On the Lack of Diversity in The Food Safety Set

In our January/February issue, we published a list of 16 people who have helped shape food safety over the last 30 years since the Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak. We knew the list was lacking in diversity when we published it and tried to acknowledge it here. But words can only do so much.

It was not our intention to leave off diverse individuals who have made great strides in the industry over the last 30 years and beyond. 

With the help of Tia Glave, who founded Black Professionals in Food Safety & Quality, and insight from other industry insiders, we’ll be updating the list to include a handful of notable, diverse food safety leaders. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the updated list, which you’ll be able to find here. You’ll also find their stories in our next print issue. 

In addition to these changes, and so that we can further the important conversation that this has brought up, the magazine is committing to several initiatives this year: 

• We will add several diverse individuals to our advisory board, so that more voices are present during discussions such as the ones that resulted in the creation of this list.
• We will cover diversity, equity and inclusion more fully in both print and digital this year.
• We will endeavor to engage more with our readers directly on this topic (and many others) via social media and other avenues.