Dry Doesn’t Mean Safe: Pathogens in Low Moisture Foods
11:15 AM - 12:15 PMMon
Grand Ballroom ABC, 1st level
Microbiological Track
Speakers
Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D.
Founder
Food Safety Strategy, LLC
Caitlin Karolenko
Scientific Program Manager and Food Microbiologist, Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences
Documents
Dry Doesn't Mean Safe Presentation
Many assume that dry foods- whether for people or pets- are inherently safe. But the truth is, pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria can persist in low-moisture environments. Food safety doesn’t end at the human food supply either. Pet food manufacturing faces many of the same microbial challenges seen in low-moisture human foods. This session explores how shared hazards call for shared solutions. Attendees will learn how risk-based preventative controls, environmental monitoring and validated lethality steps can be leveraged across both sectors to strengthen safety culture and consumer trust. Real-world examples and research will illustrate where human and pet food industries can align strategies and advance science to reduce foodborne illness risk for all.