Effectively managing supplier data, documents and records, and performance across a large supplier network requires consistent processes and data management practices to effectively verify food safety compliance and mitigate associated risks. Integrating standardized tools and information management solutions can significantly improve supplier program efficiency and streamline supplier management.

Supplier Management System

KTL’s Supplier Management System comprises custom tools built using Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform to streamline how an organization approves and manages suppliers, help control costs and reduce risk, and support compliance with internal requirements and regulations (e.g., Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) Rule).

The Supplier Management System comprises the following:

• Centralized Supplier Inventory: Maintains a centralized list of all suppliers the organization works with. This includes key details such as contact information, supplied products or services, certifications, supplier-specific requirements, compliance status, performance history, and facility‑specific requirements.
• Supplier Risk Assessment: Evaluates potential and existing suppliers by identifying and analyzing factors that could introduce risk into the supply chain. It examines elements such as compliance status, performance history, documentation quality, and contract adherence. The tool captures any identified risks and helps ensure they are documented, monitored, and addressed as part of an ongoing Supplier Management Program.
• Supplier Documents and Records Management: Provides secure and centralized storage and organization of supplier documents and records. When enabled, suppliers can upload their own documents in a secure folder, reducing internal resource requirements. This tool allows for improved document searchability and accessibility, a clear audit trail, and reduced paperwork.
• Supplier Approval Workflow: Supports a structured, standardized process for both the initial approval and ongoing re-evaluation of suppliers to ensure continued compliance with organizational, regulatory, and performance requirements. This feature uses a standard checklist to review certifications, licenses, risk indicators, and performance history to consistently evaluate suppliers. Through a repeatable process, organizations can reassess supplier performance over time, confirm ongoing compliance, and identify emerging risks or gaps that may require corrective action or follow-up.

Together, these features provide a comprehensive approach to supplier management that improves visibility, consistency, and accountability regarding supplier performance. Implementing a robust Supplier Management System like this can significantly help organizations strengthen supplier relationships, reduce operational and compliance risk, and maintain confidence in their supply chain, particularly when paired with regular supplier audits.

Connecting Supplier Audits

As food companies continue to expand their networks of co-manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and packaging partners, the ability to identify and address systemic weaknesses has never been more important. Onsite supplier audits are a critical component of an effective Supplier Program, providing direct visibility into supplier operations; verifying compliance with organizational, regulatory, and contractual requirements; and protecting food product safety and quality.

KTL’s Microsoft 365-based Audit Tool provides a consistent, data-driven means to conduct, document, and manage onsite supplier audits. The tool allows auditors to capture and verify audit evidence (i.e., compliance status, operational practices), standardizes audit protocol and criteria, and tracks audit progress from initiation through completion. It also monitors identified corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) for each supplier, allowing organizations to quickly assess resolution status and trends.

Centralizing audit data and insights as part of the overall Supplier Program helps inform decision-making regarding suppliers, strengthen supplier performance, maintain ongoing compliance, and drive continuous improvement.

Learn More at the Food Safety Summit

Join KTL at the 2026 Food Safety Summit in the Tech Tent on May 14 at 10:30 a.m. to learn more about the various tools that can improve Supplier Program efficiency and streamline supplier management, including:

• The value of onsite second-party supplier audits.
• Common supplier audit findings and how to address them.
• How supplier auditing tools streamline audit management.
• Ways to centralize and analyze supplier audit data.
• How data-driven tools improve supplier risk prioritization and program efficiency.

Join KTL at one of the premier events in the food industry–the 2026 Food Safety Summit. The Summit offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn real-world solutions from leaders in food safety and stay informed on the latest food safety trends, innovations, emerging challenges, and more.

• When: May 11-14, 2026
• Where: Donald Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois
• Who: Retailers, food processors, distributors, food manufacturers, growers, food service, testing laboratories, importing/exporting, law firms, and other food safety professionals
• Find KTL: Stop by our booth (#501) in the exhibit hall or attend our Tech Tent presentation (details below)!

Tech Tent Presentation

Be sure to update your agenda to attend KTL’s Tech Tent presentation on Thursday, May 14 at 10:45 am CT:

Supplier Audits: Strategies and Tools for Better Results

A wider reaching and more complex global supply chain exposes our food to increased risks. Supplier audits are essential for identifying and mitigating those risks. Managing audit data, corrective actions, and supplier performance across a large supplier network requires standardized processes and data management tools to effectively verify food safety compliance.

This presentation will highlight strategies for strengthening supplier programs, reducing risks, and improving performance using supplier audits and centralized data management systems.

Attendees will learn:

• How data-driven tools improve supplier risk prioritization and program efficiency.
• The value of onsite second-party supplier audits.
• Common supplier audit findings and how to address them.
• How supplier auditing tools streamline audit management.
• Ways to centralize and analyze supplier audit data.

On January 1, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Subsection (h) regulations mandated automatic leak detection systems (ALDS) for commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment with charges > 1,500 lbs. Compliance deadlines are January 1, 2026 for new equipment and January 1, 2027 for existing equipment. 

Additionally, a new threshold for refrigerant management is effective January 1, 2026. Systems containing ≥15 lbs. of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant or substitutes with global warming potential (GWP) > 53 must comply with: 

• Leak rate calculations and monitoring.
• 30-day repair timelines when leaks exceed thresholds. 
• Chronic leak reporting to the EPA.
• 3-year recordkeeping requirements. 
• Reclaimed refrigerant tracking and documentation. 

Producers, importers, and exporters of Class I (chlorofluorocarbons – CFCs) and Class II (hydrochlorofluorocarbons – HCFC) ozone-depleting substances must submit reporting forms to EPA through the Central Data Exchange (CDX). The first submittal is due March 31, 2026 for calendar year 2025. 

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) is a cornerstone of Clean Water Act (CWA) implementation for industrial facilities. The MSGP regulates stormwater discharges associated with approximately 29 industrial sectors, setting specific requirements to protect water quality.

EPA must reissue a new MSGP every five years. The current 2021 permit recently expired on February 28, 2026. And while the 2026 MSGP has not been finalized or approved, the proposed updates focus on expanded monitoring, more stringent corrective action requirements, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) tracking, and climate-resilient design expectations.

Regulatory Framework Behind the MSGP

Industrial stormwater permitting stems from the 1987 amendments to the CWA, which directed EPA to require National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity and that those discharges meet Water Quality Standards (WQS) under Section 402(p). In 1990, EPA subsequently defined the scope of “industrial activity” in 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14) and identified 11 categories of facilities.

The first MSGP was finalized in 1995, authorizing stormwater discharges for eligible operators in 29 sectors and establishing specific requirements to protect water quality. The permit applies to roughly 2,000 facilities nationwide in a wide range of industries. The MSGP does not cover construction stormwater (except at mines), discharges from non‑industrial portions of facilities, wastewater discharges, or non‑point source discharges.

To obtain MSGP coverage, operators in applicable industries must:

• Meet eligibility requirements (e.g., National Historic Preservation Act and Endangered Species Act requirements).
• Develop or update a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
• Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI).
• Comply with state or tribal water‑quality‑based requirements.
• Conduct inspections and monitoring, implement control measures, and complete corrective actions when necessary.

Key Proposed Changes

EPA’s proposed 2026 MSGP introduces several substantial updates aimed at improving water quality protection, strengthening accountability, and incorporating emerging environmental concerns.

1. Additional Implementation Measures (AIMs). AIMs are mandatory, tiered, and increasingly stringent responses triggered when industrial strormwater discharges exceed benchmarked thresholds. EPA is proposing more rigorous and time‑bound reporting for AIM‑triggering events (i.e., benchmark exceedances), shifting AIM from annual summary reporting to real‑time accountability. Under the new MSGP:
   • Operators must submit an AIM Triggering Event Report within 14 days, describing planned corrective actions and anticipated completion dates.
   • A follow‑up report is required within 14 days of completing corrective actions.
   • Facilities triggering AIM Level 1 must conduct and document an inspection within seven days to identify pollutant sources, submit findings electronically, and update their SWPPP.
2. AIM Natural Background Exception. EPA is further proposing to require operators to submit analytical results from uncontaminated stormwater to support claims that benchmark exceedances are due solely to natural background levels. EPA approval would be required before the exception is granted.
3. Benchmark Monitoring: New Schedule. The 2026 MSGP would replace the “Years 1 and 4” monitoring schedule with quarterly monitoring for the first three years. After twelve samples, operators may discontinue monitoring for a parameter if the annual average remains below benchmark thresholds. This approach will increase data resolution and reduce the risk of missing intermittent exceedances.
4. Benchmark Requirements: New Sectors. Also related to benchmarking, EPA is proposing to shift 11 subsectors that showed frequent exceedances based on 2021 MSGP data from indicator‑only monitoring to benchmark monitoring and AIM applicability. These subsectors include glass and stone products, meat and dairy, oil and gas extraction, plastics, landfills, transportation equipment, recycling, steam electric generation, non‑classified facilities, land transportation, and shipbuilding.
5. Impaired Waters Monitoring Expansion. EPA is proposing significantly more stringent monitoring requirements for impaired waters, marking a major shift toward proactive protection of impaired waterbodies.
   • All discharges to impaired waters—with or without an established Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)—would require quarterly monitoring for the entire permit term.
   • If pollutants of concern are detected, operators must take AIM Level 1 actions and implement all reasonable steps to prevent further discharge.
6. Resilient Stormwater Control Design. EPA is proposing to require operators to consider future climate conditions (e.g., extreme precipitation, flooding, and storm surge) when designing or upgrading stormwater controls, reflecting increasing climate‑related risks to industrial infrastructure.
7. PFAS Indicator Monitoring. For the first time, EPA is proposing to require quarterly “report‑only” monitoring for 40 PFAS compounds (as listed in EPA Method 1633) for numerous sectors, supporting growing national concern over PFAS contamination.
8. Clarified Water Quality‑Based Effluent Limits. EPA is proposing to specify water‑quality‑based effluent limitations, clarifying that discharges must not cause visible solids, scum, sheen, foam, discoloration, or odor. These clarifications reinforce longstanding CWA requirements while improving enforceability.

What’s Next

The EPA did not issue the new permit before the 2021 MSGP expired on February 28, 2026; therefore, until the new 2026 permit is finalized, the 2021 MSGP remains administratively continued for existing facilities. 

As proposed, the 2026 MSGP includes some of the most significant updates to industrial stormwater permitting in a decade, incorporating expanded monitoring, more stringent corrective action requirements, PFAS tracking, and climate‑resilient design expectations.

For industrial operators in impacted industry sectors, the changes will require earlier planning, more frequent sampling, and closer attention to stormwater control performance. Facilities should begin reviewing their SWPPPs, historical monitoring data, and potential PFAS sources to prepare for the transition once the final 2026 MSGP is issued.

If you are in the Rockford area, you won’t want to miss KTL at the REMS Summit 2026, held at the NIU Rockford Campus on February 5, 2026. The REMS Summit offers Rockford-area leaders in manufacturing keynote sessions on legislative updates and strategic priorities, as well as interactive breakout sessions covering workforce development, automation/AI, supply chain strategy, HR modernization, Lean leadership, and environmental, health & safety compliance.

KTL’s April Greene, CSP, CHMM, will be presenting a breakout session on Environmental, Health & Safety: What You Need to Know. This session will:

• Provide an overview of applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety and environmental regulatory requirements.
• Explain what is required to comply with federal, state, and local environmental and occupational safety regulations (i.e., your obligations as an employer).
• Identify common compliance pitfalls and gaps in existing operations, processes, and practices.
• Outline best practices for developing practical systems to manage risk and stay compliant.

An organization’s safety culture is ultimately reflected in the way safety is managed in the workplace. Strong safety cultures have a number of key attributes in common that promote responsible safety and health practices and beliefs across the organization. When these characteristics come together, everyone wins. Benefits that can be expected include:

• Fewer incidents, losses and disruptions
• Improved employee morale
• Increased productivity
• Lower workers’ compensation and insurance claims
• Improved compliance with OSHA regulations and state occupational safety and health programs
• Improved reputation to help attract new or retain existing customers and employees
• Better brand and shareholder value

A safety culture action plan outlines the tools and strategies organizations can use to improve their existing safety culture and ensure that it is integrated with overall business goals, vision, and mission.

Read KTL’s full article, Creating a Safety Culture Action Plan, authored by KTL Senior Associates April Greene, CSP, CHMM, and Will Brokaw, MA, as published in the November 2025 issue of ASSP’s Professional Safety Journal.

KTL will be joining the technical program of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America 46th Annual Meeting November 16-20, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. SETAC is dedicated to advancing environmental science and science-informed decision-making through collaboration, communication, eductaion, and leadership.

KTL Senior Associate Margaret Roy will be presenting Representation of the Homeless in Human Health Risk Assessment on Monday, November 17 at 10:00 am as part of Session 5.08: Beyond Direct Contact: Non-Traditional Exposure Scenarios in Human Health Risk Assessment.

Human Health Risk Assessments (HHRAs) are used to assess contaminant exposure and risk to defined populations, such as residents, commercial workers, and construction workers. HHRAs can also be used to assess risk for the homeless population. This presentation will discuss some of the challenges associated with developing an exposure model to represent the homeless sheltering and living on a contaminated site. For example, interviews with individuals may be necessary to develop an accurate exposure model. The presentation will also discuss the importance of the field sampling crew, from observing field conditions to safety concerns.

KTL is pleased to welcome the following new Associates to our team!

Betzy Colon, Senior Associate

Betzy is a senior environmental and social safeguards specialist with nearly 20 years of experience managing multi-sector investment projects, with a focus on project planning, safeguards implementation, strategic monitoring, and regulatory compliance. She has technical expertise in environmental management systems, environmental compliance audits and inspections, human health and ecological risk assessments, site investigations and remediation under CERCLA and RCRA, environmental permitting, and spill prevention and response. Betzy is based in Washington, D.C. Read her full bio…

Jeff Ploetz, Senior Associate

Jeff is an interdisciplinary environmental specialist with over 25 years of experience in environmental, social, and climate risk management. He has a proven track record of strengthening international development programs, environmental regulations, environmental impact assessment procedures, and knowledge management systems. He further has expertise in circular economy; climate mitigation/resiliency; energy efficiency; sustainable development; environmental, social, governance (ESG); strategic planning; and training and technical support.Jeff is based in Arlington, VA. Read his full bio…

Jordan Szynal, Associate

Jordan is an experienced quality and food safety professional with a background working in the chemical manufacturing and construction industries. She is well versed in developing and managing programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to comply with quality and food safety regulatory compliance and certification requirements. Jordan is based out of the Chicagoland area. Read her full bio…

KTL will be joining the 2025 Food Safety Consortium in Arlington, VA, October 19-21, 2025, as a featured panelist and exhibitor. The 14th Annual Food Safety Consortium provides food safety and quality assurance professionals with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and a collaborative network to enhance their professional development as champions of food safety.

KTL will be a panelist on the following breakout session as part of the workshop’s technical agenda:

Beyond the Checklist: Strengthening Supplier Verification for Transparency and Compliance
October 21, 2025 | 9:30-10:30 am | Panelist: Roberto Bellavia, Senior Consultant and Partner

In today’s dynamic regulatory environment, supplier verification is no longer just a documentation exercise—it’s a critical component of a resilient and transparent supply chain. This session will explore how food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators are leveraging digital platforms, risk-based strategies, and FSMA-aligned best practices to ensure supplier compliance and mitigate potential disruptions. Learn how to build verification programs that go beyond minimum requirements to proactively manage risk, foster trust with trading partners, and adapt to evolving traceability expectations. Whether you’re preparing for FDA inspections or looking to streamline supplier onboarding and oversight, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to enhance both transparency and performance across your supply network. 

And be sure to stop by and visit us at Booth #21. We look forward to seeing you at the Food Safety Consortium!

KTL is excited to be joining the 2025 Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference (MECC) in Overland Park, Kansas, September 15-16, 2025, as a sponsor, presenter, and exhibitor. MECC takes a fresh, regional approach to the increasingly difficult task of environmental compliance, permitting, enforcement, and other critical environmental issues that impact Midwest facilities and institutions.

KTL will be leading the following sessions as part of the workshop’s technical agenda:

OSHA Fundamentals for Advancing Environmental Professionals
September 15, 2025 | 8:45 am | Presenter: April Greene, CSP, CHMM, Senior Consultant

Moving from environmental specialist to EHS leader means you suddenly need to know about fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined spaces, and more. This session gives environmental professionals the strategic safety overview on critical safety programs.

IT Tools for EHS Compliance: Demo
September 15, 2025 | 11:15 am | Presenter: Joseph Kunes, Consultant

Building an EHS IT system doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Most companies already
have the software they need. Learn how to build data management tools to collect, track, & report EHS
compliance information using the latest Microsoft 365 and Power Platform apps. See examples and
hear from EHS/IT experts on how you can benefit from this approach.

Navigating EHS Challenges in the Food Industry: Panel
September 16, 2025 | 9:40 am | Moderator: Joe Tell, Principal

In the fast-paced and highly regulated world of food production, EHS professionals play a critical role in maintaining operational excellence while protecting workers, consumers, and the environment. This panel brings together experienced EHS managers from across the food industry to share real-world insights, lessons learned, and practical strategies for overcoming today’s pressing EHS challenges. The session will offer takeaways to strengthen your EHS programs and drive continuous improvement.

And be sure to stop by and visit our booth in the exhibit hall. We look forward to seeing you at MECC!