Fireside Chat: Advancing Food Safety: Leveraging Technology and Leadership in the Evolving Landscape
  • FSMA 204 Compliance: Overview of new traceability requirements, focusing on high-risk foods and their impact on supply chain transparency and safety
  • Data Sharing: Importance of data sharing for food safety, with emphasis on best practices for accuracy and integrity, and the benefits of collaborative ecosystems
  • AI in Food Safety: The potential of AI to predict and prevent food safety issues, with examples of its application in contamination risk identification and inspection improvements
  • Recall Trends: Examination of recent recall trends, strategies for faster response, and the importance of clear communication during recall events
  • Food Safety Leadership: The role of leadership in fostering a safety culture, balancing corporate responsibility with regulatory compliance, and setting industry standards

Howard Popoola
VP Corporate Food Technology and Regulatory Compliance
Kroger


In his role as the Vice President of Corporate Food Technology and Regulatory Compliance for The Kroger Company, Cincinnati, OH. Howard has the overall strategic responsibility and direction for food safety, quality assurance and product development for the entire Kroger company, this includes approximately 2500 retail stores, 42 Warehouses, and Kroger’s 32 own manufacturing facilities – Dairy, Bakery, Pet Food and Grocery plants. Prior to joining Kroger, he led product integrity and regulatory compliance functions as Vice President at Topco Associates – a private label procurement company in Elk Grove Village, IL.

Howard is the co-chair of the steering committee of global food safety initiative (GFSI), he has over 25 years of experience in the food industry with 18 of those in executive leadership roles, he started his career with the United Nations and he has had the opportunity to work at several food companies and in progressive food safety and quality functions including US Foods, Nestle, Kraft and Darigold, Howard is a food microbiologist by training and has advanced degrees in Integrated supply chain management from Michigan State University.