I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Emeritus Frank Busta. He was not only a brilliant mentor but also a dear friend. His loss will be felt profoundly across the entire food safety community. The field has lost a true titan, and while he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on through the many professionals he inspired. The food safety world has lost a true titan. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the many professionals he inspired. Frank Busta was Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota (UM), Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and Director Emeritus, the National Center for Food Protection and Defense. A most consequential contribution to the world of food safety was Frank's 15 years of service on the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF), where he helped develop internationally recognized protocols and practices for the production of safe food. The University of Minnesota's Department of Food Science and Nutrition announced his passing with deep sadness, recognizing him as an internationally respected food safety scientist and pivotal leader. Dr. Busta served as department head from 1987 to 1998, guiding the department to national and global prominence in the late 20th century. In addition to fostering a collaborative culture among outstanding faculty researchers, he was a distinguished scientist in his own right, authoring more than 125 peer-reviewed publications. His many career achievements include serving as President of the Institute of Food Technologists (1995–1996) and being recruited to establish and serve as the inaugural Director of the National Center for Food Protection and Defense (now the Food Protection and Defense Institute. On a personal note, I will always appreciate his thoughtful engagement—especially his familiar "like" after reading our weekly summaries. It was a small gesture that reflected his enduring support and generosity.@ ).@ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fscn-dept-of-food-science-nutrition-at-umn-tc_it-is-with-great-sadness-that-we-announce-activity-7422711989199769600--8MT/
