[In The Field]

It’s been almost 22 years since Bonnie Biegel joined AIB’s audit team as a wide-eyed recent college graduate. And one of the first things she learned on the job still rings true today: There is always something new to learn.

Bonnie graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire with a degree in Environmental and Public Health. The courses included microbiology, entomology, chemistry, and parasitology. Her education laid a foundation that has been very beneficial at AIB, helping Bonnie understand the science behind Prerequisite and Food Safety Programs, especially pest control, sanitation, food microbiology, pasteurization, kill-step temperature, and determination of cleaning frequency. The degree program provided a good foundation in food safety and the background and history of how it has evolved. When she began applying this information in the field through food plant inspections and training, it became easier for Bonnie to understand the reasoning behind what to look for and why certain steps are taken, and she was able to help floor employees understand that information.

Bonnie says the first thing she learned at AIB was that she will never know everything because there is always something new to learn. When just out of college, she thought she was armed and ready with all the knowledge needed to do her job, but since the first day on our team she has continued to expand her knowledge. "I learned very quickly that there is no better way to learn than to ask questions and listen and learn from what people tell you," Bonnie says. "You learn more and get more engagement and understanding when you let someone tell you what they do. It fosters the partnerships we need to implement good solid food safety programs and understanding."

Throughout the past 20+ years, Bonnie has added quite a few hats to her uniform. She has written magazine articles, presented at AIB seminars and industry meetings, and currently manages schemed audits outside of the scope of AIB’s certification audit program. Bonnie’s specialties are allergens and the AIB Standards. She developed AIB’s Allergen Information Manual and has spent the last 18 months rewriting AIB’s Consolidated Standards. On top of all this, she conducts food safety audits to stay grounded and keep in touch with the food industry and the practical applications of what we do. It is important for her to remain current because when she is in the office she fields a lot of client and auditor questions.

These days most of the questions Bonnie is asked are related to interpreting the new requirements that were added to the Standards. She’s like a living helpdesk, providing guidance on the expectations for these additions.

Bonnie’s best advice to new food industry employees is to learn as much as you can. "Watch, listen and, most importantly, ask questions," she says. "There are no dumb questions. After all, it is better to ask until you understand, than not to know." AIB

The author is Publication Coordinator, AIB International.