Food Safety Culture and Sustainability: Insights from Steven Foster

Episode Summary

Join Lydia Adams on Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork as she interviews Steven Foster, a seasoned expert in food safety and quality assurance with over 30 years of experience in the food industry. Currently serving as the VP of Food Safety and Quality at Wholesale Produce Supply, Steven shares his journey and the defining moments that shaped his approach to food safety.

Throughout the episode, Steven emphasizes the importance of transforming food safety from a set of regulations to an integral part of organizational culture. He discusses how empowering every member of an organization to prioritize food safety can make a significant difference in maintaining high standards.Steven also delves into the intersection of food safety and sustainability, highlighting the importance of being good stewards of the environment while meeting the growing demand for food production. He shares personal anecdotes that underscore the urgency of addressing environmental concerns in the food industry.

The conversation also covers the challenges of maintaining food safety standards in an increasingly complex and global supply chain. Steven provides insights on how technology, particularly in traceability, is transforming the industry and helping to build consumer trust.
Steven concludes with valuable guidance for aspiring food safety professionals, stressing the significance of transparency, ongoing education, and industry-wide cooperation. His insights provide a roadmap for those looking to make their mark in the field of food safety.