Federal Agency Update Webinar Announced, 1 to 2:30 p.m. ET, on June 1, 2026
Before this year’s AEC gets underway, AFDO will host a webinar on June 1 to provide updates from federal partners FDA, USDA, and the CDC.
Speakers will include Kyle Diamantas, J.D., the Deputy Commissioner for Foods, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Erik Mettler, MPA, MPH, Assistant Commissioner for Integrated Food Safety Systems, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Pharm.D., Associate Commissioner for Inspections and Investigations (ACII) in the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII); Mindy Brashears, Undersecretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); and Gwen Biggerstaff, Deputy Director, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Center of Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. There will also be a Q&A at the end of the webinar.
Register here.
AFDO Discusses States’ Roles in Food Safety at 2026 FDLI Annual Conference
AFDO Executive Director Steven Mandernach joined four others for a panel discussion called “From States to Plates: Coordinating Food Inspections, Recalls, and Outbreak Response,” on May 6 (Day One) of the 2026 Food & Drug Law Institute’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.
One-day inspections are intended to collect data on recurring compliance themes, facility-specific risk scores, and discrepancies between registered and actual operations for better oversight activities.
To learn more, click here.
Fresh Take Fridays on May 29 Looks at Implementing AI in Food Safety Responsibly
This session will explore how public agencies are using AI-enabled communication tools to support inspections, emergency response, outreach, and customer service without losing the human trust that government programs depend on. CivicReach will share real-world use cases, lessons from state and local partners, and practical considerations for agencies thinking about innovation, readiness, policy, and responsible implementation.
Register for the free session here. Listen to past Fresh Take Fridays webinars from AFDO here.
Cannabis, Hemp, and Natural Psychedelics Committee Hosts Fire Protection Engineer
The AFDO Cannabis, Hemp, and Natural Psychedelics Committee continued its webinar series is early May with Episode 6, a talk with Brian Lukus, Fire Protection Engineer, of the Denver Fire Department. His presentation, “The History of Marijuana Regulation and Enforcement From the Denver Fire Department’s Perspective,” covered the history of marijuana (cannabis) fire regulation development and enforcement efforts beginning from the 2010 City and County of Denver marijuana decriminalization until today.
You can watch it here, and catch recordings of the committee’s previous sessions here.
AFDO Committee Year-End Virtual Meetings This Month Are Open to All
Participate in an AFDO committee’s year-end virtual meeting to gain insight and make connections – nonmembers welcome! Explore the trends, issues, and best practices now shaping the realm of food safety and public health. Click on the links below to find more details about each meeting.
- Foodborne Outbreak and Emergency Response Committee — Friday, May 15, 2026, 1 to 2 p.m. ET
- Professional Development Committee — Monday, May 18, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET
- Food Recovery Committee — Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET
- Food Safety Educational Resource Collection Committee — Wednesday, May 20, 2026, noon to 1 p.m. ET
- International and Government Relations Committee; Laboratory, Science, and Technology Committee; and Cannabis, Hemp, and Natural Psychedelics Committee (combined) — Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET
- Food Defense Committee – Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1:05 to 1:55 p.m. ET
- Produce Safety Committee — Friday, May 22, 2026, 1 to 2 p.m. ET
Learn more about all of the AFDO committees here.
AFDO.org Pro Tips
AFDO’s State Retail Food Safety Maps
In this regularly updated eNews section, AFDO staffers will share their pro tips on how to get the most from afdo.org. AFDO Retail Food Safety Director Deanna Copeland shares why the site’s Retail Food Maps are a great resource.
“My favorite part of the website is the retail foods directory under the homepage’s Connect with Experts navigation tab. It makes it so easy to find the right contacts for any retail food jurisdiction, along with helpful details like food code versions, training requirements, and maps of retail inspection responsibilities.”
Pro Tip: Using the Regulatory Oversight Map, users can quickly find out the number of local agencies with retail inspection authority within that state as well as which agencies have regulatory authority over food service establishments and retail food stores at the state level. Click on a state to find more info on each local agency covered.
ICYMI: Worth Another Look
Mandernach Testifies About Information Sharing Between Federal and State and Local Partners
AFDO Executive Director Steven Mandernach testified at the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and answered questions about H.R. 8430, the Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act.
“AFDO strongly supports H.R. 8430, the Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Rulli, who serves on this Subcommittee, and Representative Ross. It is a targeted fix that gives FDA the authority to share critical food safety information with state and local partners quickly, and with the highest regard for confidential data. HR 8430 has broad-based support from industry, consumer groups, and government partners and has been included in the policy portion of the current budget request and several budget requests from both parties. It does not create new mandates or new spending. It simply lets the integrated food safety system function the way Congress intended. We urge the Subcommittee to advance this important legislation as soon as possible,” said Mandernach.
Watch the video of his testimony (introduced by the chairman at 27:10) here.
E. Coli Infection Outbreak Investigation Into Recalled Cheese Products Ends
On April 30, 2026, CDC announced that the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to Raw Farm-brand dairy products is over. Known illness onsets occurred from September 1, 2025, to February 20, 2026; three people were hospitalized and one developed a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Read the latest update, including FDA’s investigation results, here.
Thursday! Debate-Style Showdown on Food Safety Culture in Live Session May 14
Two pre-selected teams will go head-to-head on some of the most contested questions in food safety culture in the next webinar from the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness and the FDA. Using a high-energy public-forum format, this session invites real-time participation from both in-person and online audiences.
Webinar: Food Safety Culture Debate Club — Live and Hybrid from the 2026 Food Safety Summit
When: Thursday, May 14, 3:45 p.m. ET
Reserve your spot and read more about the Food Safety Culture Webinar Series here.
FDA Releases Results From Comprehensive Infant Formula Testing
The FDA has conducted what it calls the largest and most rigorous examination ever focused on chemical contaminants in infant formula available on the U.S. market. Across the 300 infant formula samples tested, the agency said resultsinclude an overwhelming majority with undetectable or very low levels of contaminants, affirming that the U.S. infant formula supply, which millions of families depend on, is safe.
Read the full April 29, 2026, update here.
Food Protection Pros Learn About Small Business Food Safety Survey Results
AFDO staff presented findings from AFDO’s small business survey on the New Jersey Association for Food Protection’s May 1, 2026, webinar. They discussed how small retail food businesses approach and practice food safety compared with large brands. They also shared key strengths, persistent gaps, and structural differences influencing food safety outcomes, and the ways regulators and inspectors can support food safety in day‑to‑day operations.
Watch the webinar presentation on the survey published in Food Safety Magazine, “From Corporate to Corner Store: Retail Food Safety Practices in Small Businesses and How They Compare With Large Brands,” here.
Only 4 Weeks to Go Until the 2026 AFDO AEC in Columbus!
Food safety leaders across regulatory and industry are already registering for the 2026 AFDO Annual Educational Conference, June 5-9, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio. Make new connections with peers and find out how they are managing common challenges.
✅ Check out the entire agenda here.
New for this year: Pre-conference activities kick off Friday, June 5, with the opening evening session on Saturday, June 6.
AFDO members get an additional discount for the annual conference. Not a current member? You can save $100 on registration by joining AFDO or renewing your membership now. It’s like getting the year-round benefit of an AFDO membership FREE. Learn more and join now by visiting here.
Visit the conference website here.
Get Ready for Columbus by Gearing Up With AFDO Logo Apparel
Heading to the 130th AFDO Annual Educational Conference (AEC) in Columbus? You still have time to pick up official AFDO logo apparel so you can show your AFDO pride in sessions, networking, or throughout pre-conference activities.
AFDO has a Lands’ End Business Outfitters online store — a one-stop shop for high‑quality AFDO logo apparel in a wide range of sizes, with color selections aligned to AFDO brand standards. The store link is https://business.landsend.com/store/afdo.
Save 35% with code ELBLONG35 until May 29, 2026. If you already have a regular Lands’ End consumer account, you may need to create an account on the AFDO Business Outfitters site (but you can use the same email address and password).
Share a Sample or Swag Item in the 2026 AFDO AEC Goody Bags
As preparations continue for the AFDO Annual Educational Conference in Columbus, organizations are invited to contribute items for attendee goody bags — a simple, visible way to support AFDO and the community it serves.
These goody bags are a conference favorite — every contribution enhances the experience while supporting AFDO’s mission. Provide individually packaged food products or practical promotional items (e.g., cord catchers, notepads, hand sanitizer, lip balm). Each item puts your brand directly in the hands of regulators, industry leaders, and food and drug safety professionals from across the country.
To participate, contact Krystal Reed at kreed@afdo.org for quantities, shipping details, and timing. Deadline for receipt is late May.
Stakeholder Silent Auction at AEC Supports Scholarships
AFDO’s AEC team is once again hosting the Barbara Cassens Silent Auction and is inviting support through item donations. This popular event, held both in person and online, brings the stakeholder community together to support a meaningful cause while showcasing the creativity and generosity of AFDO members.
There are many possibilities for auction contributions, including:
- Unique items or experiences from a donor’s state, organization, or company (branded items are encouraged)
- Hobby‑related donations, such as handmade crafts, local delicacies, or art — often inspired by the beautiful jewelry Barbara Cassens contributes each year
- Special experiences, such as a stay at a vacation property or a behind‑the‑scenes tour of a company facility
To ensure items are included in the auction, contributors are asked to submit a photo and a brief description using the donation form by May 15, 2026. Please supply as much information as possible, even if your item is not finalized, to help present items effectively and attract bidders.
Proceeds from the Barbara Cassens Silent Auction directly benefit the AFDO Scholarship Fund, helping support the next generation of food safety professionals.
2026 Virtual Consumer Food Safety Education Conference Is June 4
Plug into a community of food safety, nutrition, and public health professionals on June 4, 2026. During this high‑impact day, you’ll stay ahead of emerging trends and strengthen the way you advance food safety.
Hear speakers from the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative, USDA, FDA, CDC leadership, Health Canada, and IFIC. Registration is $30, and registrants will get access to session recordings.
Register for the virtual Consumer Food Safety Education Conference here.
Do You Need Weekly Soft Skills Inspo? Check Out Quick Bites
Quick Bites, a new weekly update from AFDO, will deliver fast fact learning opportunities focused on soft skills for food safety professionals. Delivered via email, each edition will feature one short, practical resource designed to spark ideas for change and action — whether applied individually or within an organization.
Curated by AFDO staff, Quick Bites can include videos, podcasts, and more that support the essential skills food safety professionals need — e.g., critical thinking, active listening, time management, problem solving, decision making, emotional intelligence, conflict management, and de-escalation. Built for regulators, industry professionals, and other food safety stakeholders, this series provides trusted, grab-and-go professional development.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect every week when you sign up for AFDO Quick Bites:
🎥 5 Simple Strategies to Sharpen Your Critical Thinking | BBC Ideas
🎥 How to Write an Email (No, Really) | Victoria Turk | TEDxAthens
🎥 The Difference Between the Verb and Noun of Employee Engagement | Solutions Explained by Roman 3
Training Track
The latest offerings from AFDO and other organizations. New Courses Announced!
NASDA Basic Aseptic Sampling for Produce
This Basic Aseptic Sampling for Produce course is designed as an introduction to sampling for produce. Produce inspectors will learn fundamental information regarding aseptic sampling. This in-person course includes hands-on activities to engage and add to the learning experience. For produce regulators only.
For more information and to register, click here.
Date: August 5-6, 2026
Cost: Free for produce regulators
Basic Inspections and Investigations Course — Produce
The Basic Inspections and Investigations Course provides basic and fundamental learning opportunities for new produce regulators who have responsibilities for conducting routine and non-routine inspections, and may have responsibilities for conducting investigations, and collecting product samples for analysis by a laboratory (when applicable). For produce regulators only.
For more information and to register, click here.
Date: August 31-September 4, 2026
Cost: Free for State Produce Regulators
Basic Inspections and Investigations Course for New Manufactured Food and Retail Food Regulators, and Industry Professionals
The Basic Inspections and Investigations Course (BIAI) provides basic and fundamental learning opportunities for new food regulators and industry professionals who have responsibilities for performing routine, non-routine inspections, and complaint investigations. This course also covers and trains in conducting investigations and collecting product samples for analysis by a laboratory (when applicable).
For more information and to register, click here.
Date: September 14-18, 2026
Cost: $400 for AFDO members; $500 for non-members
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
This transformative course teaches food safety professionals how to confidently navigate and be accountable to the conversations that matter most: the ones where opinions differ, stakes are high, and emotions run strong. These pivotal moments can strengthen relationships, create breakthroughs, and drive positive change; when handled poorly, they can damage trust, stall progress, and leave issues unresolved.
For more information and to register, click here.
Date: September 16-October 14, 2026
Cost: $450 for AFDO members; $550 for non-members
Food Safety Culture for Regulators With Frank Yiannas
This workshop will teach regulators how to evaluate and strengthen the food safety cultures of an organization or establishment they regulate and how to make their regulatory practices and programs more effective. They will gain a better understanding of food safety culture, what it is and what it is not.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Date: March 9-10, 2027
Cost: $500 for AFDO members; $1,200 for non-members
Regional Affiliate News
Nominations Open for the Mary Logan Scholarship
The Association of Food and Drug Officials of the Southern States awards the Mary Logan Scholarship to support the next generation of professionals in food, drug, and consumer product safety. Logan was the AFDOSS Secretary/Treasurer for 30 years and is retired after a 39-year career with the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture.
Find the eligibility requirements for the $6,000 scholarship in her honor here. You can find an online application here. Submit by June 16, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year. This year’s recipient will be announced during the AFDOSS AEC in August 2026.
AFDOSS AEC Set for Gatlinburg August 23-26, 2026
Association of Food and Drug Officials of the Southern States (AFDOSS) is hosting this year’s AEC back in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, August 23-26. Stay tuned to afdoss.org for more registration and hotel block info. If you’re interested in sponsoring the conference or donating items for raffles, gift bags, etc., contact AFDOSS Treasurer Craig Nielsen at afdoss.craig@gmail.com.
2026 WAFDO AEC Call for Abstracts Now Open
The Colorado Environmental Health Association is partnering with the Western Association of Food and Drug Officials and the Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conference for what the groups are calling a Mega Annual Education Conference, September 21-24, 2026, at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood, Colorado.
The organizations have opened a call for abstracts, encouraging potential speakers and organizers to bring forward the stories, lessons, and innovations that have shaped their work. They are seeking talks on environmental health, including food, water, air, zoonosis, and more. Visit the Call for Abstracts page for more information.
