FST researchers (Harris Lab) and the Western Center for Food Safety (WCFS) are partnering with FDA, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and agricultural stakeholders from the California Central Coast in the launch of a multi-year study to improve food safety through enhanced understanding of the ecology of human pathogens in the environment that may cause foodborne illness outbreaks, specifically focusing on leafy greens. 

California’s Central Coast region grows a significant portion of the nation’s leafy greens. The findings from this study will contribute new knowledge on how various environmental factors may influence bacterial persistence and distribution in this region, and how those factors may impact the risk of leafy greens becoming contaminated. Results from this collaboration will lead to improved practices to prevent or mitigate food safety risks, and ultimately enhance the safety of leafy greens grown in California.

“I am excited to be part of this unique opportunity that leverages the resources and expertise of FDA scientists with the extensive produce food safety experience of UC Davis researchers and the practical “boots on the ground” insights of the California agricultural industry and California Department of Food and Agriculture”, says Dr. Linda J. Harris. 

The Western Center for Food Safety is made up of scientists from FST and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (Population Health and Reproduction) in addition to other collaborators from across the U.S.

Read more here: 

Full FDA Constituent Update
Story on CDFA Planting Seeds blog