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

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Omnivore

Episode Description

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.

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Featured Guests

Tejas Bhatt

Tejas Bhatt is senior director, food safety and quality assurance at Chipotle Mexican Grill. 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.
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 (jmcentire@foodsafetystrategy.com).
Shikhadri Mahanta PhD Student

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.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

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