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Gary Smith

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Gary Smith, PhD

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:



Following the recent webinar titled "Validation of Thermal Processes Applied to Low-Water Activity Foods" experts Shirin Abd and Dr. Wilfredo Ocasio answered some frequently asked questions.


Pathogenic organisms, like Salmonella and E. coli, can grow in low water activity foods, leading to foodborne illness outbreaks. Thermal processes inhibit microbial growth and ensure only safe ingredients and products reach the shelves. Thermal processes must be validated to make sure they fully prevent pathogen growth. This blog outlines what foods may need an LWAF thermal process, what a validation study looks like, and the results the experts at Eurofins provide.


Foreign materials in products can be dangerous to consumers and damage a brand's reputation. At Eurofins, our team of experts is equipped to identify the cause of contamination and help come up with the ideal solution for you. The case study outlines our approach to identifying the source of microbial contamination in bottled juice, and how we work with clients to prevent future issues.


Pathogen testing is a key part of product development. It can prevent foodborne outbreaks and protect consumers' health and brand reputation. Before developing a testing plan, it is important to understand how any why testing is conducted. This White Paper provides an overview of the types of pathogens to test for and the testing options at Eurofins.


Cronobacter infection in infants can be deadly, and it is the responsibility of companies to make sure their products are safe. In this article, we explain what Cronobacter is, how it gets in products, and how testing can protect consumers and brand reputation.


This webinar outlines the concept, design and execution of appropriate validation strategies and procedures intended to mitigate microbiological hazards in Low-Water Activity Foods. In the context of FDA regulations, low-water activity foods (LWAF) are those products with a water activity (aw) of less than 0.85. For many decades, these products were believed to present a low microbiological hazard risk. Various food related illness outbreaks, starting with a massive outbreak of salmonellosis due to peanut butter consumption in 2008-2009, raised awareness of the risk resulting from extended survival of pathogens in these products even in the absence of active growth. Original airdate August 23, 2022.


Contaminated peanut butter recalls have wreaked havoc on the food industry. By understanding how to prevent and mitigate risk of Salmonella contamination, we can prevent economic loss and illness. Learn more in this article about why it keeps happening.


Developing a product requires careful consideration of storage, transport, and retail conditions. Spoilage organism testing helps determine the risk of bacterial spoilage under different conditions. Additionally, spoilage testing can be added to routine microbiology testing to ensure continued product quality and safety.


Indicator organisms are groups of microbes that are correlated with other groups. In other words, the presence of one indicates the presence of another. So, indicator testing detects a small group of pathogens instead of running over 30 tests to look for all potential harmful groups. This reduces testing times and costs.


Manufacturing microwave food or Ready-to-Heat (RTH) products have compelling benefits and challenges. Learn more about the chemistry of how microwave technology works, applications in the food industry, and how testing is an important piece when manufacturing or selling these products.


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