Independence Day brings friends, family, and plenty of outdoor cooking. It also brings the kinds of food safety challenges that happen when we’re away from the structure of a kitchen. Agencies like the CDC, USDA, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association consistently remind us that warm weather, crowded coolers, and outdoor prep can create the perfect conditions for foodborne illness if we’re not careful. Their guidance for 2026 centers on a simple idea: plan ahead and con

How to Apply Them During Internal Audits Vertical trace exercises are becoming a key expectation across FDA, USDA, and GFSI-benchmarked certification schemes. As the industry shifts towards better digital traceability and the Food Traceability Rule (FTR) [FSMA Section 204(d)] compliance, companies must demonstrate that they can race a product both forward and backward. When we talk about traceability within a process, companies must be able to trace a finished product, ingred

What is a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) and How Does It Connect to Food Safety?A KPI is a measurable value that shows how well a process is working. In food safety, KPIs help us see if our programs are doing what we expect them to do. They give us a way to check progress, spot problems early, and guide decisions with facts instead of assumptions. Good KPIs are simple, clear, and tied to real activities on the floor. They should help a team understand whether their daily wor

At D.L. Newslow & Associates, Inc., we are committed to providing practical, accessible, and industry‑aligned training that supports professionals at every stage of their food safety journey. We are excited to announce our expanded partnership with Registrar Corp, offering a suite of fully online, self‑paced courses designed to meet key FDA, FSMA, and GFSI requirements. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, meet regulatory obligations, or strengthen your facility’s f

We’ve had an exciting month here at D.L. Newslow & Associates, Inc., and we’re thrilled to share several major milestones, recognition, and contributions from our team. Moments like these remind us why we’re so passionate about advancing food safety education and supporting professionals across the industry. Bronson Lane Award Recipient We are incredibly proud to announce that Debby Newslow has been awarded the prestigious Bronson Lane Award, one of the highest honors present

Key Takeaways from the Official Insights Webinar The Foundation FSSC recently hosted its Insights Webinar: Introducing Version 7, drawing more than 6,000 participants from around the world. Led by Neil Milvain, Elsa Matia, and Kelly Moholland, the session walked through the motivations behind Version 7, the major structural updates, and what certified organizations should expect as they prepare for the transition. The discussion made it clear that Version 7 represents an evol

What Still Needs to Happen In early 2025, the FDA signaled a major shift in how the United States approaches synthetic food dyes. The agency urged manufacturers to voluntarily transition away from petroleum‑derived color additives and began the process of revoking authorization for several dyes. At the time, we wrote about this momentum and what it could mean for the future of food labeling and consumer trust. Now, one year later, Consumer Reports has taken a close look at wh

What to Expect and How It Will Shape the Future of Food Safety FSSC 22000 Version 7 is set to become one of the most influential updates in the Scheme’s history. With global supply chains evolving, regulatory expectations tightening, and the ISO 22002 series undergoing a complete structural overhaul, Version 7 arrives at a moment when the industry is demanding greater clarity, consistency, and accountability in food safety management. When is FSSC 22000 Version 7 being releas

The Winners are. . . The D.L. Newslow & Associates, Inc. team Debby Newslow , Ron Potochar , Alanna Barfield , and Nancy Rich were honored to attend SQF Unites 2026 , an event that continues to bring together food safety professionals from around the world to collaborate, learn, and strengthen our shared commitment to safe, high‑quality food. This year’s conference delivered valuable insights, practical tools, and forward‑thinking discussions that our team is already integra