Bringing Down Barriers to Improve Food Safety

The Food Safety Consortium (FSC) consists of members from across the University of Arizona as well as from the State of Arizona Department of Agriculture and State Health Agencies.  The Food Safety Consortium was formed to assist in bringing down barriers between departments, colleges and agencies in order to foster food safety related research collaborations and expand grant opportunities.  Through these enhanced relationships with fellow researchers and state agencies members are better able to respond to existing as well as emerging food safety challenges.

lab bench

About the Food Safety Consortium

Areas of research and interest amongst members are diverse and span research areas from fundamental aspects of microbiology to field-based applications that directly affect the safety of the food supply. The group also connects extension agents out in the counties to the research teams as an integral part of the information pipeline.  Membership is free and open to anyone with an interest in food safety research, extension or issues.

FSC Mission Statement:

Promoting food safety through collaborative research, instruction and outreach to reduce foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.

FSC Goal & Objectives:

The goal of the Food Safety Consortium is to address food safety challenges in Arizona and the US using a multidisciplinary collaborative approach.
Specific objectives are:

  • Identify opportunities for collaborative food safety research.
  • Train the next generation of food safety professionals.
  • Serve as a platform to facilitate communication between industry, regulatory agencies, and academia.
  • Engage communities within the southwest region to raise food safety awareness and knowledge.