Training the Next Generation of Food Safety Experts: Falkenberg’s Role as Lead Instructor

In a rapidly evolving food industry where global supply chains are increasingly complex, the demand for skilled food safety professionals has never been higher. Dr. Rick Falkenberg, Chief Technical Officer of Food Safety & Process Technology Group, Inc., has emerged as a key figure in bridging this expertise gap through his work as a Lead Instructor with an FDA-recognized curriculum for Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI).

Trained in 2016 to deliver this specialized program, Falkenberg has since conducted workshops aimed at equipping industry professionals with the skills required to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), one of the most significant regulatory shifts in U.S. food safety law in decades. These workshops are designed to ensure that companies not only meet federal compliance standards but also develop robust preventive strategies to mitigate risks before they escalate into crises.

Falkenberg’s approach is grounded in decades of practical experience in the food industry, where he has worked extensively with thermal and non-thermal processing, low-moisture foods, and process validation. His workshops go beyond textbook instruction, offering participants real-world problem-solving techniques based on his long history of consulting with global manufacturers. This pragmatic emphasis has made his training particularly valuable to companies seeking to implement effective hazard analysis, sanitation protocols, and environmental monitoring systems.

A hallmark of Falkenberg’s teaching philosophy is accessibility. He has been praised for his ability to communicate complex microbiological and regulatory concepts to diverse audiences—from production floor employees to senior management. This inclusive approach ensures that food safety is embraced as a shared responsibility across all levels of an organization.

Moreover, Falkenberg emphasizes the importance of adaptability in food safety practices. “The regulatory landscape and technological capabilities are constantly changing,” he has remarked in industry discussions. “Training must not only address current requirements but also prepare professionals to anticipate and adapt to future challenges.” His foresight reflects a broader recognition that food safety education must evolve alongside innovations such as nonthermal plasma treatments and data-driven monitoring systems.

Through his role as a Lead Instructor, Falkenberg has contributed to a growing network of Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals who are essential to maintaining public health and consumer confidence in the food supply. These trained professionals now occupy pivotal roles in companies worldwide, applying the principles and methods taught in his workshops to everyday operations.

Falkenberg’s commitment to training extends beyond formal sessions. He continues to mentor professionals and collaborate with platforms like ConnectFood.com, which assists companies in developing comprehensive food safety plans. This ongoing engagement highlights his belief that education is not a one-time event but a continuous process vital to the industry’s resilience.

As global food production faces mounting pressures—from climate change impacts on agriculture to increased scrutiny over supply chain transparency—experts like Falkenberg play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and integrity of what reaches consumers’ tables. By training the next generation of food safety professionals, he is helping to build an infrastructure of knowledge and preparedness that will support the industry for years to come.

Key insights

I’m listing key points for the article, such as Dr. Falkenberg’s FDA-recognized PCQI Lead Instructor role, workshop metrics, FSMA compliance training, practical experience, and real-world problem-solving integration.

Key Points to Emphasize

• FDA-recognized Lead Instructor
  • Dr. Falkenberg’s official status delivering the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) curriculum since 2016.
• Scale and Reach of Workshops
  • Number of workshops conducted, total participants trained, and geographic spread (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia).
• FSMA Compliance and Preventive Controls
  • How his training equips companies to not only meet but exceed FSMA requirements through hazard analysis, sanitation protocols, and environmental monitoring.
• Decades of Practical Industry Experience
  • His hands-on background in thermal and non-thermal processing, low-moisture foods, and process validation—bridging theory and practice.
• Real-World Problem-Solving Focus
  • Integration of case studies and live troubleshooting exercises drawn from global consulting engagements.
• Accessible, Multi-Level Communication
  • Ability to translate complex microbiology and regulatory jargon for plant operators, QA teams, and senior management alike.
• Emphasis on Adaptability
  • Preparing trainees to anticipate emerging threats and adopt new technologies (e.g., non-thermal plasma systems, data-driven monitoring).
• Network Effect and Career Impact
  • Growth of the PCQI alumni network, with graduates now holding key safety roles in major food and beverage companies.
• Ongoing Mentorship and Resources
  • Continued support through platforms like ConnectFood.com, reinforcing that food safety education is a continuous journey.
• Measurable Outcomes
  • Improvements in audit pass rates, reduction in non-compliance events, and other quantifiable benefits reported by past participants.