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Prof Attend Food Safety Workshop
By Jenny Bjelland
UW-RF News Bureau
FEB. 25, 2005--Top experts within the food science industry along with
government officials gathered at Michigan State University in January
to continue efforts towards protecting our nation's food supply from the
threat of foodborne illnesses.
UW-River Fall food science Professor Purnendu Vasavada was one of 35 food
science industry specialists who attended the workshop of the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security's National Center for Food Protection and Defense
directed by MSU's National Food Safety & Toxicology Center.
The workshop provided continued education and training to food science
professionals through formal presentations on the latest discoveries and
technologies within the field.
According to Vasavada, the group also "discussed programs and strategies
to develop a broader base of trained people." Increasing the number
of trained individuals can aid in the prevention, detection, and management
of such a risk
Specifically Vasavada's goals within the group deal with educating and
raising awareness of the threat of foodborne illnesses. Vasavada plans
to include developing methods to provide basic knowledge of risk communication
and management to both the public and undergraduate students through education
and outreach programs.
The NCFPD was established in 2004 to increase the security and safety
of the U.S. food supply through the collaborated efforts of research universities,
private businesses, and government officials. UW-RF's Food Safety and
Microbiology program is among 20 universities nationwide with departments
or faculty members involved in the efforts of the NCFPD.
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