Jorge Hernandez to Spotlight Global Food Safety and Quality Risks in Keynote

NOVATO, Calif. – Jorge Hernandez, QA magazine advisory board member and vice president of quality assurance for The Wendy’s Company, will present a keynote address at the annual SafetyChain Summit Oct. 21.

Challenges in global food safety and quality are constantly evolving with changing regulations, emergence of pathogens and vulnerabilities within the supply chain. These risks can affect any segment of the supply chain and potentially lead to food safety crises with significant consequences for food companies and brands.

Hernandez's speech will spotlight an approach to monitor the supply chain and systems to identify and manage emerging risks while emphasizing building a resilient food safety culture for any organization at an increasingly challenging time.

Hernandez’s leadership in food safety includes several initiatives, including developing a globally recognized food safety training program, serving as the global co-chair of the Transport and Distribution for the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and being part of the National Restaurant Association Steering Committee for Food Safety and Quality Assurance Executives, said SafetyChain. He was the recipient of the National Restaurant Association’s Outstanding Food Safety Leader Award.

Under his leadership, efforts have focused on a farm-to-consumer approach to enhance global food safety and quality with suppliers, implement advanced cold chain management and improve food safety management systems in restaurants, all aimed at supporting Wendy’s food safety practices for its customers, said SafetyChain. 

Hernandez’s keynote, titled “Ensuring Quality from Farm to Customer in a Global Environment,” will discuss how leading companies and leaders manage changing risks and strengthen resilience throughout the food supply chain. Using real-world examples and lessons from the field, Hernandez will provide actionable insights for preventing breakdowns, responding effectively to crises and building a food safety culture with programs that safeguard both brand integrity and customer trust. 

“Food safety is no longer just a box to check,” said Hernandez. “It’s a brand-defining responsibility in what has become an incredibly high-stakes global supply chain. I look forward to sharing my experiences and lessons learned to help food companies not only prevent breakdowns, but also respond with resilience when challenges do  — and they will — arise.”

SafetyChain, a digital plant management platform for food and beverage manufacturers, will host the summit in New Orleans Oct. 20-22.

“Global supply chains are evolving faster than ever before, and ensuring food safety has never been more complex,” said Dean Brown, CEO at SafetyChain. “Jorge brings an unmatched perspective on how leading organization can stay ahead of shifting regulations, emerging risks, and customer expectations. His insight makes him the perfect voice to set the tone for our sold out conference.”

The SafetyChain Summit, now in its fifth year, is a gathering for food and beverage leaders focused on advancing food safety, quality and operational excellence, said the company. According to FDA and USDA data, food recalls in the US increased by 15% between 2020 and 2024, with undeclared allergens and bacterial contamination among the leading causes. The 2025 event will feature expert-led sessions, customer case studies and networking opportunities designed to help attendees strengthen compliance, streamline processes and unlock greater efficiency, said SafetyChain.

More information and registration details are available at: summit.safetychain.com.