In the ever-evolving landscape of the food industry, food safety professionals navigate a complex web of challenges and responsibilities. Their mission? To safeguard the global food supply, which is both a noble and daunting task. The journey of food safety professionals is a tale that deserves to be told. Despite technological advancements and a better understanding of foodborne pathogens, the food industry continues to grapple with a fundamental challenge: embedding food safety into the corporate ethos.
From my first steps in the industry back in 1999, it became clear that while processes and knowledge could evolve, altering human behavior and convincing top management of the importance of food safety remained a monumental task. The world has changed in countless ways since the late 20th century, yet the struggle to prioritize food safety persists. This is not due to a lack of resources or information, but rather the difficulty in shifting perceptions among those who hold the reins of power.