In an annual tribute to young leaders in the fight against foodborne diseases, Food safety news writer Jonan Pilet has been named to the ’40 Under 40′ class of 2024 by The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness. Pilet’s selection marks the second consecutive year a writer has been featured Food safety news has earned this distinction following Joe Whitworth’s recognition in 2023.
Launched by The Alliance in 2023, the ’40 Under 40′ initiative aims to highlight young professionals worldwide who are making significant progress in food safety. The nominees, who had to be between 18 and 39 years old as of June 30, 2024, were judged based on their contributions to food safety practices and culture.
Jonan Pilet, who attended Food safety news has been providing crucial food safety information to the public since 2019. Its daily reports on food recalls and outbreaks help inform consumers of potential health risks. In addition, Pilet conducts in-depth interviews with scientists, government officials and food poisoning victims, transforming these discussions into compelling stories that emphasize the importance of food safety.
In addition to his writing, Pilet manages the Food safety news social media channels, actively communicating with readers across multiple platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and Threads. His efforts also extend into the multimedia sphere, where he produces videos for the YouTube channel Food Safety News.
“Jonan Pilet’s work plays an important role in providing essential food safety information to consumers,” said The Alliance. “His multifaceted contributions significantly expand the reach and impact of food safety information.”
Also recognized in this year’s class is former Food Safety News reporter and Washington correspondent Helena Bottemiller Evich, an award-winning journalist who spent nearly a decade at POLITICO covering food and agriculture policy. Her food safety insights have been featured on networks such as CNN, MSNBC and NPR, and her articles have appeared in the Columbia Journalism Review and NBC News.
The 2024 class of “40 Under 40” includes individuals from 35 organizations and universities around the world, and reflects a diverse group committed to improving food safety. Each honoree was selected through a rigorous application process, which required a resume and cover letter describing their contributions to food safety and leadership potential.
“The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Disease is proud to recognize these talented individuals who represent the future of food safety,” the Alliance said. “Their innovative work and passionate commitment to preventing foodborne illness are having a significant impact on our global food system.”
The full list of winners can be found here.
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