A strong environmental monitoring (EM) program is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring regulatory compliance in food production environments. This workshop will provide a focused overview of the current regulatory framework shaping EM expectations, including how these requirements guide facility design, sampling frequency, and corrective action decision-making. Participants will learn how to build risk‑based EM sampling plans that align zone classifications, product risk, and process flow with strategic site selection and trend analysis. The session will also introduce the full toolkit available for EM testing, spanning rapid hygiene assessments (ATP and NAD testing), allergen detection methods, and viable organism sampling through both active and passive approaches. EM indicator organism testing will be highlighted as a critical early‑warning tool for identifying emerging hazards and supporting continuous improvement. Together, these components will equip attendees with a practical, modern understanding of how to design and optimize EM programs that enhance food safety and operational excellence.