Using AI to Strengthen Environmental Monitoring Programs

Environmental monitoring programs generate large amounts of information, but turning sampling results, facility knowledge, historical trends, and investigation findings into effective decisions can be challenging. This workshop introduces participants to the practical use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of environmental monitoring programs (EMPs).

Participants will explore how AI can be used to support common EMP activities, including developing and reviewing sampling plans, identifying potential sampling sites, analyzing environmental monitoring data, recognizing trends and recurring patterns, supporting root-cause investigations, and developing corrective and preventive actions. Through presentations, discussion, case studies, and hands-on exercises using AI tools, participants will learn where AI can add value and where human expertise remains essential.

A major focus of the workshop will be human-AI teaming: using AI to expand the questions considered, organize complex information, recognize patterns, and challenge assumptions while maintaining human responsibility for food safety decisions. Participants will practice evaluating AI-generated recommendations for technical accuracy, completeness, and quality.