Not All Food Safety Heroes Wear Capes

In a recent keynote speech at a food safety event in Utah, themed “Food Safety Hero,” I was posed an intriguing question: “If a food safety inspector were a superhero, who would they be?” My immediate response highlighted that every individual involved in food safety is, in his or her own right, a hero. This sentiment is deeply rooted in my experiences and insights into food safety.

Several years ago, I had a poignant encounter with a family whose young son had survived an E. coli infection and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). His mother showed me a crayon drawing he had made of a superhero — complete with tights and a cape. He wished that someone had said or done something to prevent his illness and the ensuing lifelong health complications.

This encounter reminded me of a 1906 review in the London Daily Times of Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle,” which shocked readers with its stark portrayal of the meatpacking industry’s conditions. The review included a haunting passage:

“Unhappily we have good reason for believing it to be all fact, not fiction. … It is with nothing less than horror that we learn it to be true. The things described by Mr. Sinclair happened yesterday, are happening today and will happen tomorrow and the next day, until some Hercules comes to cleanse the filthy stable.”

Perhaps instead of seeking some singular “Hercules,” this was a rather poetic way of saying that food safety requires a Herculean effort — an enormous amount of work, strength and courage. Still, the concept of Hercules, a mythical figure tasked with near-impossible feats, aligns well with the continuous, rigorous demands placed on those in food safety. The industry’s heroes might not don capes, but they embody heroic traits that are critical in their mission to protect public health.

Let us explore these characteristics through the lens of well-known superheroes, illustrating the profound parallels between their qualities and those essential for food safety professionals.

If a food safety inspector were a superhero, who would they be?

SPEED. In food safety, the rapid escalation of issues like contamination outbreaks demands swift action. The Flash/Barry Allen represents the epitome of speed, mirroring the critical responsiveness required from food safety inspectors to prevent widespread health crises.

MORAL COMPASS. Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and Captain America/Steve Rogers are paragons of integrity and righteousness. Food safety leaders, much like these superheroes, require an unwavering moral compass to uphold standards and ensure public safety, often in the face of substantial pressure and ethical dilemmas.

RESILIENCE. Wolverine/Logan is known for his ability to endure and recover from severe challenges. Similarly, food safety inspectors must demonstrate resilience as they navigate resistance from businesses, complex regulatory landscapes and high-stress situations — all while maintaining their commitment to public health.

KEEN SENSES. Spider-Man/Peter Parker and Hawkgirl/Shiera Sanders Hall’s heightened sensory abilities allow them to perceive dangers that are not obvious to others. Food safety inspectors rely on similar keen senses to detect subtle hazards in food production, crucial for preempting potential health risks.

PERCEPTION. Daredevil/Matt Murdock’s enhanced perception, despite his blindness, makes him an excellent analogue for food safety inspectors. Their success often depends on the ability to critically assess and discern risks in their environment, recognizing problems that may not be immediately visible.

These superheroes exemplify the virtues needed by those in the trenches of food safety — individuals who may not have superpowers but whose daily dedication and skills are nothing short of heroic. Their work often goes unnoticed by the public, yet it is vital in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring the safety of our food supply.

While no single superhero can encapsulate the myriad qualities that food safety professionals embody, the collective attributes of these characters provide a powerful metaphor for the critical and often Herculean nature of their work. As we reflect on the importance of food safety, let us remember and appreciate these real-life food safety heroes who, equipped with their “superpowers,” tirelessly protect public health and safety.