Empathy Affect

S4E3: How FDA Protects The Food We Eat

Fors Marsh Media

Most of us don’t think about food safety until something goes wrong—a recall notice or a moment in the kitchen when we wonder, “Is this still safe to eat?” 

In this episode, we take a look behind the scenes at how food safety is ensured long before our food reaches our grocery carts or kitchen tables. Dr. Conrad Choiniere, a senior leader in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Human Foods Program, discusses why fresh produce can be especially challenging when it comes to food safety, how recalls actually work, and the coordination in farming, production, and distribution that keeps food safe. 

We also break down your common food safety myths and offer practical, science-backed tips you can use at home to reduce risk while handling the food you love to eat. 

Dr. Conrad Choiniere is the director of the FDA Human Foods Program Office of Microbiological Food Safety. He has spent over 20 years at the FDA, leading food safety initiatives and studying consumer attitudes and behavior. On top of working on food safety at the FDA, Dr. Choiniere was also director of Population Health Science for the department’s Center for Tobacco Products. 

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