Manan Sharma, Ph.D., Takes the Helm: A New Era for the International Association for Food Protection
The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has officially ushered in a new chapter in its leadership. Following the conclusion of the IAFP 2026 annual meeting, Manan Sharma, Ph.D., has stepped into the role of President. Dr. Sharma, a distinguished voice in food safety science and a veteran of both federal research and private-sector consultancy, succeeds Manpreet Singh, Ph.D., who now transitions to the role of Past President.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for the global food safety community, which is currently grappling with rapid advancements in pathogen detection, supply chain transparency, and the increasing regulatory scrutiny of pre-harvest produce environments.
A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
Dr. Sharma’s appointment is the culmination of a career defined by rigorous scientific inquiry and a commitment to public health. He currently serves as the Senior Director for Produce and Food Safety at The Acheson Group (TAG), where he translates complex, science-based data into actionable safety solutions for global food companies.
Before his move to the private sector, Dr. Sharma spent 21 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). During his two-decade tenure at the Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, he built an international reputation as a Lead Scientist and Research Microbiologist. His academic footprint is significant, boasting nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications and nine book chapters, all of which have contributed to the modern understanding of how pathogens survive and thrive in agricultural environments.
Focus on Pre-Harvest Produce Safety
At the heart of Dr. Sharma’s research lies a critical niche: the safety of fresh produce before it reaches the harvest stage. His body of work has fundamentally changed how the industry views the intersection of environmental factors and bacterial survival.
His research has explored:
- Pathogen Persistence: Investigating how enteric bacterial pathogens survive in soil, manure, and compost.
- Water Quality: Analyzing the risks associated with irrigation water—a vector that has been implicated in numerous large-scale outbreaks.
- Collaborative Safety: Dr. Sharma has been a key player in collaborative efforts with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Furthermore, his participation in the U.S. National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Environmental Working Group highlights his commitment to the "One Health" approach, acknowledging the intricate connection between environmental health, animal health, and human food safety.
A Chronology of Dedication: From Student Member to President
Dr. Sharma’s relationship with the IAFP is not a recent development; it is a lifelong commitment. He first joined the association as a student in 2000, and over the past 26 years, he has climbed the ranks through consistent, hands-on volunteerism.
A Timeline of Service
- 2000: Joins IAFP as a student member, beginning his path of active engagement.
- 2011: Receives the Larry Beuchat Young Researcher Award, cementing his status as a rising star in the field.
- 2018: Awarded the Maurice Weber Laboratorian Award in recognition of his significant contributions to laboratory science.
- 2022: Named an IAFP Fellow, an honor reserved for members who have made exceptional contributions to the field of food safety.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Sharma has served on nearly every critical committee within the organization. From the Journal of Food Protection Editorial Board and the IAFP Annual Meeting Program Committee to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, he has been an omnipresent force in shaping the association’s strategic direction. His role as Chair of the Student Professional Development Group is perhaps most indicative of his character; he has spent years mentoring the next generation of food scientists, ensuring that the future of the industry is in capable hands.
Beyond the international level, he has been a pillar of the regional community, serving as both Vice President and President of the Capital Area Food Protection Association and acting as a founding member of the Indian Association for Food Protection in North America.
Academic Foundations
Dr. Sharma’s expertise is rooted in a robust academic background. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida. He subsequently pursued his M.S. and Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology at the University of Georgia. These institutions provided the groundwork for his eventual career as a premier researcher and leader.
The New Executive Board: A Collective Vision
The IAFP Executive Board, now under Dr. Sharma’s presidency, reflects a cross-section of the most influential sectors of the food safety ecosystem. The board members bring together expertise from private industry, academia, and regulatory bodies:
- President-Elect: Pam Wilger, Post Consumer Brands
- Vice President: Wendy White, Georgia Institute of Technology
- Secretary: Maria Hoffmann, FDA
- Past President: Manpreet Singh, University of Georgia
- Affiliate Council Chair: Takiyah Ball, Sargento Foods Inc.
This composition is intentionally diverse, ensuring that the IAFP addresses food safety from every angle—from the laboratory bench to the processing plant, and from the classroom to the federal policy office.
Implications for the Future of Food Safety
Dr. Sharma’s presidency signals a likely intensification of the IAFP’s focus on proactive safety measures. As the industry faces the dual pressures of climate change affecting water quality and the increasing sophistication of microbial threats, the need for science-based policy has never been higher.
Strategic Priorities Under the New Administration
While the association continues its mission of "Advancing Food Safety Worldwide," the following areas are expected to take center stage during Dr. Sharma’s term:
- Bridging the Gap Between Science and Implementation: Utilizing his background at TAG, Dr. Sharma is well-positioned to ensure that research findings from the USDA and academic institutions are translated into practical, cost-effective solutions for food manufacturers.
- Mentorship and Diversity: Given his history with the Student Professional Development Group and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, there is a strong expectation that the IAFP will expand its efforts to attract and retain a diverse workforce in food science.
- Enhanced Regulatory Cooperation: With his history of collaboration with the FDA and EPA, Dr. Sharma’s leadership will likely facilitate smoother communication between industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies, a necessity for navigating the complexities of modern food safety laws.
Industry Outlook
The appointment of Dr. Sharma comes at a moment when the food safety industry is undergoing a digital transformation. The rise of AI-driven tools—such as the "Ask FSM" search tool—and the increasing use of predictive modeling for pathogen control reflect an industry in transition.
Dr. Sharma’s career has been characterized by his ability to bridge the gap between traditional microbiology and modern, data-driven food safety systems. His transition to the IAFP presidency is not merely a change in administrative leadership; it is a strategic alignment of the association’s goals with the current demands of a globalized, highly technical food supply chain.
As the industry looks ahead, the leadership of Dr. Sharma promises a tenure defined by scientific integrity, a deep-seated commitment to mentorship, and a relentless focus on the prevention of foodborne illness through evidence-based practice. His colleagues and the wider food safety community anticipate a productive term that will strengthen the global infrastructure of food protection for years to come.
In an era where the stakes for consumer health are higher than ever, the IAFP remains the essential forum for the exchange of knowledge—and under the stewardship of Dr. Manan Sharma, that forum is poised to lead the way into a safer, more resilient future.
