By Judy Sebastian
As 2020 unfurled, so did the optimism, confidence and motivation of people around the world. Leaders from various countries were gearing up to make 2020 a year worth remembering; it was supposed to be the year professionals exchanged success stories in the field of science, technology, medicine, culture, supply chain, and other avenues. Instead, we are faced by the unpredicted and unplanned reality; the beginning of a new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With fluctuating numbers of reported COVID-19 cases, it is challenging to predict when the “curve will flatten” and stay that way. Everyday activities have been impacted, and certain businesses have been forced to close their doors indefinitely. In the United States alone, it is estimated that the “Coronavirus related job losses could total $47 million, and the unemployment rate may hit 32%”. Food safety related activities for suppliers, distributors and consumers have been impacted as well. From entry level associates to executives, food industry professionals are learning how to work closely with other functions, such as IT, logistics, transportation, healthcare, and to some extent, relief workers. Here are some ways to manage food safety in the pandemic age, with a human-centric approach.