Food Safety Matters

• Ep. 193. Christian Ararat: A Global Perspective on Auditing, Certifications, AI, and Beyond

  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 [email protected]

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• Ep. 192. Alfredo Fernández: Emerging U.S. Regulations for PFAS in Food Contact Materials

  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 [email protected]

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• Ep. 191. Dr. Edward Dudley: Wastewater Monitoring for Foodborne Pathogen Surveillance

  Edward G. Dudley, Ph.D. is the Director of the E. coli Reference Center and a Professor of Food Science at the Pennsylvania State University. He has a broad background in molecular biology, physiology, and foodborne bacteria genomics, with expertise in both beneficial and pathogenic species. His current research program focuses on factors that drive the virulence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and the development of DNA sequence-based methods for tracking pathogen spread during foodborne illness outbreaks, including wastewater monitoring. Dr. Dudley is a past Chair of the Food Microbiology Division of the American Society of Microbiology (ASM), the Food Microbiology Representative to ASM's Council of Microbial Sciences, and a previous member of ASM's Microbe Program Committee. In 2019, he was appointed an ASM Distinguished Lecturer and Co-Editor of the Evolution and Genomics domain for ASM's online journal, EcoSal Plus. He was also elected to the American Academy of Microbiology in 2023. Dr. Dudley holds a Ph.D. in Bacteriology and an M.S. degree in Food Science, both from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Dudley [35:17] about: A study conducted by Dr. Dudley’s lab that investigated the usefulness of wastewater monitoring for surveillance of foodborne Salmonella illnesses How whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to link Salmonella isolates from wastewater systems in central Pennsylvania to an existing salmonellosis outbreak The significance of discovering the rare S. Baildon serotype in the wastewater samples How wastewater monitoring activities could fill gaps created when foodborne illnesses go underreported by infected people, as well as the potential limitations of wastewater monitoring for foodborne illness surveillance Other foodborne pathogens besides Salmonella that could be surveilled via wastewater monitoring Apart from the Salmonella wastewater monitoring study, various research projects carried out by Dr. Dudley’s lab related to E. coli. Before we speak to Dr. Dudley, we also hear from Patrick Schneider [25:37], Vice President of Operations and Engineering (Chlorine Dioxide) at CDG Environmental LLC. In his interview, he discusses the usefulness of chlorine dioxide for food plant sanitation, and what makes CDG Solution 3000TM the “gold standard in chlorine dioxide solutions.” Prior to joining CDG Environmental, Mr. Schneider spent 35 years holding various global roles in the oil and gas industry. He holds a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Penn State University. News and Resources News FDA Delays FSMA 204 Traceability Rule Compliance Date by 30 Months [4:02]FDA Launches ‘Operation Stork Speed’ to Improve Infant Formula Safety, Including Contaminant Testing [11:08]Thousands More Layoffs Coming to FDA, CDC as HHS Announces Major Restructuring [12:06]Microplastics Increase Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli, Aid Biofilm Formation, Study Shows [18:12]Proposed Rule Would Require Mandatory Labeling on Alcoholic Beverages for Big 9 Food Allergens [22:35]Trump Admin Nominates CDC Acting Director Dr. Susan Monarez as Agency’s Next Director [23:10]Boar’s Head Appoints Natalie Dyenson as Chief Food Safety Officer [24:09] Resources Get 20 percent off your 2025 Food Safety Summit registration with code “FSMatters20” Wastewater Monitoring Can Aid Foodborne Illness Surveillance, Study Shows Wastewater Surveillance Useful for Norovirus Outbreak Detection Presenting Sponsor: CDG Environmental Visit CDG Environmental at Booth #333 at the 2025 Food Safety Summit! We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

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• Ep. 190. Phil Kafarakis: Ensuring Food Safety for Food Away From Home

  Phil Kafarakis is the President and CEO of IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, formerly known as the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. He is responsible for overseeing IFMA's day-to-day operations and directing the activities of the association in support of its policies, goals, and objectives. Phil is a highly accomplished senior executive with broad experience leading major food industry companies and associations. He began his industry career in the manufacturing sector, successfully leading and managing businesses at Kraft, Jones Dairy Farm, Cargill, and McCormick & Co., where he also served on IFMA's Board of Directors. He also previously served as President of the Specialty Food Association (SFA) and as the Chief Innovation and Member Advancement Officer at the National Restaurant Association (NRA). In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Phil [21:13] about: The decision to rebrand the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association as IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, and how the new branding reflects IFMA’s strategy and mission What resilience and persistence means in the foodservice industry after the COVID-19 pandemic How the "Level Up 2027: A Path Forward for IFMA” strategic plan will help reposition IFMA as a leader for the foodservice industry and enhance value for its members Lessons that quick-service food establishments can learn from how McDonald’s handled the autumn 2024 multistate Escherichia coli outbreak linked to onions supplied to its restaurants by Taylor Farms Ways in which IFMA reinforces the importance of food safety and sanitation to its members through collaboration with industry peers along the foodservice supply chain Actions that the foodservice industry should take to ensure compliance with the Food Traceability Final Rule, and how collaboration with regulators plays a role The need for hands-on food safety and traceability training for those working in the foodservice sector Potential impacts of regulatory policies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) “healthy” designation and the Food Traceability Final Rule. News and Resources News RFK Jr. Directs FDA to Explore Ways to Eliminate GRAS Rule for Food Ingredients [4:20]Key Federal Food Safety Advisory Committees, NACMCF and NACMPI, Have Been Terminated [7:30]U.S. Office of Personnel Management Walks Back Orders to Fire Federal Employees After Court Ruling [9:04]FDA Spending Freeze Leaves Staffers Feeling 'Dangerously Unprepared' for Next Foodborne Illness Outbreak [9:50]Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Sprouts Sickened 509 People Over Two Years in Ten European Countries [12:31]Study Demonstrates Listeria's Ability to Colonize, Survive in Preexisting Multispecies Biofilms [16:35]Theme of 2025 World Food Safety Day Revealed: ‘Science in Action’ [18:10] Sponsored by: Michigan State University Online Food Safety We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]  

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• Hygiena: Optimizing Data for Improved Food Safety Risk Management and Compliance

  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 [email protected]

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