Research is a critical component of the produce industry's efforts to better understand and address food safety challenges. Numerous university, government and industry researchers are dedicated to the field of produce food safety both here in the U.S. and in other countries.
Since the spinach crisis of 2006, the leafy greens industry has developed and implemented extensive new food safety standards, metrics and compliance programs. While these standards and programs were developed with the best available experience and judgment, it was clear that there is insufficient science to provide a definitive basis for these standards and programs. Therefore, in September 2007, United Fresh brought together U.S. and international academic scientists, state and federal regulators, and industry representatives to develop a prioritized list of research needs to address the issue of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and other human pathogens in and on lettuce and leafy greens.
The major goals of the first International Lettuce and Leafy Greens Food Safety Research Conference were to identify solution-driven research objectives, to build consensus on needs and to build the working relationships and collaborative partnerships necessary to achieve success. The Conference Report and the documents discussed during the conference are listed below.
For more information, please contact
Dr. David Gombas, senior vice president of food safety and technology at United Fresh, at 202-303-3411.
Dr. David Gombas, senior vice president of food safety and technology at United Fresh, welcomes scientists from academia, industry and government to the first International Lettuce and Leafy Greens Food Safety Research Conference in September 2007.
David DeLorenzo, President and CEO of Dole Food Company, speaks to conference attendees and expresses his company's support for food safety research.
More than 70 scientists from academia, industry and government took part in the International Lettuce and Leafy Greens Food Safety Research Conference, sponsored by the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation.
ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority to ensure high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural products.
National food safety programs managed by U.S. Food and Drug Administration,U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are accessed
here.
The mission of
USDA CSREES is to advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, education, and extension program in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations.
Food Safety Response and Research Network (FSRRN) is a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary team of food safety researchers from educational institutions, government agencies, and private industry focused on enhancing the understanding of food safety pathogens in the production environment and mitigating their effects on human health.
University Research Programs
GAPsNET was created by the National GAPs Program at Cornell University with support from its collaborators at 26 Land Grant Universities across the US. It provides a searchable database of research and extension articles, access to multilingual educational materials, and links to GAPs collaborators and programs at other institutions.
UC Davis Center for Produce Safety: This new center, based at the University of California, Davis, was formed by a consortium of industry, academic, association and regulatory groups with a common interest in developing sound, practical, science-based practices within the produce industry. Initial funding for the Center was provided by the Produce Marketing Association, Taylor Farms of California, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the University of California. The Board of Advisors have advised the Center to pursue six primary tasks; form a strategic plan with the help of an executive committee; create a website presence; collect & analyze data; write research requests for proposals and establish a research evaluation, funding and oversight mechanism; build a network of partnerships; formulate a research matrix of existing and ongoing research.
Members
International Programs
The Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA) is the UK’s largest independent research organization carrying out R&D for the food and drinks industry worldwide. Provides the industry with research, technical and advisory services needed to ensure product safety and quality, process efficiency and product and process innovation.
