Romer Labs IAFP Expert Corner Series

Romer Labs presented a FREE 3 part Expert Corner series focusing on hot and relevant food safety issues facing the industry today.

Click on the recordings to listen to industry leading experts discuss these issues, listen to participants share their experiences, and hear the detailed answers provided to a variety of questions in a round table format.

Session 1: Food Safety During COVID-19

What are some of the NEW challenges food manufacturers are facing during the pandemic? How have manufacturers adapted their business practices in the face of COVID-19? Join us as two leading food manufacturers discuss their challenges through open dialogue to share experiences and best practices for the future.

Expert Panel:
  • Kaitlyn Compart, Director Scientific Affairs, Smithfield
  • Karen Beers, Director of Laboratory Services, Pilgrims


Session 2: Finding the Right Testing Lab in 9 Questions

Learn what questions to ask your lab to determine whether their methods can accurately give you the results you need. By understanding what your testing goals are, labs can help you to choose the best method to meet your objectives. Join our panel of 3 laboratory experts as they discuss the top 9 questions your lab should be asking you and what you should be asking your lab.

Expert Panel:
  • Jon Hammond, Microbiology Supervisor, Midwest Laboratories
  • Erin S. Crowley, President of AOAC International Board of Directors, Chief Scientific Officer, Q Laboratories
  • Christy Swoboda, Technical Services Director, Romer Labs


Session 3: Allergen Management: Back to Basics

Our expert panel will break down the basics of allergen management to help food safety professionals determine what is important for implementation of new or continuous improvement of current plans. Topics include validation versus verification, the who, what, and why of certified reference materials, and the ongoing question of thresholds. Join our panel to share your questions and experiences.

Expert Panel:
  • Jessica Burke, Senior Manager Technical Services, BRCGS
  • Christy Swoboda, Technical Services Director, Romer Labs

 

Meet the moderator:

Meredith Sutzko
Food Safety Product Manager, Romer Labs
With over 15 years’ experience in the development of food pathogen immunoassay test methods, technical support, and product management, Meredith holds a Masters of Science degree in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Delaware. A certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), Meredith has conducted numerous workshops on food pathogens and the application of rapid methods in the food industry.

Meet the speakers:

Jessica Burke
Senior Manager Technical Services, BRCGS
With over 18 years of experience, Jessica began her career in an environmental and food testing laboratory. Following that, she held various roles in quality assurance and food safety in the food manufacturing industry, where she helped multiple companies strengthen their food safety systems and achieve GFSI certification. In her current role, Jessica has overall responsibility for the BRCGS Americas Technical Team and is the technical specialist for the Gluten-Free Certification Program and Plant-Based Global Standard.
Erin Crowley
President of AOAC International Board of Directors, Chief Scientific Officer, Q Laboratories
For the past 14 years, Erin and her R&D team have served as an independent third-party laboratory with a primary focus on providing high quality method validation for microbiological rapid detection methods. These validations include Independent laboratory evaluations for pathogen detection, qualitative methods and confirmatory biochemical assays for AOAC Official Methods of Analysis, AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested Methods Program, MicroVal and AFNOR NF Certification Programs. Erin frequently presents technical symposia globally on Method Validation, Harmonization and ISO 17025 Accreditation often representing the perspective of the third-party laboratory. Erin earned a B.S. from the University of Cincinnati and an M.A. from Tufts University.
Kaitlyn Compart
Director Scientific Affairs, Smithfield
Dr. Kaitlyn Compart and her team oversee the chemistry and microbiology laboratories as well as the shelf life, sensory, and challenge study programs for Smithfield. As part of this role she also provides technical and research guidance to Smithfield’s foods safety and quality teams, their manufacturing facilities, and key customers. Kaitlyn attended the University of Kentucky for her BS and MS in Animal and Food Science and the University of Minnesota for her Ph.D., focused on lipid oxidation and composition of further process meat products.
Christy Swoboda
Technical Services Director, Romer Labs
Christy Swoboda's responsibilities include management of an ISO 17025 accredited Analytical Services lab offering analyses in both food allergens and myctoxins. Her responsibilities also include management of the Romer Labs, Inc. North American technical support team that provides technical and customer support of all products across the Food Allergen business segment including both lateral flow devices (LFDs) and ELISA test kit. This includes guidance for new product applications, new customer training, and investigation of customer complaints.
Jon Hammond
Microbiology Supervisor, Midwest Laboratories
Jon Hammond is an experienced Microbiologist focusing on Food Safety and Environmental Monitoring. He graduated from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln with a degree in Biochemistry. He has worked for almost a decade in commercial Microbiology labs. He is currently supervisor of Microbiology at Midwest Laboratories Inc.
Karen Beers
Director of Laboratory Services, Pilgrims
Karen Beers is currently the Director of Lab Services for Pilgrim’s Pride. Her responsibilities include overseeing the food safety laboratory system within Pilgrim’s, as well as supporting other Pilgrim’s business units. Prior to joining Pilgrim’s, Karen spent 8 years working with Safe Foods Corporation managing the research and development lab for antimicrobial approval and use. Karen has worked in food safety and laboratory services for over twenty years and has a B.S degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Arkansas.