The Key to Strong Food Safety Culture
February 18, 2025
In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams is joined by Michael Ciepiela, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at The Spice Lab, to discuss building robust food safety cultures, the impact of Lean Six Sigma methodologies in food safety, and how technology is revolutionizing quality assurance processes. Michael shares valuable insights from his extensive experience at companies like Taylor Farms and Kraft Heinz, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement, continuous education, and leveraging modern tools to enhance food safety protocols. His practical approach to leadership and commitment to mentoring the next generation of food safety professionals make this episode a must-listen for anyone in the food industry.
In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams welcomes Michael Ciepiela, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at The Spice Lab. Together, they:
- Explore Michael's journey into food safety, from his biology degree to climbing the corporate ladder through roles at major companies like Taylor Farms and Kraft Heinz
- Explore the fundamentals of building a strong food safety culture, highlighting the importance of being present on the shop floor and actively engaging with employees.
- Discuss effective training strategies, highlighting the value of site-specific examples and practical, hands-on approaches that keep employees engaged and motivated
- Examine how Lean Six Sigma principles, particularly value stream mapping and spaghetti diagrams, help optimize food safety processes and identify potential risks
- Consider the role of technology in modern food safety management, including the transition from paper-based systems to real-time digital solutions like QAD red zone
- Highlight the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in the industry, with Michael sharing his experience with certifications and professional development
- Explore the future of food safety, including the potential and current limitations of AI in food manufacturing processes, while emphasizing the continued need for human expertise and experience
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