FST Soapbox

Transforming Food Safety Testing: Designing the Modern Lab

By Daniel Aubert, Ph.D., Grant Hedblom, Ph.D.
No Comments

Food safety professionals must be always focused on continuous improvement. This includes transforming labs into modern spaces and utilizing innovative methods that make the industry more efficient.

In the age of AI and automation, we are all focused on efficiency. When saving time and resources is the name of the game, as professionals, we must regularly assess new methods and processes, looking for solutions that make our labs run more effectively.

Across the food safety testing industry, we continuously look for ways to improve our laboratory spaces and teams. How can we test more quickly? How can we work more effectively as a team? How can we build resiliency within our labs and throughout the industry?

When we look at the history of our industry, we see the traditional, tried-and-true reference methods as the gold standard—we know that they work, and they are widely trusted and accepted. However, when we look at these methods in a modern context, we notice several areas in which they could be improved.

These traditional methods are often slow to produce results and highly labor intensive. When compounded by the ever-present issue of staff hiring and retention, it becomes increasingly apparent that labs need to streamline and simplify testing methods.

The fact is that the modern lab is no longer only a space for traditional testing methods but a hub for innovative, cutting-edge technologies.

In a time when consistency, speed, and accuracy are paramount, it’s important we, as food safety professionals, look for methods, equipment, and processes that are easy to use, easy to replicate, and easy to interpret.

So, what does a modern lab involve?

When thinking of building a modern lab, the need is to address three key issues:

  1. How can we speed up our decision-making? Using rapid, easy-to-use technologies allows labs to receive feedback on environmental testing and harmonize result interpretation quickly. Advanced technologies with ready-to-use and straightforward assays and automated procedures also speed up processes and allow faster, more reliable processing speeds and confident decision-making.
  2. How can we demonstrate our ability to comply with food safety standards?The answer is simple: digitalization, proactivity, and traceability. By utilizing enhanced data management and integration systems, labs can manage a high volume of data, turning it into actionable insights. That data is then, used to demonstrate compliance across a variety of standards and specifications.
  3. How can we feel confident in our results?Implementing new, more modern technology can be intimidating, and given the pressure that high turnover rates place on labs, we must trust the results we share. Automation, standardization in result interpretation, and enhanced data management can help lab managers and decision-makers make the best decisions for the enterprise, knowing that each laboratory analyst is measuring the same metrics, no matter their tenure. Implementing modern solutions makes standardizing testing methods and result interpretation easy, so you can feel comfortable and confident in your data.

Another critical aspect of building a modern lab is networking with our peers across the food safety industry. Attend conferences and webinars, read articles, ask questions, and find out what modern solutions are working for other labs in the industry. Recognizing the value that we get from listening and learning from other experts helps our industry grow.

As the food safety testing industry moves into a more modern era of operations, we must remember that change is good. Change moves us forward, enhances efficiency, and increases confidence while creating sustainable and reliable systems and processes.

Creating modern labs within our various entities around the world will take the food safety testing industry to a new frontier as we all work toward the same goal — keeping people around the world safe and healthy.

Biros' Blog

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

By Rick Biros
No Comments

Join me in a happy hour conversation with David Acheson, President and CEO of TAG called “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” Podinar Broadcast: Thursday, August 22 at 5 o’clock EST.

In 2012, David Acheson of TAG was an early advisor in the launch of Food Safety Tech and the Food Safety Consortium conference. Back then, many things were new and evolving including the proposed Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). David and I will look back at FSMA, how it has evolved and discuss the future FSQA risks and challenges.

This is the premiere of a new podinar series. What’s a podinar? Simply, a podcast using a webinar platform. It’s a conversation. Unscripted. No slides. Just talk… over an adult beverage.

Join me and David in a casual but engaging conversation. Adult beverage is optional but encouraged!

Complimentary but advanced registration required. Click Here.

Food Safety Risk Assessments are “Data Hungry”

By David Hatch
No Comments

David Hatch — VP, Digital Solutions Marketing, Neogen explains that risk assessments are data hungry.

“I got to sit in a room with the food safety team from a global organization. They were looking at both a hazard analysis and a risk assessment. The hazard is the thing that causes danger. The risk assessment is determining how probable is this thing to happen? And, if it happens, at what frequency does it happen? And, then how severe is the problem, if it happens? So there’s multiple factors in a risk assessment and as the group went through this, it occurred to me just how data hungry this process really is! Right? Because for each different hazard, you have to understand things like, well, “How frequently could this happen?” And without data around the actual occurrences of how frequently it happens, you have to kind of guess at it.”

Click on image to watch full video:

2024 FSC logo

Food Defense: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. 2021 FSC Episode 8

By Food Safety Tech Staff
No Comments
2024 FSC logo

In this archived recording, experts in food defense and security address a range of important issues in this area, including risk-based approaches to food defense, threat intelligence, cyber vulnerabilities and critical infrastructure protection.

The session, Food Defense: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, discusses pre-FSMA IA Rule voluntary food defense programs, compliance timelines, and regulatory compliance vs. enterprise risk based approaches to food defense. Presenters will address the status of Food Defense plan quick checks and share insights on Food Defense Plan reanalysis. Participants gain insights on threat intelligence sources and food defense-based research updates. Other topics to be covered include a brief overview of recently released insider risk mitigation reference material, cyber/IT “vulnerabilities”, critical infrastructure protection and how an all-hazards mindset to “all of the above” can help to contribute to a Food Protection Culture.

The following is the line up of speakers for this episode,

  • Jason Bashura, PepsiCo (moderator)
  • Food Defense Yesterday with Raquel Maymir, General Mills
  • FBI HQ Perspectives of Food Defense with Helen S. Lawrence and Scott Mahloch, FBI
  • Food Defense Tomorrow with Frank Pisciotta, ASIS Food Defense & Ag Security Community and Cathy Baillie, Mars, Inc.
  • Risk-based Food Defense with Jessica Cox, Department of Homeland Security, Chemical Security Analysis Center
  • Food Defense & Supply Chain Perspectives: Regional Resilience Action Plan with Jose Dossantos, Department of Homeland Security/CISA

Watch On Demand video:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2149120139973957136

 

Ready.gov
Biros' Blog

Food Protection: Prepare for the Unexpected

By Rick Biros
No Comments
Ready.gov

In a June 24 New York Times article, ‘It’s Happening Again’ the Supply Chain is Under Strain, the head of ocean freight for a logistics company said “I’m lovingly calling the (logistics) market now ‘Covid junior,’ because in a lot of ways we’re right back to where we were during the pandemic. It’s all happening again.”

The Covid supply chain disruptions hit the industry hard, forcing manufacturers to source new ingredient suppliers. Trying to quickly approve (or disapprove) new suppliers put a massive strain on food safety and quality assurance departments who were (are) tasked with doing more with less. Most of the industry really was not prepared for this magnitude of disruption. However, food and beverage industry will always face a myriad of threats to our FSQA organizations. How do we manage to reduce the risks of these threats from impacting our organizations? We evaluate, we assess, we PREPARE for the unexpected – through planning, workforce development and learning from the past. Pick your poison:supply chain disruptions, emerging and virulent pathogens, man-made and natural disasters, new regulations, bird flu, PFAS’, food fraud (think cinnamon tainted with lead and the cross-functional collaborations needed to protect the public’s health), just to name a few.

Food Safety Tech advisor and friend of mine, Jason Bashura, MPH, RS, Sr. Manager, Global Food Defense, PepsiCo has shared with me for years concepts related to the development of  a Food Protection mindset. Food and beverage manufacturers companies are naturally concerned about protecting the public’s health and well-being, their brands and their own company’s financial bottom line. The phrase  “Food Protection” requires a company-wide culture that incorporates the concepts of quality, food safety, food integrity ,food defense, EH&S, physical and cybersecurity concepts into the company’s approach to the envelope of “Food Protection.” Prior to FSMA, in 2007, the FDA released the Food Protection Plan which was founded on the themes of prevention, education & response  all of which are key underpinnings of not only FSMA today, but as embedded within the New Era of Smarter Food Safety, for tomorrow. Today, the FDA funds Food Protection Task Forces across the U.S., and the use of the phrase Food Protection is more ‘prevalent’ than you think: how many uses of this term do you hear regularly? How many other Food Protection ‘elements’ there are? Please add your thoughts in the comments section below.

In recognition of the theme for this year’s  World Food Safety day  – Prepare for the unexpected –  underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be. Food Protection is all about being prepared. Many firms recognize, celebrate and embrace World Food Safety Day as a month long celebration.

Jason can both talk the preparedness talk and walk the preparedness walk! Prior to his work at PepsiCo where his full-time job is predicated on protecting PepsiCo’s worldwide consumers, , he also has organized the Food Defense Consortium, an informal working group of FSQA, physical security, academia and other Food Defense professionals who share best practices, lessons learned and simply share information amongst the group. The Food Defense Consortium meets regularly via zoom and once a year in person at the Food Safety Consortium conference. Jason has a history of “being prepared” as a Volunteer with the Storm Engine Company #2 & the Storm Ambulance Corps in Derby CT, having served as a public health emergency response coordinator at the Naugatuck Valley Health District (CT), and an avid volunteer with the Valley Chapter of the America Red Cross (CT). He is currently serves as a community volunteer member – with environmental health experience – of the Board of Health for the Howard County Health Department (MD).

 

Frank Pisciotta, Chair, ASIS Food Defense Community and Jason Bashura, Facilitator, Food Defense Consortium presenting me with a Certificate of Appreciation for hosting the Food Defense Consortium at the Food Safety Consortium conference as well as publishing the Food Defense Resource Center on Food Safety Tech.

 

 

Another example of preparedness is Rick Rescorla who was the epitome of thinking WHAT IF on the day to day, about how to prepare, educate and respond to a variety of situations that might arise. As director for security at Morgan Stanley in New York City on September 11th  2001, he is credited with saving greater than 2,700 lives thanks to his relentless pursuits for countless hours of education and raising awareness of how to deal with adverse conditions in an evacuation environment.

I guess one should practice what you preach. I listen to Jason and am working to be better prepared for the unexpected. A few years ago, I was “volunteered” to be the Captain of the Chappaquiddick Island CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). We coordinate with the fire department in advance of storms like Nor’easters and have a plan in place for the power being out and no ferry service to get off the island.

As we close out World Food Safety month, we need to not only learn from the past to prevent future issues – so that “it” doesn’t happen again –  we need to embrace the opportunities that we face every day that help us to be better prepared, for tomorrow. As Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith from the original 1980’s “A-Team” tv show used to say “I love it when a plan comes together.”

Food Protection Resources:

  • For more information on how you can PREPARE your business for the unexpected, visit READY.gov
  • For more information on the Food Defense Consortium, visit the Food Defense Resource Center on this website or contact Jason.Bashura@PepsiCo.com
  • Rick Rescorla Citizen Honors Reward
  • Jason Bashura will be co-presenting at the Food Safety Consortium Conference with Jon Woody, Director, Food Defense, CAPT, USPHS, FDA and Debby Newslow, President, D.L. Newslow & Associates on the critical importance of developing and implementing a food defense plan to comply with the FSMA rule 21 CFR Part 121 (IA Rule)

2024 FSC animated banner

Sayed M Naim Khalid
FST Soapbox

Celebrating World Food Safety Day Every Day

By Sayed M Naim Khalid
No Comments
Sayed M Naim Khalid

World Food Safety Day, organized by the World Health Organization in June each year, is a crucial reminder of the importance of safe food practices and the need to reduce foodborne risks. While awareness campaigns play an essential role in highlighting the significance of food safety, these efforts must be supplemented with concrete actions by businesses, organizations, and government institutions. To create a lasting impact, it is imperative to establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), allocate appropriate budgets, and set realistic timelines.

The Current Approach: Awareness and Advocacy

Campaigns and conferences serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations among stakeholders. They bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss challenges and share best practices. These events can inspire action and provide valuable insights into the latest developments in food safety.

However, the challenge lies in translating discussions into tangible actions. Without a structured approach, the momentum generated during these events can wane, leaving the critical issues of food safety unaddressed. Therefore, while advocacy is a vital first step, it is not sufficient on its own.

The Need for Clear KPIs

To move from dialogue to action, businesses and organizations must establish clear KPIs. These metrics will provide measurable goals to ensure food safety standards are met and maintained. KPIs should cover various aspects, including:

  1. Compliance Rates: Tracking the adherence to local and international food safety regulations.
  2. Incident Reduction: Monitoring the number and severity of foodborne illness outbreaks.
  3. Reduction in the number of recalls: Reduced recalls means improved processes and reduced food waste and savings for businesses.
  4. Training and Education: Measuring the effectiveness of food safety training programs for employees.
  5. Consumer Feedback: Collecting and analyzing consumer complaints and feedback related to food safety.
  6. Supply Chain Audits: Regularly auditing suppliers to ensure they meet food safety standards.

By setting these KPIs, organizations can track progress, identify areas for improvement, and hold themselves accountable.

Budget Allocation

Implementing effective food safety measures requires financial investment. Governments and businesses must allocate sufficient budgets to:

  1. Infrastructure Improvement: Upgrading facilities to meet food safety standards.
  2. Technology Integration: Investing in technologies such as traceability systems, automated monitoring, and testing equipment.
  3. Research and Development: Supporting research into new methods and technologies for improving food safety.
  4. Training Programs: Developing and delivering comprehensive training programs for employees at all levels.

A well-defined budget ensures that the necessary resources are available to implement and sustain food safety initiatives.

Realistic Timelines

Setting realistic timelines is essential for the successful implementation of food safety measures. Timelines should be based on the complexity of the tasks and the resources available. A phased approach can be effective, starting with high-priority areas and gradually expanding to cover all aspects of food safety.

For example, an organization might set a timeline to achieve the following:

  1. Short-term (6 months): Conduct initial audits, identify critical gaps, and begin staff training programs.
  2. Medium-term (1-2 years): Upgrade facilities, implement new technologies, and establish a robust monitoring system.
  3. Long-term (3-5 years): Achieve full compliance with all food safety regulations, continuously improve processes, and maintain a culture of food safety.

Collaboration and Accountability

Effective food safety requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and consumers. Each party must understand its role and responsibilities. Governments should enforce regulations and provide guidance, businesses must implement and maintain food safety practices, and consumers should be informed and vigilant.

Accountability mechanisms, such as regular audits, public reporting of food safety performance, and penalties for non-compliance, are crucial for ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to their commitments.

Conclusion

World Food Safety Day is a valuable starting point, but it is not enough. To make a meaningful impact, businesses, organizations, and government institutions must set clear KPIs, allocate appropriate budgets, and establish realistic timelines. By doing so, they can ensure that food safety initiatives move beyond awareness and advocacy to create real, lasting change. Only through concerted and sustained efforts can we achieve the goal of safe food for all.

 

Francine Shaw
Food Safety Culture Club

Enhancing Food Safety Culture in the Food Service Industry: A Call to Action           

By Francine L. Shaw
No Comments
Francine Shaw

In the ever-evolving realm of the food service industry, the importance of food safety goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. It embodies a moral duty that directly affects public health, regulatory alignment, and brand reputation. Startlingly, recent data exposes a stark reality: only 49% of businesses have a structured food safety culture plan, including regular staff training, clear communication of protocols, and a system for documenting and managing safety concerns. This statistic is a wake-up call, underscoring the pressing need for heightened awareness and action within the food industry.

Food businesses need to do more than just file papers outlining the rules in a dusty old file cabinet. They need to implement and prioritize a food safety culture that permeates employees’ values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Their teams need to eat, breathe, and live food safety.

This cultural transformation requires consistent training, leaders who personify proper behaviors, empowered employees, a reliance on tech tools, more sustainable solutions, and teams that uphold stringent food safety standards. The benefits of such a culture are not just regulatory compliance but also enhanced brand reputation, increased customer trust, and improved public health.

Food businesses can accomplish this goal if they:

Train employees. Educating employees about food safety protocols is a crucial step in cultivating a strong food safety culture. This goes beyond just teaching employees what to do, it empowers them to actively safeguard food safety, benefiting both consumers and the establishment’s reputation. Misunderstandings due to lack of training can be damaging to public health, the organization’s reputation, and consumer trust.

Explain the rationale behind the rules. When employees understand the reasons behind the rules, they’re more likely to comply. Stating the ‘what’ of safety protocols without explaining the ‘why’ can lead to significant gaps in knowledge and motivation. When employees don’t consistently follow food safety rules, there can be potentially severe consequences for the organization and its customers. Understanding the reasoning behind each protocol empowers employees by helping them understand the importance of maintaining a safe environment. This knowledge fosters a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to prioritize food safety as an integral part of their daily routines. When employees comprehend the reasons behind safety measures, they can better identify risks. This proactive approach improves overall safety and promotes a culture of progressive improvement and attentiveness.

Incorporate tech solutions. Technology is a game-changer when it comes to food safety. Integrating AI, machine learning, IoT, and other advanced technologies is pivotal in advancing food safety practices. These technologies can automate data collection, analysis, and decision-making, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and data-driven decision-making. However, it’s important to note that these technologies are designed to supplement human efforts, not replace them entirely. Human judgment and expertise remain integral to the food safety process. Many food businesses have transitioned from manual processes to tech solutions. If yours hasn’t yet, it’s time to do so. Today’s tech tools are affordable, accessible, and intuitive for brands of all sizes and budgets.

Use the right sanitizers and disinfectants. One notable solution making waves in food safety is Hypochlorous acid (HOCL), lauded by the EPA for its potent sanitizing and disinfecting properties. HOCL is a non-toxic, non-irritant, and environmentally friendly sanitizer and disinfectant that’s 99.9% effective against many pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. HOCL is 80-100x more effective than bleach, yet sustainable, chemical-free, and safe for humans and the environment. HOCL solutions are biodegradable and sustainable, aligning with organizations’ green initiatives. This solution, which doesn’t require rinsing can enhance shelf life, reduce water usage, and reduce labor expenses.

Lead by example. Effective leadership is essential to creating a robust food safety culture. Leaders must exhibit an unwavering commitment to food safety practices, instilling a culture of accountability and excellence within their teams. When leaders champion food safety, employees will follow suit. That means businesses can ensure a safer environment for their employees and customers, safeguarding their reputation.

Take a holistic approach. The importance of building and nurturing a food safety culture cannot be overstated. It demands a holistic approach, encompassing continuous training, transparent protocols, clear communication, seamless technology integration, steadfast leadership commitment, and a culture of perpetual enhancement.

By developing an atmosphere that places utmost value on food safety at every level, from management to frontline employees, businesses can shield themselves against potential food safety crises and safeguard their guests and reputations. This reduces the risk of legal, financial, and reputational repercussions. Additionally, it enhances brand reputation, fosters customer loyalty, and attracts new business. The food service industry must create and prioritize a food safety culture with unyielding dedication to mitigate risks and maximize successes and resilience.

 

 

David Hatch
FST Soapbox

Managing Food Safety Testing and Sanitation Data Should Be Easier

By David Hatch
No Comments
David Hatch

On three recent occasions, I have talked with food safety leadership at mid- to large-sized processors about their food safety testing and sanitation programs. While these organizations each face some unique challenges, there was a common theme that was clear among them all: The creation of meaningful and timely reporting that is communicated effectively is typically just too cumbersome and manual today.

Other industries have digitally transformed the management of testing, diagnostic, and sanitation workflows. Take, for example, the healthcare industry, where the electronic health record (EHR) has become the standard means of system-wide communication of patient health and risk information. All testing and diagnostic data related to a patient is added to their EHR, making it far simpler for medical professionals to access and use in their assessment and determination of appropriate treatment programs and medications. In addition, the EHR makes it easier for health providers and payor organizations to access aggregate data to assess outcomes, risks, and other measures relevant to the organizations and the industry.

The banking industry, which years ago established online electronic banking as the standard means of transacting business, provides another digital transformation example. Each personal or business account holder can be seen as a source of transactions (analogous to a series of diagnostic results), where there is an expected outcome. The old way of banking, via manual, paper-based systems, had many limitations, including the risk of human error.

Resistance to change abounded in each of these examples, but the benefits of accelerating access to information, eliminating human error, and streamlining the ability to collect, assemble, and deliver impactful analytics, far outweighed the hesitancy to move forward with new digitally supported methods.

In the food and beverage manufacturing and processing industry, resistance has remained very strong within Food Safety & Quality functions. This resistance has largely been the result of food safety regulation being viewed as a “compliance” necessity, and it therefore does not receive the same attention as a business innovation that yields a business growth outcome.

New thinking on this conundrum is starting to generate a different perspective on the matter, however. Early adopters of digital food safety management platforms have found several business benefits beyond streamlined compliance outcomes. At the 2023 International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), a panel of food safety leaders from three different organizations discussed their experiences in adopting digital software for managing their testing programs. Excerpts from this event can be found in this video.

The main discussion centered on how each organization established a business justification for adoption of digital technology to manage their testing programs. Here are three effective justifications that I have heard from leadership, which also featured in the discussion at IAFP:

  1. Time-to-Information: Digitally connecting testing workflows with the lab and triggering instant alerts as nonconforming results are detected is a major benefit. This can transform a team’s approach from reactive to being truly proactive and “preventative.” Catching issues before they blossom yields a huge business benefit, including the ability to launch and complete a Corrective Action without disrupting production.
  2. Operational Up-time Gains: Many organizations see an unplanned clean-in-place (CIP) process or tear-down as “a cost of doing business.” It does not have to be. When testing data reveals a trend that can be detected before it results in a major cleaning and operational delay, the financial benefits are profound.
  3. Team Efficiency and Fulfillment: Food safety technicians and leaders alike focus too much time on manually entering diagnostic result data and manipulating spreadsheets for reporting. Digital automation shifts the emphasis from data entry and preparation to analyzing and solving issues. This shift results in higher job satisfaction, less turnover, and lower costs in hiring and retraining.

If you are challenged with building a business justification for adoption of digital technology in your organization, perhaps the thinking in this article will provide a starting point.

 

Sayed M Naim Khalid
FST Soapbox

Food Safety: The Responsibilities of Government vs. The Private Sector

By Sayed M Naim Khalid
No Comments
Sayed M Naim Khalid

The role of government oversight versus private efforts in ensuring food safety is a comparatively new topic. Recent cases, including the hefty fines against Family Dollar for major violations in relation to sanitary conditions, highlight the importance of strong safeguards. But a key question lingers: Would a shift from government inspections to private audits truly benefit both businesses and consumers?

Government food safety inspections have traditionally operated on a risk-based model, aiming to identify and mitigate potential hazards in food production facilities. However, recent incidents such as the Family Dollar case raise concerns about the adequacy of government oversight. Did the absence of high-risk products at Family Dollar prompt less frequent inspections, leaving the facility unchecked for sanitation and safety standards? And what about past outbreaks like the 2009 Salmonella outbreak linked to the Peanut Corporation of America’s products or the subsequent recalls of Wright County/Hillandale Farms Eggs in 2010 and Cargill Ground Turkey in 2011? Weren’t these crises preventable with proper oversight?

It is evident that failures in both business management and government oversight contribute to lapses in food safety. While businesses are responsible for maintaining proper hygiene, temperature control, and product quality, government agencies play a crucial role in enforcement and inspection. The delay in detecting issues, whether due to resource constraints or bureaucratic inefficiencies, can have dire consequences for consumers and tarnish the reputation of businesses.

Consumers, too, play a pivotal role in the food safety equation. While cost often influences purchasing decisions, an increasing awareness of food safety issues has prompted many to prioritize product quality and trustworthiness. However, consumer vigilance alone cannot substitute for robust regulatory oversight and industry compliance.

The Value of Private Sector Audits

Private sector food safety audits offer a complementary approach to government inspections, providing businesses with standardized frameworks for assessment and improvement. Certifications from reputable third-party organizations such as the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) can enhance consumer trust and facilitate market access. However, private audits should not serve as a replacement for government inspections. While they offer valuable insights, they lack the regulatory authority and enforcement capabilities of government agencies.

The crux of the issue lies in resource allocation and prioritization. Adequate funding for government food safety inspection departments at the federal, state, and local levels is essential to ensure timely and thorough oversight. Proactive inspections, coupled with stringent enforcement measures, can prevent crises before they escalate, ultimately saving businesses and consumers from costly repercussions.

Moreover, fostering a robust food safety culture requires collaboration and accountability across the entire supply chain. From farm to fork, stakeholders must adhere to best practices, comply with regulations, and uphold ethical standards. This includes not only businesses but also government agencies, industry associations, and consumers themselves.

The transition from government food safety inspections to private sector audits should not be viewed as a binary choice but as a symbiotic relationship. While private audits offer valuable insights and incentives for improvement, they cannot replace the regulatory authority and enforcement capabilities of government agencies. A balanced approach, characterized by proactive government oversight, industry compliance, and consumer awareness, is essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring the success of businesses in the food industry.

Paul Bradley
FST Soapbox

The Delicate Dance of Global Food Safety

By Paul Bradley
No Comments
Paul Bradley

A universal truth in bustling cities and rural villages alike is that people want to know the food they are eating is safe. Brands tasked with ensuring food safety walk a line between meeting regulatory requirements and balancing resource constraints. It’s a delicate dance in both developing and established economies.

At the federal level, we typically see programs designed to ensure food safety relegated to the back burner.  In the U.S., the FDA’s food program, a linchpin of food safety, has experienced its own challenges according to revelations from Stephen Ostroff. The two-term acting commissioner of the FDA has publicly revealed the internal struggles across various regulatory bodies both within the FDA and the U.S. regulatory system. Across the pond in the UK, efforts to modernize food safety and hygiene inspections have faced their own setbacks, including a lack of inspectors and poor cross-border coordination.

For nations at every stage of development, the road to food safety regulation is long and winding. Charting the way requires innovative solutions and collaborative effort on a global scale.

Challenges in Developing Countries

In developing countries, insufficient regulatory frameworks, a lack of enforcement, and the absence of modern technology and facilities for proper food handling and processing are major hurdles to ensuring broad food safety. We have seen time and again that efforts to improve food handling practices often result in short-lived change and challenges when scaling.

Beyond resource constraints, the prevalence of street vendors and local markets in the “informal sector,” which serve a significant portion of the population, typically lack oversight. A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine estimated that 2.5 billion people globally rely on street food for at least one meal daily, highlighting the importance of solving food safety concerns in this sector.

Food contamination also poses a serious threat. Microbiological pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and chemical contaminants, can render food and water unsafe. According to a recent UN World Water Development Report, around 2 billion people globally don’t have access to clean and safe drinking water, and approximately 3.6 billion people — 46% of the world’s population — lack adequate sanitation services.

The FDA’s Funding Dilemma

While food safety in the U.S. isn’t as dire as developing countries, we face a different set of concerns. The FDA’s historically underfunded food program has lagged due to staffing shortages, leadership issues and limited resources. A recent 10% increase in funding is a step in the right direction, but critics argue it’s still not enough. Many believe the agency prioritizes drug and medicine oversight and is biased towards appointing leaders with medical backgrounds rather than food industry knowledge.

Beyond the lack of funding and internal infrastructure, there is a broader push to restructure the FDA altogether. The 100+ year old agency created by the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act, is beginning to show its age. Today, with limited staff and resources, the FDA struggles to inspect foreign food shipments and physically examines less than 1% of imported products. With consumer palettes increasingly favoring global delicacies, this nominal inspection rate underscores the need for increased funding and a more innovative approach to FDA strategies.

UK’s Tightrope Walk on Food Safety

Similarly, in the UK, where the Food Standards Agency (FSA) governs food safety, budgetary constraints and other industry concerns are causing setbacks as it attempts to modernize inspections. The FSA has expressed concern that local authorities do not have the resources to deliver food controls, with new data revealing that they are a long way off from meeting the required frequencies of interventions at lower-risk establishments. As a result, some outlets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have not been checked for years. Additionally, UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit), adds another layer of complexity, with potential disruptions to regulatory frameworks and the need for new trade agreements.

A Cautiously Optimistic Outlook on Global Food Safety

The global food safety landscape is at a crossroads and headed for extinction if changes do not take place within the next decade. Initiatives such as capacity-building programs, training workshops, and public-private partnerships empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective food safety practices, while the global exchange of digital food safety data increasingly levels the information playing field for brands and regulatory bodies alike.

Achieving global food safety requires a multi-stakeholder approach that recognizes the unique challenges faced by different nations and leverages the strengths of various stakeholders. By focusing on prevention, capacity building, collaboration, and innovation, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. This journey will require sustained commitment from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and individuals to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all. For those of us in the business of helping to ensure food safety by creating a more transparent global supply network and making regulatory compliance easier to navigate, we are cautiously optimistic in the future and believe in the industry’s ability to rise above the challenge.