Blake Harris, CSCP, is a specialist in standards and process enhancement, digital solution development, and implementation, with more than a decade of experience in supply chain-related functions within the private sector and at non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He places high value on tackling complex issues to create efficient and uncomplicated solutions. As the Technical Director at the Institute of Food Technologists' Global Food Traceability Center (IFT’s GFTC), his focus centers on enhancing data digitization in food systems, which involves collaborative efforts with a diverse range of stakeholders from industry, government, and NGO sectors.

Alison Grantham, Ph.D., is a consultant who brings a rigorous, practical approach to her work with public and private sector organizations to improve the food system. Alison focuses on helping her clients develop data-driven tools and programs to define and achieve goals to enhance food and agriculture. She has worked closely with IFT's Global Food Traceability Center since 2019, developing the Global Dialogue in Seafood Traceability (GDST) standards, among other traceability initiatives. Prior to consulting, she led food systems research and development, and then food procurement, at an $800-million revenue e-commerce food company. Previously, she led Penn State Extension's beginning farmer training program and directed research at the Rodale Institute. Alison currently serves on the Rodale Institute's Board of Directors and the National Academy of Sciences' Committee to advise the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the body that oversees climate and other global change research across the 14 federal agencies.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Blake and Allison [35:05] about:

• IFT traceability experts’ observations over the past year regarding industry preparation to comply with FSMA 204 in 2026
• Advances in traceability initiatives and technology, especially low-cost/no-cost technologies promoted by FDA, to assist industry compliance
• Advice for companies that have not made much progress in compliance efforts on how they can get started
• Advice for companies that have made strides toward assuring compliance on how they can ensure they are on track to fully meet FSMA regulations by January 2026
• How worldwide adoption of Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) standards has been facilitated, tools offered to help the seafood industry comply with GDST standards, and how GDST standards are influenced by FSMA 204
• Ways in which FSMA 204 compliance will benefit public health and food safety
• How FSMA 204 can help optimize individual company and entire supply chain operations.

News and Resources

CDC Study Highlights Restaurant Characteristics Most Associated With Food Cross-Contamination [2:24]Study Shows Potential of Antimicrobial Blue Light for Listeria Inactivation in Food Processing Plants [8:49]WHO Provides Step-by-Step Guide on Use of WGS for Foodborne Illness Surveillance, Response [13:18]FDA Clarifies "In-Shell Product" Definition and Requirements for Shellfish per 2022 Food Code [18:08]

IFT Global Food Traceability Center

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