Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast

Food Safety Specialists: Matthew Regusci and Francine L Shaw
  • 3.0 (2)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Tune in every Tuesday for a brand new episode of Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast. Join Francine L. Shaw, the savvy CEO of Savvy Food Safety, and Matthew Regusci, compliance connoisseur and founder of Fostering Compliance, as they serve up the latest in food safety with a side of laughter. Explore the ins and outs of food systems, responsible food practices, and food safety regulations. Stay informed about food safety awareness and the not-so-occasional food recall. Delve deep into the complexities of the food supply chain with our dynamic duo, who blend expert insights with a pinch of food safety humor. Whether you're knee-deep in the food safety industry or just passionate about what's on your plate, this podcast promises a fresh take on staying safe while eating well. Expect candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and occasional guest appearances that spice up the discussion. Shaw and Regusci bring their combined decades of experience to the table, making each episode as informative as it is entertaining. From industry trends to must-know food safety news and regulations, they've got your back (and your lunch). In essence, Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast is not just about imparting information; it's about fostering a culture of food safety. By shedding light on the intricacies of the food supply chain and the latest food safety news, it aims to promote awareness and encourage responsible food practices among consumers and industry professionals alike. When it comes to food safety, knowledge is power, and a good laugh is the best seasoning. At the heart of every episode is one golden rule: Don't Eat Poop!

  1. Botulism from Fermented Fish: The Hidden Risks of Gut Health Trends | Episode 163

    21 HRS AGO

    Botulism from Fermented Fish: The Hidden Risks of Gut Health Trends | Episode 163

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. In this eye-opening (and slightly stomach-turning) episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine dive headfirst into a real-life case of botulism caused by fermented fish and why “gut health trends” can go dangerously wrong. What started as a health-conscious bite of fermented “swordfish” turned into a near-death experience for a 24-year-old woman, highlighting critical gaps in foodborne illness prevention and consumer awareness. From ancient food preservation methods to modern-day food safety compliance, this episode explores how traditional practices can clash with today’s expectations and why HACCP principles aren’t just for professionals anymore. Spoiler: if it smells like death, maybe don’t eat it. In this episode: 00:00:00 Botulism from Homemade Fermented Swordfish 00:04:05 Escalating Symptoms: Difficulty Swallowing, Paralysis 00:07:00 What Fermented “Swordfish” Actually Is 00:12:24 Cultural Food and Food Safety 00:19:15 Safe Alternatives for Gut Health Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Food Safety Compliance in Home Kitchens: The Hidden Risks of Social Media Food Businesses | Episode 162 How to Clean Your Refrigerator Properly: This is Food Safety at Home | Episode 159 Noteworthy quotes from this episode “If your choices are occasionally getting foodborne illness or starving to death, I will choose the former over the latter, but if I'm not starving, I'm not going to choose option number one.” – Matt Regusci “There are people who, if they do live, they don't completely recover from botulism. You live with lifelong ramifications from this illness.” – Francine L Shaw We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    25 min
  2. Food Safety Compliance in Home Kitchens: The Hidden Risks of Social Media Food Businesses | Episode 162

    APR 14

    Food Safety Compliance in Home Kitchens: The Hidden Risks of Social Media Food Businesses | Episode 162

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. If you’ve ever been tempted by homemade dumplings on Facebook Marketplace or the viral “pink sauce” on TikTok, this episode might make you pause mid-scroll.  In this eye-opening (and slightly terrifying) episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine dig into the booming world of home-based food businesses and the massive food safety compliance gaps lurking behind those mouthwatering posts. From underground meal prep hustles to kids selling home-cooked food at school, this episode blends humor with hard truths about food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and the real risks of buying food from strangers online. In this episode: 00:00:00 Buying Unregulated Food From Facebook Marketplace 00:06:58 Knowing Your Food Source Matters 00:08:58 Dutch Home Caterer Survey Shocker 00:13:10 Food Safety on Social Media Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Take a look at the Food Safety News article we discussed in this episode: Home-based cooks lack awareness of food safety rules Noteworthy quotes from this episode “There are regulations, but if the entrepreneurs don't know that there are regulations and are just operating under the radar, then there aren't regulations.” – Matt Regusci “So many people assume if you can buy it, it's safe.” – Francine L Shaw We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    21 min
  3. 15 Years of Food Safety Tech: Food Safety Compliance vs Reality with Rick Biros | Episode 161

    APR 7

    15 Years of Food Safety Tech: Food Safety Compliance vs Reality with Rick Biros | Episode 161

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine welcome industry veteran Rick Biros to talk about 15 years of Food Safety Tech and the Food Safety Consortium. We also get the chance to hear about Rick's new upcoming conference, Food Safety Hazards. From cockroach-laced product horror stories (yes, really) to a deep dive into 15 years of industry evolution in food safety regulations, we unpack one of the most uncomfortable truths in food safety compliance: just because you’re “within compliance” doesn’t mean your food is safe. It’s clear that the industry still has a long way to go in truly protecting consumers. In this episode: 00:00:00 15 Years of Food Safety Tech 00:10:46 FSMA Success Debate 00:15:35 Food Safety Culture Isn’t New 00:22:37 Benchmarking and Metrics 00:25:59 New Food Safety Hazards Conference 00:35:54 The Broken U.S. Food Safety System Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Connect with Rick here. Use the discount code poop for a 25% discount at the Food Safety Hazards Conference 2026 (April 20-22) and the Food Safety Consortium (October 23-26). Take a look at the white paper we discussed in this episode: Integrating the Fragmented United States Federal Food Safety System into a Food Protection System Read the article Rick mentioned at the end of this episode: Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 in Raw Cheddar Cheese. Was it from RAW FARM or Not?? Listen to our previous conversations with Rick: Behind the Scenes at the Food Safety Consortium with Rick Biros: Conference Culture, Compliance & Community | Episode 123 Noteworthy quotes from this episode “Where this industry needs to go is to turn food safety and quality into a financial benefit to food and beverage companies.” – Rick Biros We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    48 min
  4. Insects & Lab-Grown Meat: The Future of Food Safety Compliance | Episode 160

    MAR 31

    Insects & Lab-Grown Meat: The Future of Food Safety Compliance | Episode 160

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine dig into the rising trend of edible insects and lab-grown meat, and what it means for food safety compliance, foodborne illness prevention, and regulatory frameworks. From cricket protein powder to 3D-printed steak, this isn’t sci-fi anymore—it’s on your dinner plate. But are regulators ready? Are you ready? And most importantly, what happens when something goes wrong in a sterile lab environment? Let’s just say: this episode gets crunchy. In this episode: 00:00:00 Insect Protein and Lab-Grown Meat 00:08:57 Global Food Safety Regulation Challenges 00:13:05 Facebook Marketplace Food Sales 00:19:15 Consumer Trust Issues 00:22:28 Future Food Trends and Concerns Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Take a look at the Food Safety News article we’re talking about today: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/03/insects-and-cell-based-food-on-radar-of-food-regulators/  Noteworthy quotes from this episode “Say this does get to a point at which we figure out how to scale printing meat in a lab and it tastes just like meat, what food safety risks come from that in the future? I guess to be determined.” – Matt Regusci  I can't imagine thinking I'm craving a cicada. I'm craving a chocolate-covered cockroach today.” – Francine L Shaw We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    28 min
  5. Food Safety at Home: Cleaning Your Refrigerator Without Growing Science Experiments | Episode 159

    MAR 24

    Food Safety at Home: Cleaning Your Refrigerator Without Growing Science Experiments | Episode 159

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. If your fridge could talk, would it confess to crimes against food safety?  In this hilariously relatable episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine tackle a topic every food safety professional knows, but many still neglect at home: cleaning out the refrigerator. From expired blue cheese dressing with a personality of its own to mystery leftovers that defy identification, this episode dives into food safety compliance at home, proper storage habits, and the real risks of ignoring expiration dates. Spoiler: your condiments are probably guilty. In this episode: 00:00:00 Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator 00:04:59 The Hidden Danger of Condiments 00:14:43 Safe Thawing Practices 00:23:46 FIFO: First In, First Out 00:27:26 Fridge Sanitation Schedules Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Noteworthy quotes from this episode “ When you're cleaning out leftovers, and your question isn't, 'What is this?’ but ‘What was this?’ that’s not good.” – Matt Regusci “ Folks, it's time to clean out your refrigerator and get rid of those condiments from last summer. Get rid of them!” – Francine L Shaw We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    36 min
  6. Food Safety Inspections Explained with Steven Mandernach from AFDO | Episode 158

    MAR 17

    Food Safety Inspections Explained with Steven Mandernach from AFDO | Episode 158

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. Food safety regulations can sometimes feel like a bureaucratic maze, but behind the scenes, regulators, inspectors, and food businesses are all trying to accomplish the same thing: keeping people from getting sick. In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine sit down with Steven Mandernach from AFDO (the Association of Food and Drug Officials) to unpack the complex world of food safety inspections, regulatory collaboration, and the future of food safety compliance. From government shutdowns affecting inspectors to the evolving relationship between state regulators, the FDA, and food businesses, the conversation dives deep into how the system really works and where it could work better. In this episode: 00:00:00 The AFDO, FDA, and USDA 00:06:27 Food Code Interpretation Gaps 00:11:12 Food Facility Inspection Realities 00:22:07 Industry and Regulator Partnerships 00:34:32 Food Safety Workforce Challenges 00:47:02 Compensation And Staffing 00:51:38 The Role of Lawyers in Food Safety Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Connect with Steven here. Listen to our last conversation with Steven: Rethinking How Things Are Done to Solve Food Safety Problems with Steven Mandernach from AFDO | Episode 90 Noteworthy quotes from this episode “I'm not sure it's a science major. I think we could find someone with critical thinking skills, good time management, and who communicates well, and I could turn them into a good food safety inspector.” – Steven Mandernach We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    1h 4m
  7. The Leadership Skills Your HACCP Plan Is Missing with Tia Glave from Catalyst Food Leaders | Episode 157

    MAR 10

    The Leadership Skills Your HACCP Plan Is Missing with Tia Glave from Catalyst Food Leaders | Episode 157

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine sit down with leadership powerhouse Tia Glave, co-founder of Catalyst Food Leaders, to discuss the one thing most food safety professionals overlook: culture and behavior change. If your HACCP plan is flawless but your team still rolls their eyes at food safety training, this episode is for you. Because here’s the hard truth: food safety compliance isn’t a paperwork problem. It’s a people problem. Recorded at the Food Safety Consortium, Tia explains why technical brilliance won’t move your organization forward unless you can explain the why in a way that actually resonates, from preventing foreign material contamination to navigating food safety audits for foodservice. In this episode: 00:00:00 Why Culture Drives Food Safety 00:05:17 Behavior Change Takes Time 00:11:46 Connecting To Personal Values 00:19:01 Budgets, Strategy, And Buy-In 00:27:57 Traceability And Change Management Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Connect with Tia here.  Past episodes with Tia: Food Safety Talk with Tia Glave and Jill Stuber from Catalyst | Episode 36Food Safety Voices: Communicating Effectively in Challenging Times (LinkedIn Live) | Episode 106 Noteworthy quotes from this episode “I don't need to be the voice of food safety culture as a food safety professional. Everyone knows I care about it. I need that maintenance tech to be talking about it. I need the finance team to be talking about it in a meeting. I need someone else who I didn't even know heard me to be talking about it in their circles. That's what we need. We need that commitment, and you get it through connecting to their values.” – Tia Glave We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    30 min
  8. Norovirus Hits the Winter Olympics Again | Episode 156

    MAR 3

    Norovirus Hits the Winter Olympics Again | Episode 156

    🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere. 👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates. In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are discussing Francine's favorite virus: Norovirus.  It's no surprise this foodborne illness made an appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and it's also no surprise that our hosts had a thing or two to say about this super spreader event. Tune in for some laughs, a shortage of condoms, all you need to know about the super bug that is Norovirus, and more. In this episode: 0:00:00 Matt's life fostering medically fragile kids 0:07:05 Olympics + free condoms = more Norovirus? 0:14:53 The Poop Cruise: the cruiseship from hell 0:18:26 The science behind the spread of Norovirus  0:26:37 Francine's Norovirus outbreak care packages Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Watch Trainwreck: Poop Cruise. Catch up with Episode 152, where we talk about the economics of foodborne illnesses. Read The Conversation article Matt and Francine refer to in this episode. Noteworthy quotes from this episode “ Norovirus is like a super bug, man. It has good survival skills. I gotta hand it to Norovirus. It is a maximum survivalist. So, making sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water is essential.” – Matt Regusci “ 2,800 athletes were there the first week. Now, they've been handing out these free condoms since 1988, and I wonder if there's a correlation between the close contact and the Norovirus.” – Francine L Shaw We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety! Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed. We'd love to hear from you! 📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn! 📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen? 🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP! Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected. _______ Produced by Ideablossoms

    32 min
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3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Tune in every Tuesday for a brand new episode of Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast. Join Francine L. Shaw, the savvy CEO of Savvy Food Safety, and Matthew Regusci, compliance connoisseur and founder of Fostering Compliance, as they serve up the latest in food safety with a side of laughter. Explore the ins and outs of food systems, responsible food practices, and food safety regulations. Stay informed about food safety awareness and the not-so-occasional food recall. Delve deep into the complexities of the food supply chain with our dynamic duo, who blend expert insights with a pinch of food safety humor. Whether you're knee-deep in the food safety industry or just passionate about what's on your plate, this podcast promises a fresh take on staying safe while eating well. Expect candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and occasional guest appearances that spice up the discussion. Shaw and Regusci bring their combined decades of experience to the table, making each episode as informative as it is entertaining. From industry trends to must-know food safety news and regulations, they've got your back (and your lunch). In essence, Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast is not just about imparting information; it's about fostering a culture of food safety. By shedding light on the intricacies of the food supply chain and the latest food safety news, it aims to promote awareness and encourage responsible food practices among consumers and industry professionals alike. When it comes to food safety, knowledge is power, and a good laugh is the best seasoning. At the heart of every episode is one golden rule: Don't Eat Poop!

Information

  • Creator
    Food Safety Specialists: Matthew Regusci and Francine L Shaw
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Food Safety Specialists: Matthew Regusci and Francine L Shaw

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