By Adam Friedlander, MS, Manager, Food Safety and Technical Services, Food Marketing Institute
At this year’s biennial FDA Science Forum, scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and academia shared cutting-edge food safety research to update the general public on important work being conducted to protect public health. The forum showcased the agency’s research and how it is being used to develop scientific tools and technologies to advance food safety and inform regulatory decision making.
All presentations and panel discussions from this forum are free and available to watch through the website’s webcast. The food safety topics discussed are important and valuable for FMI members because developing the next generation of retail food safety leaders is a top priority for the FMI Food Protection Committee (FPC). The following presentations provided insight into current FDA scientific initiatives and can help future food safety leaders develop stronger critical thinking, technical science and regulatory skills.
Engaging with federal government scientists is a valuable experience to keep up with the latest scientific innovations and a great opportunity to maintain a relationship with regulatory agencies. FMI is proud to work on behalf of our members to build strong relationships with local, state and federal regulators and scientists.
I’ve dedicated my career to food safety, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping others showcase their expertise in a meaningful way.
Training isn’t just a box to check—it’s a critical investment in ensuring your team understands and implements the practices needed to maintain compliance with SQF standards.
As we settle into 2025, the focus on food safety has never been more critical. SQF Edition 10 is on track for release in July 2025, with implementation for auditing set for the first half of 2026.