Plenary Sessions

1:40 to 2:30 p.m. EST — Scientists Weigh In: Consumer Food Safety Message Review

In the Fall of 2020 the Partnership for Food Safety Education, with support of the US Food and Drug Administration, launched a process to gather scientific and technical input on the Fight BAC!® and ProducePro consumer food safety messaging. Twenty U.S. scientific experts from academic institutions, Federal agencies, and leading food commodities and food companies came together between November 1 and January 29 on Zoom discussions and in an online workspace.

Experts were asked to identify gaps or missing information, and to bring to the discussion findings that might provide a foundation for modifications to existing messages. In this plenary session, Ben Chapman of North Carolina State University moderates a discussion with fellow Science Working Group participants about the group’s deliberations and proposed recommendations. The Partnership’s Executive Director, Shelley Feist, talks about future stages for review and updating of Fight BAC! consumer messaging, and Conrad Choiniere of the Food and Drug Administration provides context for consumer education in the FDA’s plans for the New Era of Smarter Food Safety.

Participants are encouraged to purchase four different cheeses (the list will be circulated to registered participants). The Cheese Twins will walk the group through the tasting, providing tasting tips and using each cheese to drive conversation on consumer food safety topics.

Whether you decide to participate in the Cheese Twins’ discussions (polls, chats, Q&A) or sit back and enjoy a delightful tasting and conversation, expect a highly engaging and entertaining session.

SPEAKERS: Michael and Charlie Kalish, co-founders of Food Safety Guides

Download Cheese Tasting & Pairing List!

3:50-4:30 p.m. EST

Why We Resist: The Surprising Truths about Motivating Behavior Change

We know that educating consumers on the facts about food safety is necessary; but often is just not sufficient to produce long lasting behavior change. Over the last few decades, the fields of behavioral psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics have revealed answers to the pressing questions of ‘why people do what they do’ and ‘why is change so hard’. Dr. Starr has boiled down the complexity of this science into nine intuitive truths about human behavior. In this talk, she will introduce these truths and actionable frameworks for applying them to designing communications, interventions and programs that help people make better decisions and help them follow through on their knowledge about how to ensure food safety.

Friday, March 12

12 noon to 12:30 p.m. EST — Food Delivery—Key Insights and Consumer Education

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everyone has made changes in how they purchase food and prepare meals. Concerns about in-store shopping and a scarcity of essential items gave rise to a new or increased reliance on delivery options.

According to Nielsen IQ, online food and beverage sales, including grocery and restaurant online delivery, jumped 125% over the 52 weeks ending Nov. 30, 2020. New research by the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) looks at the households that are using delivery options, and whether users of food delivery report taking care to handle delivered food safely. In this plenary session key insights from the work of a PFSE food delivery task force will be shared along with the outlines of a new communications initiative on safe handling of food deliveries.

2:45 to 3:45 p.m. EST — Crossing the Generational Divide in Food Safety Education: What Leaders Need to Know to Best Engage, Educate & Influence Emerging Generations

Generation Z is here! They are already up to 25 years old, don’t remember a time before the internet or smartphones, and will come of age thinking on-demand food delivery is normal. At the same time, food safety educators face the daunting challenge of communicating, engaging, educating, and building trust across multiple generations in an unprecedented pandemic environment.

In this powerful presentation, globally acclaimed generational researcher and author, Jason Dorsey, will separate myth from truth so you know what actually works now to engage across generations. Jason and his team at The Center for Generational Kinetics have led more than 65 generational research studies around the world. He’s keynoted numerous food safety and food industry events and brings a compelling, unexpected perspective that drives results.

Jason has been featured on more than 200 TV shows, including 60 Minutes and The Today Show. He and his team have led research on all sides of the food and education industry, from food manufacturing, restaurants, and retail to hiring, retaining, and training. Jason is passionate about separating generational myth from truth through data—and his unique presentation style has earned him over 1,000 standing ovations. His latest bestselling book, Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business and What to Do About It, was listed on Forbes as a Top 10 Business Book of 2020.