Kathy Knutson, Ph.D., PCQI, is educated in bacteriology, food science, and education. She speaks, writes, and trains on compliance for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). She has trained over 500 Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQIs). Dr. Knutson works with managers to write thorough hazard analyses, food safety plans, recall plans, environmental monitoring programs, and allergen programs. In 2020, she published a book, Food Safety Lessons for Cannabis-Infused Edibles. Dr. Knutson travels to manufacturers for swabbing to locate a pathogen during recall investigations and for gap assessments of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Knutson [30:14] about:

• Which variables are important to consider when designing an environmental monitoring program (EMP)
• The importance of controlling the quality and movement of air and water in a facility
• Actions for preventing foot traffic from bringing in and spreading pathogens
• How a strong sanitation program contributes to a robust EMP
• How to verify sanitation through sampling and record-keeping, which includes having written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and swabbing protocols informed by hygienic zoning
• The capabilities and responsibilities of a well-trained and educated EMP team.

News and Resources

News

What the Final MAHA Report Could Mean for Food Safety [3:36]
FDA to Issue Proposed Rule Tightening GRAS Oversight

Public Health Professionals, Groups Demand Resignation of HHS Secretary RFK Jr. [20:58]

Protein Processing Act Would Lift Pork, Poultry Line Speed Limits if Food Safety Criteria Are Met [24:19]

Resources

Challenges for Evaluation of Your Environmental Monitoring Program

Ep. 157. Dr. Kathy Knutson: Food Safety Considerations and Regulations for Cannabis-Infused Edibles

Sponsored by:

IFC

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Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Dutcher [38:31] about:

• The internal structure of the Food Products Inspectorate (FPI) within FDA’s OII
• OII’s role and responsibilities for inspecting human foods at FDA, including examples of frontline activities
• How the FPI is equipped to facilitate outbreak investigations and recalls
• Priority work plans assigned to FPI in 2025, and how this work will be accomplished
• In light of reduced funding for state inspectoral partners, how FPI can work with state public health agencies to ensure that priority inspections are carried out How OII is working to help restore confidence in the food supply among U.S. consumers
• New technologies and platforms being leveraged by OII to advance operations both internally and structurally, and how they are benefitting OII operations and functions.

News and Resources

News

Leaked Second MAHA Report Emphasizes Food Industry Deregulation, Reliance on Voluntary Industry Action [4:10]

CDC Slashes FoodNet Surveillance From Eight Foodborne Pathogens to Two [16:21]

Trump-Appointed CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez Fired After Clashes With Secretary Kennedy [23:00]

Boar's Head to Reopen Facility Behind Fatal Listeria Outbreak While Other Plants Remain Insanitary
USDA Taking Over Boar's Head Inspections From State Officials at Plant Responsible for Outbreak [31:37]

FDA Adds Six Artificial Food Dyes to List of Chemicals Under Post-Market Review [35:27]

Resources

Partnership for Food Safety Education—National Food Safety Education Month

We Want to Hear from You!
Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com