The incident illustrated how quickly a single food safety issue can ripple across today's highly interconnected dairy supply chain. Why Chain of Custody MattersChain of custody is more than a transportation concern; it is a business continuity strategy. The World Health Organization estimates that contaminated food causes approximately 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year globally, underscoring the importance and necessity of preventive controls throughout the food supply chain. As Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), has noted, “Food safety is a shared responsibility across the entire supply chain.” "Operational efficiency builds speed, while end-to-end traceability and supply chain flexibility preserve foundational market trust from source to consumer."