Name: Advances in Environmental Monitoring Science and Strategy
Start: 2026-10-06T14:00:00-04:00
End: 2027-10-06T00:00:00-04:00

Advances in Environmental Monitoring Science and Strategy

10/6/26 2:00 pm to 10/6/27 EDT

Contact: Vania Halabou

Environmental monitoring (EM) plays a critical role in verifying sanitation effectiveness and supporting robust food safety programs. This webinar will examine the latest advances in EM science and how validation and verification activities can strengthen preventive controls and corrective actions to build more resilient, high-performing systems.

Experts from Rutgers University and Post Consumer Brands will share insights into emerging EM technologies, evolving sampling and assessment strategies, and practical approaches for implementing advanced EM programs in food manufacturing environments. Attendees will learn how leading organizations are using data-driven EM strategies to support regulatory compliance, improve sanitation performance, and drive continuous improvement.

Key takeaways:

How environmental monitoring science and EMP strategies support sanitation verification and the safe production of food
Recent advances in EM technologies, including new approaches for sampling, testing, and data assessment
Practical guidance for applying advanced EM tools and strategies within food manufacturing facilities

Speakers:

Byron Chaves, Ph.D., Associate Extension Specialist/Professor, Department of Food Science, Rutgers. Byron Chaves, Ph.D. is an Associate Extension Specialist and Professor in food safety at Rutgers University. His work focuses on applied food safety microbiology, predictive modeling, and risk-based decision-making in meat and poultry systems. He integrates microbiological, processing, and statistical approaches to address pathogen control, sanitation, and validation of interventions. Dr. Chaves has led research and outreach programs supporting industry, regulators, and educators, with emphasis on Listeria control, Salmonella risk mitigation, environmental monitoring, and more. He has served in national advisory roles and contributes to advancing practical, science-based solutions that improve food safety systems and public health outcomes.

Neil Bogart, Assistant Director of Sanitation, Post Consumer Brands. Neil Bogart is Assistant Director of Sanitation at Post Consumer Brands. In this role, he serves as a technical consultant, specializing in cleaning and sanitizing solutions, clean-in-place (CIP) systems, hygienic and sanitary engineering design, food safety, microbiological support, and promoting a strong food safety culture. Before joining Post Consumer Brands, Neil founded and served as President of Bogart Food Safety and Sanitation Associates, Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to food safety and sanitation. His career spans more than 25 years of operational, consulting, and regulatory expertise in the food and beverage industry. He is also the recipient of the 2024 IAFP Sanitarian of the Year Award. Mr. Bogart is an active member of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), the Alabama Association for Food Protection (AAFP), and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). He has served on the boards of both IAFP and AAFP, held positions such as Secretary of the IAFP Affiliate Council, and chaired the Food Fraud Professional Development Group (PDG). Currently, he is the Interim Director of AAFP, AAFP's Affiliate Delegate to IAFP, and Vice-Chair of the IAFP Dairy Quality and Safety PDG. He also co-founded the IAFP Food Fraud PDG. He holds a B.S. degree in Food Science from Mississippi State University and an A.A. degree in Culinary Arts/Chef Training from Monroe County Community College.

Moderator: Adrienne Blume, Editorial Director, Food Safety Magazine

Sponsored By: