Center for Antimicrobial Research & Food Safety (CARFS)

CARFS (formerly Center for Antimicrobial Research, CAR) was established to meet corporate demands on food safety along the farm-to-table continuum.

About CARFS

• Established : 1998
• Affiliation : College of Agriculture
• Director : Dr. Shelton Murinda, Professor

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 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

Gifts in-kind, 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.