Better Food. Better Health. Better World.
Welcome to Better Food. Better Health. Better World. — the official podcast from Mérieux NutriSciences North America.
With over 50 years of scientific expertise, we dive into the critical topics shaping the food industry today — from microbiology and chemistry to sustainability, regulatory compliance, education, and innovation.
Join our experts and industry leaders as we explore the science behind food safety, the strategies driving public health, and the solutions building a more sustainable future. Whether you're a food manufacturer, quality professional, or simply passionate about safe, healthy food systems, this podcast brings you the insights you need to stay informed and inspired.
All Episodes
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How DNA Testing Is Exposing Food Fraud in the Global Spice Supply Chain
Food fraud isn’t a consumer curiosity—it’s a supply chain, regulatory, and brand-risk issue. In this episode, we examine the growing threat of food fraud in the global spice supply chain, a multi-billion-dollar problem driven by commodity volatility, complex sourcing networks, and increased economic pressure. Drawing on data from the FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and technical research from Mérieux NutriSciences, we break down why spices such as oregano, pepper, turmeric, and saffron are among the most vulnerable commodities—and how fraud is evolving beyond simple adulteration into a sophisticated, organized economic activity. Topics covered include: The primary types of spice fraud—adulteration, substitution, dilution, and origin mislabeling—and how they evade traditional QA controls The business and regulatory implications of food fraud, including public-health exposure, recalls, and reputational risk Why visually inspecting powdered ingredients is no longer sufficient for supplier verification The advanced forensic tools now being deployed to detect fraud, including DNA metabarcoding, isotope analysis, chromatography, and NMR-based authenticity profiling How FSMA food defense requirements have shifted the industry toward proactive vulnerability assessments and mitigation planning The role of third-party testing, supplier audits, and traceability programs in protecting brands and maintaining compliance We also explore emerging challenges on the horizon, including synthetic biology and nature-identical ingredients, and what they mean for future definitions of authenticity, labeling, and enforcement. The episode concludes with a look at how the industry is responding collectively—highlighting the role of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) as a forum where regulators, scientists, and industry leaders collaborate to strengthen spice integrity, share intelligence, and advance best practices in fraud prevention. 🎧 Essential listening for professionals in food safety, quality, regulatory, procurement, and supply chain leadership.-2.png)
Pesticide Residue Testing: North America Mass Spectrometry
Chemistry and food science form the backbone of modern food safety, product quality, and innovation. In this episode, we explore how advanced analytical chemistry—from contaminant detection and nutritional analysis to packaging migration studies—helps manufacturers protect consumers, meet regulatory expectations, and drive confident decision-making. Discover how chemistry transforms data into actionable insights and why it plays a critical role in building safer, more transparent, and more innovative food systems. Learn how Mérieux NutriSciences supports brands across North America with accredited testing and scientific expertise. Learn more about our services: https://hubs.ly/Q03TRxDs0 #FoodScience #FoodSafety #FoodChemistry.png)
Canada Food Label Revolution: 2026 Front-of-Package
In this episode of Better Food. Better Health. Better World., I dive into Canada's upcoming food-label revolution, set for January 1st, 2026. As the deadline looms, grocery shelves will transform with mandatory front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbols. These symbols will warn consumers about high levels of sugar, sodium, or saturated fat, helping them make healthier choices. I explore how this shift challenges food manufacturers, who must decide whether to reformulate their products or accept warning labels. We discuss the broader regulatory changes, including ingredient transparency and marketing restrictions. This episode unpacks the strategic decisions brands face and the potential for a healthier food landscape in Canada. Join us as we share how these changes will impact your shopping experience and the food industry as a whole..png)
Forever Chemicals Navigating the Global Regulatory Maze of PFAS
In this episode, we explore the world of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—often called “forever chemicals.” Found in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and food packaging, PFAS are some of the most persistent and widespread synthetic chemicals in modern life. But their resilience comes at a cost: long-term environmental contamination and growing concerns about human health, including links to cancer, developmental issues, and immune system effects. We break down the chemistry that makes PFAS so resistant, explain why testing and detection are so challenging, and examine how regulations are evolving across the EU, Canada, and the United States. From one-part-per-trillion testing thresholds to the latest EPA strategies, we look at how governments and industries are responding to the compliance maze. Whether you’re a business navigating PFAS regulations, a scientist tracking forever chemicals in the environment, or simply curious about how chemistry testing protects public health, this episode gives you a clear picture of the challenges and solutions..png)