Don't Eat Poop! A Food Safety Podcast

Food Safety Specialists: Matthew Regusci and Francine L Shaw
  • 4.2 (23)
  • 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. Cantaloupe Recalls, Norovirus Nightmares & the Food Safety Chemical Nobody’s Talking About | Episode 167

    1D AGO

    Cantaloupe Recalls, Norovirus Nightmares & the Food Safety Chemical Nobody’s Talking About | Episode 167

    🍽️ 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. Another cantaloupe recall. Another round of questions about why the food industry keeps making the same mistakes — and whether the tools to fix them are already sitting on the shelf, ignored. In this episode of Don't Eat Poop!, Francine and Matt dig into a Salmonella cantaloupe recall, the science of why cantaloupes are such a high-risk product, and a sanitizer that's been EPA- and FDA-approved for years but still can't get traction in the industry. Plus: Francine's heading to the Food Safety Summit to talk norovirus in retail, and the stories from the field are exactly what you'd expect from Don’t Eat Poop. Spoiler alert: The solutions often exist. The problem is getting a risk-averse, relationship-driven industry to actually use them. In this episode: 00:00:00 Novovirus in Retail 00:06:57 Cantaloupe Salmonella Recall Breakdown 00:11:58 Hypochlorous Acid: The Sanitizer the Industry is Ignoring 00:19:04 Chemical Distribution & Conflict of Interest 00:30:25 Norovirus Incidents in Grocery Stores Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Is It Time for a “Kill Step” for Pathogens on Produce at Retail? By Eric Moorman and Hal King Noteworthy quotes from this episode “You can't really sanitize or get rid of all the potential pathogens on the outside of a cantaloupe because of the webbed outside.” – Matt Regusci “There's something out there that works that nobody's talking about, and there's such a resistance to this product.” – 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

    39 min
  2. Biogenic Amines in Chicken: The Real Risk from Cold Chain Failures | Episode 166

    MAY 12

    Biogenic Amines in Chicken: The Real Risk from Cold Chain Failures | Episode 166

    🍽️ 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 thought chicken was the “safe” option on the menu, this episode of Don’t Eat Poop! might ruffle your feathers.  Matt and Francine dig into a bizarre (and under-the-radar) food safety incident out of Spain, where children developed allergic-like reactions not from allergens, but from biogenic amines formed due to poor cold chain management.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone in restaurant food safety, food safety training, or navigating food safety regulations. We break down the science, the risks, and what this means for foodborne illness prevention worldwide. In this episode: 00:00:00 Get to Know Your Food Safety Podcast Hosts 00:11:00 Biogenic Amine Outbreak in Spain 00:14:47 Poor Cold Chain Management in Foodservice 00:17:56 Why Symptoms Looked Like Allergies 00:21:10 Temperature Control Matters Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Take a look at the articles mentioned in this episode: Spanish scientists investigate outbreaks affecting childrenReport of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the risk of food poisoning due to the presence of biogenic amines in meals made from chicken meat consumed by children under 3 years of age Noteworthy quotes from this episode “This is a food safety issue that can happen with a break in the cold chain.” – Matt Regusci “ Spoiled-smelling meat is not the only concern. Not all bad meat stinks.” – 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

    22 min
  3. Food Safety Compliance Chaos: FDA Redactions, Conflicts of Interest & Mango Mayhem | Episode 165

    MAY 5

    Food Safety Compliance Chaos: FDA Redactions, Conflicts of Interest & Mango Mayhem | Episode 165

    🍽️ 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. What do mangoes, government redactions, and conspiracy-level blacked-out reports have in common?  In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, Matt and Francine peel back the layers (and redact absolutely nothing) on a bizarre FDA Salmonella mango investigation that’s about as useful as a blank HACCP plan. From laughably censored outbreak reports to serious concerns about food safety compliance, conflicts of interest, and transparency failures, this episode dives deep into the cracks in our food safety systems. If you’ve ever wondered how the industry is supposed to improve when critical data is hidden, or how advisory committees operate without clear disclosure rules, this one’s for you. Spoiler alert: You can’t fix what you can’t see. And right now? There’s a lot we’re not seeing. In this episode: 00:00:00 Food Safety Podcast Recap 00:08:22 Redacted FDA Salmonella Mango Report 00:13:04 FDA Conflict of Interest Failures 00:20:42 Still No FDA Conflict-of-interest Policy 00:23:01 Real Accountability in Food Safety Regulations Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Take a look at the articles we discuss in this episode: Why does a FDA Salmonella Mango Report look like a page out of the Epstein Files?GAO says FDA needs to give attention to conflict of interest policiesCheck out our episode with Rick Biros: 15 Years of Food Safety Tech: Food Safety Compliance vs Reality with Rick Biros | Episode 161 Noteworthy quotes from this episode “The files for the FDA look similar to the Epstein files, and the GAO is asking FDA, whatcha gonna do about conflicts of interest?” – Matt Regusci “This is like policies and procedures. If you're not gonna implement them, don't write 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

    29 min
  4. Undeclared Ingredients & Food Fraud: When Chocolate Gets Dangerous (Food Safety Compliance Breakdown) | Episode 164

    APR 28

    Undeclared Ingredients & Food Fraud: When Chocolate Gets Dangerous (Food Safety Compliance Breakdown) | Episode 164

    🍽️ 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. What happens when your sweet treat doubles as a pharmaceutical experiment?  In this wildly bizarre (but very real) episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine unwrap a shocking chocolate recall involving undeclared active drug ingredients. This episode explores the intersection of food safety compliance, food fraud, and the risks of buying “mystery” products online. It’s funny, it’s alarming, and it’s a crystal-clear reminder that when it comes to food safety regulations, you really don’t know what you’re getting unless proper controls are in place. In this episode: 00:00:00 “Aphrodisiac Chocolate” Recalled 00:04:36 Health Risks Explained 00:09:09 Undeclared Substances in Supplements and Sports Products 00:14:17 Food Fraud and Dosage Confusion Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice. Resources from this episode Check out the article we’re talking about in this episode: Chocolate products recalled because of undeclared male enhancement drugs Have a listen to the episodes we mentioned in this episode: Insects & Lab-Grown Meat: The Future of Food Safety Compliance | Episode 160The Celsius Recall and the Risks of Finding Alcohol in Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Episode 132 Noteworthy quotes from this episode “There's so many things that are wrong with this because you're consuming a drug disguised as a candy and you don't know the dosage.” – Matt Regusci “Most people don't understand that a lot of that stuff is not FDA-approved. They assume because they 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

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

    APR 21

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.2
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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
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Food Safety Specialists: Matthew Regusci and Francine L Shaw

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