The 2026 FDA Public Meeting on Decentralized Food Safety Enforcement is a pivotal event organized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This meeting aims to address the challenges and opportunities associated with decentralized approaches to food safety enforcement, particularly in the context of increasing scale and complexity within the food industry.
Key topics to be discussed include the identification of capacity limits in decentralized regulatory monitoring, strategies to enhance inspection efforts amidst growing establishment counts, and the development of methodologies to prevent deterioration in food safety standards. The meeting will also explore the implications of interconnected production environments on regulatory effectiveness.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in networking sessions with industry experts, participate in panel discussions featuring notable speakers from the FDA and related sectors, and visit an expo hall showcasing innovative technologies and solutions in food safety enforcement.
This event is essential for food industry professionals, regulatory agencies, and policymakers who are involved in food safety and public health. Participation will provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of food safety enforcement and offer strategies to effectively navigate the challenges posed by decentralized regulatory frameworks.
Speakers(15)
Adrienne Blume, M.A.
Editorial Director at Food Safety Magazine
Adrienne Blume is the Editorial Director at Food Safety Magazine, overseeing content related to food safety and regulatory issues.
Athenais Boeffard
Vice President of Production at Bread Alone Bakery
Athenais Boeffard is the Vice President of Production at Bread Alone Bakery, managing production processes and ensuring product quality.
Ben Chapman, Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Department Head of Agricultural and Human Sciences at North Carolina State University
Dr. Ben Chapman is a Professor and Department Head at North Carolina State University, specializing in agricultural and human sciences.
Caitlin Boon
Senior Director - Health & Nutrition Policy, U.S. Public Affairs at Mars
Caitlin Boon is the Senior Director of Health & Nutrition Policy at Mars, leading initiatives related to public health and nutrition.
Conrad Choiniere
Jesse Newman
Reporter - Food at The Wall Street Journal
Jesse Newman is a food industry reporter at The Wall Street Journal, covering topics related to food safety and regulation.
Joan Menke-Schaenzer
Chief Quality Officer at Van Drunen Farms
Joan Menke-Schaenzer is the Chief Quality Officer at Van Drunen Farms, overseeing quality assurance and food safety initiatives.
Kyle Diamantas, J.D.
Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Kyle Diamantas is the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the FDA, focusing on policies and regulations related to human food products.
Megin Nichols, D.V.M., M.P.H., D.A.C.V.P.M.
Director, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Dr. Megin Nichols leads the CDC's Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, focusing on the prevention of related illnesses.
Mindy Brashears, Ph.D.
Under Secretary for Food Safety at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Dr. Mindy Brashears serves as the Under Secretary for Food Safety at the USDA, leading efforts to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply.
Neil Bogart
Principal Scientist at Post Consumer Brands
Neil Bogart is a Principal Scientist at Post Consumer Brands, focusing on product development and food safety.
Ola Afolayan
Director, Global Food Safety and Regulatory at Kellanova
Ola Afolayan is the Director of Global Food Safety and Regulatory at Kellanova, overseeing global food safety standards and compliance.
Sharon Beals
Founder at SKKB-LLC
Sharon Beals is the founder of SKKB-LLC, a consultancy specializing in food safety and quality assurance.
Sharon Birkett
Vice President, Global Food Safety and Quality Assurance at OSI Group, LLC
Sharon Birkett serves as the Vice President of Global Food Safety and Quality Assurance at OSI Group, LLC, ensuring product safety and quality worldwide.
Steve Mandernach, J.D.
Executive Director at Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO)
Steve Mandernach is the Executive Director of AFDO, working to promote uniformity in the enforcement of food and drug laws.
Event Details
- Date
- February 12, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Audience
- Food industry professionals, regulatory agencies, policymakers