Meet the 40 Under 40 Food Safety Influencers Class of 2026

Honoring the Next Generation of Food Safety Leaders

In a significant announcement made in Chicago, the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness has unveiled its esteemed 40 Under 40 Food Safety Professionals for the Class of 2026. This initiative, which celebrates young leaders in the field of food safety, has received an unprecedented number of applications this year.

The honorees represent a diverse range of organizations, from renowned food brands like Nestlé USA and Oscar Mayer to major retailers such as Starbucks Coffee Company and Hy-Vee. Additionally, professionals from key governmental agencies like the CDC, FDA, and the USDA are also part of this accomplished group.

Global Reach and Innovative Solutions

This year's cohort extends well beyond the borders of the United States, showcasing food safety talent from across the globe. Honorees include a food safety researcher based in Canada, a quality manager at a spice company in Brazil, and a virus-detection expert from South Korea. Notably, one member of the group oversees food safety initiatives for PepsiCo R&D across the regions of India, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Many of the awardees are harnessing cutting-edge technology to address longstanding food safety challenges. Their innovative projects include:

• AI-based tools capable of detecting live bacteria in food products.
• Light-based sanitation technologies that enhance cleanliness.
• A comprehensive traceability network that connects thousands of companies to streamline recall processes.

Additionally, five honorees have embarked on entrepreneurial ventures to further advance food safety practices.

Empowering a Food Safety Culture

Dr. Vanessa Coffman, the Alliance Director at Stop Foodborne Illness, noted the remarkable diversity and impact of this year’s fellows. "This new class includes individuals who have led food safety efforts during international sporting events and those who are revolutionizing how frontline employees perceive their roles in food safety. They may hold different job titles, but their shared mission is evident: cultivating a robust food safety culture that transcends department boundaries."

Sandra Eskin, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, shared insights about the critical role of these professionals. "I've observed firsthand how slow the transition from scientific discoveries to everyday practices can be, and these 40 individuals are bridging that gap. They are validating sanitation techniques on production floors, developing faster recall systems, and transforming outbreak data into actionable insights. When I want to highlight the future of food safety, I point to our 40 Under 40 Food Safety Professionals list."

Learn More About the Initiative

If you're interested in discovering more about the incredible achievements of the Class of 2026, including a complete list of honorees, please visit stopfoodborneillness.org.

The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness is a collaborative effort involving STOP constituents, leading food companies, and organizations committed to preventing foodborne diseases. Established in 2018, the Alliance underscores the vital importance of fostering a culture of food safety to protect consumers.