In this episode of Food Tech Talk, Lydia Adams speaks with Eric Moore about the evolution of digital food safety management systems. Eric shares his unexpected journey into food safety, beginning in the early 2000s when he transitioned from hospitality management to becoming a designated food safety professional at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Eric discusses the significant changes in food safety technology over the past two decades, particularly the decreasing costs of digital tools and the increasing sophistication of software functionality. He emphasizes how these advancements have made technology more accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes.

The conversation explores the importance of ROI in digital food safety systems, with Eric explaining how automated monitoring can free up staff time for more valuable activities. He introduces the concept of "exception-based management," where systems only alert staff to actual problems, avoiding alarm fatigue and improving response efficiency.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on IoT implementation challenges, including IT security considerations and the importance of choosing the right communication protocols. Eric provides practical advice for organizations looking to upgrade their food safety systems, emphasizing the need for clear end goals and realistic implementation timeframes.

The episode concludes with Eric highlighting the upcoming Conference for Food Protection in March 2025, encouraging industry participation in shaping food safety regulations.