Latest news with #FoodSafetySummit
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Food Recall System Is Broken, and Experts Say We're All at Risk
Recall alerts are often delayed, with serious cases taking three to five weeks — or even longer — to be officially classified by the FDA. Most consumers never see recall notices, with only 13% visiting recall websites and just 3% subscribed to alerts, according to behavioral research. Experts say the system fails to reach at-risk communities, citing vague language, legal limitations, lack of direct consumer contact, and poor communication tools as major you hear about a food recall — whether through the news, social media, or a grocery store sign — it's often already been days or even weeks since the issue was first identified. In many cases, the most serious recalls aren't even officially classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until three to five weeks after the problem is discovered. At this year's Food Safety Summit, a panel of public health and industry experts convened to examine this exact breakdown. Their focus wasn't solely on how recalls are issued — but on why so many still fail to reach the individuals they're meant to protect. Despite better tools, more data, and increased urgency, experts say the way we communicate recalls continues to fall short. Although high-profile recalls often grab headlines, the actual number of U.S. food recalls has remained fairly consistent in recent years. 'It feels like there are more recalls,' said Hilary Thesmar, chief science officer at The Food Industry Association (FMI). 'But when you look at the numbers, we're seeing a pretty steady baseline.' Related: Recalls Are Rising: This Is How Food Safety Experts Decide What's Safe to Eat The FDA typically posts more than 175 public recall alerts each year, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) manages fewer, generally between 30 and 60 annually. However, classification can be slow, even for the most serious cases. 'It takes about three to five weeks to classify a Class I recall,' Thesmar said. 'In one case, it took almost three years.' Dr. Donald Prater, principal deputy director for Human Foods at the FDA, echoed the concern: 'Getting products off the shelves rapidly — that's what the whole process is about.' Technically, recalls happen. Products are flagged. Notices are posted. However, the way that information travels — or fails to — still leaves too many consumers in the dark. Dr. William Hallman, a behavioral scientist and professor at Rutgers University, shared years of research on how people actually respond to recall messaging. His findings point to a system that assumes far too much from the public. 'Only 13% of Americans have ever visited a government website for food recall information,' Hallman said. 'And just 3% are subscribed to emails or text alerts.' Even when notices are received, many consumers don't take action. Some don't believe the product is genuinely dangerous. Others simply don't know how to identify what they bought. And far too often, communication is vague — relying on phrases like 'out of an abundance of caution' or 'no illnesses reported to date,' which can unintentionally downplay urgency. 'We're great at selling food to specific people,' Hallman said. 'We're terrible at getting it back.' Despite the hundreds of food recalls issued each year, many Americans either never learn about them or don't realize that the products in their own kitchens are affected. Hallman pointed to a key flaw: Even when recall notices go out, they often aren't designed to be useful. Identifying affected products is often challenging. Lot codes can be confusing, expiration dates are printed in illegible fonts, and many items — such as fresh produce — lack any identifying labels. In some instances, the individuals most impacted never see the notice at all. 'Recall notifications are typically written — and only in English,' Hallman noted, pointing to immigrant and food-insecure communities as especially vulnerable. 'If we want people to act, we have to be clearer.' Dr. Prater acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that 'we have more tools now to reach consumers — and we need to use them better.' He said improving the effectiveness of communication, not just volume, is one of the agency's top priorities. 'Speed and communication are essential,' he said. 'But we also know we can't do this alone.' Related: Hospitalizations and Deaths From Contaminated Food Doubled in 2024 — Here's Everything You Need to Know Panelist Amy Philpott, a crisis communications expert and founder of Philpott PR Solutions, highlighted a significant gap: many manufacturers lack a direct line to consumers. 'The first notice often comes from the wrong messenger,' she said. 'Firms often don't know exactly where their product was sold, especially if it moved through multiple distributors.' Even when they do, legal limitations can stall or strip recall notices of essential context. 'A public notice is a legal document first — which means it often doesn't say what people need to hear,' Philpott added. She also noted that many companies actively avoid using social media during recalls for fear of consumer backlash. 'That silence can backfire,' she warned, especially when other tools for reaching consumers are already underperforming. The recall panel didn't conclude with a single solution, but it did provide a rare kind of clarity. As Dr. Darin Detwiler, food safety advocate and author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions, put it: 'Recall readiness cannot be built on best-case scenarios. It must be grounded in true likelihood — not what's convenient or comfortable.'Delays, confusing language, legal hedging, and poor visibility not only render the system inefficient but also diminish its trustworthiness. 'Every time we hesitate or delay, there's not just the opportunity — but the reality — that someone pays the price,' Detwiler said. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Session Preview: 2025 Food Safety Summit
Eight Key Sessions on Traceability, Sanitation, AI, Allergen Management, Alarm Fatigue, Recall Modernization, and the Town Hall to be Live-Streamed ROSEMONT, IL / / April 30, 2025 / Anticipation is building for the 2025 Food Safety Summit, taking place May 12-15 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. There's still time to register and join food safety professionals from every sector of the supply chain-including production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and retail foodservice-for this premier industry event. Attendees can expect unmatched networking opportunities, hands-on learning, and direct access to some of the most influential thought leaders in food safety today. Below is a preview of eight key sessions among the Summit's 27 expert-led presentations. These timely and technical discussions will be available both in person and via livestream, with on-demand access following the event. All times are Central Time (CT). 1. Traceability Next Steps-Supply Chain Implementation (Tues, 5/13 - 8:30 - 11:30 am CT)This in-depth workshop will guide attendees through the practical "how-to" of implementing and sustaining traceability across the food supply chain. Topics include plan development, cross-sector insights, supply chain implementation strategies, and updates on the regulatory Tim Jackson, Ph.D. (FDA); Kathleen O'Donnell (Wegmans)Panelists Include: Christopher Waldrop (FDA); Michael Lookup (Wegmans); Patrick Guzzle (National Restaurant Association); Natasha Bangel-Askren (Taylor Farms); Hilary Thesmar, Ph.D. (FMI); Roberta Wagner (International Dairy Foods Association); Rosalind Zils (Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition); Mike Williams (The Wendy's Company); Richard Ryan and Amy Behm (GS1)Sponsored by: SafetyChain. Register here for virtual access. 2. Effective Sanitation Basics (Tues, 5/13 - 3:00 - 5:00 pm CT) Sanitation is fundamental to food safety. This session will walk participants through the basics of effective sanitation practices, routine and non-routine cleaning protocols, monitoring systems, data stream utilization, and root cause Sharon Birkett, James Davis (OSI Group); Scott Oakland (Hormel); Eric Ewert (Kraft Heinz)Sponsored by: Meritech. Register here for virtual access 3. Finished Product Testing Isn't the Answer (Wed, 5/14 - 8:00 - 9:00 am CT) Explore the limitations of finished product testing and learn why a proactive, systems-based approach is more effective. The session will cover environmental monitoring, microbial analysis, and strategies for setting practical specifications and engaging customers in meaningful safety Sharon Beals (SKKB); Peter Taormina, Ph.D. (Etna Consulting Group); Donna F. Schaffner (Food Safety and Training Consultant); Jennifer Williams, M.S. (JW Consulting LLC)Sponsored by: LABPLAS. Register here for virtual access 4. Leveraging AI for a Safer Today and Tomorrow (Wed, 5/14 - 2:45 - 4:15 pm CT) Discover how artificial intelligence is already improving food safety-from farms to retail shelves. Learn how AI supports data-informed decisions, enhances FSMS programs, and contributes to safer produce and operational risk Steven A. Lyon, Ph.D.; Purni Wickramasinghe, Ph.D. (Chick-fil-A); Drew McDonald (Taylor Farms)Sponsored by: Trustwell Register here for virtual access 5. Recall Modernization Initiatives with the Consumer in Mind (Wed, 5/14 - 2:45 - 4:15 pm CT)This session examines how industry and regulatory leaders are accelerating the modernization of FDA's recall system to better protect Darin Detwiler, Ph.D., LP.D., (Detwiler Consulting Group LLC); Donald A. Prater, D.V.M. (FDA); Hilary Thesmar, Ph.D. (FMI); Amy Philpott (Philpott PR Solutions LLC)Sponsored by: Vector Solutions. Register here for virtual access. 6. Proven Practices for Allergen Management (Wed, 5/14 - 4:15 - 5:30 pm CT)Learn practical, proven strategies for allergen control-covering raw material sourcing, cleaning validation, and labeling best practices to ensure product Monica Khoury (Nestlé), Phil Johnson, Ph.D. (FARRP); Scott Hegenbart (Conagra)Sponsored by: Hardy Diagnostics Register here for virtual access 7. Alarm Fatigue: Ensuring Food Safety Through Smart Alerts (Thurs 5/15 - 8:00 - 9:00 am CT) This session addresses the risks of alarm fatigue in temperature monitoring systems and how to ensure alarms support-not hinder-food safety. Topics include optimal threshold settings, response protocols, and integrating technology with human Ben Chapman, Ph.D. (NC State); Robert Prevendar (Yum! Brands); Matt Jenkins (McDonald's)Sponsored by: Testo. Register here for virtual access 8. Town Hall: A Candid Dialogue on the Future of Food Safety (Thurs, 5/15 -9:15- 10:30 am CT)Join senior leaders from FDA, USDA FSIS, AFDO, and CDC (invited) in a dynamic discussion on regulatory updates, innovation, and key challenges facing the future of food Gillian Kelleher (Kelleher Consultants)Panelists: Kyle Diamantas (FDA); Denise Eblen, Ph.D. (USDA-FSIS); Steven Mandernach (AFDO); Megin Nichols, D.V.M. (CDC, invited)Sponsored by: MilliporeSigma. Register here for virtual access The Food Safety Summit is a comprehensive, solutions-focused event for the entire food industry. Join in person or via livestream to stay ahead of emerging risks, connect with peers and experts, and bring actionable insights back to your organization. Register for the in-person event and live streaming session at: Conference passes include access to half-day workshops, 27 in-depth sessions, the Keynote and Town Hall, networking receptions, lunch in the Exhibit Hall, over 200 solution providers, Solutions Stage and Tech Tent education, and NEHA continuing education credits. The Food Safety Summit is owned and produced by Food Safety Magazine ( and BNP Media ( a leading B2B media company serving professionals across more than 60 industries. # # # For further information, contact:Amy Riemer, Media Relations 978-502-4895amy@ SOURCE: Food Safety Summit View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Pelsis North America to Showcase Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap AI Technology at Food Safety Summit
Jackson, CA April 04, 2025 --( Pelsis North America, a division of Pelsis Group, a global provider of professional pest management solutions, announced its participation in the Food Safety Summit, the premier event for food safety professionals. The company will showcase its enhanced, AI-powered Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap technology designed to revolutionize flying insect control in food processing facilities and other sensitive environments. At Booth #139, Pelsis North America will demonstrate how its innovative smart Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap solutions provide 24/7 real-time monitoring, actionable insights, and proactive prevention of flying insect infestations. The Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap system utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze insect activity, glue board capacity, device status, and environmental data (temperature and humidity), allowing for rapid response and effective control. 'We are excited to participate in the Food Safety Summit and connect with industry professionals who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety,' said Anna Iversen, BCE, Technical Director, The Americas. 'Our AI-powered Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap technology offers a game-changing approach to flying insect control, providing real-time data, reducing the risk of contamination, and improving overall operational efficiency.' Key benefits of the Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap system include: Proactive Prevention: AI-driven insights enable early detection of flying insect activity, minimizing the risk of product recalls, costly shutdowns, and brand damage. 24/7 Real-Time Monitoring: centralized monitoring via mobile app provides continuous visibility into insect activity, allowing for rapid response and effective control. Data-Driven Decisions: Actionable data and trend analysis empower food safety professionals to make informed decisions and optimize pest management strategies. Enhanced Efficiency: Remote monitoring and customizable alerts reduce unnecessary service calls and streamline operations, saving time and resources. Simplified Compliance: The system provides accurate and readily accessible data to support compliance with food safety regulations, simplify audits, and facilitate record-keeping. Attendees of the Food Safety Summit are invited to visit Pelsis North America at Booth #139 to experience live demonstrations of the Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap technology and learn how it can help them enhance their food safety programs. About Pelsis Group Pelsis Group is the world's leading manufacturer and provider of equipment and solutions to the global pest control industry. Our vision is to develop sustainable and innovative solutions, providing peace of mind and protecting public health while working harmoniously with nature. Pelsis employs more than 650 people across 16 sites in the UK, mainland Europe, USA and India. Our Pelsis Digital Insect Light Trap technology provides a proactive and data-driven approach to flying insect control, helping businesses in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and other industries maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
