Dr. Marta Hugas, Ph.D., is the chief scientist for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In this role, Marta oversees the development of EFSA's scientific strategic direction, manages scientific matters, facilitates the understanding of science, fosters scientific cooperation, and leverages connections and networks to promote EFSA's research priorities.

Since joining EFSA in 2003, Marta has led the agency's Biological Hazards Unit, the Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance Department, and the Biological Hazards and Contaminants Unit.

Before joining EFSA, Marta worked for the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology in Spain where she was head of the Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit. There, she led a research group on applied research on meat and food safety.

Marta earned her bachelor's degree in biological sciences, a Master's degree in genetics and microbial biotechnology, as well as a Ph.D. in food microbiology.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Marta [19:35] about:

• Identifying the needs and gaps that shaped the agency's plans for the next 5–10 years.
• The Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives
• Relying on more alternative and sustainable production systems for future food safety success
• Balancing and improving risk and assessment with new innovations in the food industry
• Involving various subject matter experts when exploring a new food safety question or issue
• Working toward climate neutrality
• The importance of communicating all research and data to the public, even when that information can be difficult for the general public to comprehend
• The Eurobarometer consumer survey
• The three ingredients of risk assessment
• EFSA's partnerships, grants, and procurements

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Climate Change and Food Safety
2019 Eurobarometer on Food Safety in the EU
EU-ANSA Agencies' Engagement in the European Union Research Knowledge Cycle: An Overview
 
News Mentioned in This Episode
FDA Begins Year-Long Assignment to Test Romaine Lettuce for Pathogens [9:54]
UPDATE: Cluster of E. coli Illnesses Linked to Romaine Lettuce Salads [13:05]
Lawmakers Demand More Transparency When Meat Plants Are Linked to Foodborne Outbreaks [13:49]  

Chris McGarvey is the Director of the Regulatory and Compliance Team for Walker Morris LLP in the UK. He has more than 25 years of experience working in both the private and public sector, and has a track record of helping clients navigate complex legal challenges in areas of highly regulated economic activity. Chris specializes in food law and led the Food Standards Agency's (FSA's) Legal Team through Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain challenges associated with the Ukraine conflict. Chris' typical clients are Directors, Senior Managers, and specialists, particularly food scientists, who demand quick, accessible, and accurate advice. His work often has national reach and spans all four nations of the UK.

Kye Luker serves as the Chief Product Officer at FlexXray, where he leads development of the company's innovative X-ray inspection process and technology. With more than two decades of experience in the service, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and food and beverage industries, Kye brings a wealth of knowledge in continuous improvement, quality assurance, and formulations to his role.

Richard (Rick) Stier, M.S. is a consulting food scientist who has helped food processors develop safety, quality, and sanitation programs. He believes in emphasizing the importance of how these programs can help companies increase profits. Rick comes from a family background in food science, with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) establishing an award in his mother's name—the Humanitarian Award for Service to the Science of Food in honor of Elizabeth Fleming Stier. Rick holds degrees in food science from Rutgers University and the University of California at Davis. He is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Food Safety Magazine.

Claire Sand, Ph.D. is a global packaging leader with 40 years of experience in food science and packaging. As founder of Packaging Technology and Research LLC, her mission is to enable a more sustainable food system by advancing innovations that extend food shelf life and reduce waste.

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Campbell Mitchell, M.B.A. is Head of Food Safety and Compliance for Kraft Heinz North America. He has more than 30 years of international experience in food safety, quality management, and risk mitigation. Prior to joining Kraft Heinz, Campbell served as Vice President of Quality and Safety at Fairlife LLC, a $4-billion Coca-Cola-owned dairy brand. He has also held senior leadership roles with Kerry Group and Almarai in the Middle East. Additionally, he founded a consultancy that supported Tiger Brands in Africa.