Our series of Best-in-Class webinars provides a quick study on various topics related to core food safety concepts. Each course is performed as a 2-hour “lunch and learn”-style presentation. Lead instructor, Mike Cramer of the Eurofins Advanced Learning Institute, delivers practical guidance and basic tools through the viewpoint of his 40+ years of experience in meat and food manufacturing.
These free webinar sessions are valuable for food industry personnel involved in all phases of food manufacturing, distribution, retail, and storage, and are critical to the foundation of a strong, well-rounded food safety culture.
MEET THE HOST
Michael Cramer | Trainer, Eurofins Advanced Learning Institute
Michael Cramer started his career at Swift & Company in Pennsylvania as a summer employee. He worked his way up to QA Manager (Pennsylvania and North Carolina), Production Specialist and Corporate Documentation Manager (Illinois) to QA Manager at the Swift-Eckrich plant in Chicago and then QA Director for the Armour processed meat and poultry plants. He then moved to Specialty Brands, Inc./Windsor Foods/Ajinomoto Foods North America where he stayed from 1993 to his retirement in 2023. There he served as Director of Food Safety and Quality assurance before being promoted to Senior Director of FSQA.
Mike is known for his in-depth knowledge of food plant sanitation and has written a book, now in its 3rd edition, “Food Plant Sanitation, Design, Maintenance and Good Manufacturing Practices.” He is also a member of the editorial board of Food Safety Magazine and has over twenty articles published dealing with Listeria control, Biosecurity, Sanitation and Sanitary Design, Sanitation 5S, and Allergens. As well, he is a contributing member of the American Frozen Foods Institute Listeria Working Group. You can find multiple Food Safety Matters podcasts and food sanitation webinars that he has led.
Upcoming Live Webinars
Food Allergen Management | April 15, 2026 | Register
Foreign Material Prevention | May 6, 2026 | Register
Integrated Pest Management | June 3, 2026 | Register
Recall Policy and Action Plan | June 24, 2026 | Register
Root Cause Analysis | July 15, 2026 | Coming Soon
Regulatory Response | August 5, 2026 | Coming Soon
Listeria Management | August 26, 2026 | Coming Soon
Sign up here to be notified when registration for future episodes becomes available.
On-Demand Webinars
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.
Iodine is an essential trace element found in many food sources as well as the environment. AAFCO recognizes iodine as an essential nutrient for both dogs and cats at differing, species specific levels. This infographic explains explores considerations for iodine in pet food and reasons to test for it.
Hydrolyzed proteins play a crucial role in the pet food, animal nutrition, and feed industries, offering significant benefits in digestibility, allergen reduction, and bioavailability. This white paper explores the advantages of hydrolyzed proteins and their impact on product formulation.
The Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) initiative is reshaping industry standards, making dietary fiber a required metric. Learn how this change impacts pet food formulations, testing methods, and nutritional transparency.
Historically, testing for chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine has been done via HPLC-UV analysis via methods from AOAC or USP-NF monographs, which are not suitable for complex matrices such as pet food. Check out our infographic about an innovative solution developed specifically for pet foods and supplements.
Watch this webinar for a discussion on the background behind AAFCO’s recommended method and other commonly used methods, with a focus on which dietary fiber component each method quantifies, and scenarios where it is appropriate to use an alternate method. Original Air Date: April 16, 2025
April 17, 2025 - The Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center in Des Moines, IA has successfully developed and implemented advanced methods specifically tailored for pet foods and pet supplements. Click to read about the new glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate method offerings.
In pets, as in humans, glucosamine (GlcN) has been used with chondroitin sulfate in nutraceuticals to support joint health and mobility. Historically, GlcN testing has been limited to pure materials and supplements. However, Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center has recently developed a method for testing GlcN in a wide variety of matrices. Click to learn more.
Pet owners might turn to nutraceuticals that may support relief in some Osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. One such nutraceutical is chondroitin sulfate. Explore new scientific developments happening at Eurofins in Des Moines, IA for quantifying chondroitin sulfate in complex matrices like pet food and treats.
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.
