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About CARFS

• Established: 1998
• Affiliation: Huntley College of Agriculture
• Director: Professor Emeritus Shelton Murinda

Purpose

Research involving microbial foodborne pathogens of public health and economic significance with an emphasis on pathogens associated with animal foods (milk, meat, and meat products), produce, and environmental samples (water, soil, manure).

Research focuses on isolation, identification, and characterization of pathogens using conventional and molecular-based methods (PCR/qPCR, recombinase polymerase amplification, genetic fingerprinting, next-generation sequencing) and development of on-farm and processing-plant-based interventions.

Future research will also target the discovery and application of natural antimicrobial agents. Emergence of new foodborne pathogens, increased consumer awareness, and federal recommendations on food safety/public health issues redefine the rules of microbial pathogen quality control in the food industry.

CARFS was established to meet these corporate demands. The center’s on-farm food safety goals are linked to regional and national Food Safety and Food Protection efforts. Current research efforts emphasize multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional collaborative research efforts. 

Support

In-kind gifts and grants, as well as space and utilities on campus and extramural funding. Future plans include conducting short courses and outreach efforts that target farmers and the food industry.