Transforming Food Safety through digitalization and AI

About:

The food sector has, for many years, grappled with how best to embrace digitalization. In 2024, there was a growing recognition that the time is right for a significant step forward, and the industry is actively moving ahead with this transformation.

In this webinar, industry leaders Kimberly Coffin (LRQA expert), Prof Bizhan Pourkomailian (McDonald's), and Melody Ge (TreeHouse Foods, Inc.) explored how digitalization is reshaping food safety and supply chains. The panel discussed the practical applications of digital technologies, highlighted real-world examples, and critically assessed whether the sector was ready to embrace artificial intelligence (AI). While AI often dominates the conversation around digital innovation, the session challenged whether the food sector truly needs AI right now—or whether its greatest gains lie in adopting foundational digital tools and systems

This session provided actionable insights for businesses at all stages of their digital journey, focusing on the solutions that drive meaningful change.

Key topics covered:

• The role of digitalization in addressing food safety challenges

• Practical examples of digital transformation from McDonald’s

• The potential of AI in food safety—are we ready?

Speakers:

Prof Bizhan Pourkomailian, Global Director, Food Safety, Restaurant and Distribution at McDonalds

Kimberly Coffin Global Technical Director, Supply Chain Assurance at LRQA

Melody Ge Sr. Director, Food Safety & Quality Operations at TreeHouse Foods, Inc.