By Andi Anderson
Hannah Hansen has joined Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as a food safety extension specialist in the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development (FFED) team. Starting in May, Hansen brings over 10 years of food safety and quality assurance experience to the role.
Christa Hartsook, program manager at ISU Extension, said, “There is such a demand for accurate, timely information specific to food safety. Hannah's industry experience makes her well-equipped to handle entrepreneurial questions.”
Originally from the Ames area, Hansen’s passion for food led her to pursue food science at Iowa State University. She worked in food safety and quality roles before transitioning into extension work.
“Making the leap from industry to extension was a natural choice,” Hansen said. “Now, I can be that liaison between regulators and industry.”
Hansen’s current project, the Food Innovation & Business Hub, focuses on helping small and mid-sized food businesses in Iowa. The Hub will offer training, compliance guidance, and expert support to help businesses grow while ensuring food safety.
“The hub is being shaped by what businesses tell us they need,” she explained. “It’s not just about business help but making sure products are safe for consumers.”
Hansen is passionate about working closely with business owners. “We want to honor their ideas while ensuring safety, helping them succeed,” she said.
Her work takes pressure off entrepreneurs by providing scientific insights into their products. “Food safety is based in science,” Hansen said. “My job is to understand your product so you can be confident it's safe.”
When not working, Hansen enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two children. Her role promises to strengthen Iowa’s local food businesses and support safe, successful growth.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-anna-tarazevich
Categories: Iowa, Education