Kathryn Boor and Robert B. Gravani, Cornell University professors of food science, will provide a briefing, “Strengthening the Safety of the Food Supply: Challenges and Opportunities,” on Monday, June 15, at 2 p.m. at 122 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
The food scientists will discuss strategies to protect America’s consumers and to reduce food borne illness outbreaks, such as the recent salmonella problem in peanuts. They say that through education, research and training, the U.S. could develop a “systems approach” focused on bolstering the safety of the food supply, which could include data sharing among government agencies and the food industry.
As chair of Cornell’s Food Science Department, Boor’s research focuses on identifying biological factors that affect transmission of bacteria in food and dairy processing systems. She has specific expertise with the food borne pathogens, Listeria, E. coli and various streptococci.
Gravani is a noted national expert on food safety principles. As director of the National Good Agricultural Practices Program, he provides growers and other stakeholders with information to reduce microbiological hazards and risks in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, he is president of the Institute of Food Technologists.
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