Now home to IFT FIRST – Be a part of the solutions and conversations helping to shape the future of food
IFT FIRST is where it happens. Register Now!
AI & Food Safety
Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping food safety, from how risks are identified and managed to the systems and decisions behind them, with insights from industry, academic, and legal experts.
Jun 03, 2026
AI as an Early Warning System
Jeff Varcoe of J.M. Smucker Co. explains how AI in food safety acts as an early warning system to detect risk earlier, while human judgment guides response.
Food Technology Magazine
Jun 04, 2026
Optimization, Not Automation
Matt Henderson of Land O’Frost explains how AI in food safety helps identify risk earlier and optimize resources, while human judgment remains essential.
Food Technology Magazine
Coming Soon...
Getting the Data Right
Hal King of Active Food Safety explains why data quality is critical for AI in food safety and how poor data can limit confidence in its outputs.
Beyond the AI Hype
Willette Crawford of Katalyst Consulting explains the limits of AI in food safety and why validation, governance, and human oversight are essential.
The Limits of Prediction
Martin Wiedmann of Cornell University explains the limits of predicting contamination with AI and why data quality and context shape model reliability.
When AI Signals Risk
Shawn Stevens of Food Industry Counsel explains how AI in food safety can create legal risk if companies fail to act on early warning signals.
Accountability Doesn’t Change
Bill Marler of Marler Clark explains why AI does not change food safety liability and why companies remain accountable when products cause harm.
Food Safety and Quality at IFT FIRST
A variety of food safety and quality topics will be explored at IFT FIRST, July 12–15, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Here are two of the highlights.
Regulatory Frontiers: Navigating Food Safety in a Changing World: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesday, July 14
With new challenges emerging in food safety and regulation, this keynote features insights from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. Hear about the latest developments in regulatory science, risk assessment, and compliance, and learn how global standards are evolving to address novel ingredients, technologies, and consumer expectations.
How Do Effective Food Safety Cultures Contribute to Consumer Trust?: 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, July 14
Join us for an insightful panel discussion with leading scientists from academia, government, and industry, as they share practical insights and real-world experiences in leveling up consumer trust through effective food safety culture.
