Joellen Grady

Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Why the grass is green, or why is milk white? My Cooperative asked the experts within Dairy Farmers of America and found the answer to why those iconic milk mustaches are white!      According to Roger Hooi, vice president of quality assurance and food safety at DFA, “milk is white due to the way different wavelengths of light absorb and reflect the components in milk — proteins (casein), milkfat and minerals.”     Sometimes, your glass of milk might look a bit more caramel-colored because the high heat used in pasteurization causes some caramelization of the sugar in milk, also known as lactose. If cows eat certain grasses, it can give milk a yellow-green tint. Fat content can also make milk look more cream-colored, since there is more cream (or fat) — whereas skim milk can look a bit bluer since it contains so little fat.    These color variations are usually very hard to see with the naked eye. In most cases, milk is always white! Unless of course, you add a bit of chocolate syrup! 😋     Why did you think milk was white!? Are you surprised that the answer could be so simple? All I know for sure is, I will take another glass, please! 🥛 

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📉 Americans' Confidence in Food Safety Hits Record Low: Why It’s Time for Manufacturers to Step Up 🛑 As reported by Food Safety News, a recent Gallup poll reveals a startling trend: public trust in the U.S. food supply is at its lowest point in decades. With only 57% of adults confident in the government’s ability to ensure food safety (down from 80% in 1999), it’s clear that consumers are losing faith. But this begs the question: Should we be placing the burden of food safety solely on the federal government? While government oversight is critical, food safety must begin with the manufacturers—the ones producing, processing, and packaging the food we eat daily. Food and beverage manufacturers, along with the brands whose names are on the label, should prioritize food safety at every step of the process, from sourcing ingredients to final distribution. (FSMA was a good start). Manufacturers MUST take ownership by: 🔹 Implementing rigorous quality control measures. 🔹 Investing in cutting-edge technology for detecting contaminants. 🔹 Conducting frequent internal audits and third-party inspections. 🔹 Working transparently with suppliers to maintain high standards. Consumers are increasingly concerned about issues like E. coli, heavy metals in baby food, and mercury in seafood, as highlighted by the survey. Recalls continue to erode trust, and recent data shows that over half of consumers have avoided certain brands because of safety concerns. It’s time for manufacturers to go beyond compliance and take proactive leadership to build a "food safety culture." When the public sees that a company is committed to safe, high-quality products, it builds trust. And finally, I've said this over a million times, Food Safety should not report into Production, it needs to be independent. Food Safety is not an issue just for the government to solve, this has to start with the manufacturers and should be demanded by not only the consumers but also at the Retail level. #foodsafety #FSMA #forhireresults #FDA #USDA

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Today on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast, we're joined by Peter Wells, Chief Strategy Director at Elevated Foods, who shares insights into the company's innovative approach to agriculture. Listen in as Peter discusses the challenges faced by family farms and the importance of data gathering in market development. Discover how Elevated Foods navigates enrollment processes, provides technical assistance to growers, and fosters collaboration and partnerships in climate-smart agriculture. International Fresh Produce Association #climatesmartag #innovation USDA

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I understand the perspective in this article, and yes, while the recall system in the US has improved significantly over the years (kudos to that!), there's still a long road ahead. Think about it: - When a recall is issued, how many of us actually hear about it and then immediately check our pantry, fridge, or freezer? - Have you ever found out about a recall only to realize you recently ate the product in question and thought, "Well, I hope I'm fine"? While this may seem like an extreme example, it's kind of like our nuclear alert system. Yes, it's great that we have a warning system in place, but shouldn't the priority be on prevention? It’s like being on an airplane and knowing there's a life jacket under your seat for the "unlikely event of a water landing." Instead, how about let’s focus on keeping that plane in the air so we don't have to worry about that water landing, sound good (Delta, American, United, SouthWest, etc) and FAA? Sometimes, by the time the alarm sounds, it’s already too late. In my opinion, even one preventable death is too many. Sure, statistics tell us the chances of it happening to you are low—but the same goes for the "unlikely event" of an airplane water landing. Yet, how many people still experience extreme anxiety over that possibility? As I've said before, as consumers we should expect more and demand better from the FDA, USDA, and more importantly the companies that manufacture, produce, and distribute such products. Great post and insight Frank!

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In this new article, Sorenson Impact Institute CEO Katie Macc revisits her personal journey of eating only locally grown foods, reflecting on the challenges and benefits of the process. Weighing the nutritional value with the complexities of sourcing locally grown food, Macc wonders how we can transform our food systems to prioritize health and sustainability. 🌱 Read more about her pursuit of nutritious food and the role the impact community can play in finding a solution to this critical issue: https://lnkd.in/g7DZHr7A

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https://lnkd.in/gzdsPiVB - Thom King, chief innovations officer at Icon Foods, Portland, OR, says that functional carbonated beverages with prebiotic fibers, such as poppi, OLIPOP PBC, Mighty Pop and Perfy, have benefited. Beverages containing electrolytes also have reaped the benefits of clean label interest. “Nutrient-dense, high protein, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are also growing with the clean label trend,” King notes. “Many are more than 30 grams of protein per serving, with no added sugars, prebiotic fibers, as well as some with greens.” He suggests that RTD, clean label, protein meal replacement beverages are a big trend that will continue to grow. Icon Foods is here to help you clean up your ingredient declaration and nutritional fact panel with sweeteners, fibers, sweetening systems, and sweetness modulator all design to make deep clean cuts to #addedsugar

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-- Broken Food Recall Processes within the United States -- In January 2024 alone, the FDA issued a staggering 46 food and beverage recalls, marking a concerning 31% increase from the previous year. From kielbasa to frozen dumplings, recent recalls have raised alarms about food safety and the effectiveness of the recall processes. What's causing these recalls? Listeria, Salmonella, and even foreign objects like lead, glass, plastic shards, etc. have contaminated various products. Labeling errors, including mislabeling of allergens, are exacerbating the issue. But here's the kicker ---> current recall processes in the US are falling short. Individual companies are operating in isolation, leading to delays and confusion during recalls. There is also a lack of standardization in data and processes, hindering swift action. The solution discussed in this article is a paradigm shift towards "Recall Ready Communities." Some companies are trying to unite supply chains and standardize data which will help to enhance collaboration and response efficiency, but most are still a ways off. It amazes me that as advanced as we are in the US in so many ways that we are so far behind when it comes to food safety. It's time for the industry to modernize its approach to recalls to help solve a fixable problem. #foodsafety #supplychain #foodindustry #foodsafetyculture https://lnkd.in/eRtH-_3K

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On site with a client today - sorry for the delayed posting. I am pushing them hard to think bigger than their original plans (which will save (cost?) me a week on site because we finish the project early). In any case, we have the ability, will, and energy, so we are going to move to the final phase starting tomorrow instead of two weeks from now. Wish me luck! Mad props to my team for the last 2.5 months to step up into many of the things that I was managing and taking those over. That includes payroll, internal training, system upgrades, lead gen, client acquisition, client management, newsletters, conferences, team management, webinars, and website. Thank you - we would not be here without you, Gina A., Amanda W., Jim Jindra, Christopher Bauer, and all our technical experts (who I will refrain from listing, but can be found on catapultserv.com/people). If you noticed, I mentioned newsletters in there - we have a client newsletter that we put out monthly with additional industry resources that clients can tap into for additional support. If you are interested in free access to those resources or our network of 700+ companies that this newsletter goes to, let me know (and I will forward your email to Christopher Bauer, lol). If instead you want to need a partner to do deep dives on ingredient technologies for clean or precision formulation, packaging selection for optimal product protection (or industry packaging technology development status), or just a dive into the data of what attributes of a product will help it get sold, reach out. We literally exist as consultants to help others.

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From global spices to fusion dishes, Gen Z craves experiences that are as unique as they are. Shannon O'Shields and Rubix Foods have their finger on the pulse of the hottest flavor trends and Gen Z is a big part of that. Check out our Forktales interview with Shannon here: https://bit.ly/3BZalbj #marketing #marketingpodcast #branding #brandingpodcast #trends #flavortrends #GenZ #advertising #marketingpodcast #forktales #forktalespodcast #vigor #FlavorTrends #RubixFoods

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While it’s not a literal resignation, quiet quitting reflects a disengagement from work and often may signal dissatisfaction or unmet expectations in the workplace. This trend is partly a reaction against “hustle culture,” where constant overwork is seen as the norm. For someone who is “quiet quitting” but wants to re-engage with their work and find more purpose, there are several strategies to help to restore your motivation and meaning in your job: 1. Set Personal Goals: Define small, attainable objectives that align with personal values, not just work requirements. This could involve learning a new skill, improving specific competencies, or finding innovative solutions to routine tasks. Goals create a sense of direction and achievement, even within existing responsibilities. 2. Reconnect with Core Values: Reflect on what initially attracted you to your role or industry. Identifying elements that resonate with personal values can help reignite a sense of purpose. Focusing on how your work positively impacts others—like customers, colleagues, or the community—can provide motivation and a renewed sense of responsibility. 3. Seek Out Growth Opportunities: Volunteering for projects that align with personal interests, even if outside core responsibilities, can bring fresh energy and make work feel less repetitive. Skill-building courses or cross-training opportunities are also valuable for developing new interests and boosting morale. 4. Build Stronger Connections with Colleagues: Positive relationships at work can create a supportive environment, making work more enjoyable and fostering a sense of belonging. Consider organizing or participating in team activities or simply engaging more in conversations to strengthen bonds. 5. Practice Gratitude and Reflect on Daily Wins: Keeping a daily record of positive work experiences or small achievements can shift focus from what’s missing to what’s working. Even on challenging days, recognizing small successes can boost confidence and engagement. 6. Establish Work-Life Balance Boundaries: Ironically, part of re-engaging at work involves having a balanced life outside of work. Focusing on well-being, hobbies, and time with loved ones can prevent burnout and make the time spent at work more purposeful and productive. 7. Have Open Conversations with Leadership: If possible, discuss your career aspirations and potential adjustments in responsibilities with a manager. Many workplaces are open to tailoring roles to better fit employees’ strengths and interests, especially if it aligns with team goals. By reconnecting with personal and professional values, anyone who has been disengaged can find meaningful ways to contribute, making work feel more like a choice rather than an obligation.

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Our founder and CEO, Amos Golan, recently sat down with HNGRY's Matt Newberg to discuss the innovations driving Chunk forward. They covered the #plantbased predecessors to our whole cuts, the power of solid-state fermentation in creating clean labels, and the latest consumer trends in flexitarian and plant-based diets. Check out the full conversation to learn more about how we're shaping the future of food! LISTEN 🔊 https://lnkd.in/gzGQmtUq

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Excited to share one of our blog's... Exploring the importance of cross-cultural leadership in the global fresh produce industry. From navigating communication styles across borders to mastering complex regulations, these leaders are fueling collaboration and propelling growth! Read the full blog here: https://buff.ly/49bepAj LCR International can assist in connecting you with top talent to join your teams, wherever you are in the world! Let me know if you have any hiring requirements, i'd be happy to discuss 😊 #FreshProduceCareers #GlobalLeadership #ExecutiveSearch

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Book Giveaway No Purchase Required! Michelle Wollenzien and Elena Montoya, we want to support our up-and-coming leaders. To build a stronger community in the food safety industry, we created a book raffle.   How Does It Work: Starting December 2024 We will give away a book to one lucky winner. The contest will last for the entire month of December. No Purchase Required. Please like and share this post. To participate you must live in the United States. To be eligible to win, we ask you to write a paragraph telling us why you should win. Share a few personal facts about your pursuit of food safety. Submissions can be sent to via private message. Or what has drawn you to the industry. We will be giving away books based on food safety and leadership. We hope to help others pursue continuous improvement and add to their professional reading library. The winner will be announced in January and will receive: New Manager Mindset Bryan Armentrout

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🌟 Discover the Difference with Specialized Executive Search in the Food and Ingredients Sector 🌟 Choosing a specialized executive search firm like Meyrick Consulting, dedicated solely to the food and ingredients industry, can significantly enhance your hiring outcomes. Why settle for a generalist when you can benefit from a specialist's precision? 🔍 Deep Industry Insight: Our focused expertise means we understand the nuances of the food sector, from the latest trends to the specific skills needed for success. 🚀 Accelerated Hiring: Specialization streamlines the process, reducing time-to-hire with a clear understanding of where and how to find top talent. 🔗 Quality Network: Our established connections within the industry provide access to a wide pool of exceptional candidates, often reaching those who are not actively looking. 🎯 Better Fit: With deeper insight, we're better equipped to assess candidate alignment not just with the role but with your company culture and long-term goals. Experience the benefits of partnering with a firm that’s as dedicated to the food and ingredients sector as you are. Let's connect to discuss how Meyrick Consulting can drive your business forward with the right leadership. 📲 Ready to enhance your leadership team? Contact us today! \#ExecutiveSearch \#FoodIndustry \#SpecializedRecruitment \#LeadershipHiring \#MeyrickConsulting

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Check out the latest buzz at Semper Foods with our very first blog post by the talented Laura Zinger! 🌟 Dive into the insights and updates straight from the heart of our team. Click here to read: #SemperFoods #BlogLaunch #TeamUpdates #IndustryInsights

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🔥𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴🔥 The hiring boom in the food manufacturing industry has already begun and the demand for top talent is fierce. ͟I͟f͟ ͟y͟o͟u͟’v͟e͟ ͟b͟e͟e͟n͟ ͟w͟a͟i͟t͟i͟n͟g͟ ͟f͟o͟r͟ ͟t͟h͟e͟ ͟r͟i͟g͟h͟t͟ ͟t͟i͟m͟e͟ ͟t͟o͟ ͟m͟a͟k͟e͟ ͟y͟o͟u͟r͟ ͟m͟o͟v͟e͟,͟ ͟t͟h͟i͟s͟ ͟i͟s͟ ͟i͟t͟. 📈 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲? • 𝟯𝟳% 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 expected in CEO, VP, and Director-level roles. • Companies are on the hunt for leaders to tackle automation, sustainability, and growth head-on. • A tight market for top talent, making the right connections more critical than ever.    At Titan Search Group, we specialize in helping food manufacturing leaders build 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀—fast and without compromise. Whether you're a company looking for transformative leadership or an executive ready to step into your next big role, we're here to guide you. 💬 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁—drop a comment or DM, and let’s make 2025 your breakout year!

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https://lnkd.in/gHh5dh7M - Thom King, chief innovation officer and chief food scientist, Icon Foods, did caution that flavor maskers can also cover up flavors that bakers want to come through, which can mean more ingredients must be used to get the same taste perception. “If you blend steviol glycosides that are from stevia with mogroside V, which is the sweet constituent in monk fruit, those two glycosides actually mask each other’s off notes,” he explained. “Together they work as a masker, but the only downside is it will also mask desired flavors. So if you’re using a citrus flavor or vanilla, you’ll have to increase the amount of flavor you’re using.” Our sweeteners, sweetening systems, sweetness modulators, and fibers are designed to make deep clean cuts to #addedsugar without off-notes.

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Check out one of the great, bonafide food safety superstars, Timothy Stubbs discuss food safety in the dairy industry on this new podcast! #foodsafety #artisancheese #dairyindustry

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