Online Training: Food Safety Fridays

September 4th: Process Deviations and Root Cause Analysis

Amick Farms Director of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance Alana Thurmond

Even the most well-designed food safety and quality systems encounter process deviations. The key to continuous improvement is understanding not only what happened, but why it happened. In this session, attendees will explore practical approaches for identifying, investigating, and documenting process deviations, as well as effective methods for conducting root cause analyses. Topics will include common investigation tools, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and strategies for preventing recurring issues while supporting compliance and food safety objectives.

September 11th: Tools, Tests and Tactics: 3 "T"s for Contamination Investigations

UW - Madison Center for Dairy Research Food Safety & Quality Coordinator Alex O'Brien

This webinar will cover the use of inspection and diagnostic tools such as UV lights, borescopes, P&IDs, and sampling ports, including the advantages and limitations of different approaches. We’ll also take a closer look at commonly overlooked microbiological tests—including stress testing for coliforms, yeast, and other spoilage organisms—as well as emerging technologies such as metagenomics that can provide deeper insights into contamination sources. Attendees will gain practical guidance on conducting effective contamination investigations, evaluating equipment and process conditions, and identifying hidden factors that may contribute to microbial issues. Whether you're troubleshooting a recurring problem or strengthening your preventive food safety program, this session will provide actionable strategies to support more thorough and effective investigations.

September 18th: GRAS for Human Food: Unpacking the Essentials

EAS Consulting Senior Director for Food Consulting Services Tim Lombardo

The U.S. is one of the most promising and expansive markets for innovative food ingredients.  However, accessing the US requires knowledge about its regulatory requirements.  Among the regulatory options, the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process has a central role in enabling companies to bring new ingredients to market with confidence.   Whether you're new to the food industry, an industry veteran, or simply interested in learning more, this webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the essentials of the GRAS process.

Key takeaways:

• • Definition, history, and legal basis
  • Comparing GRAS to other options such as Food Additive Petitions and Color Additive Petitions
  • Breaking down the GRAS requirements, guiding principles, and key elements
  • FDA submissions versus Self-Determined GRAS
  • Typical submission requirements and timelines 
  • Cell cultured and other novel ingredients

September 24th: Reduce Risk. Protect Production. Control Your Water.

Hydrite Applications Director - Water Darius Barkauskas

This webinar provides a practical, industry-focused overview of how to control microbial growth in utility water systems to protect food safety, product quality, and operational reliability. Attendees will learn how bacteria, algae, and biofilms develop in systems such as cooling towers and process water loops, creating risks including contamination, equipment fouling, corrosion, and potential pathogen exposure. The session will cover proven monitoring strategies and control methods—ranging from biocide program optimization and biofilm management to system design, sanitation, and real-time testing approaches—to help prevent microbial regrowth and maintain compliance with food safety expectations. Designed for water treatment professionals, plant engineers, and food safety leaders, this webinar delivers actionable insights to strengthen water management programs and reduce microbiological risk across critical utility systems.