SEATTLE, WA – Food Safety News today announced its transition to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and the launch of FSN+, a reader-supported membership program, marking a major milestone in the organization's commitment to independent food safety journalism. The transition addresses growing challenges facing independent media while ensuring the 16-year-old publication can continue to provide critical coverage without dependence on advertising revenue or personal funding.
This move ensures that Food Safety News can continue to provide independent coverage of investigations into foodborne illness outbreaks, food recalls, regulatory changes and emerging pathogens – work that serves food safety professionals, industry leaders and conscious consumers around the world. This transition comes at a critical time when independent food safety reporting is becoming increasingly important to public health awareness and industry accountability.
FSN+ Membership Program
Food Safety News introduces FSN+ membership to create a sustainable funding model focused on reader support. Membership includes:
Membership benefits:
- Sunday edition for members only
- FSN Daily Members Only Newsletter (Monday – Friday)
- Full access to all articles on the site
- Experience reading websites without ads
- Access to the comments section
Membership cost:
- Founding Member Rate: $59/year (available through December 31, 2025)
- Standard Membership: $79/year (beginning January 1, 2026).
Food Safety News publishes more than 80 percent of the latest news, reviews and investigative journalism, delivering an average of 15 to 20 original articles each week covering emerging foodborne pathogens, regulatory changes and food safety innovations.
High reader demand confirms the transition
Membership conversions are based on extensive reader research. A comprehensive survey of more than 1,800 readers found strong support for the nonprofit model:
- 89 percent of readers believe FSN is critical to their work.
- 67 percent indicated a willingness to pay for access to membership
- More than 50 percent of respondents work in food safety or manage the food industry.
- Average reader engagement: Readers visit the site 2-3 times a week.
“Our survey of more than 1,800 readers showed strong demand, with 89 percent saying FSN was critical to their work and 67 percent saying they were willing to pay for it,” said Peter Gustafson, chief executive. “This membership model is built on the needs of our readers and the entire food safety community. She will ensure that FSN can serve them sustainably and maintain the independence that makes our work possible.”
Industry support and feedback
Food Safety News is trusted by some of the most influential people in food safety. Industry leaders, including former FDA Deputy Commissioners Mike Taylor and Frank Yiannas, praised the publication's role in advancing the food safety debate and keeping experts informed on critical developments. Current subscribers emphasize the value of the publication in their daily work:
“FSN is indispensable to the food safety community. It allows me to keep abreast of developments in the field of food safety around the world,” noted one of the quality managers of a large international food company.
Another subscriber emphasized, “Food safety news contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of food safety,” reflecting the publication's role in raising awareness throughout the industry.
These reviews highlight the publication's established authority and the real need it fills in the food safety sector.
A sustainable model of independent journalism
Food Safety News remains committed to providing comprehensive and independent coverage of disease outbreaks, recalls, regulatory changes and innovative developments in food safety policy and practice around the world. Non-profit status allows the organization to diversify its funding model while maintaining editorial independence.
“For 16 years, I have personally funded Food Safety News because someone needs to watch it,” said Bill Marler, founder and publisher. “But personal finance is not sustainable. This transition will ensure that FSN will outlive me and preserve independent food safety journalism for decades to come.”
Tax-deductible donations are also available to support FSN's journalism and ensure continued publication of critical food safety coverage.
About food safety News
Food Safety News is an independent, nonprofit publication dedicated to investigative journalism about foodborne illness outbreaks, food recalls and regulatory changes affecting the global food supply. Founded in 2009, FSN provides food safety professionals, industry leaders, policymakers and consumers with the latest news and in-depth analysis.
Mission: Food safety news advances public health by providing timely, accurate and comprehensive coverage of foodborne illness outbreaks, recalls and regulatory changes that impact the safety of our global food supply.
Vision: We envision a world where everyone has access to trusted food safety information, empowering consumers and industry professionals to make informed decisions that protect public health and strengthen the global food system.
The publication remains committed to independent journalism that is not dependent on advertising, sponsorship or corporate funding, ensuring that editorial integrity and reader trust remain at the core of all reporting.
For more information, visit foodsafetynews.com. To subscribe to FSN+, visit foodsafetynews.com/membership.
Contact Name: Peter Gustafson, Partial Executive Director, Food Safety News
Contact email: [email protected]
Website: foodsafetynews.com
Follow FSN: @FoodSafetyNews on all major social platforms
