Francis “Frank” Fredrick Busta, a respected food safety expert, passed away at home on January 24, 2026. He was 88 and surrounded by his family during his final moments. Frank’s dedication to food safety was evident in both his personal and professional life. He leaves behind his wife, Jean, two daughters, and three granddaughters who were the pride of his life.
Frank forged a successful academic path after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. and M.S. in Food Science and Nutrition. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Food Science with a focus on microbiology from the University of Illinois. His career spanned numerous prestigious institutions, ultimately leading him back to the University of Minnesota as a Professor Emeritus.
His practical experience and scientific expertise made him a sought-after consultant for food companies and governmental agencies. Frank served on the International Commission on the Microbiological Specifications for Food for over 15 years, shaping global food safety standards. In a 2020 report, the CDC noted that effective food safety protocols could prevent up to 48 million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. annually.
In addition to his contributions to academia, Frank was deeply involved in the community and his church. His commitment to faith from a young age at St. John’s Lutheran Church continued throughout his life, where he enjoyed greeting fellow worshipers.
After his retirement in 2014, Frank and Jean traveled extensively. Although health challenges eventually limited his mobility, he remained active in community service and cherished interactions with family and caregivers.
His legacy lives on through the many students he inspired and the practices he helped establish in the field of food safety. Though he faced health struggles in his final years, Frank maintained a hopeful outlook and often expressed his readiness for whatever lay ahead.
Visitation details will be available soon. His enduring impact on food safety and his loving spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
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