Gary Smith

Gary Smith, PhD

Born and raised in Caddo County, Oklahoma, Dr. Gary Smith attended universities in California, Washington and Texas. Since 1961, he has taught and conducted research at Washington State University (WSU), Texas A&M University, and Colorado State University (CSU).

From 1916 to 1975, his research focused on beef palatability (bullocks vs. steers, carcass chilling effects on tenderness, blade tenderization, electrical stimulation of carcasses, Tenderstretch®); beef shelf life (vacuum packaging for domestic and transoceanic shipments, retail case life); and USDA Feeder Cattle Grade Standards From 1975 to 1990, his research efforts included modified atmosphere packaging of beef; transoceanic shipments of variety meats; USDA Beef Quality and Yield Grade Standards; time-on-feed and beef palatability; The Hamburger Steer®; breed types and beef palatability; beef lipids and human nutrition; National Consumer Retail beef Study; and restructured beef steaks.

From 1990 to 2015, his research focused on chemical residues in US beef; National Beef Quality Audits; International Beef Quality Audit; National Market Cow and Bull Audits; injection site lesions; Conventional, Natural, and Organic Beef; feeding Vitamin E and Beef retail case life; “Multiple-Hurdle E. coli 0157:H7 decontamination systems; implementation of HACCP programs in beef packing plants; Palatability Assurance Critical Control points; controlling Salmonella and Listeria on ready-to-eat beef; Best Practices for mitigating BSE (Mad Cow Disease) risk in packing plants; traceability systems implementation; and instrument grading of beef carcasses. Dr. Smith credits his success to colleagues and graduate students (who did the hard work) and the help of cattle feeders, packers, and retailers (who allowed them to use their facilities and products).

Dr. Smith occupied the Ken and Myra Monfort Endowed Shair in Meat Science at CSU beginning in June of 1990. Previously, he served as Professor (1969-1982) and Head (1982-1990) of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M where he received many awards.

Outstanding Teaching Performance Award,
Honor Professor Award
College of Agriculture Teaching Award
University Distinguished Teaching award
Deputy Chancellor’s Award for Team Research

Other awards and honors include:

International Stockmen’s Hall of Fame Induction
National Cattlemen’s Foundation Vision Award
USMEF Distinguished Service Award
AMSA R.C Pollock Award
Beefmaster Breeders United, Commitment to Excellence Award
Honored Researcher of the CSU Research Foundation
ISI Thomson Scientific’s Highly Cited Researcher
Beef Magazine’s top 40 Most Influential People in the US Beef Industry
American Hereford Association Hall of Merit Induction
Meat Industry Hall of Fame Induction
AMSA Mentor Award
Cattle Feeder’s Hall of Fame Award
College of the Sequoias, California State University-Fresno and WSU Distinguished Alumni Award
Certified Angus Beef Industry Achievement Award

Below are resources from Dr. Smith:

Validating Thermal Processes for Low Water Activity Foods On-Demand Webinar

Low water activity foods (LWAFs) have historically been considered low-risk for microbiological hazards because their limited “free” (unbound) water in the formulation prevents bacterial growth. However, foodborne illness outbreaks revealed that pathogens can survive for extended periods in LWAFs, even in the absence of growth. Watch now to learn what is required to validate control measures to reduce microbial risks in LWAFs. Originally Aired on June 18, 2025.

Keywords: Webinar Microbiology AdvancedFoodMicrobiology Food Pet Infant Formula Ingredients

Process Authority: FAQ and Answers

The Eurofins team of process authorities routinely provides expert guidance to food manufacturers to prepare microbiologically safe products. In this service, we encounter many questions that span across a variety of food products and manufacturing processes. Here we list and will continue to compile the most common questions and answers asked of a process authority and the responses. Use this information as a guide in your scheduled process or as you work through the formulation and development of your new food product. You may also use this as a tool to submit your own questions for a process authority!

Keywords: Blog Microbiology AdvancedFoodMicrobiology

Acid vs. Acidified Foods: Microbiological Safety, Spoilage, and Regulatory Considerations On-Demand Webinar

When it comes to food safety and regulatory compliance, acidified foods stand out as a unique category that demands careful attention. These shelf-stable products, ranging from pickled vegetables to tangy condiments, rely on precise pH control and proper processing to ensure they remain safe and stable for consumers. In this webinar, we’ll simplify the complexities of acid and acidified foods, breaking down key factors regarding microbiological safety, stability, and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: Webinar AdvancedFoodMicrobiology Microbiology Food Regulatory MKimber

Low- and Non-Alcoholic Beers: The Role of a Process Authority and Testing Considerations

The demand for low- and non-alcoholic beverages is booming, driven by evolving consumer preferences for healthier, more mindful drinking options. But behind this innovation lies a complex challenge: without alcohol’s natural antimicrobial properties, these beverages face a higher risk of spoilage and contamination. Ensuring product safety, shelf stability, and regulatory compliance requires more than careful brewing—it calls for the expertise of a qualified process authority. Here is a look at the key risks, essential testing protocols, and proven strategies to keep your low- and no-alcohol products safe, high-quality, and market-ready.

Keywords: Blog AdvancedFoodMicrobiology Microbiology Beverages MKimber

The Four Phases of Onsite Process Validation for Pet Food

Here we highlight the best practices in process validation that pet food manufacturers may use to scientifically demonstrate that a given process, or “kill step,” in the manufacture of pet food and pet food products can deliver the required microbial reductions to ensure the safety of their product.

Keywords: Blog Pet AdvancedFoodMicrobiology MKimber SAbd

Acidified Foods: Definitions and Regulations

Understand what an acidified food is, the regulations associated with acidified foods, and different sterilization techniques (thermal processing and cold-fill-hold) for various food products. This guide will help you to determine the classification of a food, and provide resources to aid in processing, FDA filing, and where to go to with further questions.

Keywords: Infographic Regulatory Food AdvancedFoodMicrobiology Blog MKimber

Exploring Microbiological Control: Testing Methods for Preservative and Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of a preservative or antimicrobial product is critical in ensuring the safety of a food product and extending its shelf life. This article helps you to understand the basic considerations of preservative and antimicrobial efficacy testing, including determining a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), giving you the background needed to select the best test methods for your food product evaluation.

Keywords: Blog AdvancedFoodMicrobiology Microbiology Food Beverages

Microbial Safety of Cold Brewed Black Coffee during Retail

This poster evaluates the microbiological safety of immersion method concentrated coffee, and single strength cold brew coffee processed by UHT. The results were used to determine if temperature controls for safety (TCS) should be required for these products during retail.

Keywords: Scientific Research Microbiology Beverages AdvancedFoodMicrobiology

On-Demand Webinar: Wine, Spirits, & Beverages: Failure Modes, Risk Prevention, & Tips to Prevent Losses with Your Product

Watch this on-demand webinar featuring industry experts, as they explore the analytical considerations for non-routine investigations of failures and losses in the wine, spirits, and beverage industry. Original airdate May 22, 2024.

Keywords: Webinar Beverages Special Investigations AdvancedFoodMicrobiology

Microbial Challenge Testing 101

Do you need microbial testing for your food products? Learn the importance of microbial challenge testing to ensure food safety and quality.

Keywords: Blog Microbiology Food Beverages AdvancedFoodMicrobiology

<< < 1 2 > >>