Testing methods, analysis
Testing methods, analysis

Beyond the Certificate of Analysis: What Supplier Verification Really Asks of You

By Bala Murugan
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Many food manufacturers treat supplier verification as a filing exercise collect the certificate of analysis, confirm it’s in spec, move on. This article argues that approach satisfies neither FSMA’s supply-chain program nor the scrutiny of a recall. It explains what 21 CFR Part 117 Subpart G actually requires (risk-based verification scaled to hazard severity), why a COA is an assertion rather than proof of safety, and how to build a verification program independent testing, representative sampling, and documented reasoning that matches the hazard rather than just collecting paperwork.

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Nuts, tree nuts
Nuts, tree nuts
Allergen Alley

Aflatoxin: Managing A Stubborn Threat To Global Food Safety

By Stephen Fapohunda
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For food brands, processors, and exporters, aflatoxins represent a dual risk: severe public health consequences and strict regulatory enforcement. In 2024 alone, the EU rejected 127 shipments from Africa due to aflatoxin levels exceeding 2 ppb  for AFB1. For consultants and auditors, understanding aflatoxin risk is now a core compliance skill for food safety, sustainability, and ESG(Environmental, Social and Governance) audits.

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Collaboration Graphic
Collaboration Graphic
In the Food Lab

How Rapid Microbiology and AI Are Transforming Modern Food Safety Laboratories

By Wesam Al-Jeddawi, Ph.D.
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Food safety laboratories are undergoing a significant shift as the food industry faces increasing pressure for speed, accuracy, and transparency. Traditional microbiological methods remain foundational, but they are often too slow to support today’s accelerated production cycles and complex supply chains. As a result, laboratories are adopting rapid microbiological methods, digital data systems, and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making and reduce risk.

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Beltway Beat

Food Safety Consortium Conference

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Plan to attend the Food Safety Consortium Conference in Washington DC. This year’s program will include the rise of AI in food safety and quality management, risk management and FSMA 15 years, later, where is food safety going? The event will focus on the convergence of policy, science, and best practices. With the conference being held near Washington, D.C., the program continues to emphasis on policy discussions, reflecting the growing need to address regulatory and legislative issues. The program will also prioritize the sharing of best practices, offering attendees the chance to learn from one another and engage in collaborative problem-solving on hot-button issues.

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Microscope, pepper
Microscope, pepper
Food Fraud Quick Bites

Authentic Food, Safer Shelves: How Testing Prevents Fraud

By Baidini Ghosh
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Food fraud, driven primarily by economic gain, can rapidly escalate from quality concerns into serious public health crises when adulteration goes undetected. Modern analytical technologies such as spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and PCR are effective tools to authenticate ingredients and detect adulteration before products reach consumers. This article highlights that food fraud prevention is most effective at the ingredient level and explores practical applications, cost considerations, and implementation strategies for building a safer and more transparent food system.

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