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In this bonus episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, Francine and Matt are joined by a very special guest, Bill Marler, a leading expert in food safety. Together, they dive into the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, shedding light on how things went so wrong and why it’s crucial for food companies to take responsibility when outbreaks like this occur.

You’ll hear about Boar’s Head’s food safety failures, the rise in Listeria cases across the U.S., and why transparency and accountability are the only way forward for companies involved in outbreaks. 

Bill shares powerful insights from his decades of experience in food safety law, including how government agencies and corporations can prevent future tragedies.

In this episode:

💩 [01:25] Bill Marler shares his background and work in food safety law
💩 [05:20] Breaking down the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak: What happened? Why is it deadly?
💩 [12:34] Francine’s take as a former inspector: How did this plant stay open?
💩 [18:44] Matt discusses the disconnect between corporate HQ and the facility level
💩 [27:00] The role of transparency in food safety and crisis management
💩 [39:15] Legal implications: What companies need to know in the wake of an outbreak
💩 [50:18] What consumers can do to prioritize food safety in government policy

Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources from this episode

Food Safety News: What you need to know about the Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak

Food Safety News: House and Senate should act now on Boar’s Head plant

Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“What does a company do if something like this happens? First, understand the science. If they tell you it’s your product, it’s your fault. Own it and take action.” – Bill Marler

“This isn’t just about Boar’s Head. It’s about transparency and how companies handle their mistakes. The whole industry is watching.” – Francine L. Shaw

“I’m never surprised anymore about what happens in the food industry. But it’s shocking to see these kinds of inspection reports get ignored.” – Matthew Regusci

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!

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Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? on Amazon! 

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Produced by Ideablossoms