The Real ROI: What Food Safety Experts Want You to Know

From Compliance to Opportunity

In today’s rapidly evolving food safety landscape, compliance is no longer the finish line; it’s the starting block. In a recent conversation, Jeremy Schneider, President of Schneider Food Safety Services, shared his perspective on what FSMA compliance means for companies today and what it should represent moving forward.

Food safety isn’t just about regulations; It’s also about public health and ensuring customers don’t fall victim to foodborne illnesses.Yet, the real key to all of this is traceability and its utilization among companies. However, how do companies utilize traceability and traceability data to ensure that their business adheres to protocols that prevent severe ramifications?

Schneider emphasized that while meeting regulatory requirements is essential, the real opportunity lies in how businesses use traceability data to drive impact across departments.

“Other functions within your business—like marketing—can benefit from traceability,” Jeremy shared. “It’s not about greenwashing. It’s about honestly telling the story: Where did the food come from? Who are the farmers? Who are the ranchers?”

That kind of transparency fosters trust with consumers and helps brands differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

When it comes to the correlation between traceability and food compliance, Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI, stated, “Regulatory compliance is pressuring technological growth in the food industry a lot right now. The industry is eager to conform with FSMA 204, but I think the greatest aspect about it is it’s a catalyst for modernizing systems.”

For more on how traceability can drive real ROI beyond compliance, check out this great resource: 2025: A pivotal year for food traceability innovation

The biggest takeaway here is that companies that treat FSMA as more than just a checkbox or standard procedure, and as a strategic tool to enhance and embrace traceability, will be the ones with a market advantage.

Food tech, traceability, and regulatory leaders are already paying attention—discover why these insights are shaping the future of food safety at Starfish.

In today’s food safety landscape, compliance is no longer the finish line—it’s the starting point. Jeremy Schneider, President of Schneider Food Safety Services, recently shared his perspective on what FSMA compliance means today and how companies should be thinking about it going forward.

Food safety isn’t just about checking the regulatory box—it’s about protecting public health and preventing foodborne illness. At the center of that effort is traceability: how companies capture, use, and share data to strengthen their operations.

Schneider emphasized that while meeting FSMA requirements is essential, the real opportunity lies in how businesses utilize traceability data more effectively.

“Other functions within your business—like marketing—can benefit from traceability,” Jeremy explained. “It’s not about greenwashing. It’s about telling the real story: Where did the food come from? Who are the farmers? Who are the ranchers?”

That kind of authenticity builds consumer trust and helps brands stand out. For more on how traceability can drive real ROI beyond compliance, check out this great resource: 2025: A pivotal year for food traceability innovation

Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI, highlighted how regulation is accelerating modernization:

“Regulatory compliance is pressuring technological growth in the food industry a lot right now. The industry is eager to conform with FSMA 204, but I think the greatest aspect about it is it’s a catalyst for modernizing systems.”

2025 is shaping up as a defining year for food traceability. Companies that treat FSMA as more than a requirement—and as a foundation for transparency and innovation—will be the ones to create meaningful advantage.

Food leaders are already leaning in. The question is: will you be one of them?

Written by Katrina Garbin

Katrina Garbin is a communications and public relations professional with experience spanning media relations, content strategy, and brand storytelling. She has worked across various industries to build visibility and strengthen audience engagement, most recently at Starfish Network, where she supports initiatives aimed at advancing food safety, supply chain transparency, and digital adoption.