With the growing food consumption and exports, it becomes crucial to ensure its safety which has been facing a number of challenges. Multiple outbreaks and recalls of foodborne pathogens such as Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella in the U.S., along with the BSE scare in Europe, has led to concerns about food safety among producers, processors and consumers. Food products require proper processing, packaging and storage conditions.

Dr. Ravi Jadeja

Dr. Jadeja research focuses on the development of strategies to control foodborne pathogens and to improve the safety and quality of a variety of food products at pre- and post-harvest levels.

His overall goal is to work with faculty members and experts to develop a well-recognized and strong food safety option program, which trains and prepares students for food safety related jobs in the food industry after graduation.

Dr. Divya Jaroni

Dr. Jaroni is interested the development of effective strategies to control foodborne pathogens at pre-harvest and post-harvest levels. Dr. Jaroni's area of expertise includes pre- and post-harvest food microbiology, lactic acid bacteria for use as competitive exclusion, and foodborne pathogens particularly E. coli O157:H7; Salmonella spp. and non O157 STECs.

Current Research Projects

• Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Small-Scale Cow/Calf Operations Using Best Management Practices
• Improving the Safety and Quality of Field Grown Organic Leafy Greens: Assessment of Good Agricultural/Production Practices Along the Farm-to-Fork Continuum
• Assessing the Food and Environmental Safety and Economic Feasibility of Mobile Slaughter Units for Pasture Poultry Growers in the Southeast
• Effectiveness of plant-derived antimicrobials against food pathogens in meat and fresh produce

Dr. Peter Muriana

Dr. Muriana is interested in the use of natural antimicrobials to prevent spoilage and pasteurization of intact shell eggs to eradicate salmonella. Dr. Muriana's area of expertise includes general food microbiology, lactic acid bacteria, and food-borne pathogens.

Current Research Projects

• Use of natural antimicrobials to prevent spoilage.
• Pasteurization of intact shell eggs to eradicate salmonella.