Ep. 217. Larry Keener: Learnings From an Award-Winning Career in Food Safety

Larry Keener, CFS, PA is President and CEO of International Product Safety Consultants Inc. and an internationally regarded microbiologist and process authority in the food industry. His areas of expertise range from applied food microbiology to the development and application of novel preservation technologies.

Mr. Keener is a 2013 Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a Board Certified Food Scientist by the International Food Science Certification Commission, and a 2018 recipient of an International Union of Food Science and Technology's (IUFoST's) lifetime achievement award for his work in microbiology and food safety. He is also the recipient of Food Safety Magazine's 2026 Distinguished Service Award.

He is a past president of IFT's Nonthermal Processing Division and a two-term past president of Tuskegee University's Food and Nutrition Sciences Advisory Board. He is also a past co-chair and founding member of the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI). Additionally, Mr. Keener is a 2022 inductee to the George Washington Carver Society and has received numerous other awards and honors.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Larry [40:37] about:

• The beginnings of his career in food safety and formative experiences that shaped his understanding of the field and his future work
• Important contributions Larry has made to the food safety field, and concepts his research and publications have helped advance
• The advantages of food safety professionals and scientists sharing knowledge and engaging in conversations, such as those facilitated by Food Safety Magazine
• Which risk assessment, regulatory, and technological developments have made the biggest difference in improving food safety outcomes over the years
• The underappreciation of food irradiation as a viable food safety intervention, which Larry will discuss during his session at the 2026 Food Safety Summit, titled, "Food Irradiation Today: What's Allowed, Where, and Why?"
• Advice for early-career food safety professionals to "learn the business" and drive value.

News and Resources

News

USDA Announces Reorganization of Food Safety and Inspection Service [4:24]

Federal Preemption of State Food Safety Laws Debated During Congressional Hearing [10:42]
Congress to Hold Legislative Hearing on 28 Active Bills Related to Food Safety, FDA
FRESH Act Aims to Preempt State Food Safety Laws, Proposes Controversial GRAS Reforms
Bill Reintroduced to Allow FDA to Share Information with State Agencies During Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

FDA Testing Shows U.S. Infant Formula is Safe, with Undetectable or Very Low Chemical Contamination [23:32]

WHO Estimates a $46 Return for Every $1 Investment in National Foodborne Disease Surveillance [29:42]

Study Finds Cold Plasma Treatment Reduces Peanut Allergenicity [36:29]

Resources

Larry Keener to be Honored with Food Safety Magazine's 2026 Distinguished Service Award

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