Keith Belk, PhD
Dr. Keith Belk is the Director of Eurofins’ Advanced Learning Institute and Professor and Holder of the Monfort Endowed Chair, Center for Meat Safety & Quality, Colorado State University (CSU), and as an Adjunct Professor in the Colorado School of Public Health. Previously, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Sciences at CSU. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from CSU, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. He currently serves in a consulting role as the Director of Education for Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories, LLC. Dr. Belk is also a member of the International Committee for the National Western Stock Show, the Board of Directors for the International Stockmen’s Educational Foundation, on the Academic Advisory Committee for the Meat Institute Protein PACT, and on the technical advisory committees for Sustainable Beef, JBS, Colorado Premium Foods, and Hawkins.
Below are resources from Dr. Keith Belk:
For manufacturers and brand owners, dietary fiber is more than a buzzword, it’s a key driver of product positioning, consumer trust, and regulatory compliance. But not every ingredient marketed as “fiber” qualifies under FDA standards. Keep reading to learn more about why understanding fiber is so important.
Choosing safe, high-quality food and dietary supplement products has become increasingly complex. Product labels are filled with claims, ingredient lists can be difficult to interpret, and rumors about lack of regulatory oversight run rampant across social media and elsewhere. Third-party product certification is the answer.
In today’s supplement marketplace, contract manufacturers play a pivotal role. As retailer expectations evolve and third‑party verification becomes increasingly important, product certification is no longer just a valued add, it’s becoming a strategic advantage. Click to learn more about the benefits of product certifications.
As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: innovation didn’t slow down, it got sharper. Across major food, beverage, supplement, and ingredient tradeshows this year, the conversation shifted away from flashy novelty and toward proof, performance, and practicality. Here is our perspective on what to expect in 2026.
How do you know when it makes sense to bring in product development support and when it doesn’t? Based on what we see across brands, ingredient companies, and startups, here’s a practical way to think about it.
Ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) are toxic industrial chemicals that have no place in consumer health products. Unfortunately, products ranging from cough syrups to dietary supplements have been found to contain these contaminants, often with tragic consequences.
As the category of sports nutrition matures, so does the science behind it, and few ingredients illustrate that shift better than creatine. Once viewed as a niche performance supplement, creatine has entered the mainstream, driven by a growing body of research, broader consumer education, and innovation in product formats.
Supplement and OTC products often require non-traditional testing approaches such as radiolabel studies or DEA Schedule I compound analysis. Knowing when and how to apply these specialized methods is key to regulatory success.
While advanced technology often takes center stage in discussions about scientific accuracy, the age and preparation of samples are equally critical. By prioritizing the seemingly small details, researchers can ensure that their findings stand up to scrutiny and contribute meaningfully to scientific progress.
In the dietary supplement and ingredient industry, protecting consumer health and meeting regulatory expectations are nonnegotiable. One critical aspect of quality control is residual solvent testing. Residual solvents, volatile chemicals used during manufacturing, can remain in products if not properly removed.
