Food Safety Experts Discuss Future of Packaging and Chemicals

Podcast episode features insights from leaders in food science, packaging, and public health

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A recent episode of the "Food Safety Matters" podcast featured a panel discussion with several renowned experts in food safety, packaging, and public health. The experts, including a former FDA official, a produce industry executive, and academic researchers, discussed emerging trends and concerns around food packaging and chemicals used in packaging materials.

Why it matters

As consumer awareness and regulations around food safety and sustainability increase, the food industry is facing growing pressure to address potential chemical exposures from food packaging. This discussion provides insights into how the industry is evolving to meet these challenges.

The details

The podcast episode featured interviews with several food safety leaders, including Frank Yiannas, former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the FDA, Drew McDonald of Taylor Fresh Foods, and academic researchers Dr. John Besser and Dr. Craig Hedberg. The experts discussed topics such as the increasing use of recycled materials in food packaging, the potential health impacts of chemicals like phthalates and PFAS, and how the industry is working to develop more sustainable and safer packaging solutions.

  • The podcast episode was recorded and published on February 21, 2026.

The players

Frank Yiannas

Former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with over 30 years of experience in food safety leadership roles.

Drew McDonald

Senior Vice President of Quality and Food Safety at Taylor Fresh Foods in Salinas, California, overseeing quality and food safety programs for fresh food and produce products.

Dr. John Besser

Former Deputy Chief of the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with expertise in gastrointestinal disease detection and tracking.

Dr. Craig Hedberg

Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota and Co-Director of the Minnesota Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence, focusing on improving foodborne illness surveillance and outbreak investigations.

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What they’re saying

“As consumer awareness and regulations around food safety and sustainability increase, the food industry is facing growing pressure to address potential chemical exposures from food packaging.”

— Frank Yiannas, Former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, FDA (Food Safety Matters* podcast)

“We're working to develop more sustainable and safer packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulators.”

— Drew McDonald, Senior Vice President of Quality and Food Safety, Taylor Fresh Foods (Food Safety Matters* podcast)

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the ongoing efforts by food industry leaders and researchers to address the complex challenges around food packaging, chemical exposures, and sustainability. As consumer demands and regulatory pressures continue to evolve, the industry is working to innovate and develop more environmentally-friendly and health-conscious packaging solutions.