In episode 127 of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine talked about a technological breakthrough that could zap the pathogens out of raw milk while preserving its beneficial components.



Well, in this episode they are joined by the man behind it all, Bob Comstock, the Founder and CEO of Tamarack Biotics, the company that's developed this UV-based pasteurization process.



Tune in to discover how this technology makes nutritious and safe milk, how it will replace thermal treatments, and how it's already making its way to the rest of the world.



In this episode:



💩 [01:11] Meet Bob Comstock and his journey with Tamarack Biotics

💩 [02:57] How this UV-based technology makes milk safe

💩 [06:44] The differences in milk after different treatments

💩 [08:51] Improving milk's bioavailability and restoring immune function

💩 [11:10] The 3 reasons this technology will change everything

💩 [11:44] The FDA and the history of making milk safe

💩 [12:47] How TruActive kills only the pathogens and leaves the rest

💩 [15:40] Solving the biggest challenge in processing milk with heat

💩 [16:40] Replacing heat with UV without changing dairy infrastructure

💩 [19:00] Why the FDA is slowing down the adoption of this technology

💩 [23:00] How UV-treated milk can prevent children from developing allergies

💩 [25:07] This is already making its way to the rest of the world

💩 [26:05] Making infant formula better and more nutritious

💩 [29:33] Why plant-based milks can't compare with the real thing

💩 [31:29] How this technology will affect the raw milk industry

💩 [35:39] The groundbreaking approval from the FDA and the global rollout

💩 [37:35] Research centers for dairy, food technology, and nutrition  

💩 [40:16] The very real dangers of raw milk (take care of your cats)

Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources from this episode

Catch up with the episode where we first talked about Bob Comstock and his innovative technology,  Episode 127 | Zapping Pathogens Could Be a Breakthrough For Making Raw Milk Safe [https://savvyfs.com/zapping-pathogens-could-be-a-breakthrough-for-making-raw-milk-safe-episode-127/].



Learn more about Tamarack Biotics here [https://tamarackbiotics.com/].



Catch up with one of the podcast's best episodes on raw milk: Episode 22 | Is It Safe to Drink Raw Milk? Food Safety Specialists Break It Down [https://savvyfs.com/the-risks-of-drinking-raw-milk-just-dont-episode-22/].

Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“This approval we got from the FDA was groundbreaking. It's opening an enormous door because they've affirmed that we're legal pasteurization of milk and that we're actually safer than heat. It's not a compromise in safety that some people might think from an alternative to heat, but it's safer.” – Bob Comstock

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!



Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!



📲 Connect with Bob [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-comstock-660503/], Francine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw/], Matt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattregusci/], and the "

How a Little Sunlight in Your Milk is Going to Profoundly Change the Dairy Industry with Bob Comstock, CEO of Tamarack Biotics | Episode 131

In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are diving into the 2025 IFIC Food and Health Survey, a robust study that reveals confidence in U.S. food safety has hit an all-time low.

Tune in for their analysis on the big shifts that have happened in consumer opinions and concerns over the past few years, and their opinion on what this means for food suppliers going forward.

Keep in mind that there is a lot of their trademark humor throughout the episode. Don't always take things at face value, unless they're actual stats. Beware!



In this episode:

💩 [01:18] Matt's going from 11 to 12 forever kiddos

💩 [07:32] Francine's health scare (don't worry, she's alright now)

💩 [09:55] Confidence in U.S. food safety has hit an all-time low

💩 [12:00] How different generations relate to the safety of their food

💩 [15:43] Why overall confidence dropped so much so fast

💩 [17:46] The pressure is on for food suppliers to catch up 

💩 [19:55] The shift in consumers' major concerns around the U.S. food supply

💩 [24:17] Consumers are becoming more worried about foodborne illnesses

💩 [28:50] Growing concern over heavy metals, chemicals, and food dyes

💩 [33:52] Americans' views on the safety of imported food

💩 [37:21] Key results from the 2025 IFIC Food and Health Survey

Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.



Resources from this episode

Check out the Food Safety News article our hosts are talking about, Confidence in U.S. food safety hits an all-time low [https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/07/confidence-in-u-s-food-safety-hits-an-all-time-low/].

Learn more about the Clean Label Project Certification at cleanlabelproject.org [https://cleanlabelproject.org/awards-certifications/].

Catch up on our previous episode for more on the Shakes Outbreak, Episode 129 | A Recap of 2025’s Major Outbreaks (So Far) with Bill Marler [https://savvyfs.com/a-recap-of-2025s-major-outbreaks-so-far-with-bill-marler-episode-129/].

Catch up on the episode where we talked about what MAHA is trying to push, Episode 125 | FDA Spikes the Ball and Claims Success [https://savvyfs.com/fda-spikes-the-ball-and-claims-success-episode-125/].

Watch Emmy award-winning documentary, Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food [https://www.netflix.com/br-en/title/81460481].

Learn all about the WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Lead and Chromium Poisoning Outbreak with Episode 51 [https://savvyfs.com/stanley-cups-vs-cinnamon-applesauce-which-is-more-likely-to-give-you-lead-poisoning-episode-51/].



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“The food industry is going to have to shift. It just is. It's not a, if it's going to, it's a when it's going to because it won't be able to compete with other companies that address these issues. It just won't.” – Matt Regusci

“ I don't think even three years ago that [...] people were aware of foodborne illnesses so much. Yeah, they existed. But [...] I don't think it was something that was really even thought about. Which makes me believe that things like Poisoned and the podcasts that are out there talking about these things are helping.” – Francine L Shaw



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!

Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.

<

Confidence in U.S. Food Safety Hits an All-Time Low | Episode 130

This episode is sponsored by DeVere Chemical [https://deverechemical.com/]
🧼 Ready to say WOW? Get 15% off DeVere’s best-selling WOW™ All Purpose Cleaner—tough on grime, gentle on surfaces. Use code POOP at checkout!

👉 Shop here [https://deverechemical.com/product/wow-all-purpose-cleaner/?attribute_pa_pack-size=1-gallon]

📩 Contact DeVere [https://deverechemical.com/contact-us/] to claim your discount.


In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are joined by Bill Marler, the nation's leading foodborne illness attorney, to discuss some of the major outbreaks of 2025 (so far), those who aren't doing what they're supposed to, and how we can push for changes towards food safety.



Buckle up because not only are there many, but they're very frustrating ones.



We'll revisit the Boar's Head Outbreak as new violations have been found in other plants, and the company is reopening the plant from the outbreak. We'll tackle the Darwin Dog Food case, which has been linked to a four-year-old child who became infected with E. coli O157:H7 and developed HUS, as well as the Listeria Shake Outbreak in long-term care facilities, with 14 dead.



In this episode:



💩 [01:11] Sexy tractors and feeling politically out of place

💩 [04:07] Do the Boar's Head executives even care?

💩 [08:06] What Boar's Head is doing and what they should've done instead

💩 [16:15] The frustrating E. coli-contaminated Darwin Dog Food case

💩 [18:53] FDA's failure to enforce a product recall from Darwin

💩 [24:14] How Bill is finally getting justice for the Shake Outbreak victims

💩 [29:42] How companies can save lives by testing their products

💩 [33:29] When authorities redact documents and withhold critical information 

💩 [37:58] The Romaine Lettuce outbreak that remains a "mystery"

💩 [42:49] How Bill Marler is unfortunately having to do the FDA and CDC's jobs

💩 [50:04] The incredible success of the fight against E. coli in hamburgers

💩 [55:04] Addressing the Poisoned documentary skeptics



Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources from this episode

Read the Marler Blog post with the 35 pages of non-conformances on Boar's Head's plants [https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/thank-god-for-the-free-press/].



Read about the frustrating E. coli-contaminated Darwin Dog Food case [https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/after-listeria-salmonella-and-e-coli-positive-samples-and-the-hus-in-a-child-why-no-mandatory-recall-by-the-fda/].



Read about the Listeria Shake Outbreak in long-term care facilities [https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/marler-clark-files-first-shake-listeria-lawsuit-linked-to-14-deaths-with-42-sick-in-21-states/].



Here's the video with the keynote speaker saying we should "Put Bill Marler out of business" [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/billmarler_iafp-iafp2025-activity-7355587003205275649-ePyU].



Watch Bill Marler and Darin Detwiler’s Emmy award-winning documentary, Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food [https://www.netflix.com/br-en/title/81460481].



Read about the multi-state E. coli outbreak where the FDA and CDC chose to Romaine Silent [https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/cdc-and-fda-romaine-silent/].



Catch up with past Bill Marler episodes:



Episode 17 [https://savvyfs.com/an-offer-you-cant-refuse-episode-17/]

A Recap of 2025’s Major Outbreaks (So Far) with Bill Marler | Episode 129

This episode is sponsored by DeVere Chemical [https://deverechemical.com/]
🧼 Ready to say WOW? Get 15% off DeVere’s best-selling WOW™ All Purpose Cleaner—tough on grime, gentle on surfaces. Use code POOP at checkout!

👉 Shop here [https://deverechemical.com/product/wow-all-purpose-cleaner/?attribute_pa_pack-size=1-gallon]

📩 Contact DeVere [https://deverechemical.com/contact-us/] to claim your discount.


Think you know food safety? Think again. In this special highlight episode of Don’t Eat Poop, we’re rewinding to some of the most surprising facts we’ve ever shared on the show — the kind that can change the way you shop, cook, and eat.

From chemical-laced decaf to disgusting yet FDA-approved gloves, these are real, documented truths that every food lover (and every food safety professional) should know… but most don’t.

In this episode:

💩 [01:43] Why some decaf coffee may contain industrial solvents — and what you should choose instead (yes, there is a safe option)

💩 [04:40] The surprising truth about mayonnaise storage 

💩 [06:52] Why washing this food does more harm than good 

💩 [12:41] The big myth about “killing all bacteria” in fresh produce facilities and why washing produce at home won’t save you

💩 [20:08] The dirty truth about disposable gloves (including the pathogens and contaminants found right out of the box)



Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources & References

 1. Clean Label Project: Decaf Coffee Contaminants White Paper [https://cleanlabelproject.org/wp-content/uploads/CLP-Decaf-Coffee-White-Paper_3_2.pdf]
 2. Episode 111 | What They Don’t Tell You About Decaf Coffee That You Should Absolutely Know [https://savvyfs.com/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-decaf-coffee-that-you-should-absolutely-know-episode-111/]
 3. Episode 99 | 20 Food Items You Don’t Actually Need to Refrigerate [https://savvyfs.com/20-food-items-you-dont-actually-need-to-refrigerate-episode-99/]
 4. Episode 73 | Don’t Wash Your Chicken, Seriously [https://dont-eat-poop.transistor.fm/episodes/don-t-wash-your-chicken-seriously-episode-73]
 5. Episode 69 | A Look at the FDA’s Reorganization Plan and Some Food Safety Mythbusting [https://dont-eat-poop.transistor.fm/episodes/a-look-at-the-fda-s-reorganization-plan-and-some-food-safety-mythbusting-episode-69]
 6. Episode 115 | Gloves: Risks and Solutions for the Most Overlooked Zone 1 Food Safety Item with Steve Ardagh, CEO & Founder of Eagle Protect [https://savvyfs.com/gloves-risks-and-solutions-for-the-most-overlooked-zone-1-food-safety-item-with-steve-ardagh-ceo-founder-of-eagle-protect-episode-115/]



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“Methylene Chloride is an active ingredient in paint thinner that was recently banned by the EPA. So you could not use this product to scrape paint off your walls. It's too dangerous for that, but to throw into some coffee beans to get rid of caffeine? No problem?!” – Matt Regusci

“We know from independent research that in tests done on 2,800 new and unused gloves from 26 different brands, over 260 different viable pathogens were found. Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella. Name it, it was there. ” – Francine L Shaw



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!

Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!



📲 Connect wit

5 Food Safety Truths Everyone Should Know (Starting with Decaf) | Episode 128

This episode is sponsored by DeVere Chemical [https://deverechemical.com/]
🧼 Ready to say WOW? Get 15% off DeVere’s best-selling WOW™ All Purpose Cleaner—tough on grime, gentle on surfaces. Use code POOP at checkout!

👉 Shop here [https://deverechemical.com/product/wow-all-purpose-cleaner/?attribute_pa_pack-size=1-gallon]

📩 Contact DeVere [https://deverechemical.com/contact-us/] to claim your discount.


In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are revisiting a much-discussed topic within the food safety world: raw milk.

Despite its undeniable health benefits, the long list of dangerous pathogens that may be present makes consuming raw milk far too risky. Until now, the only way to make sure milk is safe for consumption has been through pasteurization; however, an emerging advanced UV light technology may change the game.

Tune in to discover what we know so far about the breakthrough that promises to zap pathogens out of raw milk while preserving its beneficial components, which will save lots of lives.



In this episode:

💩 [01:02] No sympathy for a man cold

💩 [06:49] Why you can potentially die if you drink raw milk

💩 [08:58] A possible way to make raw milk safe without pasteurization

💩 [10:58] PSA about contacting Matt and Francine on LinkedIn

💩 [12:14] The new technology and what is FDA-approved so far

💩 [16:41] A macro view of how the process possibly works

💩 [19:53] What will make or break this new technology

💩 [21:31] The importance of agreeing to disagree

💩 [23:08] The potential uses and impact of this treatment process

💩 [25:22] The benefits for raw milk producers and consumers

💩 [27:25] How about some Don't Eat Poop! merch?



Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.



Resources from this episode

Check out the Food Safety News article our hosts are talking about, Zapping pathogens could be breakthrough for raw milk [https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/07/zapping-pathogens-could-be-breakthrough-for-raw-milk/].

Catch up with one of the podcast's best episodes on raw milk: Episode 22 | Is It Safe to Drink Raw Milk? Food Safety Specialists Break It Down [https://savvyfs.com/the-risks-of-drinking-raw-milk-just-dont-episode-22/].

Listen to our previous episode with Roger Hancock: Episode 126 | How the FDA Wants YOU to Fix Food Safety Recalls [https://savvyfs.com/how-the-fda-wants-you-to-fix-food-safety-recalls-with-roger-hancock-ceo-of-recall-infolink-episode-126/].



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

"Who doesn't know there's poop in raw milk? There's poop in pasteurized milk. The difference is it's pasteurized, so it's got rid of the pathogens." – Matt Regusci

“They've been advertising [these UV light treatments] in kitchens for equipment and things like that for years. I've always been a bit skeptical [...] because it's only going to sanitize where the light can reach. [...] That wouldn't be the case with this. I mean, it's kind of exciting.” – Francine L Shaw



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!

Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!

📲 Connect with Francine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw/],

Zapping Pathogens Could Be a Breakthrough For Making Raw Milk Safe | Episode 127

This episode is sponsored by DeVere Chemical [https://deverechemical.com/]
Did you know sanitizing without cleaning is one of the most common food safety mistakes? 🤦‍♀️

DeVere Chemical is here to help you avoid rookie moves.

Their cleaning and sanitizing solutions are built for real food safety, not just looking clean, but being clean.

✅ Remove visible soils
✅ Use the right product
✅ Get full contact time
✅ Don’t miss those hard-to-reach zones
✅ And DOCUMENT EVERYTHING (If it’s not written down… it didn’t happen!)

We’ve met the DeVere team at events, and trust us, they know their stuff AND they’re actually fun to hang out with (which is saying a lot for a chemical company).

If you’re in food service or manufacturing, check out deverechemical.com [https://deverechemical.com].

Because clean should actually mean clean.

Remember: Don’t eat poop! 💩


What happens when the FDA says, “Help us help you!” in the middle of recall chaos? You get an impromptu - and enlightening - episode featuring food recall expert Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink. 



In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine, together with Roger, dive into a recently released (and very quietly announced) FDA letter calling on the food industry to step up and collaborate on modernizing food recall systems - especially for products impacting babies and kids.



Spoiler alert: this episode is part policy analysis, part industry gossip, and part Roger being roped into a podcast live via a surprise call. You’re welcome.



In this episode:

💩 [01:07] Introducing Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink

💩 [03:38] Roger breaks down the FDA’s 2025 recall modernization priority

💩 [05:55] FDA’s letter to industry leaders

💩 [08:00] When are you required to notify the FDA about a recall?

💩 [11:12] Is reporting to the FDA really that tedious? Roger spills the data

💩 [13:28] Recall communication protocols

💩 [16:12] Infant formula, foods intended for children, and allergens

💩 [17:32] The three pillars of every recall and why message delivery isn’t enough

💩 [21:14] Increasing the speed of recall classification

💩 [27:12] Recall processes, standardizing data, and AI

💩 [35:37] Modernizing data submissions

💩 [43:16] Why consumers never hear about recalls




Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.



Resources from this episode

Take a look at the food safety news article we’re talking about today: FDA wants industry to suggest how to better use recalls for food safety [https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/07/fda-wants-industry-to-suggest-how-to-better-use-recalls-for-food-safety/]



Behind the Scenes at the Food Safety Consortium with Rick Biros: Conference Culture, Compliance & Community | Episode 123 [https://savvyfs.com/behind-the-scenes-at-the-food-safety-consortium-with-rick-biros-conference-culture-compliance-community-episode-123/]



Alliance for Recall Ready Communities [https://www.recallreadycommunities.org/]



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ The important part of recall, quite frankly, isn't the message. The important part about a recall is the action.” – Roger Hancock



“ There's a variety of potential outcomes for a defective product, but those three things are critical. Defective product, consumers that have purchased it, and instructions about what to do.” – Roger Hancock



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorit

How the FDA Wants YOU to Fix Food Safety Recalls with Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink | Episode 126

This episode is sponsored by DeVere Chemical [https://deverechemical.com/]
Did you know sanitizing without cleaning is one of the most common food safety mistakes? 🤦‍♀️

DeVere Chemical is here to help you avoid rookie moves.

Their cleaning and sanitizing solutions are built for real food safety, not just looking clean, but being clean.

✅ Remove visible soils
✅ Use the right product
✅ Get full contact time
✅ Don’t miss those hard-to-reach zones
✅ And DOCUMENT EVERYTHING (If it’s not written down… it didn’t happen!)

We’ve met the DeVere team at events, and trust us, they know their stuff AND they’re actually fun to hang out with (which is saying a lot for a chemical company).

If you’re in food service or manufacturing, check out deverechemical.com [https://deverechemical.com].

Because clean should actually mean clean.

Remember: Don’t eat poop! 💩


The FDA just dropped a list of food safety "wins," and in this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are here to break it down. 



Spoiler: If you're hoping for action on salmonella-in-your-eggs or listeria-in-your-lunchmeat, you might want to lower your expectations. Matt and Francine dissect what the FDA is really prioritizing (hint: it’s not pathogen prevention), why “generally recognized as safe” might be due for a rebrand, and what Frank Yiannas had to say with his subtle-but-spicy LinkedIn post. 



In this episode:

💩 [01:08] Introducing Don’t Eat Poop’s new sponsor

💩 [04:36] The FDA’s 100 Days of Embracing Gold-Standard Science, Transparency and Common Sense

💩 [06:00] Infant formula improvements

💩 [09:00] Titanium dioxide and other banned substances

💩 [10:03] GRAS reform: What “generally recognized as safe” really means

💩 [11:14] Nature food dyes

💩 [12:12] Defining “ultra-processed foods” is harder than you think

💩 [14:56] Frank Yiannas’s take on the FDA’s 100 Days

💩 [20:37] Using AI to help utilize big data

💩 [22:58] The drug side of the FDA gets 3x more attention than the food side

💩 [26:36] Two types of safety: what kills you now vs. what kills you slowly




Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.



Resources from this episode

Take a look at the FDA’s 100 Days of Embracing Gold-Standard Science, Transparency and Common Sense here [https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-fda-commissioner-marty-makary-md-mph-100-days-embracing-gold-standard-science-transparency].

Listeria’s Lasting Damage: A Food Safety Wake-Up Call | Episode 122. Listen here [https://savvyfs.com/listerias-lasting-damage-a-food-safety-wake-up-call-episode-122/].



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ The FDA should actually be renamed DAF. Drug administration and food. It's like food is an afterthought in the FDA.” – Matt Regusci

“ We need to think about the American consumers and keeping their food safe because we don't want them to die when they eat their food.” – Francine L Shaw



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!



Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!



📲 Connect with Francine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw/],

FDA Spikes the Ball and Claims Success | Episode 125

This episode is sponsored by DeVere Chemical [https://deverechemical.com/]
Did you know sanitizing without cleaning is one of the most common food safety mistakes? 🤦‍♀️

DeVere Chemical is here to help you avoid rookie moves.

Their cleaning and sanitizing solutions are built for real food safety, not just looking clean, but being clean.

✅ Remove visible soils
✅ Use the right product
✅ Get full contact time
✅ Don’t miss those hard-to-reach zones
✅ And DOCUMENT EVERYTHING (If it’s not written down… it didn’t happen!)

We’ve met the DeVere team at events, and trust us, they know their stuff AND they’re actually fun to hang out with (which is saying a lot for a chemical company).

If you’re in food service or manufacturing, check out deverechemical.com [https://deverechemical.com].

Because clean should actually mean clean.

Remember: Don’t eat poop! 💩


In this jaw-dropping episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine unpack a food safety scandal so grotesque it could make you ill just thinking about it. From a Kansas City steakhouse scandal involving literal food contamination for fetish content, to cringe-worthy confessions from food safety trainees, this episode hits every horrifying note in the foodservice handbook of “what not to do.”



Hold onto your lunch: this is the food safety podcast episode you wish was fiction.



In this episode:

💩 [02:28] The cult classic restaurant movie - Waiting

💩 [05:11] The case of Jace Hanson

💩 [10:36] Food contamination for Grindr clout

💩 [12:26] Confessions from a food safety trainee

💩 [17:17] How improper storage and poor practices shut down a high-end restaurant

💩 [22:18] The fallout: 380 complaints, 130 illnesses, and one closed restaurant

💩 [28:37] Why culture fit matters in food safety



Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.



Resources from this episode

Take a look at the article we’re talking about in this episode: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/07/man-in-kansas-pleads-guilty-to-contaminating-food-at-upscale-restaurant/  



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ The Leawood police said that they eventually received 380 tips about food contamination from diners who ate at the restaurant. 380 in one month. So if you guys are ever curious about hiring practices and how important that is, it's very important.” – Matt Regusci

“Never did I think I’d read Food Safety News and Grindr in the same sentence.” – Francine L Shaw



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!



Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!



📲 Connect with Francine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw/], Matt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattregusci/], and the "Don't Eat Poop! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96242364/admin/feed/posts/]" show on LinkedIn!



📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? on

When Food Meets Fetish: The Disturbing Truth Behind a Kansas Steakhouse Scandal | Episode 124

In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop! recorded on-site at the 2024 Food Safety Consortium, our hosts Matt and Francine sit down with Rick Biros, the mastermind behind the conference and publisher of Food Safety Tech. 



From escalator woes to high-level discussions on FSMA 204 and food safety culture metrics, this episode captures the pulse of a post-pandemic industry ready to level up. Whether you're an industry vet or a newcomer, get ready for insights and a healthy dose of laughter.



In this episode:



💩 [01:41] Kicking things off with Rick Biros

💩 [04:30] The escalator strikes again! Why venue logistics matter

💩 [06:55] The value of a conference: education & networking

💩 [08:59] FSMA 204, listeria outbreaks, and why the food safety industry is “waking up”

💩 [11:06] Chemical testing rising

💩 [13:16] The AFFI partnership: how collaboration upgraded the agenda

💩 [17:17] Women in Food Safety Breakfast: growing stronger every year

💩 [19:37] What’s next for Food Safety Tech: more projects & purpose

💩 [22:12] Measuring food safety culture




Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.



Resources from this episode

Visit: https://foodsafetytech.com/



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ We've not really been paying a lot of attention from a regulatory standpoint on chemical testing. That's been all Europe's big issues. Now with forever chemicals and a lot of the other issues, we're going to see an increase in the aspect of analytical testing that we've not seen in a long time in the food industry.” – Rick Biros



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!



Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!



📲 Connect with Rick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-biros-860bb47/], Francine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw/], Matt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattregusci/], and the "Don't Eat Poop! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96242364/admin/feed/posts/]" show on LinkedIn!



📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Who-Watches-Kitchen-Inspector-Uncovers/dp/B0CHL7DH88?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER]! 



🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP!



Fill out this form [https://forms.gle/7GfKw4sdUQeLhqX5A] to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected.

_______

Produced by Ideablossoms
[https://ideablossoms.com/]






Behind the Scenes at the Food Safety Consortium with Rick Biros: Conference Culture, Compliance & Community | Episode 123

When foodborne illness becomes a life sentence, who carries the burden? 



In this gut-wrenching episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine share the devastating story of John Trahar - a once-vibrant entrepreneur now reduced to a shadow of himself after a listeria infection caused bacterial meningitis. It's not just about pathogens and paperwork; it's about people. This episode puts a very real, very human face on why preventing foodborne illness isn't optional.



In this episode:



💩 [05:20] Introduction to Bill Marler

💩 [05:57] Listeria strikes again: backstory on the Mexico potato connection

💩 [07:54] The devastating effects of listeria

💩 [14:32] What bacterial meningitis means for a human body

💩 [19:00] John’s wife’s emotional reality

💩 [22:10] Family fallout: Impact on their teenage son and family business

💩 [28:43] Where's the FDA? Lingering questions about traceback and accountability

💩 [30:51] Why storytelling matters in food safety culture



Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources from this episode



Check out Bill Marler’s blog: https://www.marlerblog.com/ 



The case that we’re talking about today: https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/a-tragic-listeria-illness-and-the-search-for-the-cause/ 



Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ Dying from listeria is probably one of the worst ways to die. [...] It's perpetual pain.” – Matt Regusci



“ I wouldn’t want to live with listeria. I would prefer to die.” – Francine L Shaw



We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!



Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.



We'd love to hear from you!



📲 Connect with Francine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw/], Matt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattregusci/], and the "Don't Eat Poop! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96242364/admin/feed/posts/]" show on LinkedIn!



📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Who-Watches-Kitchen-Inspector-Uncovers/dp/B0CHL7DH88?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER]! 



🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP!



Fill out this form [https://forms.gle/7GfKw4sdUQeLhqX5A] to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected.

_______

Produced by Ideablossoms
[https://ideablossoms.com/]




Listeria’s Lasting Damage: A Food Safety Wake-Up Call | Episode 122

Join food safety specialists Francine L. Shaw (CEO and Founder, Savvy Food Safety) and Matthew Regusci (Founder, Fostering Compliance) and occasional guests as they dish about all things food safety: industry trends, news, recurring frustrations and more. Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the food supply chain, but were too afraid to ask - plus a lot you never wanted to know and will regret learning! Funny, fresh takes on a (potentially deadly!) serious topic. New episodes served up on Tuesdays.

Matt Regusci

Shows