Mark Tamplin was born on Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, in 1955. Soon after, his family moved to Logan, West Virginia, and then eight years later to Clearwater, Florida. In 1985, he graduated with a PhD in Medical Sciences, from the University of South Florida, specializing in Medical Microbiology & Immunology.

Internationally recognized for research in pathogen ecology and virulence, Tamplin’s career has encompassed research at the US Food & Drug Administration, University of Florida, and the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service. He currently works in Australia and the USA. Over his career, he has advised the World Health Organization, the United Nations Food & Agricultural Organization, and the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Mark Tamplin has published highly cited research in more than 100 journal articles and a dozen books, and has been interviewed by influential media—such as CNN, NBC Radio and The Washington Post. Numerous honors include appointment by the US Secretary of Agriculture to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods. Mark is co-founder of the on-line database, ComBase.

JOE KIVETT

In 1998, Joe decided to create a chart that outlined how long food products last. While conducting his research, Joe discovered a wealth of food-safety and food-quality information that complemented his food-longevity chart. One year later, Joe teamed up with, food safety expert, Dr. Mark Tamplin, co-author of The Food Safety Book. For the next 17 years, Joe and his team spent thousands of hours researching all aspects of Food Safety and Quality, which led to the creation of The Food Safety Book, written specifically for the consumer.

Before becoming a published author, Kivett worked at Walt Disney Entertainment for 16 years, where he produced stage shows and special events. In 1991, Kivett founded a production company, Kivett Productions, which produces Stadium Card Stunts worldwide.

Kivett received a BA in Speech Communication and a BS in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. He lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife and daughter. They enjoy, traveling, cycling, hiking and, of course, grocery shopping together.

DR. GERALD J. KIVETT

After earning his Wings of Gold with the U.S. Navy flight program in 1966, Dr. Kivett flew with Patrol Squadron Five in Jacksonville, FL, the fourth oldest squadron in the U.S. Navy. Discovering a passion for teaching and an interest in the medical field, Dr. Kivett returned to school and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida. Following six years of employment at two Naval Hospitals, he left active duty in the Navy and started his private practice in Orlando in 1984.

Dr. Kivett eventually retired with the rank of Captain after 24 years of service. Educating his patients on a healthy lifestyle is an important aspect of his practice. Having seen a great number of food poisoning cases that could have been avoided with basic proper food safety knowledge, Dr. Kivett was pleased to write the chapter on foodborne illness in his son’s first published book, THE FOOD SAFETY BOOK. Dr. Kivett continues to stamp out disease as a family practice doctor in Orlando today.