes Domestic Surveillance Inspections [4:00] FDA Announces List of Priority Guidance Topics for Foods Program [7:49] The Acheson Group: FDA Plans 2022 Guidance FDA Releases FASTER Act Video Overview for Food Industry [13:10] Organizations Petition FDA to Deny BPA Approvals, Limit Use in Food and Beverage [16:01] Register for the Food Safety Summit: May 9–12; Early Bird ends March 31. Podcast listeners get an EXTRA 10%! Use the code FSMPodcast. Register before March 31 and get 10% in addition to the early bird discount. After March 31, get 10% off published rates. We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com.

Erik Mettler is Assistant Commissioner for Partnerships and Policy within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this role, he serves as advisor to the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs on the full range of ORA's activities including partnerships, implementation of new laws and regulations, and overall strategic planning and prioritization. He is responsible for providing long-range strategic direction for ORA policies and programs including the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Michael Rogers is Assistant Commissioner for human and animal food (HAF) operations at FDA's ORA, focusing on inspection- and compliance-related issues in the human and animal food programs and overseeing the program directors for east and west HAF operations, as well as state cooperative programs. Mr. Rogers joined FDA in 1991 as a Field Investigator in the Baltimore District. He then became a Supervisory Investigator at the Northern Virginia Resident Post, a Branch Director at FDA headquarters, the Director of the Division of Field Investigations, and later the Director of FDA's Latin American Office. Travis Waller is the Director of Regulatory Services for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, where he has served since 2014. He oversees five regulatory program areas including retail and manufactured foods; weights and measures; dairy inspection; egg; and poultry grading and inspection, bedding, quilted clothing, and upholstered furniture. Mr. Waller has worked in retail food safety for the past 21 years in both industry and government. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Erik, Michael, and Travis [17:14] about: Division of labor between FDA and states for surveillance inspections Memorializing the Domestic Mutual Reliance (DMR) relationship between FDA and Utah with a formal agreement Details about the Non-Contract Inspection (NCI) program and how states qualify for it How DMR enables better coordination between FDA, states, and localities on recalls and outbreaks Coordinating consumer complaints and corrective actions Lessons learned on building out an integrated food safety system through an integrated workforce under DMR agreements Identifying best practices state-by-state Innovation in DMR agreements throughout the COVID pandemic Benefits of formal DMR agreements between FDA and states News and Resources: FDA Releases Report on Salmonella in CEA Leafy Greens [3:14] Related story:  Is CEA being Oversold? FDA Announces New Egg Regulatory Program Standards [9:28] FDA Allows Certain Rule Exemptions for Supply Chain Crisis [11:53] Europe to Ban Titanium Dioxide in Food from Mid-2022 [13:06] Titanium Dioxide Podcasts: 99% Invisible Podcast: Their Dark Materials Chemistry World – Titanium Dioxide and just because … 99% Invisible: Rock Paper Scissors Bus Register for the Food Safety Summit: May 9–12; Early Bird ends March 31 Podcast listeners get an EXTRA 10%! Use the code FSMPodcast. Register before March 31 and get 10% in addition to the Early Bird discount. After March 31, get 10% off published rates. We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com!      

Adam J. Kuszak, Ph.D., is a health scientist administrator in the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the director of the ODS Analytical Methods and Reference Materials (AMRM) Program. Through AMRM, he works with stakeholders involved in research, industry, and regulatory affairs to support scientific resource development and promote biomedical research on the mechanisms and health effects of dietary supplements and natural products. In addition, he provides scientific expertise and analyses to facilitate ODS initiative development, program management, strategic planning, and evaluation. Dr. Kuszak’s primary research interests are elucidating the mechanisms of action and effects on cellular signaling networks of natural products and drugs and their chemical and biological characterization. He received his B.S. in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Michigan. He completed his postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and joined the ODS as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow in 2014. Uma Sreenivasan is Director of Reference Materials and Workflows R&D at MilliporeSigma.  MilliporeSigma is the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada.  Uma and her team are responsible for the development of reference materials and applications used in dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, clinical and forensic testing.  Uma has a deep interest in phytochemicals and natural products chemistry with many years of experience in pharmaceutical, bio-organic, synthetic, and analytical chemistry.  Since 2000, Uma has served in various research and management roles at Cerilliant Corporation, subsequently Sigma Aldrich and now MilliporeSigma. Uma obtained an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy from India followed by a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and postdoctoral training at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Texas, Austin.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters we spoke with Adam and Uma about: Size and growth of the dietary supplement and nutraceutical industry The role of the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements in regulating dietary supplements MilliporeSigma’s role in offering researchers and analytical labs for development The value of reference materials in the dietary supplement industry The most important considerations for designing and choosing reference materials Lessons learned through developing reference materials The desired goals for reference material development References: Sigma Quality Grades NIH ODS website NIH ODS Analytical Methods and Reference Materials Program Efficient Analysis of Kava Extract Sponsored By:  MilliporeSigma We Want to Hear from You!Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

Jennifer McEntire is Chief Food Safety and Regulatory Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association. Prior to the merger of United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association, Jennifer was Vice President of Food Safety and Technology at United Fresh Produce Association. A food microbiologist by background, she has always worked in the Washington, D.C., area, bringing a scientific perspective to food safety regulatory issues. She was previously vice president of science operations at the Grocery Manufacturers Association. She has served as Vice President and Chief Science Officer at The Acheson Group and as the Senior Staff Scientist and Director of Science and Technology Projects at the Institute of Food Technologists. Jennifer earned a Ph.D. from Rutgers University as a USDA National Needs Fellow in food safety. She serves as an advisory board member of the Global Food Traceability Center, the technical committee of the CPS, and she is on the executive committee of the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jennifer [24:21] about: How the newly formed IFPA will serve the produce industry IFPA’s work on Capitol Hill and with consumer groups Leadership and workforce development initiatives within IFPA FDA’s revision to agricultural water requirements under the Produce Safety Rule Proposed testing requirements under FSMA subpart E FDA's Foodborne Outbreak Response Improvement Plan (FORIP) Tech-enabled traceback in the produce industry Measuring the effectiveness of FORIP and produce safety initiatives. News and Resources FDA Introduces Faster, Easier Reportable Food Registry Process [4:25] New USDA Labeling for Genetically Modified Foods Goes into Effect [7:05] Biodegradable 'Smart' Food Packaging Material Developed By Singapore Team [14:28] Researchers Develop Antimicrobial 'Jelly Ice Cubes' for Safer Cold Storage [20:45] IFPA Expands Food Safety Support with New Hires [23:06] Register for GFSI Conference: March 29–31 Barcelona, Spain – Early Bird ends Jan 31 Register for Food Safety Summit: May 9–12 – Early Bird ends March 31 We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@foodsafetymagazine.com

With 2021 in the rear-view mirror, the Food Safety Matters team, along with Bob Ferguson of Strategic Consulting, sat down to discuss the big food safety stories and impacts of 2021, and peek ahead at what’s in store as we begin 2022. Topics discussed in this episode include: Regulatory Changes New Era of Smarter Food Safety PFAS COVID-19 Supply Chain Food Market Changes Food Safety Culture Sponsored by: Michigan State University Online Food Safety Program Online MS in Food Safety Program Curriculum: Online MS in Food Safety Program We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@foodsafetymagazine.com

Mark Wittrock is the Director of the Food, Agriculture, and Veterinary Defense Division within the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this role, he oversees the coordination and integration of the Department’s food, agriculture, and veterinary defense efforts across DHS, the federal interagency, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, academia, and the international community. His DHS focus is largely on mitigating the potential impacts from high-consequence and/or catastrophic events on the food and agriculture sectors and building stronger resilience to both the unintentional and intentional introduction of poisons, pests, or pathogens that could have quickly cascading impacts across the sectors.  Mr. Wittrock has held a range of counterterrorism, nonproliferation, and counter-proliferation posts, both in the U.S. and abroad—including Deputy Assistant Director for International Cooperation, Senior Policy Advisor to the Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration. Mr. Wittrock worked as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State, as well as served in the U.S. Department of Defense, both on active duty and as a civil servant. Mark holds an M.S. in national security strategy, an M.B.A. in global management, and has Certificates of Professional Fluency in Russian from the U.S. Defense Language Institute, Moscow State University (Lomonosov), and the British Institute of Linguistics.   In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Mark [29:27] about: Overview of the Office of Food, Agriculture, and Veterinary Defense Engaging emergency support functions during the pandemic Building the architecture framework to enhance resilience and prevent crisis The One Health initiative: the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their environment Developing robust interagency partnerships Developing partnerships with external organizations, agencies, universities, and corporations Call to industry as a critical partner in developing resilience. News and References FDA Proposed Revision for Produce Safety Rule’s Agricultural Water Requirements [3:40] Related articles: You Can’t Change the Future by Always Looking at the Past Fixing FSMA’s Ag Water Requirements EFSA Assesses Risk of Bacteria Spread During Animal Transport [12:19] USDA Agriculture Secretary to Nominate New Under Secretary for Food Safety [15:22] Food Safety Insights [17:23] Supply Chain Woes—What is at Stake, and What Will Change? We Want to Hear from You! Please send your questions and suggestions to podcast@foodsafetymagazine.com

Sally Powell Price joined MilliporeSigma in 2020 as a Regulatory Expert for Food Safety Testing for North America. Previously, she served as Director of Lab Operations at a biotech startup in Boston and was a Food Lab Supervisor at the New York City Department of Health - Public Health Laboratory.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a master’s in Microbiology & Immunology, and did continuing coursework in public health and foodborne disease at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. She’s a member of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), American Public Health Association, Association of Public Health Laboratories, and AOAC.  Justyce Jedlicka currently serves as the Food and Beverage Regulatory Liaison in North America for MilliporeSigma. Responsible for engaging with influencers in the food and beverage industry to align initiatives to be in the highest regulatory compliance and promote best practices among testing methods promoting the safest and highest quality food, Justyce has been serving the food and beverage industry since 2013. She received her BS in Chemistry and MBA from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. She currently serves on the Food Sciences Section Executive Board of the American Council of Independent Labs and is a member of IAFP, ISBT, and AOAC. In this BONUS episode of Food Safety Matters we speak with Sally and Justyce about: Where do mycotoxins come from?  Why mycotoxins are a concern in the food space Contributing factors to the rising concern of mycotoxins How mycotoxins are controlled from a regulatory standpoint Recommended resources for those interested in understanding the regulatory landscape Commodities where mycotoxin analysis is becoming increasingly relevant Sampling and testing challenges some might experience with Mycotoxins? How customers can leverage companies like MilliporeSigma to maintain compliance References: Association of American Feed Control Officials AOAC’s Cannabis Analytical Science Program FDA’s Chemical Hazards Resource Page Sponsored by: MilliporeSigma We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@foodsafetymagazine.com