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<OL> <LI> To develop new technologies which will help identify, prevent and track growth and survival of zoonotic pathogens in foods; <LI> To evaluate the effect of novel processing and production practices on survival of zoonotic and foodborne pathogens; <LI> To develop and apply risk assessment models to food safety data which can be used for education, biosecurity, risk assessment and risk management decisions.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Foodborne diseases are one of the most widespread health problems facing the world and the social and economic impact of these largely preventable diseases on society is significant. The overall goal of the proposed project is to improve our ability to detect, respond to and prevent diseases that caused by foodborne bacteria which are transmitted from animals to humans.
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APPROACH: The overall goal of the proposed project is to improve our ability to detect, respond to and prevent transmission of zoonotic pathogens to and through human food. New and improved methods for detection of foodborne pathogens will be developed based upon on-going innovations in the field of molecular biology. Novel processing and sanitation practices such as incorporation of herbal extracts, antimicrobial rinses, irradiation, and ion technology will be developed and evaluated for control of foodborne pathogens on food products and in the processing and production environment. Data will be integrated into GIS software and databases to improve data management and to build appropriate risk assessment models.