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Issue of the Month

Why Food Recalls Are Increasing — And What Must Change

Food recalls are rising, despite stronger regulations and more sophisticated systems.

By Amandeep Dhillon, EAS Consulting Group Independent Consultant

In this month’s Issue of the Month, EAS Consultant Amandeep Dhillon examines a critical shift inside many organizations: the movement from hands-on quality oversight to documentation-driven compliance. While preventive controls and digital systems are essential, many companies have unintentionally reduced their physical quality presence on the production floor.

• The result is not a lack of documentation — it is a loss of visibility.

• Risk signals are documented but not always observed.

• Data is collected but not consistently translated into action.

• Management review can become procedural rather than strategic.

Restoring balance requires renewed leadership presence, stronger data governance, and an intentional focus on quality culture.

If your organization is reassessing recall risk exposure or quality system effectiveness, EAS Consulting Group works with food manufacturers to evaluate operational oversight, governance structures, and inspection readiness.

For more information, contact Rob Williams or visit our Contact Us page.

Under the Microscope

Powdered Dairy: Low Moisture Does Not Equal Low Risk

Reviewed by Aaron Pleitner, Director of Microbiology Technical Services, Certified Group

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.”

1-Minute Summary 

• Low water activity prevents bacterial growth in powdered dairy, but it does not prevent pathogen survival. 
• Cronobacter sakazakii can persist in dry environments and has been linked to serious illness in infants and product recalls. 
• Spore forming bacterial pathogens like Bacillus cereus and Clostridium botulinum survive processing and pose risk after rehydration. 
• Proactive environmental monitoring and pathogen testing are essential to protect consumers and prevent costly recalls. 

FDA and USDA Regulatory Updates

◼ California DTSC Proposes New Requirements for 1,4-Dioxane in Shampoos and Dish Detergents

◼ FDA Highlights Importance of Confidential Information in Maintaining Regulatory Integrity

◼ FDA Establishes Produce Regulatory Program Standards to Strengthen State Oversight

◼ FDA Announces New Actions Related to Food Traceability Rule Implementation

◼ FDA Initiates Review of BHA, a Common Food Preservative

◼ FDA Updates Approach to “No Artificial Colors” Claims and Expands Natural Color Options

◼ Congressman Langworthy Introduces Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act

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!

Consultant Corner

EAS offers over 200 independent consultants strategically located around the globe whose expertise provide core value for clients.

Suzanne Sensabaugh 

EAS Consulting Group, Independent Consultant

EAS Consulting Group is pleased to welcome Suzanne Sensabaugh to our team of expert consultants, strengthening our capabilities in biologics regulatory and quality compliance.

Suzanne brings deep experience supporting biologics developers and manufacturers across the product lifecycle, from early development through commercial production. Her background includes advising organizations on cGMP compliance, quality systems, inspection readiness, and regulatory strategy for complex biologic products.

As biologics continue to play a growing role in the life sciences industry, EAS is expanding our support in this area to better serve clients navigating evolving regulatory expectations and operational challenges.

Suzanne will work closely with our clients on biologics-focused projects, including:

• Quality system development and optimization
• cGMP readiness and remediation
• FDA inspection preparation and response
• Regulatory strategy and submission support

We are excited to have Suzanne join our team and look forward to the value she will bring to our clients.

Amandeep Dhillon 

EAS Consulting Group, Independent Consultant

Amandeep Dhillon is an executive leader with over 20 years of global experience in quality management. She is a performance-driven strategic thinker and problem-solving leader who partners with organizational leaders to align and execute key business initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction. Passionate about people, science, and consumers, Amandeep builds high-performing teams and fosters belief in new possibilities through authentic, trust-based relationships. She has an established track record of career growth and measurable achievements in strengthening quality and food safety culture across organizations.