Friedlander and Lasprogata: FDA and Industry Perspectives on FSMA 204

<p><strong>Adam Friedlander</strong> is a Policy Analyst in FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network, where he helps lead the agency’s efforts to advance strategic, tech-enabled traceability initiatives under the New Era of Smarter Food Safety. Through collaboration and by leveraging the power of data, he hopes to help transform the food system to become more digital, transparent, and safe for consumers around the world. Adam graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. degree in Food Science and Operations Management and a minor in Music. He received his M.S. degree in Regulatory Affairs of Food and Food Industries from Northeastern University.</p> <p><strong>Joseph (Joe) Lasprogata</strong> is a longtime seafood veteran with over 30 years in the industry. His love and passion started with his degree in Marine Biology, which took him to several corners of the world to source the best and most unique seafood available, assisting top chefs with menu development, and helping introduce, develop, and distribute over 30 million pounds of seafood annually. As Vice President of New Product Development at Samuels Seafood, he works directly with producers, aquaculture, and multiple non-governmental organizations to introduce new products and develop successful brands. Joe has a true appreciation and unique insight to the seafood industry and its potential upcoming challenges. Most recently, he developed a digital traceability system to comply with both FDA shellfish regulations and the newly instituted Food Traceability Final Rule, FSMA Section 204.</p> <p><strong>In this episode of <em>Food Safety Matters</em>, we speak with Adam and Joe</strong> [17:49] <strong>about:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How the Food Traceability Final Rule will work, and why FDA estimates that it will speed up foodborne illness outbreak investigations by 80 percent</li> <li>Certain questions and concerns that industry may have for FDA regarding the execution of the Food Traceability Final Rule</li> <li>The digital traceabili