Omnivore artwork square

Omnivore

Episode 62

Time to Act on Traceability, Novel Technology Could Improve Wheat Processing

Food safety experts Jennifer McEntire and Tejas Bhatt discuss the FDA’s traceability rule delay, what’s still holding the industry back, and why companies need to act now—not wait. Passionate about reducing food waste, a Texas A&M University graduate student is working to apply a novel technology to help safely improve postharvest wheat treatment.

Plus: This episode is brought to you by IFT FIRST—the food industry's can't-miss event coming to Chicago's McCormick Place July 13-16. This year, IFT FIRST is exclusively unveiling a groundbreaking AI solution that taps into 85 years of scientific data. It's not just another tech tool—it's a virtual co-developer designed WITH food scientists, FOR food scientists. Experience breakthrough technologies, connect with global leaders, and be part of the conversations that matter. Register now at iftevent.org.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

GUESTS

Tejas Bhatt Tejas Bhatt is founder and CEO of AdvanTejas, a consultancy that helps food companies digitize food safety to make it more predictive and preventive. He previously served as senior director of global technology and innovation at Walmart, where he led the development of enterprise-wide traceability and compliance systems. Bhatt holds a BS in computer science and an MS in interdisciplinary food science from Purdue University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in systems engineering at George Washington University.

Jennifer McEntire Jennifer McEntire, PhD, is founder of Food Safety Strategy, a consultancy focused on advancing practical, science-based food safety solutions. She previously served as chief food safety and regulatory officer at the International Fresh Produce Association and held leadership roles at the Grocery Manufacturers Assoc., The Acheson Group, and the Institute of Food Technologists, where she co-led the FDA FSMA traceability pilots. McEntire earned a BS in food science from the University of Delaware and a PhD in food science from Rutgers University.

Shikhadri Mahanta Shikhadri Mahanta is a PhD student in the Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on applying atmospheric cold plasma to wheat flour processing with the goal of creating an effective, clean label approach with the potential for adoption by the food industry. She has a bachelor of technology degree from the National Dairy Research Institute in India.

Ramen flying out of a bowl and chopsticks
Omnivore Podcast cover art

Omnivore Podcast

Join the award-winning editors of Food Technology magazine every other Monday for Omnivore, the podcast that intersects the business of food and the science of food, through lively discussion and interviews with product innovators, leading researchers, policy makers, and thought leaders from across the world of food.

Interstitial Ad Interstitial Ad is rendered here
INTERSTITIAL AD
Interstitial Ad Interstitial Ad Mobile is rendered here