Building a strong food safety culture requires more than protocols—it demands deep organizational commitment and the consistent application of best practices at every level of operations. In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams is joined by Darryl Riley, a globally respected leader in food safety and quality with over 30 years of experience in the CPG industry. Together, they unpack the evolution of product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing food landscape.

🌱 Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit AskReg AI Software Options | Trustwell

Darryl shares valuable lessons from his international career, highlighting how cross-functional collaboration, strategic ingredient management, and rigorous consumer testing are crucial for successful product innovation. He explains how the product development process has shifted from focusing on individual projects to managing multiple innovations simultaneously, and why breaking down silos between departments is essential for meaningful progress.

The conversation explores Darryl’s “Three Pillars of Leadership”—Humility, Business Acumen, and Empathy—and how they guide effective team management and decision-making. He also discusses how to navigate the growing consumer demand for clean, natural ingredients without compromising product quality or safety. From using the Stage Gate process to guide ingredient changes to ensuring heavy user testing validates decisions, Darryl offers practical strategies that food professionals can apply immediately.

Listeners will also gain insight into why regulatory systems need to evolve to keep pace with innovation, and how emerging technologies and AI are poised to transform food safety testing and compliance over the next decade. Darryl introduces the “Four A’s Framework”—Affordability, Availability, Accessibility, and Acceptability—as a lens for driving future industry success.

Whether you’re adapting to new regulatory expectations, tackling ingredient reformulations, or looking to integrate cutting-edge technology into your food safety protocols, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and stay ahead of the curve.

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

Technology and trust are playing an increasingly important role in shaping how food safety is managed today. In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams sits down with Laura McCready, Director of Food Safety and Policy at Reser’s Fine Foods, to unpack the evolving landscape of traceability, supplier relationships, and the cultural mindset needed to support food safety at scale. With a global footprint and years of experience, Laura shares how organizations can use technology systems to enhance traceability while still safeguarding sensitive data. She explains how collaboration between R&D, supply chain, and food safety teams strengthens compliance and drives more effective operations.

🌱 Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit AskReg AI Software Options | Trustwell

Laura discusses how companies can prepare both their internal teams and external suppliers for upcoming regulations like FSMA 204, and why proactive planning is key to ensuring smooth transitions. She highlights how trust-based supplier partnerships support compliance efforts and ultimately improve safety outcomes across the board. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of transparency in earning and maintaining consumer trust and offers practical ways to measure its impact.

From breaking down silos to developing strong food safety cultures across countries, Laura emphasizes the importance of communication, shared goals, and team engagement. She also touches on the growing need to address chemical risks in the supply chain and why recognizing small wins can help keep teams motivated. Whether you're navigating global operations or refining internal processes, Laura’s insights offer a grounded, actionable view into what it takes to protect consumers and maintain safety standards without losing efficiency.

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

Airport food safety is no easy task—it demands speed, precision, and consistency across a wide range of operations and touchpoints.

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams sits down with Arahmelle Tan, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics, and Airomo Russel, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at OTG Management. Together, they explore how to maintain high food safety and quality standards in one of the most fast-paced and complex environments: the airport.

🌱 Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit AskReg AI Software Options | Trustwell

Arahmelle and Airomo discuss how they build a strong food safety culture that spans every level of the organization—from dishwashers to executives—through clear protocols, shared responsibility, and ongoing training. They highlight the role of digital systems in maintaining compliance across multiple airport terminals and how strong supplier partnerships help ensure consistent quality and safety. The conversation dives into the importance of balancing speed with safety, using operational readiness, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring to stay ahead of potential risks.

They also explore how OTG integrates sustainability into its operations without compromising safety, and how emerging tools like AI-powered inventory systems and smart labeling are changing the game. With limited space and tight schedules, navigating airport supply chains presents unique challenges. Arahmelle and Airomo share how they tackle these issues head-on while keeping freshness and safety at the forefront.

Arahmelle Tan brings over 20 years of experience in travel and hospitality, leading major initiatives in demand forecasting, distribution, and supply chain innovation. Her leadership is grounded in a people-first approach and deep operational knowledge. Airomo Russel also brings two decades of expertise, including ten years at the NYC Department of Health. Her work focuses on regulatory compliance, risk management, and education, advocating for safer food systems through training and storytelling.

Together, Arahmelle and Airomo offer an inside look at how to run safe, efficient, and forward-thinking food service operations in one of the most demanding sectors of the industry.

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

Plant-based proteins have come a long way from being niche products to becoming viable, mainstream alternatives. This transformation is being shaped by both advancing technologies and shifting consumer expectations around sustainability, health, and taste.

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams sits down with Danny O'Malley, President and Founder of Before the Butcher, to explore how plant-based protein innovation is reshaping the food industry. Danny shares insights from his journey building a plant-based brand from the ground up, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the research, experimentation, and strategy involved in bringing quality meat alternatives to market.

🌱 Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit AskReg AI Software Options | Trustwell

The conversation covers what it really takes to create plant-based products that deliver on both texture and taste, two of the most crucial elements for consumer satisfaction. Danny explains why texture often makes or breaks a product in this space, and how his team has approached development to meet rising expectations. He also highlights the unique challenges of extensive R&D and why continual testing is essential to success.

Danny introduces his “natural growth” philosophy, a methodical and sustainable way of scaling a business without compromising product integrity. He also reflects on how generational preferences are shaping plant-based food adoption, influencing everything from branding to formulation. The episode touches on emerging ingredients like sunflower protein and how they’re being used to create innovative, shelf-stable snacks that align with modern e-commerce needs.

Danny also shares a framework that has guided his team from the beginning, prioritizing personal health, planetary health, and animal welfare. This threefold focus helps maintain clarity and consistency in decision-making, especially in a crowded and competitive marketplace where differentiation is key.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear how consumer feedback has played a central role in refining products and why listening to your market can drive more effective innovation. From product quality to streamlined shipping strategies, Danny brings a practical and grounded perspective to what it takes to succeed in the evolving world of plant-based foods.

🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Don’t miss out on future conversations that explore the intersection of food, tech, and innovation. Follow Food Tech Talk on your favorite platform—whether it’s Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube—and hit subscribe so you’re always in the loop. If you liked what you heard, leave us a review or share the episode with a colleague who’s passionate about the future of food and retail. Let’s keep the conversation going!

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

On this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, Lydia Adams sits down with Russ Hawkins, President and CEO of Agilence Inc., to explore how data analytics and AI are reshaping the way restaurants and retailers operate. Russ shares how businesses are turning massive amounts of data into clear, actionable insights that drive better decision-making across the board—from improving customer experiences to tightening up operational efficiency.

🌱 Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit AskReg AI Software Options | Trustwell

Throughout the conversation, Russ explains how companies can strike a healthy balance between personalization and privacy. He also dives into the challenges restaurants face with managing multiple delivery platforms and how a new generation of tools is helping them streamline that process. You’ll hear about the growing role of natural language processing and how it’s making data more accessible to teams who don’t have a technical background.

Russ also breaks down how AI can be applied in different departments, including software development and customer service. He outlines a practical framework for using transaction data to enhance performance and security. Plus, he shares how AI-powered monitoring tools are helping companies train teams faster and operate more efficiently without adding friction.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of what it takes to scale a tech-driven company in the restaurant and retail space. Russ emphasizes the importance of giving more employees access to data, allowing for faster, more informed decisions. Toward the end of the episode, he offers his take on how AI and automation will continue to evolve, and why maintaining a personal touch still matters, even as technology takes center stage.

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

Building a strong food safety culture requires deep organizational commitment and the systematic implementation of best practices across every level of operations.

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams is joined by Dinesh Babu, Vice President of Quality and Food Safety at State Garden, for an in-depth discussion on comprehensive strategies for food safety, regulatory compliance, and cultivating a robust safety culture within large-scale food production environments.

🌱Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit AskReg AI Software Options | Trustwell

Throughout the conversation, Dinesh shares how organizations can move beyond basic compliance to foster a genuine culture of food safety that drives lasting change. He emphasizes the importance of well-structured sanitation programs as a frontline defense against contamination and highlights how leadership engagement and clear internal communication are foundational to upholding high safety standards.

The episode explores proactive regulatory strategies, including regular audits and mock recalls, which help organizations stay ahead of compliance demands. Dinesh also discusses how new technologies are transforming food safety monitoring and traceability, offering innovative tools for improving operational oversight.

This episode offers practical guidance for food safety professionals aiming to strengthen their organization’s safety framework while keeping pace with regulatory changes and industry innovation.

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

What if you could extend food shelf life while also reducing plastic waste?

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams sits down with Johnathan Raineau, President of Copperprotek USA, to discuss how copper-based antimicrobial technology is transforming the future of food packaging. Learn how this FDA-approved innovation uses natural copper minerals to safely extend shelf life by up to 40%, while potentially cutting the number of plastic layers in packaging by half.

🌱Introducing AskReg by Trustwell – Your AI-Powered Regulatory Assistant. From food safety to nutritional labeling, get fast, accurate answers backed by verified sources — across the U.S., Canada, EU, and more. Just $299/year – and get 25% off with code PODCAST25. To claim your discount, visit https://bit.ly/43B8gfH

Johnathan shares the science behind these patented copper microparticles and how they actively combat harmful bacteria like Listeria across various points in the supply chain—from production surfaces to final packaging. With food waste currently at 30% globally, this technology offers a powerful solution for improving food safety, minimizing spoilage, and supporting sustainability initiatives. The episode also highlights the regulatory hurdles and industry resistance that often face new innovations in food tech.

Whether you're a packaging manufacturer, food safety professional, or simply passionate about sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and breakthroughs of launching disruptive solutions in a well-established industry. 

Discover how collaboration, scientific validation, and open-mindedness are essential to reshaping the way we preserve and protect the foods we consume.

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams sits down with Dom Mitial, VP of Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory at Goldbergs Group, to discuss how to build a strong food safety culture while driving business growth. Dom shares practical strategies for fostering cross-functional collaboration, gaining executive buy-in, and leading transformational food safety teams. The conversation explores actionable insights on balancing compliance with business objectives, navigating the unique challenges of airline catering, and integrating emerging technologies into food safety programs.

Dom emphasizes the importance of transitioning from transactional to transformational leadership, where understanding individual working styles and building strong relationships across departments are key to creating a sustainable food safety culture. He introduces a diplomacy framework for aligning food safety requirements with business goals, demonstrating how separate quality and compliance teams can work together without conflicts of interest.

Listeners will learn how to maintain accountability without micromanagement through service level agreements, strategically integrate AI tools while preserving essential human expertise, and navigate the heightened safety protocols required in airline catering, where recall abilities are limited. Dom underscores the importance of humility and influence without authority as essential traits for food safety leaders looking to effect lasting cultural change in their organizations.

Stay ahead of emerging food tech trends! 🌱 Explore the latest innovations and software solutions shaping the food industry. Check out the resource now: https://www.trustwell.com/resources/emerging-food-tech-trends-and-software/

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams interviews Steve Warwick, Head of Technical at Bulk, discussing the evolution of food safety practices, allergen management, and the impact of e-commerce on quality control in the food industry. The conversation covers the importance of building robust HACCP systems as the foundation of effective food safety management and emphasizes why a calm, level-headed approach is crucial for crisis management in food safety situations. Steve also details key strategies for allergen management, from total segregation to validated cleaning protocols, and how to transition from traditional retail models to e-commerce while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Proactive regulatory compliance and early adaptation are presented as essential for success, along with the significance of developing a food safety culture that extends beyond technical teams to include company-wide accountability. The discussion further explores how AI and automation may revolutionize food safety and quality management, the necessity of data integrity and proper documentation in modern food safety systems, and the differences between managing food safety in traditional manufacturing and e-commerce environments.

This conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in contemporary food safety management, with a focus on the shift from paper-based systems to digital solutions and the increasing need for proactive compliance measures in today's complex regulatory landscape.

Take control of your supply chain! 🚀 Trustwell’s FoodLogiQ and Genesis Foods set the standard for compliance and transparency. Request a demo today: https://hubs.ly/Q03bYv-C0

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal

In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams speaks with Sara Mortimore, former VP of Global Food Safety and Compliance at Walmart, about reshaping food safety culture and establishing robust quality systems across global supply chains. Their discussion centers on the necessity of harmonizing local expertise with universal standards in worldwide food safety protocols and addresses the critical gap between data collection and actionable insights. Listeners will learn how to cultivate genuine food safety cultures that drive real organizational change and identify the four essential skills for modern food safety professionals: curiosity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Sara also shares her perspectives on the transformative potential of information technology and artificial intelligence in food safety management and underscores the importance of proactively managing food safety beyond regulatory compliance, while also examining the need to critically evaluate established HACCP systems and increase focus on emerging hazards.

Sara Mortimore, a globally recognized leader in food safety and quality with extensive experience at major organizations like Walmart, Land O'Lakes, and General Mills, shares her valuable insights on these crucial topics. Her innovative approach to implementing global food safety management systems led to Walmart receiving the prestigious Black Pearl Award. With over three decades of experience in developing and implementing comprehensive food safety programs internationally, Sara emphasizes the value of international collaboration and authentic leadership in achieving lasting improvements in food safety practices, driven by a deep commitment to consumer safety and quality assurance. To gain deeper insights into building a strong food safety culture and leveraging technology for safer food supply chains, listen to the full episode of Food Tech Talk now!

Take control of your supply chain! 🚀 Trustwell’s FoodLogiQ and Genesis Foods set the standard for compliance and transparency. Request a demo today: https://hubs.ly/Q03bYv-C0

 Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• The Role of Leadership in Food Safety with Jill Stuber and Tia Glave of Catalyst
• Better Traceability for a More Sustainable Future: A Conversation with Ryan Richard of GS1 US
• A New Generation of Consumers: How the Food Industry is Changing with Nirdesh Dalal