Explore how effective food safety leadership builds a strong food safety culture through proactive risk management, strategic decision-making, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and accountability at every level. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/495-leadership en-us Moving from compliance to capability requires more than training; it requires leadership buy-in that enables better food safety decisions under pressure. Moving from compliance to capability requires more than training; it requires leadership buy-in that enables better food safety decisions under pressure.
 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11888 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11888-building-leadership-buy-in-for-food-safety The inaugural “Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab” will be held November 5–6, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. The two-day, collaborative event is designed to meet the food production sector’s need for leadership development. The inaugural “Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab” will be held November 5–6, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. The two-day, collaborative event is designed to meet the food production sector’s need for leadership development.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11612 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11612-fpsa-launches-leadership-development-conference-for-early-to-mid-career-food-manufacturing-professionals There are technical, economic, and human costs of deferred capital for food safety. Recent legislation provides new tax levers that can change how ROI is calculated. If leadership does not adapt, the result will be more recalls, more injuries, and more brand damage—costing more than a lower capital spend. http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11262 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11262-the-high-costs-of-saving-money-how-overzealous-capital-controls-undermine-food-safety-worker-safety-and-plant-performance By examining global standards such as HACCP, GFSI, and SQF, this article explores the gaps in current competency assessments and the risks posed by these gaps. It also provides actionable strategies to empower frontline leaders and quality assurance teams to improve where necessary. By examining global standards such as HACCP, GFSI, and SQF, this article explores the gaps in current competency assessments and the risks posed by these gaps. It also provides actionable strategies to empower frontline leaders and quality assurance teams to improve where necessary.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10981 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10981-how-qa-and-frontline-leaders-assess-food-safety-skills The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) will introduce two leadership development programs in 2026 aimed at addressing workforce gaps in the food production and manufacturing sectors. The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) will introduce two leadership development programs in 2026 aimed at addressing workforce gaps in the food production and manufacturing sectors.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10973 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:10:54 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10973-fpsa-announces-professional-development-programs-for-2026 In the second of this two-part episode of Food Safety Matters, we interviewed professionals from industry, consumer advocacy, and foodservice, live from the show floor of the Food Safety Summit, which took place on May 12–15 in Rosemont, Illinois. We discussed the efficacy of finished product testing, educating and advocating for consumers, food safety culture tools, and more. In the second of this two-part episode of Food Safety Matters, we interviewed professionals from industry, consumer advocacy, and foodservice, live from the show floor of the Food Safety Summit, which took place on May 12–15 in Rosemont, Illinois. We discussed the efficacy of finished product testing, educating and advocating for consumers, food safety culture tools, and more.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10376 Thu, 22 May 2025 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10376-bonus-episode-live-from-the-2025-food-safety-summitpart-2 In the first of this two-part episode of Food Safety Matters, we interviewed professionals from academia, consumer advocacy, and foodservice, live from the show floor of the Food Safety Summit, which took place on May 12–15 in Rosemont, Illinois. We discussed leadership, food additives, leveraging AI for food safety, and more. In the first of this two-part episode of Food Safety Matters, we interviewed professionals from academia, consumer advocacy, and foodservice, live from the show floor of the Food Safety Summit, which took place on May 12–15 in Rosemont, Illinois. We discussed leadership, food additives, leveraging AI for food safety, and more.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10375 Tue, 20 May 2025 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10375-bonus-episode-live-from-the-2025-food-safety-summitpart-1 As reliance on digital tools increases, it is essential to recognize human skills in maintaining high food safety standards. As reliance on digital tools increases, it is essential to recognize human skills in maintaining high food safety standards.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10315 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10315-the-importance-of-human-skills-and-digital-systems-in-monitoring-food-safety In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Dr. Jason Evans, the Keynote Presenter for the 2025 Food Safety Summit and Dean of the College of Food Innovation and Technology at Johnson & Wales University, about the topic of his upcoming Keynote talk, “Leadership When Nothing is Easy.” Bob Ferguson also discusses his latest two Food Safety Insights columns, which explore how changes at FDA and USDA are impacting processors’ food safety programs. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Dr. Jason Evans, the Keynote Presenter for the 2025 Food Safety Summit and Dean of the College of Food Innovation and Technology at Johnson & Wales University, about the topic of his upcoming Keynote talk, “Leadership When Nothing is Easy.” Bob Ferguson also discusses his latest two Food Safety Insights columns, which explore how changes at FDA and USDA are impacting processors’ food safety programs.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10194 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10194-ep-189-dr-jason-evans-leadership-when-nothing-is-easya-food-safety-summit-keynote-preview Catalyst Food Leaders is hosting a virtual event for food industry professionals with the theme “Advancing Everyday Leaders, Driving Extraordinary Results” in April 2025. Registration is open. Catalyst Food Leaders is hosting a virtual event for food industry professionals with the theme “Advancing Everyday Leaders, Driving Extraordinary Results” in April 2025. Registration is open.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10166 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:56:50 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10166-catalyst-food-leaders-to-host-virtual-event-advancing-everyday-leaders-driving-extraordinary-results Food safety is more than just following protocols; it is about identifying and managing the unique risks in your food production or kitchen environment. Food safety is more than just following protocols; it is about identifying and managing the unique risks in your food production or kitchen environment.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10097 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10097-competence-not-compliance-should-drive-food-safety There are many vehicles to provide food safety learning to industry professionals. While none can provide a one-time or all-encompassing food safety learning experience, all learning opportunities are investments in one of industry’s most essential resources—the people directly supporting safe food production. There are many vehicles to provide food safety learning to industry professionals. While none can provide a one-time or all-encompassing food safety learning experience, all learning opportunities are investments in one of industry’s most essential resources—the people directly supporting safe food production.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10021 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10021-harnessing-the-power-of-food-safety-education-for-industry-professionals Food safety programs based on strong relationships are crucial for ensuring food safety, a continuous and quality supply, and smooth operations. This article explains how establishing strong relationships with suppliers and other key internal and external stakeholders is part of being an effective food safety business leader. Food safety programs based on strong relationships are crucial for ensuring food safety, a continuous and quality supply, and smooth operations. This article explains how establishing strong relationships with suppliers and other key internal and external stakeholders is part of being an effective food safety business leader.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10018 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10018-the-importance-of-establishing-strong-relationships-as-a-successful-food-safety-business-leader Despite food safety regulations and processes improving over the last several decades, foodborne illnesses have not significantly declined. This begs a critical question, which the article attempts to answer through a food safety culture lens: Are new regulations and "best practices" actually improving outcomes? Despite food safety regulations and processes improving over the last several decades, foodborne illnesses have not significantly declined. This begs a critical question, which the article attempts to answer through a food safety culture lens: Are new regulations and "best practices" actually improving outcomes?

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9580 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9580-mission-critical-cultivating-a-culture-of-food-safety-excellence hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The Keynote presentation at the 2024 Food Safety Summit (FSS), titled, “Being Right is Not Enough: Leading Food Safety in a Corporate and Global Environment,” took place on Wednesday morning, presented by Mary Weaver Gertz, Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Officer at Yum! Brands Inc. The Keynote presentation at the 2024 Food Safety Summit (FSS), titled, “Being Right is Not Enough: Leading Food Safety in a Corporate and Global Environment,” took place on Wednesday morning, presented by Mary Weaver Gertz, Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Officer at Yum! Brands Inc.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9458 Wed, 08 May 2024 14:18:16 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9458-fss-2024-keynote-being-right-is-not-enough-leading-food-safety-in-a-corporate-and-global-environment Ignoring psychosocial risks in a food business—including control and support—gives a false sense of security for leaders, who may believe that high external inspection and audit scores mean that the company has a strong food safety system and culture. Ignoring psychosocial risks in a food business—including control and support—gives a false sense of security for leaders, who may believe that high external inspection and audit scores mean that the company has a strong food safety system and culture.
 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9378 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9378-where-food-safety-systems-and-culture-collide-do-you-know-your-companys-psychosocial-risks In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Dr. Jason Richardson, Vice President of Global Quality and Food Safety at The Coca-Cola Company, for a discussion about his work as a food safety business leader to refresh and reframe food safety culture to drive enterprise-wide optimization and growth. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Dr. Jason Richardson, Vice President of Global Quality and Food Safety at The Coca-Cola Company, for a discussion about his work as a food safety business leader to refresh and reframe food safety culture to drive enterprise-wide optimization and growth.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9299 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9299-ep-165-dr-jason-richardson-refreshing-fsqa-culture-at-the-coca-cola-company This article, authored by speakers summarizing their workshop at the 2023 Food Safety Summit, explores components for food safety professional development and business management to help empower food safety leaders throughout their careers and in their day-to-day work. This article, authored by speakers summarizing their workshop at the 2023 Food Safety Summit, explores components for food safety professional development and business management to help empower food safety leaders throughout their careers and in their day-to-day work.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9241 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9241-developing-food-safety-leadership-skills-building-the-workforce-of-tomorrow hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A recent study from Penn State researchers has demonstrated the significant influence that an organization’s leadership style has on employees voicing their food safety concerns. A recent study from Penn State researchers has demonstrated the significant influence that an organization’s leadership style has on employees voicing their food safety concerns.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9144 Thu, 04 Jan 2024 12:03:46 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9144-how-leadership-style-influences-employees-likelihood-to-voice-food-safety-concerns In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Sherry Brice, M.B.A., Chief Supply Chain Officer at W.K. Kellogg Co. She discusses her experiences as a food safety and supply chain business leader, and shares practical strategies and considerations for other professionals in driving business value by balancing food safety priorities, supply chain requirements, and working with diverse teams. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Sherry Brice, M.B.A., Chief Supply Chain Officer at W.K. Kellogg Co. She discusses her experiences as a food safety and supply chain business leader, and shares practical strategies and considerations for other professionals in driving business value by balancing food safety priorities, supply chain requirements, and working with diverse teams.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9092 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:15:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9092-ep-159-sherry-brice-balancing-food-safety-business-leadership-and-teamwork This article takes a look at how whole-being competencies support technical leaders to shift culture through daily interactions and behaviors. As we head into 2024, it is time to move from checking boxes to doing the work of creating and implementing a solid food safety culture improvement plan. Organizations are taking this opportunity to map out how to improve food safety culture in the next year—and, hopefully, over the next several years, as culture shifts are known to take several years to see the impact. This article takes a look at how whole-being competencies support technical leaders to shift culture through daily interactions and behaviors. As we head into 2024, it is time to move from checking boxes to doing the work of creating and implementing a solid food safety culture improvement plan. Organizations are taking this opportunity to map out how to improve food safety culture in the next year—and, hopefully, over the next several years, as culture shifts are known to take several years to see the impact. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9102 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9102-food-safety-culture-moving-from-checklist-to-practice-in-2024 Edited by renowned food safety business leader and public health specialist Hal King, Ph.D., this digital book features perspectives from top food safety business leaders at best-in-class retail foodservice operations. Edited by renowned food safety business leader and public health specialist Hal King, Ph.D., this digital book features perspectives from top food safety business leaders at best-in-class retail foodservice operations.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/8996 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/8996-food-safety-leadership-in-the-business-of-food-safety How would work be different if, instead of focusing on the challenges of working in silos, we built stronger leaders to effectively navigate crowd-sourcing opportunities? How would work be different if, instead of focusing on the challenges of working in silos, we built stronger leaders to effectively navigate crowd-sourcing opportunities?

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/8880 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/8880-food-safety-wants-in-breaking-down-silos Risk culture is a construct in which the organization's values, beliefs, and behaviors influence actions relative to how it responds to risks. By reducing complexity across the organization's functions and processes, the different types of risk can be assessed and managed by a single, powerful approach so that the risk culture is more mature. Risk culture is a construct in which the organization's values, beliefs, and behaviors influence actions relative to how it responds to risks. By reducing complexity across the organization's functions and processes, the different types of risk can be assessed and managed by a single, powerful approach so that the risk culture is more mature.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/8789 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/8789-risk-culture-how-reducing-complexity-improves-the-safety-of-consumers-team-members-and-the-company Strong food safety cultures are often associated with maturity, but they are not developed overnight. Three steps can help develop food safety culture maturity at any organizational level and company size. Strong food safety cultures are often associated with maturity, but they are not developed overnight. Three steps can help develop food safety culture maturity at any organizational level and company size.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/7563 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/7563-maturity-in-food-safety-culture-at-any-size You won the role of the Food Safety and Quality leader, and now you're responsible for creating a feature film starring food safety culture. It can be overwhelming to pull everyone together to play their parts. With these tips, you'll have a blockbuster feature film in no time! You won the role of the Food Safety and Quality leader, and now you're responsible for creating a feature film starring food safety culture. It can be overwhelming to pull everyone together to play their parts. With these tips, you'll have a blockbuster feature film in no time!

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/7514 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/7514-lights-camera-action-stepping-into-the-main-character-role-as-fsq-leader More than a year after the start of the coronavirus pandemic forever changed our way of life and further strained our food system, we face greater challenges as a result of new vulnerabilities that have arisen. More than a year after the start of the coronavirus pandemic forever changed our way of life and further strained our food system, we face greater challenges as a result of new vulnerabilities that have arisen.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/7072 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 10:25:07 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/7072-an-opportunity-to-reimagine-how-the-pandemic-can-improve-our-global-food-system microscopic view of germ