Food Safety & Food Defense Articles

inherent characteristics vs. mitigation strategies: what’s the difference?

When conducting a vulnerability assessment under the FSMA Intentional Adulteration (IA) rule, one of the most commonly misunderstood distinctions is the difference between inherent characteristics and mitigation strategies. Let’s break down what each term means and why the distinction matters when developing food defense plans that align with the IA rule requirements. what are inherent…

Key Activity Types and the Power of the Matching Method

One of the most accessible, yet powerful tools in food defense is the concept of Key Activity Types, or KATs. Let’s explore what they are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively when conducting vulnerability assessments (VAs) under FDA’s Intentional Adulteration (IA) rule. A Brief History Lesson Having worked extensively on FDA vulnerability…