RFA Technical Webcasts

 

The RFA hosts quarterly Technical Webcasts on timely food safety and regulatory topics affecting
the prepared foods industry. The Webcasts are live, interactive events that you can join from your office!

See below for details on the latest Technical Webcast.

RFA Members can access slide presentations from past Technical Webcasts at anytime in the Member Center.

November 4, 2026 RFA Webcast:

 
"New SQF Requirements for Pathogen Environmental Monitoring"

 

REGISTER HERE for this live, interactive Event that you can join from your office!

Non-member registration form

Date and Time:

* Wednesday, November 4, from 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
(1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Central, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Mountain, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Pacific) 


Overview:

Environmental monitoring is a critical component of an effective food safety program — and with the release of SQF Edition 10, understanding the requirements and expectations has never been more important. A well-designed pathogen environmental monitoring program can help food manufacturers identify potential sources of contamination, verify sanitation effectiveness, respond to undesirable results, and reduce the risk of product contamination.

In this session, Douglas Marshall, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, will provide a practical look at the new SQF requirements for pathogen environmental monitoring. Attendees will learn how to develop a risk-based environmental monitoring program, including determining appropriate pathogens, sampling locations, frequency, timing, and acceptance criteria.

The session will also explore how to interpret and trend environmental monitoring data, conduct root cause analysis, develop effective response and corrective action plans, and maintain records that demonstrate program effectiveness. Whether you are developing a new environmental monitoring program, preparing for an SQF audit, or evaluating your current approach, this webcast will provide practical guidance to help you understand the requirements and strengthen your pathogen control program.

Presenter:

Doug Marshall, RFA Technical Director

Doug Marshall stepped into the role of Technical Director for the Refrigerated Foods Association in September 2022. In addition to his role with RFA, Dr. Marshall also serves as Chief Scientific Officer at Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories and General Committee Member for the Netherlands-based method certification organization MicroVal. During his career, he has published over 250 scientific articles and is in demand as a speaker for other trade and scientific associations, having delivered over 330 invited talks. Much of his recent professional time is spent doing problem-solving consultations for clients, including several RFA members.

 

How does the Webcast work?

It's easy and convenient! A virtual seminar is one that you can "attend" and participate in right from your offices. There is no travel time, and now provided at NO COST to RFA members!

The RFA Webcast will include live audio along with a slide presentation on the Web. You just need a phone connection for the audio and an Internet connection.

In addition, the webcast will allow you to comment and ask questions at specified times during the event using your phone.

You can invite staff members to listen and participate too! To get the most out of a webcast, it is recommended that you have no more than five people at any one computer connection. If you have multiple locations, please register each location separately.


Credits

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Research Chefs Association (RCA) have confirmed that continuing education credits are available for numerous RFA technical functions. Depending on the specific educational criteria of these two organizations, credits will be accepted for attendance at 1) RFA Webinars, 2) the RFA Fall Symposium and 3) the RFA Annual Conference.

Contact the RFA office for more information or for proof of participation.

 

Registration Information:

The cost for this event is as follows:

  • RFA Members: NO CHARGE - Now Included as a Member Benefit!

  • Non-Members: $310 per computer/audio connection

To attend the meeting, you can either:

  • Just send an email to [email protected] to register. There is no cost for members.  Nonmembers: checks must be made payable to the Refrigerated Foods Association. Payment should be received no later than November 2, 2026.

Once you have registered for the meeting, you will receive an email message inviting you to attend the web conference with instructions on how to attend. This message will provide the information that you need to join the meeting.



If you have questions about the RFA Technical Webcasts, please e-mail the RFA office at [email protected].