The 2025 Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Symposium offered practical solutions for growers, packers, and food safety professionals, based on findings from new research and emerging technologies aimed at strengthening produce safety across the supply chain.
A Center for Produce Safety-funded proof-of-concept study is exploring a novel, high-throughput capture and concentration method for hepatitis A virus in fruit wash water, which uses magnets and hydrogel nanoparticles. It could be added to existing FDA and ISO digital PCR assay workflows, potentially reducing false positives.
A project funded by the Center for Produce Safety is developing an identification and deterrent system for high-risk birds in produce fields based on sound surveillance and artificial intelligence (AI). The tool would automatically deploy interventions to drive away birds that are more likely to spread foodborne pathogens.
A research project funded by the Center for Produce Safety is developing a flexible computer model that enables food industry users to evaluate potential contamination risks along the supply chain and relevant control strategies.
Funded by the Center for Produce Safety, researchers with the University of Barcelona and the Spanish Research Council are developing novel testing protocols for norovirus and hepatitis A on berries and leafy greens, enabling faster analysis and reducing false positives.
A research project funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is exploring the microbial risks of unconventional surfaces in small and midsized produce packinghouses with the goal of determining sanitation best practices.
Recently concluded research funded by the Center for Produce Safety provides practical, immediately actionable insights that industry can integrate into their operations, ranging from sanitation best practices, to Salmonella and E. coli mitigation, to wild bird management, and more.
With funding from the Center for Produce Safety (CPS), a team of researchers are developing a rapid viability test for the challenging parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
An ongoing study funded by the Center for Produce Safety aims to fill knowledge gaps about the microbial food safety risks posed by wax roller brushes used on fruit and vegetables, as well as identify best cleaning and sanitation practices.
