Industry Voices Live with Meghann McLeod: championing food safety through people and technology

Earlier this year, we took our Industry Voices interview series on the road— recording with food industry experts live from the Guinness Storehouse on the eve of the GFSI conference. The event brought together leaders from across the food industry to share insights, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of food safety.  

In this special Industry Voices Live edition, we chat with Meghann McLeod, Director of Food Safety at Yum! Brands, to explore how people and technology are working together to elevate safety standards across the global food system. With over 20 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, Meghann is known for her commitment to building strong food safety cultures and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. Read more and watch the interview below: 

For Meghann, it all starts with people. 

When asked about the biggest food safety challenges facing the industry, she doesn’t hesitate: “There’s probably two big ones that come to mind. The first one for me actually is people capabilities.” She explains that frontline workers are the first line of defense in ensuring food safety, and they need to be empowered with the right tools and knowledge. “What we find is that the people who are on the front lines, making sure that they have the right knowledge and information to make the right decisions in those tough times is key.” 

This emphasis on frontline training is echoed across the industry. A strong food safety culture—driven by leadership and embraced by employees—has been shown to reduce violations and improve public safety outcomes. 

Technology: an enabler, not a replacement 

“We spend a lot of time using technology to get information to our teams in the field to make sure that they have that understanding and capability,” she says. From digital checklists that simplify daily routines to real-time data tools that help connect the dots across operations, the goal is to make food safety easier, smarter, and more consistent. 

“We spend a lot of time using technology to get information to our teams in the field to make sure that they have that understanding and capability,”

Digital checklists are becoming a staple in modern foodservice operations. They reduce human error, streamline compliance, and provide real-time visibility into safety practices—making them a key part of the industry's digital transformation. 

Technology isn’t just a tool, it’s a seat at the table. 

Meghann is clear that food safety professionals need to be part of the broader tech conversation. “It’s so important that as food safety professionals we recognise that technology is part of the future,” she says.

“And if we don’t make sure that we have our foot in the door and seat at the table, we’re going to be left behind.” 

She’s particularly excited about the potential of AI and automation to transform how we think about safety. “Obviously AI is the buzzword that everyone’s talking about,” she notes. But she’s also grounded in the practical, highlighting how even small innovations, like smarter checklists, can have a big impact. “It sounds simple, but a digital checklist makes it easier for a restaurant team member to do their job every day, but also makes it easier for us at corporate to look at data and connect the dots.” 

AI is already reshaping food safety. From predictive modeling that anticipates contamination risks to real-time monitoring systems that detect anomalies in packaging and processing, AI is helping the industry act faster and more accurately to prevent foodborne illness.