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# Safe Food California

The West Coast's Food Safety & Quality Conference

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Hello world!](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/2025/02/11/hello-world/) - Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

## Pages

- [Home](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/) - Join industry leaders at Safe Food California, the west coast's premier food safety conference for processors, manufacturers, and QA professionals.
- [Fun](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/fun/) - Join the Food Safety community at Safe Food California! Enjoy exciting pre-conference celebrations, engaging networking, and the legendary Evening Gala.
- [Agenda](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/agenda/) - Our agenda is subject to change. Tuesday - April 7th Academy Course 8: 30 am - 12: 00 pm Steinbeck 1A CAPAs, CARs, and Root Cause Analysis Academy Courses must be selected during the registration process. Certificates will be issued within one week of the conference. Amanda Britton Food Safety Trainer Safe Food Alliance Academy
- [Thank You](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/thank-you/) - Check your email! Your template is on the way
- [Elementor #1425](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/elementor-1425/) - Academy Course 8: 30 am - 12: 00 pm Steinbeck 1A CAPAs, CARs, and Root Cause Analysis Academy Courses must be selected during the registration process. Certificates will be issued within one week of the conference. Amanda Britton Food Safety Trainer Safe Food Alliance Academy Course 8: 30 am - 12: 00 pm Steinbeck 1B
- [The Safe Food California Evening Gala](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/fun/gala/) - Safe Food California’s Moulin Rouge Inspired Evening Gala Safe Food California’s Moulin Rouge Inspired Evening Gala When the sessions end, the spectacle begins. Step into a night of velvet, sparkle, and unforgettable celebration at Dark & Dazzling, Safe Food California’s Moulin Rouge–inspired evening gala.This is not just a party—it’s an experience designed for the bold,
- [Convince Your Boss](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/convince-your-boss/) - Convince Your Boss Complete the form and we will send you our Convince Your Boss Template We've encountered an error Email: First Name: Last Name: Company: Phone Number: Check This Box To Recieve The Template: Comments
- [404](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/404-2/) - Sorry, But the page you are looking for doesn't exist Oops! It seems we’ve hit a snag. Let’s navigate back to smoother shores together. How about starting fresh with our homepage? Back to Home
- [Exhibit](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/exhibit/) - Connect with decision-makers, build partnerships, and gain visibility at The West Coast's premier food safety tradeshow - Safe Food California!
- [Travel](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/travel/) - Travel The Conference will take place at the Monterey Conference Center The Monterey Marriott is our official conference hotel Save on your hotel by booking through our conference room block! Book your stay at the Marriott in Monterey through the Safe Food California room block and enjoy exclusive discounted rates.Hotel bookings are available through the conference
- [Pricing](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/dfa-member-pricing/) - Safe Food California 2026 April 7th - Homecoming Party + Academy Courses April 8th-9th - Main Conference Days DFA Member Registration Wednesday – ThursdayApril 8th-9th, 2026 $350 All Sessions Wednesday - Thursday Breakfast + Lunch Included on Wednesday - Thursday Exhibit Hall Access Tuesday Night Homecoming Party Wednesday Night Opening Reception Buy a Ticket Non-Member
- [Sample Page](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger

## Speakers

- [Harry Reeder](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/harry-reeder/)
- [Brandon Nauman](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/brandon-nauman/)
- [Sandy Ledesma](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/sandy-ledesma/)
- [Han Chen](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/han-chen/) - Dr. Han Chen is a post-doctoral researcher in the Food Safety Human Factor Lab at Purdue University. She received her Ph.D. in Food Science from Purdue University in May 2025. Her research focuses on food safety culture and risk communication. She uses qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the food safety needs, challenges, and decision-making factors of stakeholders
- [John Schrock](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/john-schrock/) - John Schrock is System Integration Manager at Westrock Coffee, with 10+ years leading FSQA system initiatives that align regulatory requirements, operations, and technology to strengthen execution, consistency, and food safety culture.
- [Yvonne Lirette](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/yvonne-lirette/) - Vice President of Customer Success at SafetyChain Software Yvonne Lirette is Vice President of Customer Success at SafetyChain Software, partnering with food and beverage manufacturers to improve food safety, quality, and operational performance through digital solutions. She works closely with industry leaders to turn plant data into actionable insights that support smarter decisions across manufacturing operations.
- [Ramon Botet](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/ramon-botet/) - Ramon is the Manager of the Sustainability Program at the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), where he leads initiatives that communicate and disseminate sustainable practices across the global nut and dried fruit industry. In this role, he works closely with INC members to support sustainability-driven projects and collaboration. Before joining INC, he worked as
- [Angelia Seyfferth](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/angelia-seyfferth/) - Angelia Seyfferth is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), where she leads an interdisciplinary research program focused on soil biogeochemistry. She joined ASU in 2025 from the University of Delaware, where she developed an internationally recognized research program on metal and nutrient cycling in the soil-plant-human system and
- [Dr. Sylvain Charlebois](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/dr-sylvain-charlebois/) - Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University. He is as well the former
- [Steven Mandernach](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/steven-mandernach/) - Steven Mandernach (Mawn-dur-knock) is the executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). Prior to becoming executive director in 2018, Mandernach was the bureau chief for food and consumer safety at the Iowa Department of Inspections. He has also served as the chair and co-chair for the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Alliance.
- [Brian Ronholm](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/brian-ronholm/) - Brian Ronholm is the Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports where he leads their advocacy efforts to advance a safe and healthy food system, and a fair and just marketplace for consumers. He was in public service prior to joining Consumer Reports, having served as Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at USDA, and
- [Yvonne Masters, Phd](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/yvonne-masters-phd/)
- [Lance Van Zant](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/lance-van-zant/)
- [Jessica Burke](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/jessica-burke/) - 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. Jessica has held multiple roles within BRCGS, including Technical Specialist for the Gluten-Free
- [Steve Gendel](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/steve-gendel/)
- [Jose G. Contreras](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/jose-g-contreras/)
- [Neal Saab](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/neal-saab/)
- [Gabby Chavarria](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/gabby-chavarria/)
- [Amanda Wilder](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/amanda-wilder/)
- [Wendy Maduff](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/wendy-maduff/) - Dr. Maduff is the Vice President of Corporate Food Safety and Quality at The Wonderful Company, a position she has held since October 2016. She is responsible for food safety and quality systems, food safety leadership, risk based guidance, and corporate food safety incident management. While the Global Food Safety Officer for Subway Restaurants for
- [Safetychain](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/safetychain/)
- [Spencer Walse](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/spencer-walse/) - Nationally and internationally recognized for chemical expertise as related to horticultural pest control and trade, my research directly contributes to US exports valued at ca. > $4 B annually. Scientists regularly visit my lab to conduct sabbaticals, identify and contract specific research projects, and publish research papers. Consults for > 40 commodity groups, primarily located
- [Erin Clem](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/erin-clem/) - Erin Clem has a BS in Food Science from the University of Nebraska and a Masters of Agribusiness from Kansas State University. Erin has over 10 years of food safety professional experience with extensive knowledge of food safety and quality systems, training, HACCP, Food Safety Plans and risk assessments. She has led HACCP certification courses,
- [Frank Yiannas](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/frank-yiannas/) - Frank Yiannas is a renowned food safety leader and executive, food system futurist, author, professor, past president of the International Association of Food Protection, and advocate for consumers. Most recently, he served under two different administrations as the Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a position
- [Jorge Hernandez](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/jorge-hernandez/)
- [Steve Lutes](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/steve-lutes/) - Steve Lutes is a FSQA and Supply Chain professional with 35+ years’ experience in the food & beverage industry, in a variety of corporate and supply chain roles. Lutes served as Global Vice President, Food Safety & Quality Assurance for Domino’s, the world’s largest Pizza company, and led strategic initiatives to drive a food safety
- [Kelly Leighton](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/kelly-leighton/) - Kelly Leighton is Executive Director of The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), an association dedicated to building trust in the food system through research, strategy and stakeholder engagement. With more than 25 years of experience in strategic marketing, communications and business development, she has partnered with leading organizations across food and agriculture—including The Coca-Cola Company,
- [Tom Jones](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/tom-jones/)
- [Maria Wedel](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/maria-wedel/) - Vice President, Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory (FSQR), Cargill Food North AmericaMaria Wedel is the Vice President of Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory (FSQR) for Cargill’s Food North America group. In this role, she leads the strategic direction and execution of food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across a diverse portfolio of businesses, ensuring
- [Amanda Britton](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speakers/amanda-britton-2/)

## sessions

- [The Invisible Plant Tax: Why Proactive, Collaborative Execution Drives Food Safety and Performancement](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/digital-plant-management/) - Food and beverage manufacturers have more digital tools and data than ever — yet plants still rely on reactive effort and manual coordination to protect food safety and performance. The issue isn’t technology adoption. It’s disconnected execution. In this session, SafetyChain and Westrock Coffee Company explore the Invisible Plant Tax: the time, risk, and operational drag created when teams reconcile
- [Breakfast Keynote: When Facts Aren’t Enough: Trust, Truth and Food Safety Leadership](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/breakfast-keynote-when-facts-arent-enough-trust-truth-and-food-safety-leadership/)
- [Food Safety Culture - Where are the gaps?](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/food-safety-culture-where-are-the-gaps/)
- [What's New in SQF Edition 10](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/whats-new-in-sqf-edition-10/)
- [Food Allergens – Mitigating a Risk Like No Other](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/food-allergens-mitigating-a-risk-like-no-other/)
- [Nut Butters are ruining my life](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/nut-butters-are-ruining-my-life/)
- [Lunch Keynote: Leading the Food Safety & QA Teams of the Future](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/lunch-keynote-leading-the-food-safety-qa-teams-of-the-future/)
- [Exhibit Hall Time](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/exhibit-hall-time/)
- [Risk Scoring: Real-Time Insight for Continuous Improvement](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/risk-scoring-real-time-insight-for-continuous-improvement/)
- [What's in Our Food? Unpacking Heavy Metal Science, Regulations, and Consumer Exposure](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/whats-in-our-food-unpacking-heavy-metal-science-regulations-and-consumer-exposure/)
- [Postharvest Pest Control: What Regulators Expect and Markets Demand](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/postharvest-pest-control-what-regulators-expect-and-markets-demand/)
- [SMETA Audit Readiness: Practical Steps to Reduce Risk and Findings](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/how-to-crush-your-next-smeta-audit/) - SMETA is the most widely recognized social compliance audit framework globally, yet many organizations enter the audit process with limited understanding of its scope, expectations, and practical implications. This presentation provides a clear and accessible overview of the SMETA program, including its core principles, audit pillars, and key requirements. Participants will gain insight into best
- [Mitigating Cross Contamination and Improving Personnel Hygiene](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/supplier-risk-management/)
- [CAPAs, CARs, and Root Cause Analysis](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/capa-cars-and-root-cause-analysis/) - This 4-hour, activity-driven workshop culminates in a mock audit simulation and is designed specifically for food production teams looking to strengthen their systems and succeed in audits aligned with GFSI-benchmarked standards. Rather than just a lecture, participants engage in hands-on exercises using real-world scenarios, justifying their decisions, building upon their skills to identify true root
- [Understanding and Applying Food Safety Culture](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/understanding-and-applying-food-safety-culture/) - Recently you’ve almost certainly heard the term “Food Safety Culture” used. The only caveat, however, is that for many of us, it's not clear how the term applies to what we do day in and day out. By documenting, implementing, and living a food safety culture within your organization, you’ll definitely be better prepared to impress your company’s stakeholders! With more liability concerns coming to the
- [Hazard Analysis 2.0: The Good, the Gaps, and the Gotchas”.](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/hazard-analysis-2-0-the-good-the-gaps-and-the-gotchas/)
- [Exhibit Hall Time](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/exhibit-hall-time-4/)
- [Evening Gala](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/evening-gala/)
- [Trust Under Attack: The Rising Cost of Food Fraud in Specialty Crops](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/trust-under-attack-the-rising-cost-of-food-fraud-in-specialty-crops/)
- [INC's New Sustainability Standard](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/incs-new-sustainability-standard/)
- [The Art of the Internal Audit](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/the-art-of-the-internal-audit/)
- [The Current State of Food Policy in Washington: Chaos or Change?](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/the-current-state-of-food-policy-in-washington-chaos-or-change/)
- [Exhibit Hall Time](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/exhibit-hall-time-3/)
- [Exhibit Hall Time](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/exhibit-hall-time-2/)
- [Breakfast](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/breakfast/)
- [Rodents: They are smarter than you think](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/rodents-they-are-smarter-than-you-think/)
- [EMP Program Optimization: Moving from Reactive to Proactive](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/emp-program-optimization-moving-from-reactive-to-proactive/)
- [The Auditor’s Perspective — What Good Looks Like](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/the-auditors-perspective-what-good-looks-like/)
- [How to use basic AI tools to make your job easier](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/how-to-use-basic-ai-tools-to-make-your-job-easier/)
- [What's Next for BRCGS?](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/whats-next-for-brcgs/)
- [Opening Reception](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/opening-reception/)
- [Exhibit Hall Open](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/exhibit-hall-open/)
- [Welcome](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/welcome/)
- [Breakfast Keynote: The Changing Landscape of Food Safety](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/breakfast-keynote-the-changing-landscape-of-food-safety/)
- [Fundamentals of Environmental Monitoring  Workshop](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/fundamentals-of-environmental-monitoring-workshop/) - The Fundamentals of Environmental Monitoring workshop equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to develop, implement, and manage an effective environmental monitoring program in food processing and handling facilities. Focusing on best practices for monitoring environmental pathogens and allergens, the course covers designing sampling plans, selecting appropriate testing methods, interpreting results, and identifying contamination
- [Exhibitor Set Up](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/exhibitor-set-up/)
- [Homecoming Party](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session/homecoming-party/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/category/uncategorized/)

## Speaker Categories

- [Keynote Speaker](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/speaker-categories/keynote-speaker/)

## Session Type

- [Breakout Session](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session-type/breakout-session/)
- [Academy Course](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session-type/academy-course/)
- [Exhibitors](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/session-type/exhibitors/)

## Day

- [Tuesday](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/schedule-day/tuesday/)
- [Wednesday](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/schedule-day/wednesday/)
- [Thursday](https://safefoodcalifornia.com/schedule-day/thursday/)