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January 2026
Welcome to the January edition of EAS-e-News.
This month, we explore how emerging technologies are reshaping quality and compliance programs across FDA-regulated industries. From the growing role of artificial intelligence in quality systems to practical considerations for air sampling in food manufacturing environments, this issue highlights where innovation meets regulatory expectations.
Issue of the Month
Artificial Intelligence: Quality Friend or Foe?
By Jeb Hunter, EAS Consulting Group Senior Consultant
Artificial intelligence is quickly finding its way into quality systems across pharmaceutical, medical device, food, and dietary supplement operations. While AI tools offer clear potential to improve efficiency, trend analysis, and decision-making, they also raise important questions about data integrity, validation, and regulatory oversight.
In this article, we examine where AI can responsibly support quality functions, where risks may arise, and what FDA-regulated companies should consider before integrating AI into their quality management systems.
Air Sampling in Food Manufacturing: Which Methods to Use and When
As a member of the Certified Group and Food Safety Net Services, EAS clients have access to world-renowned testing laboratories that meet your organization’s sophisticated needs. In this column, you’ll hear about their capabilities, environmental challenges and more. We hope you’ll enjoy a look “under the microscope.”
Air sampling plays a critical role in identifying and controlling airborne hazards in food manufacturing environments, but different methods serve different purposes. This article explains the most commonly used air sampling techniques and when each approach is most effective, from assessing environmental contamination risks to supporting sanitation and environmental monitoring programs. Learn how selecting the right method can improve data quality, support compliance, and strengthen food safety decision-making.
To help keep our newsletter attractive and engaging for our readers, you’ll now receive a separate edition mid-month featuring our EAS in Action events and activities. You’ll continue to receive EAS-e-News early each month!
EAS offers over 150 independent consultants strategically located around the globe whose expertise provide core value for clients.
Issue of the Month Author
Jeb Hunter
EAS Consulting Group, Senior Consultant
Jeb S. Hunter holds a BS in Microbiology from Clemson University and has spent his career in Quality, starting in a microbiology and chemistry laboratory setting and moving into auditing and managing Quality Management Systems. Jeb has experiences in the Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Dietary Supplement, and Food/Tobacco industries. He is a highly capable team auditor and Lead Auditor across auditing platforms with audits conducted against a host of regulatory standards both domestic and international.