DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS THE NEW ERA OF SMARTER FOOD SAFETY

FDA has set forth many goals with their "New Era of Smarter Food Safety" program. With this program, the FDA is taking a new approach to food safety. We can leverage technology, tools, and processes that we have amassed over the past several years to create a safer, more digital, traceable food system; this will enable us to bend the curve of foodborne illness in the country by reducing the number of diseases.

Our industry has been plodding along in making the change to any digital technology - generally speaking. Most recently, in this enormous endeavor, the FDA announced its?new office of digital transformation . Having discussed this on several panels and privately with numerous business owners and CEOs over the years and coming from operations myself, I do have a sense of understanding as to why this is the case. But, embracing technology is not only inevitable. It is necessary. Now is the time to get on board. It is never a good idea to wait until the FDA mandates rules and regulations. Instead, implement the changes while it's an option. The implementations become more cost-prohibitive, and the time constraints are never conducive to one's liking.

I decided two years ago to begin creating a platform to track multiple certifications; currently, there is no other product like the one my partners and I have created on the market. We will be launching this SaaS product soon; follow me for details.?

Introducing restauranteurs to high-quality approved suppliers, thus enabling service to a premium market through our value-added services I have recently partnered with My Food Source. My Food Source facilitates the connection between buyers, suppliers, and service provider companies to connect all aspects of the supply chain while improving transparency, traceability, and efficiency. This opportunity is a dream come true! I am incredibly excited to work with?Valmir Rodrigues ?and his team to bring all facets of the foodservice industry together in a meaningful, affordable manner to provide the world's people with safer, higher-quality food products.

These systems are only the beginning of the SFS digital footprint; I 100% support the digital era. If you don't like change, this isn't the industry to work in. When I was working in operations, I remember that we would no sooner implement a policy, and it would change. Nothing is any different today. We used to joke, don't write that in ink...lol I embrace change; I guess growing up in the industry encouraged that attitude. It's kept me going and helped me accomplish much in the past nine years.

Regardless of how you feel about digital technology, it's here, and it's here to stay. When embraced, it will have significant benefits and labor savings; it?can improve many food products' shelf life and safety. The use of tech in the food industry also ensures quality and affordability. Using it drives down the costs of keeping the food fresh and increases productivity, traceability, transparency, efficiency, and more money on the bottom line. Let's embrace it. Change is good.

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