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:

How to Create the Perfect Sample for Analysis

As the global leader in food testing, Eurofins has a few tips as you prepare your sample for submission to our laboratories. These tools will inform you how to expedite the testing process, ensure sample integrity and keep your samples on track. Connect with us today to get started!

Keywords: Infographic Microbiology Nutritional Meat

Shipping Instructions for Cold or Frozen Items

After collecting your samples making sure that they arrive at the laboratory at the correct temperature is the main priority. This guide walks through FIVE key steps for you to follow.

Keywords: Infographic Microbiology Food

Sources of Contamination in Botanical Supplements

Botanical supplement contamination can be dangerous, and preventing contamination starts with understanding its sources. This infographic explains different sources of contamination in a botanical supplement's life cycle - from growing in the soil to packaging and storage.

Keywords: Infographic Supplements Contaminants Botanicals

Chemical versus Microbial Contamination

Chemical and microbial exposure are the most common types of contamination during food processing. Understanding the sources of each type of contamination helps to effectively prevent problems before they arise. This infographic below explains various contamination sources in food, feed, and botanical products. These include residual solvents, storage issues, improper handling, and more.

Keywords: Infographic Supplements Contaminants Food Microbiology Special Investigations

Something off? GC-MS testing for off-odor and off-flavor analysis

When a product doesn't taste or smell right, it is a good indicator of contamination or packaging and processing issues. GCMS analysis is reliable method for finding the cause of off-odor or flavor and getting your products back to normal! This infographic provides an overview and a case study of how GCMS is used for off-odor and flavor analysis.

Keywords: Infographic Contaminants Food Beverages Special Investigations