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.
Dr. Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA and Dr. Donald A. Prater, Principal Deputy Director for Human Foods, FDA will present at the Food Safety Hazards Conference, April 20-22 in St. Louis MO. The format is a fireside chat with a town hall Q&A, moderated by Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy, Consumer Reports.
Food Safety 4.0 represents a new operating philosophy, not simply a new set of tools. I introduce this term intentionally and for the first time, recognizing that language shapes action. What an organization names, it prioritizes; what it prioritizes, it invests in; and what it invests in, it ultimately leads.
With federal policies and priorities continuing to shift under the current administration, companies need to stay focused on protecting consumers and their businesses. While regulatory agencies have committed to improving the recall process, the industry must still shoulder the responsibility of protecting consumers when something goes wrong. The way recalls are managed impacts consumer trust, public health, business continuity, and brands’ reputations, for better or worse. The negative impact of recalls often grows exponentially when companies and their trading partners are reactive vs. prepared. That’s where resilient supply chains come in.
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.
The petition references research estimating that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure costs the U.S. over $340 billion annually in healthcare impacts. Vinyl gloves, while appearing cheaper, increase contamination risk, recall liability and waste.
“Government departments and agencies serve all citizens – republicans and democrats. This type of partisan rhetoric undermines trust in government and may violate the law.” Sandy Eskin, former Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at USDA
Kelly McDonald, 4X best-selling author has studied over the course of her career as a leading expert in marketing, sales, consumer trends and customer experience. McDonald explores practical strategies for marketing to audiences who may not think, look, or act like you, touching on how empathy, cultural intelligence, and inclusive communication can break down barriers and build trust.
Due to the absence of either a fiscal year 2026 appropriation or a Continuing Resolution, only certain government activities will continue. While FDA will continue to conduct foodborne outbreak surveillance and response activities, the CORE Investigation Table will not be updated weekly during this time.
Events like the Food Safety Consortium are more than a conference, they are platforms for building a stronger network of professionals and advancing food safety culture across our industry. You’ll have the chance to connect with regulators, suppliers, QA leaders, and peers who face the same challenges you do, and return to your company with better understanding, innovative tools and new ideas that make a difference.
