Ep. 196. Dr. Lane Highbarger: How the FDA Workforce Cuts May Impact Food Safety

Lane Highbarger, Ph.D. worked for 26 years in the food additive regulatory and compliance field with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), serving as lead microbiologist in FDA's Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS). He is also an expert in food additive regulations and served as the regulatory review scientist for regulatory submissions at OFAS. Dr. Highbarger holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a B.S. degree in Microbiology, both from the University of Maryland. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Highbarger [23:58] about: His previous work at FDA's Office of Food Additive Safety and how his area of work is important to food safety His thoughts on what effect the Trump administration's FDA workforce cuts will have on the agency's ability to ensure safe food for consumers What the future of chemical safety work looks like at FDA now, in light of the changes and FDA's newly established risk management "pillars" His thoughts on FDA's approach to fast-tracking approval of new food dyes and chemicals so that other chemicals considered "harmful" can be phased out What role he sees science playing in the new administration's approach to food safety policy. News and Resources California Bill Would Remove Ultra-Processed Foods from School Lunches [2:12] ECDC: Europe Saw Record-High Levels of STEC and Listeria Infections in 2023 [9:21] Research Reveals Drop in AMR Bacteria Levels During Poultry Processing [18:35] STOP Foodborne Illness Opens Nominations for '40 Under 40' Program [22:16]   We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Kye Luker serves as the Chief Product Officer at FlexXray, where he leads the development of the company's innovative X-ray inspection process and technology. With over two decades of experience in the service, CPG, food, and beverage industries, Kye brings a wealth of knowledge in continuous improvement, quality assurance, and formulations to his role.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Mr. Luker [1:15] about: Why foreign material (FM) contamination is a major challenge for food processors, and how processors have tried to control FM to date How external X-ray inspection services can assist companies in responding to an FM contamination event How FlexXray helps fill gaps in inspection programs with innovative technologies How external X-ray inspection services are different from in-house inspection systems How companies are leaning on external inspection services in innovative ways The ways in which X-ray inspection technology is evolving, and the trends in supplier requirements for X-ray inspection New and exciting developments happening at FlexXray, and how these technology advances can help processors better assure food safety. Resources FlexXray® Foreign Material X-Ray Inspection Services  Sponsored by: FlexXray We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D., serves as the President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and as the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), as well as a Professor in the Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering. He joined Mizzou from North Carolina State University, where he served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Services; Director of the Food Rheology Laboratory; and system Co-Chair of Food, Biochemical, and Engineered Systems. His research explained the physical chemistry, molecular-level interactions, and functionality of food systems through an understanding of rheological behavior, while solving problems facing the food and pharmaceutical industries.  Dr. Daubert has received distinguished alumnus awards from Pennsylvania State University and Michigan State University. He is also a Fellow of IFT and previously served IFT as chair of the Food Engineering Division and a member-at-large of the Dogwood section. He holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Penn State University, a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and Food Science from Michigan State University, and a Post-Doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University.   In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Daubert [23:34] about: The challenges and opportunities for attracting students to food science and other food-related academic programs The value of an education in food science The role the food industry plays in food science education The complex food system challenges that today’s students—tomorrow's workforce—can help address Dr. Daubert’s work at Mizzou in promoting food science education How IFT helps prepare students to contribute to the global food community upon graduation. News USDA Secretary Rollins Increases Funding to Reimburse States for Food Safety Inspections [3:34]Senator Cotton Introduces Bill to Consolidate Federal Food Safety Agencies [6:38]MAHA Report Sets Stage for Overhaul of Food Chemicals, Environmental Contaminants, and Childhood Nutrition [10:18]Mars Removes Titanium Dioxide from Skittles in the United States [21:41] Sponsored by: CINTAS   We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Savannah Applegate, Ph.D. is a Senior Consultant at Elanco Poultry Food Safety. Dr. Applegate received her B.S. degree in Meat Science from Ohio State University and her M.S. degree and Ph.D. in Applied Food Microbiology from Texas Tech University. Her areas of expertise are meat and poultry food safety, and she specializes in diagnostics and pathogen mitigation.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Applegate [1:10] about: The importance of diagnostics for ensuring food safety and implementing effective disease management protocols in the poultry industry Common misconceptions among industry about diagnostics and how to effectively implement diagnostic tests on-farm Key first steps to integrating effective diagnostic testing protocols alongside biosecurity programs The difference between serotyping data versus quantitative data, and the importance of both to determining the effectiveness of Salmonella vaccines for poultry Support and solutions offered by Elanco for collecting and interpreting serotyping and quantification data to improve poultry food safety outcomes. Sponsor Elanco We Want to Hear from You!Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Alex Truelove has served as Legislation and Advocacy Manager at BPI (Biodegradable Plastics Institute) since 2022. He previously directed U.S. PIRG's (Public Interest Research Group's) zero-waste program. He remains passionate about waste reduction, public policy, and working with others to incrementally solve messy environmental problems.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Alex [30:28] about: The work of the Biodegradable Plastics Institute (BPI) California law AB 1201, which goes into effect in January 2026 and makes significant changes to compliance for compostable products, including food packaging, in the state The law's anticipated effects on food packaging and food safety for companies operating in California The roles that labeling and certification play in the safety and sustainability of California food packaging How companies will need to shift how they come to market and talk about the sustainability of their packaging How food companies who sell in California and across other U.S. markets may respond to the changes required by the California law Whether AB 1201 will have a "ripple effect" on the rest of the U.S.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we also speak with Bob Ferguson [19:31] about: His latest Food Safety Insights Column, “Hygienic Design: How are Processors Coping with This Essential Element of Food Safety?” News FDA Announces 'Proactive' Post-Market Chemical Review Program to Keep Food Supply Safe [4:33] FDA Approves Three Food Colors from Natural Sources [6:45] More Than 15,000 USDA Employees Take Trump Administration's Resignation Offer [12:35] Unions Representing USDA Staff Request Congressional Oversight of Budget, Staffing Cuts [13:20] FDA Announces Completion of First AI-Assisted Scientific Review Pilot and Agency-Wide AI Rollout Timeline [18:04] Resources Food Safety Summit Live Stream Sessions | On Demand Hygienic Design: How are Processors Coping with This Essential Element of Food Safety? We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

To get a taste of the discussions that were happening at the 2025 Food Safety Summit, we spoke face-to-face with Sharon Beals, Founder, SKKB; Peter Taormina, Ph.D., Founder and President, Etna Consulting Group; Sandra Eskin, J.D., CEO, STOP Foodborne Illness; John O'Fallon, Senior Manager Environmental Sensors, Zebra Technologies; Monica Khoury, Senior Quality Expert, Nestlé; and Lily Yasuda, Program Manager, Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness.  In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with: Sharon Beals and Dr. Peter Taormina [2:24] about the function and limitations of finished product testing Sandra Eskin [20:24] about STOP Foodborne Illness' leadership in food safety John O’Fallon [37:33] about how to harness environmental sensors for enhanced food safety. Monica Khoury and Lily Yasuda [1:04:01] about how simple food safety culture tools can make a big impact  Sponsored by: Zebra Technologies    We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

To get a taste of the discussions that were happening at the 2025 Food Safety Summit, we spoke face-to-face with keynote speaker Jason Evans, Ph.D., Dean, College of Food Innovation and Technology, Johnson & Wales University; as well as Brian Ronholm, M.A., Director of Food Policy, Consumer Reports; Michael Fang, Co-Founder, Spectacular Labs; and Steven Lyon, Ph.D., Director, Food Safety—Field Operations, Chick-fil-A Inc.; Purni Wickramasinghe, Ph.D., Food Safety & Restaurant Solutions, Chick-fil-A Inc. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with: Dr. Jason Evans [30:39] about how to shine as a leader in the face of challenges Brian Ronholm [47:48] about chemical safety for food processors Michael Fang [1:02:24] about the need for a comprehensive and integrated food safety solution. Dr. Steven Lyon and Dr. Purni Wickramasinghe [1:28:20] about how to leverage AI for food safety applications Sponsored by: Spectacular Labs   We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Christian Ararat, M.Sc., M.Eng. is a food safety professional with more than ten years of experience in food safety and quality. After earning a bachelor's degree in Food Science from Valley University in Colombia, he began his career in the bakery industry, where he implemented and enforced good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and prerequisite programs. After moving to Canada, Christian joined Natursource Inc., a Montreal-based food manufacturing company dedicated to producing healthy snacks. As head of the Quality Assurance department, Christian implemented the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) SQF food safety system; helped the company to achieve claims such as gluten-free, non-GMO, and Halal; and maintained certifications such as Organic and Kosher. Christian has continued his education and pursued a master's degree in Food Safety and a master's degree in Quality Systems Engineering. Currently, he serves as the Director of Quality and Laboratory at Geloso Beverage Group, the first wine manufacturer in Québec, Canada. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Christian [46:53] about: How variances in audit scores can cause issues for food safety professionals Things food and beverage companies should be paying close attention to on their audit results The importance of striving for continuous improvement over a specific audit score, and how this informs food safety culture How traceability is measured on audits and why food and beverage companies should still prioritize traceability, despite the recent 30-month extension of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Food Traceability Final Rule/FSMA 204 compliance date A $26-million budget cut coming to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 2026, and how it could affect CFIA’s surveillance and enforcement work The differences between certified “Organic” criteria required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) versus FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification program (FSVP), and how those differences affect organic food and beverage exporters to the U.S. Limitations imposed by FDA's evaluation protocols for FSVP-registered entities Potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) that could bolster food safety efforts, as well as possible pitfalls that should be considered when looking to leverage AI for food safety. In this episode, we also interview Joseph Corby [24.26], the recipient of Food Safety Magazine’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award, about his career in food safety and his advocacy for a nationally integrated food safety system. After receiving a degree in Environmental Health, Joseph Corby worked for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for 38 years, beginning as a Food Inspector in 1970 and retiring in 2008 as the Director of the Division of Food Safety and Inspection. He then went on to become the Executive Director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), a role he held for ten years, and is now a Senior Advisor for AFDO. Joseph has served as an Instructor for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AFDO, the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), Louisiana State University, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the University of Tennessee, and Oregon State University. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for the advancement of a nationally integrated food safety system and works with numerous groups and associations in support of this cause. News and Resources News USDA Withdraws Proposed Regulatory Framework for Salmonella in Poultry After Years of Development FDA Announces Plan to Phase Out Synthetic, Petroleum-Based Food Dyes From U.S. Food Supply Rumored FDA Budget Proposal Would Cut Funding, Move Routine Food Inspections to States FDA Reportedly Reinstating Some Fired Food Safety Scientists, Inspection Support Staff FDA Testing Finds Bottled Water Samples Do Not Exceed EPA Limits for PFAS in Drinking WaterResearchers Develop Nanocage-Based Filter That Removes 90 Percent of PFAS From Groundwater Resources “Is AI 'Food Safe?'” by Christian Ararat, M.Sc., M.Eng. for Food Safety MagazineJoseph Corby to be Honored with Food Safety Magazine's 2025 Distinguished Service Award Sponsored by: Hygiena We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Alfredo Fernández, J.D. is an attorney and Partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP. As a member of the firm's national Environmental Practice, Alfredo advises clients across industry types on environmental, health, and safety issues that arise in all areas of business operations. Risk management pertaining to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is one area of focus. Alfredo also counsels private and public entities regarding abatement of hazardous materials and conditions. He received his J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law and holds a B.S. degree from the University of Michigan. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Alfredo [28:37] about: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), coming into effect in January 2026, and the requirements it sets for PFAS in food contact materials Emerging state-level statutes related to PFAS that will affect the food and beverage industry How a patchwork of state-level PFAS regulations will complicate compliance for businesses that operate in multiple U.S. states The broader implications of PFAS contamination and regulations for businesses in the food and beverage sector Challenges industry may face related to PFAS compliance in light of the current unpredictability at EPA and differences in state regulations Actions that companies should be prioritizing to prepare for compliance with TSCA PFAS regulations by 2026 Ways in which legal, consulting, and operational teams can collaborate to help businesses meet upcoming and emerging regulatory demands regarding PFAS. News and Resources News HHS' Proposed FDA Reorganization Would Drastically Alter Structure of Agency, Eliminate Product-Specific Offices [5:30] As U.S. Pieces Together How HHS Cuts are Affecting Food Safety, Stakeholders Speak Out [8:02] Utah Bans Fluoridated Drinking Water [13:29]Study Shows Combining Antimicrobial Blue Light and Chemical Sanitizers Can Enhance Listeria Inactivation [23:22]Study Shows Chewing Gum Releases Thousands of Microplastics, Whether Gum is Synthetic or Natural [25:22] Resources Get 20% off your registration for the 2025 Food Safety Summit using code “FSMatters20” at checkout! Sponsored by: Michigan State University Online Food Safety Program We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]

Edward G. Dudley, Ph.D. is the Director of the E. coli Reference Center and a Professor of Food Science at the Pennsylvania State University. He has a broad background in molecular biology, physiology, and foodborne bacteria genomics, with expertise in both beneficial and pathogenic species. His current research program focuses on factors that drive the virulence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and the development of DNA sequence-based methods for tracking pathogen spread during foodborne illness outbreaks, including wastewater monitoring. Dr. Dudley is a past Chair of the Food Microbiology Division of the American Society of Microbiology (ASM), the Food Microbiology Representative to ASM's Council of Microbial Sciences, and a previous member of ASM's Microbe Program Committee. In 2019, he was appointed an ASM Distinguished Lecturer and Co-Editor of the Evolution and Genomics domain for ASM's online journal, EcoSal Plus. He was also elected to the American Academy of Microbiology in 2023. Dr. Dudley holds a Ph.D. in Bacteriology and an M.S. degree in Food Science, both from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Dudley [35:17] about: A study conducted by Dr. Dudley’s lab that investigated the usefulness of wastewater monitoring for surveillance of foodborne Salmonella illnesses How whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to link Salmonella isolates from wastewater systems in central Pennsylvania to an existing salmonellosis outbreak The significance of discovering the rare S. Baildon serotype in the wastewater samples How wastewater monitoring activities could fill gaps created when foodborne illnesses go underreported by infected people, as well as the potential limitations of wastewater monitoring for foodborne illness surveillance Other foodborne pathogens besides Salmonella that could be surveilled via wastewater monitoring Apart from the Salmonella wastewater monitoring study, various research projects carried out by Dr. Dudley’s lab related to E. coli. Before we speak to Dr. Dudley, we also hear from Patrick Schneider [25:37], Vice President of Operations and Engineering (Chlorine Dioxide) at CDG Environmental LLC. In his interview, he discusses the usefulness of chlorine dioxide for food plant sanitation, and what makes CDG Solution 3000TM the “gold standard in chlorine dioxide solutions.” Prior to joining CDG Environmental, Mr. Schneider spent 35 years holding various global roles in the oil and gas industry. He holds a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Penn State University. News and Resources News FDA Delays FSMA 204 Traceability Rule Compliance Date by 30 Months [4:02]FDA Launches ‘Operation Stork Speed’ to Improve Infant Formula Safety, Including Contaminant Testing [11:08]Thousands More Layoffs Coming to FDA, CDC as HHS Announces Major Restructuring [12:06]Microplastics Increase Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli, Aid Biofilm Formation, Study Shows [18:12]Proposed Rule Would Require Mandatory Labeling on Alcoholic Beverages for Big 9 Food Allergens [22:35]Trump Admin Nominates CDC Acting Director Dr. Susan Monarez as Agency’s Next Director [23:10]Boar’s Head Appoints Natalie Dyenson as Chief Food Safety Officer [24:09] Resources Get 20 percent off your 2025 Food Safety Summit registration with code “FSMatters20” Wastewater Monitoring Can Aid Foodborne Illness Surveillance, Study Shows Wastewater Surveillance Useful for Norovirus Outbreak Detection Presenting Sponsor: CDG Environmental Visit CDG Environmental at Booth #333 at the 2025 Food Safety Summit! We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to [email protected]