Industry Voices Live with John Donaghy, Nestlé: staying ahead of food safety challenges

In the latest edition of Industry Voices Live, we share insights from John Donaghy, Global Head of Food Safety at Nestlé. Read on and watch the interview to explore the evolving landscape of food safety and how one of the world’s largest food companies is navigating it. 

Facing a complex web of food safety risks 

John opened the conversation by highlighting the multifaceted nature of food safety challenges today. From geopolitical instability affecting supply chains to climate change altering crop conditions and increasing risks like mycotoxins, the threats are diverse and interconnected. He also pointed to the rise in food fraud, often driven by shortages and economic pressures, as a growing concern.

“There are chemical, microbiological, and physical hazards,” John explained, “and we have to be prepared for all of them.” 

The power of prediction and prevention 

Nestlé’s approach to tackling these challenges is rooted in early warning systems and data-driven decision-making. John emphasised the importance of being alert to what’s coming over the horizon—even if it turns out to be a false alarm. 

“Once there’s a monster coming over a hill, you also have to be ready for what’s coming over that hill,” John said. “Sometimes it could be a red herring. It may not turn out to be a real food safety issue, but you still have to be very aware of it.” 

This proactive stance is supported by extensive testing and monitoring across Nestlé’s factories and supply chains. The goal? To shift from a reactive to a predictive and preventive model of food safety. 

Data as a strategic asset 

With vast amounts of data generated from testing and monitoring, Nestlé is increasingly leveraging analytics to anticipate risks before they materialise. This transition toward predictive food safety is a key part of the company’s strategy to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. 

🎥 Want to hear more from John? 

Watch John Donaghy discuss food safety challenges and Nestlé's approach in the video below: 

Learn how you can leverage a data-driven approach to food safety and quality with digital tools built by food industry experts in this free guide, click below to download your copy: