In this episode of Beyond Data Management, Cameron Garrison welcomes back Steve Mandernach, Executive Director of AFDO, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of food safety regulation, inspections, training, and technology.

Steve previews the upcoming AFDO conference in Columbus, including major sessions on AI in food safety, the 15th anniversary of the Food Safety Modernization Act, food safety culture, inspector safety, de-escalation, and the launch of AFDO’s new AI-powered website assistant, Wiley.

The conversation also covers FDA-state collaboration, the “FDA bridge project,” federal information-sharing challenges, food chemical regulation, training modernization, and why AI may create one of the biggest shifts the inspection world has seen in decades.

Whether you work in regulatory food safety, public health, industry compliance, inspections, or government technology, this episode offers a look at where the field is heading next.

Links and Resources Discussed:

AFDO & 2026 Annual Conference
• AFDO Official Website: https://www.afdo.org/
• 130th AFDO Annual Educational Conference (Columbus, OH – June 5-9, 2026): https://www.afdo.org/event/aec-130/
• AFDO Training Courses & Webinars (free): https://www.afdo.org/training/


Dr. Harvey Wiley & The Poison Squad
• PBS American Experience Documentary "The Poison Squad": https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/poison-squad/
• Book: "The Poison Squad" by Deborah Blum: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/312067/the-poison-squad-by-deborah-blum/
FSMA 15th Anniversary & Policy
• FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Overview: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma
• The BRIDGE Project (FDA state inspection transition): https://www.fda.gov/food/integrated-food-safety-system-ifss/bridge-project
• Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026 (H.R. 8430): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8430

Cost of indecision clip from Steve's first appearance on the podcast:
https://youtu.be/L6XpjQWb0kk

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