Food Safety Hazards Conference

April 19-23, 2027, St. Louis, MO

The Food Safety Hazards Conference is the premier gathering for food safety professionals dedicated to the detection, mitigation, control, and regulation of food safety hazards through technology, best practices, and data analytics. Organized by Food Safety Tech — the trusted team behind the Food Safety Consortium Conference since 2012 — this event brings together the brightest minds in food safety under one roof.

Hazards Addressed

• Listeria
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Allergens
• Chemical Contaminants
• Foreign Matter

Scope: Human Food & Pet Food

Merck — Proud Program Sponsor & Host

At Merck, food safety isn't just our business — it's our mission. As a Program Sponsor of the Food Safety Hazards Conference, we're bringing our expertise, our people, and our passion for protecting the food supply directly to you. From pathogen detection to hygiene monitoring, we are your dedicated partner across the entire food safety workflow — for every product, every process, and every plate.

2026 Conference Highlights

Workshop | Monday, April 20 — Morning

Hygiene Monitoring Workshop presented by Merck

Kick off the conference with a hands-on deep dive into hygiene monitoring best practices. Our experts will walk you through the latest tools, techniques, and technologies for monitoring air, surfaces, and water in food manufacturing environments — giving you actionable insights you can bring back to your facility the same week.

Tech Talk | Monday, April 20

A Legacy of Food Safety InnovationPresented by Holger Schoenenbruecher

Join Holger for an engaging look at Merck's history and evolution as a trusted partner in food safety science. From our earliest contributions to today's cutting-edge rapid detection platforms, this talk traces the innovation journey that has made us a go-to resource for food safety professionals across North America and beyond.

Panel Discussion | Tuesday, April 21 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST

Bridging the Safety Gap: Cross-Learning Between Pet and Human Food Safety

Moderator: Justyce Jedlicka, F&B Regulatory Liason

Panelists: Jordan Kiefer, Senior Microbiologists, Purina, Nestlé USA

Sally Powell Price, North America food Regulatory Expert, Merck

The boundaries between pet food and human food safety are rapidly narrowing as consumers demand higher quality, transparency, and accountability across all food sectors. This expert panel will explore how regulatory frameworks, microbiological testing strategies, and hazard control practices can — and should — align to meet modern safety expectations.

Merck Social at the Cardinals Hall of Fame Club sponsored by Merck

After a full day of learning, join us for an unforgettable evening at the iconic Cardinals Hall of Fame Club in St. Louis! Connect with fellow food safety professionals, meet the Merck team, and enjoy great conversation in one of baseball's most celebrated venues. This is your chance to network, unwind, and celebrate the shared mission of keeping food safe — for people and pets alike.