In this bonus episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, Francine and Matt are joined by a very special guest, Bill Marler, a leading expert in food safety. Together, they dive into the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, shedding light on how things went so wrong and why it’s crucial for food companies to take responsibility when outbreaks like this occur.
You’ll hear about Boar’s Head’s food safety failures, the rise in Listeria cases across the U.S., and why transparency and accountability are the only way forward for companies involved in outbreaks.
Bill shares powerful insights from his decades of experience in food safety law, including how government agencies and corporations can prevent future tragedies.
In this episode:
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01:25] Bill Marler shares his background and work in food safety law
💩 [
05:20] Breaking down the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak: What happened? Why is it deadly?
💩 [
12:34] Francine’s take as a former inspector: How did this plant stay open?
💩 [
18:44] Matt discusses the disconnect between corporate HQ and the facility level
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27:00] The role of transparency in food safety and crisis management
💩 [
39:15] Legal implications: What companies need to know in the wake of an outbreak
💩 [
50:18] What consumers can do to prioritize food safety in government policy
Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.
Resources from this episode
Noteworthy quotes from this episode
“What does a company do if something like this happens? First, understand the science. If they tell you it’s your product, it’s your fault. Own it and take action.” – Bill Marler
“This isn’t just about Boar’s Head. It’s about transparency and how companies handle their mistakes. The whole industry is watching.” – Francine L. Shaw
“I’m never surprised anymore about what happens in the food industry. But it’s shocking to see these kinds of inspection reports get ignored.” – Matthew Regusci
We hope you enjoy this episode!
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What is Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast?
Tune in every Tuesday for a brand new episode of Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast. Join Francine L. Shaw, the savvy CEO of Savvy Food Safety, and Matthew Regusci, compliance connoisseur and founder of Fostering Compliance, as they serve up the latest in food safety with a side of laughter.
Explore the ins and outs of food systems, responsible food practices, and food safety regulations. Stay informed about food safety awareness and the not-so-occasional food recall. Delve deep into the complexities of the food supply chain with our dynamic duo, who blend expert insights with a pinch of food safety humor. Whether you're knee-deep in the food safety industry or just passionate about what's on your plate, this podcast promises a fresh take on staying safe while eating well.
Expect candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and occasional guest appearances that spice up the discussion. Shaw and Regusci bring their combined decades of experience to the table, making each episode as informative as it is entertaining. From industry trends to must-know food safety news and regulations, they've got your back (and your lunch).
In essence, Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast is not just about imparting information; it's about fostering a culture of food safety. By shedding light on the intricacies of the food supply chain and the latest food safety news, it aims to promote awareness and encourage responsible food practices among consumers and industry professionals alike.
When it comes to food safety, knowledge is power, and a good laugh is the best seasoning. At the heart of every episode is one golden rule: Don't Eat Poop!