Description
In today’s interconnected global food system, safety alone is not enough—defense is essential. Food Defense: From Regulation to Reality traces the evolution of the food industry from preventing accidental contamination to countering deliberate tampering, insider threats, and acts of sabotage. Drawing on more than a century of lessons—from the 1993 Jack-in-the-Box E. coli outbreak to the landmark Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011— this book and companion workbook expose the key principles that define food defense today. Readers will explore the intersection of policy, preparedness, and real-world application through case studies, regulatory milestones, and industrytested frameworks.
With practical guidance on building resilient systems, assessing vulnerabilities, and empowering frontline awareness, Food Defense: From Regulation to Reality equips facility workers to protect not only their operations, but also the integrity of our nation’s food supply—from farm to fork.
“Rod Wheeler’s Food Defense: From Regulation to Reality is a game-changer for the food industry. With unmatched expertise and decades of hands-on, real-life experiences, Rod transforms complex regulatory concepts into practical, realworld strategies that every food company can apply.”
-Lance Roberie CEO, Food Safety & Quality Services FSPCA Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessments Lead Instructor
“Rod Wheeler is one of the most powerful, knowledgeable, and insightful presences in food defense and food safety today. His ability to distill complex regulatory frameworks into practical, actionable strategies is unmatched.”
-Debby Newslow Founder & President, D.L. Newslow & Associates, Inc.
“In an era of increasing vulnerabilities, this insightful guide not only raises awareness but equips professionals with the tools to build resilient defense systems, ensuring consumer safety and operational integrity. I highly recommend this book for industry leaders who are serious about protecting what we eat. Rod is my go-to on anything food defense.”
-Bryan Armentrout Founder, The Food Leadership Group Partner, Culture Advisory Group, North America
About the Author
Widely recognized as “Washington D.C.’s All-Star Homicide Detective” and “No Stranger to the Community,” Rod Wheeler is a nationally respected criminal investigator, security expert, and food defense leader. Rod is the Founder and CEO of The Global Food Defense Institute (GFDI), which helps safeguard the food, agricultural, and chemical industries from intentional tampering and contamination. He also serves as a Law Enforcement Analyst and Contributor for major news outlets, offering expertise on crime, terrorism, and active shooter preparedness. A former Homeland Security and Food Defense Subject Matter Expert for AIB International, Rod has trained thousands of professionals worldwide in food defense and crisis management. He also served as Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the Food Products Association, where he developed national programs to help companies strengthen their security and emergency response protocols. With a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from American University, Rod brings decades of experience in law enforcement, corporate security, and regulatory compliance. He has conducted more than 500 security vulnerability assessments for corporations large and small. Rod has advised Fortune 500 clients including Starbucks, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, and ConAgra, and was honored by the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps for training over 200 military personnel in global food defense.
