Food Safety Matters23 Sep 2025

Ep. 202. Dr. Kathy Knutson: What Does a Robust Environmental Monitoring Program Look Like?

Kathy Knutson, Ph.D., PCQI, is educated in bacteriology, food science, and education. She speaks, writes, and trains on compliance for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). She has trained over 500 Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQIs). Dr. Knutson works with managers to write thorough hazard analyses, food safety plans, recall plans, environmental monitoring programs, and allergen programs. In 2020, she published a book, Food Safety Lessons for Cannabis-Infused Edibles. Dr. Knutson travels to manufacturers for swabbing to locate a pathogen during recall investigations and for gap assessments of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Knutson [30:14] about:

Which variables are important to consider when designing an environmental monitoring program (EMP)
The importance of controlling the quality and movement of air and water in a facility
Actions for preventing foot traffic from bringing in and spreading pathogens
How a strong sanitation program contributes to a robust EMP
How to verify sanitation through sampling and record-keeping, which includes having written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and swabbing protocols informed by hygienic zoning
The capabilities and responsibilities of a well-trained and educated EMP team.

News and Resources

News

What the Final MAHA Report Could Mean for Food Safety [3:36]
FDA to Issue Proposed Rule Tightening GRAS Oversight

Public Health Professionals, Groups Demand Resignation of HHS Secretary RFK Jr. [20:58]

Protein Processing Act Would Lift Pork, Poultry Line Speed Limits if Food Safety Criteria Are Met [24:19]

Resources

Challenges for Evaluation of Your Environmental Monitoring Program

Ep. 157. Dr. Kathy Knutson: Food Safety Considerations and Regulations for Cannabis-Infused Edibles

Sponsored by:

IFC

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