In this episode of the Food Safety Unwrapped podcast, Sarah Garcia and Hal King dive into the risks of high staff turnover, discussing how it affects food safety, training, and overall restaurant operations. She also explores the growing role of robotics and technology in food safety, offering firsthand insights into how innovations are being integrated to enhance efficiency and mitigate risks.
Later in the episode, Sarah answers listener-submitted questions, sharing valuable career advice and industry perspectives. Have a food safety question you’d like to answer in our next episode?
Click on this LINK to submit your question and stay tuned for more expert insights!
Sarah Garcia is a seasoned food safety leader and the Director of Environmental Health and Food Safety at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where she has been instrumental in maintaining world-class food safety standards since November 2021. In this role, Sarah oversees a team of food safety professionals, focusing on in-restaurant training, compliance, and risk mitigation to ensure operational excellence and uphold Chipotle’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program.
Before joining Chipotle, Sarah built and led the food safety department at Casey’s General Stores, overseeing food safety programs across 3,000+ stores, managing three company-owned broadline distribution centers, and driving supplier approvals and fleet safety for over 250 vehicles. She has also held leadership roles at Sysco Food Service and Target, earning a reputation for transformational leadership and strategic food safety innovation.
Sarah’s contributions to the industry have earned her prestigious accolades, including recognition as one of Convenience Store News’ Top Women in Convenience “Rising Stars” in 2021. She also served as an advisor to the board of the Mid-Continental Association of Food and Drug Officials, representing the retail sector in 2020 and 2021.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Apparel, and Merchandising from Northern Illinois University and continues to be a driving force in enhancing food safety standards and shaping industry best practices.
© 2025 Sani Professional®, a division of PDI, Inc. | 1Kline & Company 2024 annual sales data. Based on U.S. dollars sold from full-service, fast-casual, and quick-service restaurants and workplace cafeterias. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | CSC Act | FSC® Promotional License number: FSC-N004482
<div id="buzzsprout-player-12102484"></div>
<script src= https://www.buzzsprout.com/2112006/12102484-episode-1-dr-hal-king-and-sani-professional-unwrap-new-podcast-on-food-safety.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-12102484&player=small type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>
