Social media is rapidly permeating today’s food safety culture, and it’s imperative to provide relevant and practical information to our stakeholders through this medium. By utilizing social media, SQF Institute can reach diverse audiences with our message of food safety and certification, and also facilitate interactive communication and community.

A recent Pew Research Center study indicated that 47 percent of American adults use social media – a rapidly growing trend. People are not simply logging on to social media sites; they are participating in the discussion. On an average day, 22 percent of Facebook users comment on someone’s post or status, and 26 percent “like” another user’s content. Not participating in the online dialogue is missing out on an opportunity to educate American consumers about the food safety industry’s mission and goals.

Many food producers and suppliers are utilizing social media such as Facebook or Twitter to communicate with consumers about everything from food recalls to providing a behind-the-scenes look at the farm-to-fork process.

Government agencies such as the FDA and the CDC currently employ multiple social media platforms to reach diverse audiences – successfully raising awareness of their championed issues and also establishing themselves as reputable food safety sources.

Here at SQF Institute, we’re using social media to both educate the general public about the importance of proper food safety and certification as well as communicate industry updates with our stakeholders. We utilize Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with our audiences and facilitate discussions about current industry topics and trends.

Additionally, with our SQF International Conference on the horizon, we are excited to utilize social media to foster discussion about conference sessions, topics and speakers.

If you have not already found us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, we welcome you to join our growing dialogue.