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Foodborne Diseases | January 2024

Dr. Darin Detwiler: Shaping the Future of Food Safety

Image of Darin Detwiler speaking.

Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., is an influential figure in the realm of food policy and technology, currently serving as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Food Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies in Boston, MA. He previously served as the college’s Assistant Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs.

Image of Darin Detwiler
Darin Detwiler

With over 30 years of experience influencing federal food policy, Dr. Detwiler is a globally recognized expert in the field with his contributions extending beyond the academic sphere. As the Founder and CEO of Detwiler Consulting Group, he actively advises and engages with industry events and publications.

Internationally acclaimed, Dr. Detwiler has received the International Association for Food Protection’s 2022 Ewen C.D. Todd “Control of Foodborne Illness” Award, as well as their 2018 Distinguished Service Award. Known as “one of America’s leading food safety advocates,” he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His extensive involvement in federal committees, including appointments to the USDA’s National Advisory Committee, Advisory Board Member for the FDA Foods Coalition, and Chair of NEHA’s Food Safety Program Committee, showcases his commitment to influencing policy at the highest levels.

As a columnist and editorial advisor for Quality Assurance and Food Safety Magazine, Dr. Detwiler continues to shape the conversation around food safety. His media presence includes notable outlets such as The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, CNBC, NPR, and more. Currently working on the book “Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions,” he continues to make significant strides in academia, policy, and public awareness.

Dr. Detwiler’s commitment to food safety is deeply personal. After the tragic loss of his son Riley to E. coli poisoning in 1993, he collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen food safety policies. Today, he remains a staunch advocate, raising awareness, fighting against foodborne diseases, and advocating for much-needed reforms.

The Interview

*All images are © of Darin Detwiler unless otherwise stated.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Public Health Landscape or Valent BioSciences, LLC.

More from Foodborne Diseases | January 2024

David Goodsell: Molecular Biology Meets Artistry

David Goodsell, a distinguished American molecular biologist and illustrator, is renowned for flawlessly blending his expertise in molecular biology with an enchanting artistic flair.

Holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, Goodsell’s molecular artwork graces numerous publications, textbooks, and exhibits, offering a visually stunning insight into the intricate structures of molecules, such as Ebola, Zika, Covid-19, and HIV.

Reduce Your Risk of Foodborne Illness

Here’s what you need to know about foodborne illnesses in just a few bites.

Beyond Salmonella: Emerging Foodborne Threats

Walkerton, a serene town in Bruce County, Ontario, with a population of under 5,000, embodies tranquil rural charm, where close-knit communities thrive amid picturesque landscapes. Here on May 15, 2000, the local public utilities commission took a routine sample of the water supply and discovered E. coli contamination. The commission didn’t notify public health officials.

In the following days, several people fell ill with bloody diarrhea. The local public utilities commission reassured officials a couple of times that the water supply was safe, even though cases kept rising. By the time health officials finally warned the community against consuming untreated tap water, over 40 individuals had already sought medical attention at the hospital.

The Walkerton E. coli outbreak that saw 2,300 people fall ill, and seven die, was the worst public health disaster involving municipal water in Canadian history.

Foodborne Diseases 101

Many people are affected by food illness every year. Farmers, governments, food-related professionals, and consumers are all responsible for food safety and cleanliness.

Check out this video by National Geographic that explains how foodborne diseases are spread as well as the devastation they cause.