Two experts in food safety talk about what inspired their careers, how their education set them up for success, and what’s next for the industry.
Kristen Saniga
Food Safety Field Inspector, Hissho Sushi, Graduate of NC State
What inspired your interest in a career in food safety?
I was inspired by the promise of being able to help people live their lives without being affected by foodborne illness. Food is a central part of our lives, and people shouldn’t have to worry if the food they eat will make them sick. I love knowing that I play a small part in keeping our food safe.
How did your education prepare you for your career?
Studying food science prepared me for my career by allowing me to learn about the food industry from farm to fork. It helped me think critically to solve real-life problems and understand how every factor throughout the supply chain can impact the food on our plates.
What excites you most about the future of food safety?
I am most excited about the role that technology will play in the future of food safety. We have the opportunity to optimize existing processes and use data to drive improvements across the entire food chain.
Kayla Niel, DVM, MS
Production and Regulatory Veterinarian, Hy-Line International, Graduate of MSU
What inspired your interest in a career in food safety?
Excellent professors and mentors throughout my education who told me to always keep an open mind and try new things. Thanks to them, I discovered my interest in food safety and decided to pursue a career in poultry production. Without their guidance, I would not have been aware of the many opportunities in food safety and animal agriculture.
How did your education prepare you for your career?
My education and associated experiences greatly improved my ability to communicate, both in writing and orally, with people of varying levels of education. This has proven extremely beneficial for my position, in which I frequently discuss science with people who do not have a science background.
What excites you most about the future of food safety?
Further emphasis on and investment in pre-harvest food safety strategies, particularly salmonella prevention on farms, and emerging technology associated with faster and more detailed foodborne pathogen detection. These strategies and technologies will help us continue towards a more comprehensive “from farm to fork” approach to food safety.