In an annual tribute to young leaders in the fight against foodborne illness, 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 from Food Safety News has earned this distinction, following Joe Whitworth’s recognition in 2023.
The “40 Under 40” initiative, launched by The Alliance in 2023, aims to spotlight young professionals worldwide making significant advances in food safety. Nominees, who had to be between 18 and 39 as of June 30, 2024, were evaluated based on their contributions to food safety practices and culture.
Jonan Pilet
Jonan Pilet, who has been with Food Safety News since 2019, has delivered critical food safety information to the public. His daily reports on food recalls and outbreaks help inform consumers of potential health risks. Additionally, Pilet conducts in-depth interviews with scientists, government officials, and food poisoning victims, transforming these discussions into compelling narratives highlighting food safety’s importance.
Beyond his writing, Pilet manages the Food Safety News social media channels, actively engaging with readers across multiple platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads. His efforts also extend to the multimedia sphere, where he produces videos for the Food Safety News YouTube channel.
“Jonan Pilet’s work is instrumental in bringing vital food safety information to consumers,” said The Alliance. “His multifaceted contributions significantly enhance 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 agricultural policy. Her insights on food safety are frequently 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, reflecting a diverse group committed to enhancing food safety. Each honoree was selected through a rigorous application process that required a resume and a cover letter detailing their contributions to food safety and leadership potential.
“The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness is proud to recognize these talented individuals who represent the future of food safety,” stated the Alliance. “Their innovative work and passionate commitment to preventing foodborne illness are significantly impacting our global food system.”
The full list of awardees can be found here.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
