The GRAS Reality Check

What could the FDA’s proposed mandatory GRAS notification rule mean for your products and regulatory strategy? In this episode of GRAS Reality Check, Intertek Assuris experts Dennis Ashford and Rebekah Morrow discuss potential impacts on existing GRAS conclusions, food contact materials and legacy data. Listen now to learn why reviewing your portfolio today can help you identify gaps and make informed, strategic decisions before the rule is finalized.Presenters:Rebekah Morrow — Director, Regulatory Notifications, Intertek AssurisDennis Ashford, PhD — Manager, Staff Scientist, Intertek AssurisFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

Bringing a food contact substance to the U.S. market requires more than just innovative materials and packaging. It demands a thorough understanding of the FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) process, which combines regulatory strategy, analytical chemistry, toxicology, exposure assessment, and regulatory review. In this podcast, Rebekah Morrow, Director of Regulatory Notifications and Compliance at Intertek Assuris, sits down with Dr. Dennis Ashford, Senior Scientist and Consultant, to demystify the process and break it down into five key steps: data gap analysis, analytical testing, safety assessment, dossier preparation, and FDA review. Whether you're new to FCNs or looking to strengthen your regulatory knowledge, this discussion provides practical insights into navigating one of the most important pathways for food contact material approvals.Listen to the podcast to learn how a strategic, science-based approach can help streamline the FDA Food Contact Notification process and support successful market access.Speakers:Rebekah Morrow, Director, Regulatory Notifications and Compliance, Intertek AssurisDennis Ashford, Manager, Senior Consultant, Staff Scientist, Intertek Assuris   Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

PFAS testing in cosmetics is anything but straightforward. In this episode of Assurance in Action, experts from Intertek Assuris and the LaCoMeD Laboratory explore the challenges of detecting PFAS at trace levels in complex cosmetic products. From sample preparation and cross-contamination to evolving regulations and advanced analytical methods, discover how a risk-based testing strategy can help companies prepare for what comes next. Listen now for practical insights on building a more robust approach to PFAS compliance.Speakers:Franny Montador, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Cosmetics, Intertek AssurisValentine Chauchat, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Operations, Intertek AssurisChristel Grenier, Chromatography Technical Manager, LaCoMeD, Intertek  Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

In this episode of Smarter Supplier Auditing for the Pharmaceutical Sector, we explore one of the most common questions facing supplier quality teams: when should you choose a shared audit, and when is a dedicated audit the better option? Join our host, Catherine Beare, and Anais Mellet as they discuss the strengths of each approach, the role of risk-based decision-making, and how pharmaceutical organisations can build more efficient and effective supplier assurance programmes. Speakers: Host: Catherine Beare Regional Director – Innovation, Intertek Guest: Anaïs Mellet Post-Audit Activity Coordinator - Intertek Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

What exactly is a shared audit, and why are more pharmaceutical and healthcare companies adopting this approach? In this episode, Catherine Beare speaks with Rihab Tayoub about how shared audits help organizations streamline supplier qualification, reduce audit duplication, and maintain high standards of quality and compliance. Learn how a single independent audit can meet the needs of multiple companies while delivering confidential, tailored insights for each participant. Speakers:Catherine Beare- Regional Director, Innovation, Intertek Rihab Tayoub- Audit Services Account Manager, Europe - Intertek Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

In the first episode of Pharma Smarter Supplier Audits, Remy Darricarrere explores why more pharmaceutical companies are turning to outsourced supplier audits. Discover how independent audit partners can provide specialist expertise, global auditor networks, objective assessments, and greater flexibility, helping quality teams strengthen supplier oversight, manage risks more effectively, and optimize internal resources while maintaining compliance and patient safety. Tune in now!Speakers : Rémy Darricarrere- Audit Global Sales Manager, Intertek Chemicals & PharmaCatherine Beare- Regional Director – Innovation, IntertekFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are changing the cosmetics industry. With new regulations already in effect in France and broader European restrictions on the horizon, brands need to prepare. In this episode, we'll explore what these changes mean for cosmetic formulations, testing, and regulatory compliance. Don't miss this timely discussion on one of the beauty industry's biggest challenges.Speakers:Franny Montador, Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Fragrance, Intertek AssurisValentine Chauchat, Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Fragrance, Intertek AssurisFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

In the inaugural episode of Energy in Action, Intertek Caleb Brett's new podcast series exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping global energy and commodity markets, host Nick Davies sits down with supply chain and commodity trading expert Hiti Taluja to discuss the evolving landscape of fertilizer supply chains.As Australia becomes increasingly reliant on imported fertilizers, the industry faces growing complexity driven by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, biosecurity requirements, ethical sourcing expectations, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across fertilizers, chemicals, and bulk shipping logistics, Hiti shares practical insights into supplier due diligence, supply chain governance, compliance risk management, and the importance of building trusted, resilient sourcing relationships.Together, Nick and Hiti explore why transparency, verification, and independent assurance have become essential tools for organizations seeking to protect supply continuity and strengthen commercial performance in an increasingly volatile market. Listen in for expert perspectives on navigating risk, maintaining compliance, and building more resilient fertilizer supply chains for the future.Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

SA8000:2026 marks a significant shift in social compliance, moving beyond having systems in place to proving they work in practice. In this episode of The PACE Perspective Podcast, we break down the key changes to the standard, what they mean for suppliers and brands, and how organizations can evolve their due diligence programs to meet rising expectations.Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.

Global trade volatility is reshaping how supply chains operate and putting new pressure on due diligence programs. In this episode of The PACE Perspective Podcast, we explore what’s really happening on the ground, where programs start to break down, and how organizations can adapt through smarter, more targeted, and more engaged approaches to due diligence.Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action ||  Twitter || LinkedIn.