The Think Tank on the Future of Food Safety Auditing was formed in response to an urgent need for innovation in food safety auditing. Based on the insights and recommendations from the Think Tank, industry must embrace transformative change in food safety auditing practices, as discussed in a recently released whitepaper.

The Think Tank on the Future of Food Safety Auditing represents a pivotal step in the quest for a safer, more transparent food supply chain. Collective efforts, rigorous research, and strategic recommendations have laid the groundwork for transformative changes in food safety auditing, as will be discussed at a May 9 session on "The Future of Food Safety Auditing" at the 2024 Food Safety Summit.

Food safety auditing has progressed a great deal in the last three decades, but it is clear that it has yet to keep up with changing needs, expectations, and technological developments. This article explores the envisioned future of auditing, including how to develop talent and retain auditors, the qualities of a successful auditor, the importance of calibration among auditing teams, developments in technology and tools for auditors, and changes in processes with certification bodies, among other aspects.