HEADSHOT
Safe food,
proven in the lab.
Food Safety Scientist
· President, WAFP · Program Director, Lakeland University
PUBLISHED IN
Food Control
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Poultry Science
Journal of Food Protection
Research supported by USDA · CDFA · Zymex Industries
30+
peer-reviewed papers and book chapters
25+ yrs
in food safety, across 3 countries
~$900K
in USDA, CDFA and industry research as Co-PI
President
Wisconsin Association for Food Protection
LEILI AFSAH-HEJRI —
Most food safety failures start as a small question nobody had time to answer.
I’ve spent more than 25 years answering those questions, from mycotoxin labs in Iran to post-harvest research in California and food safety programs in Wisconsin.
My goal is simple: give food companies science they can act on, and train the people who keep our food safe.
RESEARCH —
Food safety science, from farm to factory.
The question?
What makes food unsafe, and how do we detect and stop it early?
The method?
Field-tested lab science in three areas:
Mycotoxins & aflatoxins
Pathogens, biofilms & sanitation
Post-harvest quality & shelf life
RESEARCH PHOTO OR DIAGRAM
WAFP ANNUAL MEETING
Wisconsin Association for Food Protection
Leading Wisconsin’s food protection community.
As President of WAFP, she brings together industry, regulators, educators and students around one goal: safe food from Wisconsin farms and plants.
Dec 2025 –
President, WAFP
Oct 2026
Hosted the WAFP Annual Meeting at Lakeland University
Apr 2026
Pasteurizer Operator Training for about 100 dairy professionals
FEATURED —
In the field and on the record.
PODCAST PHOTO
PODCAST
Growing the Valley, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
View
MAGAZINE PHOTO
MAGAZINE
Featured in agriculture magazines for post-harvest research
View
NEWS PHOTO
NEWS
Lakeland University hosts the WAFP Annual Meeting
View
COMING SOON
An independent lab for food producers.
LILI Laboratory Services will bring the same rigor to routine and custom testing for small and mid-size food companies.
Laboratory Services
INSIGHTS
Latest Insights
Have a food safety question?
Tell me about your product and timeline. I reply within two business days.