Seattle, WA - Food Safety News announced today its transition to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and the launch of FSN+, a reader-supported membership program, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to independent food safety journalism. The transition addresses the evolving challenges facing independent media while ensuring the 16-year-old publication can continue delivering critical coverage without dependence on advertising revenue or personal funding.
The move ensures Food Safety News can maintain its independent investigative coverage of foodborne illness outbreaks, food recalls, regulatory developments, and emerging pathogens – work that serves food safety professionals, industry leaders, and conscious consumers worldwide. This transition comes at a critical time when independent food safety reporting is increasingly essential to public health awareness and industry accountability.
The FSN+ Membership Program
Food Safety News is introducing FSN+ membership to build a sustainable funding model centered on reader support. The membership structure includes:
Membership Benefits:
- Members-only Sunday edition
- Members-only FSN Daily newsletter (Monday - Friday)
- Full access to all website articles
- Ad-free website reading experience
- Access to the comments section
Membership Pricing:
- Founding member rate: $59/year (available through Dec. 31, 2025)
- Standard membership: $79/year (beginning Jan. 1, 2026)
Food Safety News publishes more than 80 percent breaking news, recalls, and investigative reporting, providing an average of 15 to 20 original articles weekly covering emerging foodborne pathogens, regulatory changes, and food safety innovations.
Strong Reader Demand Validates Transition
The membership transition is grounded in extensive reader research. A comprehensive survey of 1,800+ readers revealed compelling support for the nonprofit model:
- 89 percent of readers identified FSN as critical to their work
- 67 percent indicated willingness to pay for membership access
- More than 50 percent of respondents work in food safety professions or food industry leadership
- Average reader engagement: readers visit the site 2 to 3 times weekly
"Our survey of 1,800+ readers showed strong demand: 89 percent said FSN is critical to their work, and 67 percent said they'd pay for it," said Peter Gustafson, Executive Director. "This membership model is built on the needs of our readers and the greater food safety community. It ensures FSN can serve them sustainably and maintain the independence that makes our work possible."
Industry Support and Testimonials
Food Safety News has earned trust among the most influential voices in food safety. Industry leaders including former FDA Deputy Commissioners Mike Taylor and Frank Yiannas have praised the publication's role in advancing food safety conversation and keeping professionals informed of critical developments. Current subscribers highlight the publication's value in their daily operations:
"FSN is indispensable to the food safety community. It keeps me in touch with worldwide food safety developments," noted one Division Quality Manager at a major international food company.
Another subscriber emphasized: "Food Safety News facilitates a bigger conversation on the importance of food safety," reflecting the publication's role in elevating industry-wide awareness.
These testimonials underscore the publication's established authority and the genuine need it fills within the food safety sector.
Sustainable Model for Independent Journalism
Food Safety News remains committed to delivering comprehensive, independent coverage of outbreaks, recalls, regulatory changes, and innovative developments in food safety policies and practices worldwide. The nonprofit status enables the organization to diversify its funding model while maintaining editorial independence.
"For 16 years, I've personally funded Food Safety News because someone needs to watch," said Bill Marler, founder and publisher. "But personal funding isn't sustainable. This transition ensures FSN outlasts me and keeps independent food safety journalism alive for decades."
Tax-deductible donations are also available to support FSN's journalism and ensure the continued publication of critical food safety coverage.
About Food Safety News
Food Safety News is an independent nonprofit publication dedicated to investigative reporting on foodborne illness outbreaks, food recalls, and regulatory developments affecting the global food supply. Founded in 2009, FSN serves food safety professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, and consumers with breaking news and in-depth analysis.
Mission: Food Safety News advances public health by delivering timely, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of foodborne illness outbreaks, recalls, and regulatory developments that impact the safety of our global food supply.
Vision: We envision a world where everyone has access to reliable food safety information, empowering consumers and industry professionals to make informed decisions that protect public health and strengthen the global food system.
The publication maintains a commitment to independent journalism without dependence on advertising, sponsorships, or corporate funding, ensuring 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, Fractional Executive Director, Food Safety News
Contact Email: pgustafson@foodsafetynews.com
Website: foodsafetynews.com
Follow FSN: @FoodSafetyNews on all major social platforms
