The Drip by AQUALAB (formerly Water In Food)

Mario Gonzalez Angulo is the HPP Food Applications Manager at Hiperbaric High Pressure Technologies. Curious about how your guacamole stays fresh? High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a non-thermal food preservation method that harnesses oceanic-level pressures to inactivate foodborne pathogens and extend the shelf life of various products… all while preserving their nutritional and sensory qualities. We’ll explore the history, application, and potential of this revolutionary technology, as well as its effects on the molecular level.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The journey of HPP from its first mention in 1899
• What food products are benefiting from HPP – from guacamole to baby food
• Why water activity needs to be between 0.97 and 1 for optimal HPP effectiveness
• How the method keeps your food pathogen-free AND flavorful
• How the applications of HPP extend beyond food

Jump to:

(04:43) pH and water activity determine microbial inactivation.

(06:54) How pressure affects weak bonds, not strong covalent bonds.

(12:50) Why clostridium botulinum struggles to grow in coconut water.

(16:54) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(20:30) Featured artist and song

(22:31) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Cheshmhaye Tameshki by Marjan Farsad, sung by Roodabeh Derakhshanian

Links mentioned in this episode:

Hiperbaric High Pressure Technologies

The Scientist by Coldplay, music was chosen by Mario Gonzalez Angulo

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Subhendu Nayak is the Director of Formulation (Probiotics and Herbal) at Vida Herbs. He joins The Drip to talk about the complexities of manufacturing, from blending to storage, and the crucial role of water activity in maintaining probiotic potency. We'll also explore the nuances between CFU and AFU measurements and discuss innovative yet straightforward solutions.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Water activity in probiotics
• Colony Forming Units (CFU) versus Active Fluorescent Units (AFU)
• Spore-forming, non-spore-forming, and next-generation types
• Manufacturing processes like blending, encapsulation, and packaging
• How keeping solutions uncomplicated can lead to better success and innovation

Jump to:

(03:39) How AW measures the vapor pressure ratio in foods.

(08:01) Minimize water activity to prevent probiotic die-off.

(10:12) Molecular sieves control water activity and maintain potency.

(15:20) Preferred sugar alcohols for coolness.

(17:34) Granular ingredients ensure better stick-pack sealing.

(22:54) Water activity control in oil prevents decay.

(25:39) Plate counting measures CFU per gram. 

(30:20) Viable but unculturable cell health benefits questioned.

(32:41) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(35:09) Featured artist and song

(38:25) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Sometimes Somehow by Eric E.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Vidya Herbs

One Dance by Drake, music was chosen by Subhendu

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Marcus Washington is the co-founder of FSQA Help in Oklahoma. Marcus joins The Drip to address the challenges faced by emerging food brands, the importance of understanding regulations, and the role of consulting in maintaining compliance. He also shares his experiences managing a small farm, the science behind animal health, and his entrepreneurial journey of his own food business.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Understanding and complying with FDA and USDA regulations.
• A unique perspective on food safety from having managed a small farm
• The science behind feeding farm animals
• Why local state regulations can be a lifeline for startups
• How to better integrate preharvest food safety knowledge

Jump to:

(05:48) Navigating food classification regulations.

(07:40) Why is ensuring animal safety vital for food safety?

(13:36) Key lessons from Grad school farm visits.

(14:53) Promote food safety through farm relationships and volunteering.

(20:13 Decision-making is like playing poker in life.

(18:58) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(23:24) Featured artist and song

(24:22) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

NRG by PiCO THE GUYO

Links mentioned in this episode:

FSQA Help

Homemade Food Freedom Act

Pink Friday 2 by Nicki Minaj, music was chosen by Marcus Washington

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Transforming Invasive Plants into Valuable Resources – The Biochar Solution with Pratikshya Silwal

Pratikshya Silwal recently finished for PhD in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University. She joins The Drip to share how biochar, a form of charcoal produced through pyrolysis, can be used as a sustainable additive in potting mixes. We'll uncover how it can replace conventional components, the size and growth of the global biochar market, and its environmental impact. Pratikshya also shares insights into her groundbreaking research on converting the problematic eastern red cedar tree into valuable biochar and discusses consumer willingness to adopt this innovative product. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What is biochar, and how is it produced through pyrolysis?
• The factors that are driving the growth of the global biochar market
• How biochar in soil contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Pratikshya’s research on using the invasive eastern red cedar
• … and which other plant species can be used to produce biochar

Jump to:

(01:05) What is biochar?

(03:39) How the invasive eastern red cedar threatens ecosystems and agriculture.

(07:32) Some studies show negative effects of biochar.

(12:14) The power of the optimistic mindset: everything happens for the best.

(14:44) Featured artist and song

(15:46) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Midnight Thoughts by McNasty

Links mentioned in this episode:

Oklahoma State University

‘Role of biochar toward carbon neutrality’ by Liuwei Wang, Jiayu Deng, Xiaodong Yang, Renjie Hou and Deyi Hou

One Love by Blue, music was chosen by Pratikshya Silwal

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Breanna Neff from brelixi, delves into the innovation of nanoemulsified technology in the cannabis space. As a certified food scientist and founder, she shares her expertise on the advancements of nano-infused edibles, the benefits of different cannabinoids, and her journey in creating functional cannabis products. We'll also explore the science behind fast-acting cannabis, the diverse consumer market, and how her company is overcoming social stigmas associated with edibles.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What are the different forms of cannabis edibles?
• How nanoemulsified technology enhances the bioavailability of cannabinoids
• The development approach of new flavors for brelixi products
• How the cannabis industry faces social stigma
• Ensuring compliance with federal regulations for shipping

Jump to:

(05:00) How brelixi offers fast-acting cannabis wellness products.

(09:22) Turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits and market research.

(10:17) How small businesses can overcome challenges through networking.

(13:21) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(16:34) Featured artist and song

(18:06) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

RIGHT NOW by NASTY CAT

Links mentioned in this episode:

brelixi

Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz, music was chosen by Breanna Neff

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Marlana Malerich is the Co-Founder and Sustainable Food Systems Researcher at the Rooted Research Collective (RRC). Marlana, poised to begin her PhD at Sussex University, has spent the last six months focused on ultra-processed foods and plant-based meat alternatives. She joins the show to unpack the complexities of defining and understanding ultra-processed foods through systems like NOVA and Nutri-Score.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The NOVA nutritional framework vs the Nutri-score system 
• The history behind hyper palatability of ultra-processed foods – and its link with tobacco companies
• Issues with moisture sorting affecting shelf life and texture
• Pros and cons between plant-based and animal-based products
• Balancing your diet while navigating the complexity of food classification systems

Jump to:

(03:50) Negative effects of globally distributed junk food.

(08:18) Focus on alternative proteins, and challenges with food advertising.

(11:07) Media focusing on ultra-processed foods labeling.

(14:38) Ultra-processed foods are designed for overconsumption.

(20:07) Plant-based options vary in nutrition quality.

(23:39 Reminding myself to appreciate being here alive.

(26:50) Featured artist and song

(29:09) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Deep Mind by ROBMON

Links mentioned in this episode:

‘Nutrition and health. The issue is not food, nor nutrients, so much as processing’ by Carlos A Monteiro

‘The Impact of Transnational ‘‘Big Food’’ Companies on the South: A View from Brazil’ by Carlos A Monteiro

‘Ultra-processed foods: how functional is the NOVA system?’ by Véronique Braesco, et al
'Hyper-Palatable Foods: Development of a Quantitative Definition and Application to the US Food System Database' by Tera L. Fazzino

Is the Ultra-processed Food (UPF) concept useful, and for what goals?

‘Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses’ by Melissa M Lane et al

‘Food Politics’ by Marion Nestle

Alabora (Foxall Pale Blue Remix) by Beyhude, music was chosen by Marlana Malerich

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Navigating Food Safety Challenges: Bruce Ferree’s 40-Year Career in Food Science

Bruce Ferree, a food safety consultant, unpacks the world of food safety and quality management. Bruce's career spans over four decades, encompassing meats, poultry, dairy, and aseptic processing roles. He’s a distinguished member of the Institute of Food Technologists and a former US Marine and cancer survivor. Bruce shares valuable insights from his vast experience in the food industry, the evolution of food safety culture, and the significance of consistency, continuous improvement, and prevention.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The key changes in the culture of food safety and quality over Bruce’s career
• The importance of CCP (Consistency, Continuous Improvement, and Prevention)
• Military discipline transferred to food science
• How surviving cancer influenced Bruce’s perspective on life and work
• Some key strategies that professional organizations like IFT can adopt to effectively convey scientific information to consumers

Jump to:

(05:03) Workers who take ownership of quality and safety.

(07:14) Integration of quality teams for efficient collaboration.

(12:39) Challenges in food safety mirror cancer survival.

(17:09) Diverse food scientists unite in global organization.

(19:13) Pesticides, heavy metals and public awareness.

(25:00) Featured artist and song

(25:57) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

QUEMA by NASTY CAT

Links mentioned in this episode:

Institute of Food Technologists

Bang the Drum All Day by Todd Rundgren, music was chosen by Bruce Ferree.

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Digitizing Food Safety: Innovations in Middle East and North Africa with Fidele El Achkar

Fidele El Achkar is the visionary founder of FoodSight, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the food industry in the Middle East and North Africa. By digitizing food safety and industry activities, Fidele seeks to modernize traditional practices, ensuring they align with global trends. FoodSight fosters collaboration among freelancers, international experts, and service providers, creating an ecosystem where stakeholders work together using a customized approach.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Addressing food safety issues in Lebanon and the MENA region
• How FoodSight is uniting industry stakeholders and creating job opportunities
• The digitization of food industry activities and how it’s revolutionizing food safety and efficiency
• Assisting producers with export and compliance issues
• How other regions around the world can learn from the success of FoodSight

Jump to:

(05:19) How FoodSight aims to unite industry stakeholders and create job opportunities.

(07:01) Assisting producers with export and compliance issues.

(11:58) Experts fill out detailed profiles and questionnaires.

(16:17) Repositioning FoodSights as a social enterprise and expanding globally.

(19:44) This episode’s song.

(21:40) This episode’s mantra.

Featured Artist and Song:

FIGHT 4 ME by NASTY CAT

Links mentioned in this episode:

FoodSight

Fidele El Ackhar on LinkedIn

Woman by Andreya Triana,a song recommendation by Fidele El Achkar

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Angela Anandappa, Ph. D. is the founding director of the Alliance for Advanced Sanitation. Anandappa is an experienced food safety industry professional having worked in the supply chain, product development, and sanitation areas of the food manufacturing industry. In this episode we unpack the alarming prevalence of microplastics, explore their pathways into our food supply, and discuss the potential solutions and innovations in sustainable packaging.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The average intake of microplastics by an American
• Understanding the complexities of recycling and how to overcome them
• Advanced sanitation's role in integrating sustainability with food safety 
• Strategies for significantly reducing microplastics' impact
• A call for a more unified and capable recycling system within the US

Jump to:

(04:29) How consumers are influenced by multiple sustainability standards and options.

(09:02) The Animal Digestible Food Packaging Initiative's mission for sustainability.

(11:33) Why the food industry must take action to reduce microplastics.

(14:51) How to not be overwhelmed by fighting climate change.

(17:11) Featured artist and song.

(19:17) This episode’s Mantra.

Featured Artist and Song:

2L8 by NASTY CAT

Links mentioned in this episode:

Alliance for Advanced Sanitation

Animal Digestible Food Packaging Initiative

Jason Mraz,  music was chosen by Angela Anandappa

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

The Truth About Raw Milk: Breaking Down the Risks with Savana Everhart Nunn

Savana Everhart Nunn, PhD in One Health Sciences from Texas Tech University, joins the show to share why the US government agencies caution against consuming raw milk. We also explore the implications of not pasteurizing milk, and Savana’s groundbreaking research on mastitis in dairy cattle. Whether you're a food science enthusiast or just curious about the science behind your daily foods… you're in the right place.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What does pasteurization involve and why is it necessary for milk safety?
• Who is at greater risk when consuming raw milk?
• The pathogenic bacteria most commonly found in raw milk
• How animal health directly impacts food safety and human health
• How Savana helped pioneer a PhD program in One Health Sciences

Jump to:

(06:07) Why HTST is the common pasteurization method in the US.

(08:41) The negligible benefits and risks of drinking raw milk.

(11:44) Penicillin resistance in US dairy.

(13:50) The challenges of grad school and coping with mental health.

(19:28) The scientists analyzing big data to solve problems.

(21:41) Passionate about zoonoses and improving animal health.
(25:14) Featured artist and song

(26:03) This episode's Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

THE SMOKE by CΔTΔLYST

Links mentioned in this episode:

• ‘Factors Surrounding the Implementation of Food Safety Management Systems and Their Impact on Food Safety Culture’ by Savana Everhart Nunn
• ‘Cross-Contamination to Surfaces in Consumer Kitchens Using MS2 as a Tracer Organism in Ground Turkey Patties’ by Savana Everhart Nunn, et al.
• Institute for One Health Innovation
• Euclid by Sleep Token, music recommended by Savana Everhart Nunn.

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AQUALAB