WOODLAND, CA - Research ensures we are always moving forward by learning new things. With food safety remaining a top priority for the produce industry, new research is highly beneficial to operators. With this in mind, the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has funded 14 new research projects, valued at just over $3.9 million.
"These timely new research projects were made possible by the generosity of industry contributors to CPS’ 2020 Campaign for Research, and grants from state Specialty Crop Block Grant Programs in California, Florida, Texas, and Washington, all of whom are committed to enhancing fresh produce food safety," said Joe Pezzini, Chair of CPS' volunteer Board of Directors and Senior Director of Ag Operations for Taylor Farms. “Without their support, CPS couldn’t succeed in our mission to fund science, find solutions, and fuel change in produce safety.”
The new projects are designed to answer questions about leafy greens production in controlled environments, evaluating and mitigating risk from Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella, and Cyclospora detection. Researchers’ proposals were first vetted by industry experts on the CPS Technical Committee and other expert volunteers to ensure the resulting science will best meet industry needs.
One of the fourteen projects has already begun and the other thirteen projects will begin in November 2022 and January 2023; all will be completed within 1-2 years, according to a press release. Findings will be reported at CPS' annual Research Symposium and through other knowledge transfer activities including summaries posted to CPS' website, and monthly emails conveying research updates.
The research program is made possible by funds provided by the CPS’ Campaign Contributors, the Specialty Crop Block Grant programs in California Department of Food and Agriculture, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Texas Department of Agriculture.
As new findings surrounding food safety are released, ANUK will be sure to report.
