Novel Continuous and Manual Sampling Methods for Beef Trim Microbiological Testing

Tommy L. Wheeler, Ph.D., Research Leader, Meat Safety & Quality Research Unit, USDA, US Meat Animal Research Center

Dr. Wheeler graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics (1984) and a master’s degree in Meat Science (1986). He received his Ph.D. in Meat Science and Muscle Biology from Texas A&M University (1989). Subsequently, he joined the Meats Research Unit staff of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center of USDA-ARS in Clay Center, Nebraska, as a Research Food Technologist.  

In 2005, Dr. Wheeler became Research Leader for the Meat Safety and Quality Research Unit where he directs the research programs of 12 scientists. Dr. Wheeler has spent 29 years conducting research with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and is recognized internationally as a leading scientist in the areas of meat quality, carcass composition, instrument grading and meat safety, as well as the leader of an internationally recognized research team that is successfully addressing high priority industry issues in meat safety and quality.

Dr. Wheeler has authored or co-authored numerous scientific journal publications, abstracts, technical reports/proceedings, patents, and book chapters.

Terrance M. Arthur, Ph.D., Microbiologist, USDA, US Meat Animal Research Center

Terry Arthur serves as a Research Microbiologist in the Meat Safety and Quality Research Unit at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. The research objectives for the Unit focus on foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance associated with the production of red meat. Terry’s primary interests pertain to understanding the dynamics of pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella that have been associated with feedlot cattle and identifying interventions to reduce or prevent contamination of beef carcasses and raw beef products. In addition, Dr. Arthur’s work has provided a context for the interpretation of antimicrobial resistance data obtained from agricultural sources and resulted in over 80 peer-reviewed publications.

Terry has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Ph.D. in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jason Hastings, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer, FREMONTA Corp.

Jason is a seasoned Food Safety Engineer and Laboratory Director with 8+ years of research leadership and testing experience in food and beverage safety, food production, and higher education. Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for leading laboratory teams, as well as for creating laboratory and testing management programs, Jason has a history of contributing to company growth throughout his career, including laboratory design and buildout, method development for analytical equipment, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), ROI and cost analysis, regulatory practices, supply chain management, management development, infrastructure development, and project management.

Jason joined FREMONTA Corps as Chief Operating Officer in 2017. Under Jason’s leadership, a 14,000-square-foot laboratory for microbiological and chemical testing was conceived, planned, and developed. Jason also nurtures and promotes relationships to support company partnerships and collaborative activities.  

Garth Hoffmann, National Sales Director, FREMONTA Corp.

Garth Hoffmann is a Food Processing Professional with over 35 years of experience in the business. His career includes Engineering, Operations, Marketing and Sales.  He has worked for Hunt Wesson Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, Tropicana, PepsiCo and NBI Juiceworks prior to joining FREMONTA Corp.

Garth has worked as an Engineering Supervisor, and Production/Sanitation and Safety Supervisor for Hunt Wesson.  He served as Production Manager for North American Manufacturing for Dole, as well as Sr. Marketing Manager. His roles at Tropicana and PepsiCo were in sales, as Sr. National Sales Manager. He retired from PepsiCo and took on the role of Director of sales and Contract Packaging for NBI Juiceworks – a startup Juice manufacturing company.

Garth joined FREMONTA Corp. as National Sales Director in 2017.

John Powalisz, Director, Business Development, Sentry Equipment

During his 18 years with Sentry Equipment, John has had hands-on experience specifying, selling and starting up sampling solutions for food and beverage plants throughout the world. In his current role, John is the Industry Manager responsible for the Food and Beverage Markets working with clients and industry specialists to develop and employ best practice sampling and monitoring techniques and equipment to optimize processes and food safety compliance.

John has co-authored various sampling guidance documents and has presented numerous papers on sampling equipment for food products ranging from dairy liquids to dry bulk ingredients.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and has continuing education certificates from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and various continuing education programs.