Food for Thought: Why Better Data Matters in Food Safety

If a product is contaminated, it can now be traced and removed from shelves within days, not weeks—thanks to the advanced technology available today. In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak with Brian Schaneberg , Executive Director of the Institute for Food Safety and Health , about how modern traceability systems and innovations like 2D barcodes are improving food safety. Brian explains how the shift from reactive to proactive food safety measures is changing the way the industry handles outbreaks. He also explores the impact of FSMA 204 on improving data sharing and enhancing the efficiency of recalls. This episode reveals how these advancements are making food safety smarter, faster, and more transparent than ever before. In this episode, you'll learn: Why food recalls are increasing but becoming less severe How traceability improves recall speed and accuracy The role of data, AI, and 2D barcodes in food safety Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:20) Brian's journey into food safety (06:27) Understanding food recall patterns and severity (15:57) Understanding FSMA and the traceability rule (18:12) Why food traceability is a data exercise (21:10) How traceability impacts farms, manufacturers, and restaurants (31:28) The future of food safety and prevention strategies (37:57) Brian's favorite technology Connect with GS1 US: Our website - GS1 US on LinkedIn Register for GS1 Connect 2026, happening June 9 to 11 in Las Vegas, and get 10% off with the promo code GS1USPOD10 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guest: Brian Schaneberg on LinkedIn Visit the Institute of Food Safety and Health at iit.edu/ifsh

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Food for Thought: Why Better Data Matters in Food Safety is an episode from Next Level Supply Chain with GS1 US by GS1 US.

This episode is 41:42 long.

This episode was published on Apr 29, 2026.

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