Food Safety Content

Little Birds, Little Poops, Little Food Safety Risk

Katherine E Kerlin — January 21, 2025 - 2:16pm

It doesn’t require a degree in ornithology, a lab test or even an app for most growers to determine whether bird poop near their crops presents a food safety risk. They just need to ask themselves a simple question: How big is it?

How Artificial Intelligence May Improve Food Safety

Andy Fell — February 24, 2023 - 12:02pm

Artificial intelligence could be a valuable tool for the future of food safety. New research out of �ٺ��Ƶ finds that a technique using AI and optical imaging can quickly and accurately identify bacteria in food, making it a promising approach for preventing foodborne outbreaks and illnesses.

Holiday Experts List

Katherine E Kerlin — December 08, 2021 - 9:00am

From lights and trees to pets, food, shopping, stress and the pandemic, �ٺ��Ƶ experts are available to address journalists’ winter holiday questions.

�ٺ��Ƶ Researchers Develop Ice Cube That Doesn’t Melt or Grow Mold

Amy M Quinton — November 22, 2021 - 8:00am

�ٺ��Ƶ researchers have developed new "jelly ice cubes" that are reusable, flexible, compostable, won't melt and prevent cross-contamination.

Low Food-Safety Risk at Northern California Farmers Markets

Amy M Quinton — November 16, 2020 - 10:45am

A new study by University of California, Davis, researchers finds a low risk of contamination of foodborne pathogens on produce and meat at Northern California certified farmers markets, but still finds cause for some concern.

�ٺ��Ƶ Wants Samples of Your Fermented Foods for Science

Amy M Quinton — October 07, 2020 - 11:00am

It’s not always easy to find silver linings during the COVID-19 pandemic, but here’s one that food scientists at the University of California, Davis, have discovered: More people are exploring the ancient art of fermented foods.

“My mom made her first batch of sauerkraut this summer,” said Maria Marco, a microbiologist and food science professor with the �ٺ��Ƶ College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “With so many of us sheltering-in-place, fermented foods are more popular than ever.”

Natural Habitat Around Farms a Win for Strawberry Growers, Birds and Consumers

Katherine E Kerlin — March 11, 2020 - 11:08am

Conserving natural habitat around strawberry fields can help protect growers’ yields, their bottom line and the environment with no detectable threat to food safety, indicates a study led by the University of California, Davis.

Media Experts on Summer Food Safety

Karen Michele Nikos — June 29, 2017 - 4:00pm

As temperatures warm, grills heat up, and outdoor activities increase, safe food preparation requires vigilance. These �ٺ��Ƶ experts can offer food preparation instructions, helpful consumer tips from store to stove, and information on food policy. There is also a video below illustrating the safe preparation of chicken.

�ٺ��Ƶ DryCard Invention Wins Competition to Reduce Food Loss in Africa

Patricia Bailey — April 27, 2017 - 10:04am

DryCard, a new low-cost invention developed by �ٺ��Ƶ researchers to help prevent food spoilage, was recently selected as the top emerging technology for reducing food loss and food waste throughout Africa.

$2 Million Grant Funds Organic Farming Study of Manure and Food Safety

Patricia Bailey — October 03, 2016 - 9:57am

A new USDA grant of nearly $2 million will fund studies of how organic farmers should handle animal-based manure applications in leafy greens and vegetable crops fields in order to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.