A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO MANAGING SARS-COV-2 WITHIN THE FOOD INDUSTRY; FILLING DATA GAPS AND IMPACTING BEHAVIORS

This project will formally establish a team known as FoodCoVNET and leverage existing food safety networks to continually collect and rapidly address SARS-CoV-2 concerns within the food industry. SARS-CoV-2 management solutions will be evaluated and assessed for efficacy through laboratory research on persistence, inactivation and transfer to aid in future risk management decisions. FoodCoVNET will systematically approach SARS-CoV-2 management within the food industry by collecting current pertinent research and evidence-based information from the literature and synthesize risk management options for the food industry. We will employ an iterative approach for consistent engagement with food sector stakeholders and continually identify data gaps to respond to rapidly evolving information. This iterative approach of engagement supports the integration of a major focus of this project is addressing data gaps with laboratory-based research. FoodCoVNET will, through this integrated project create research-based extension, training, and outreach materials focused on behavior change with individuals. We will also provide risk managers with the skills to address COVID-19 concerns using project generated data and published literature. We have also instituted a robust process for evaluating our outcomes. To achieve our long-term goal, we will:Catalog, collate, review, and rapidly disseminate existing SARS-CoV-2 best practice management information to the food industry from primary production to food service.Facilitate discussions with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps related to COVID-19 management in the food industry.Utilize surrogate organisms and SARS-CoV-2 to characterize virus survival and spread to inform food industry management practices.Translate newly discovered knowledge incorporated with existing data into evidence-based best practices and promote risk reduction through traditional and non-traditional education, training and outreach to food industry stakeholders.Evaluate information dissemination, policy implementation and behavior changes to document project impact and identify new knowledge gaps.