Institute for Food Safety and Health

Institute for Food Safety and Health

Logo of the Institute for Food Safety and Health

The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) is a research consortium that collaborates with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), and the food industry to address food safety, food defense, and nutrition issues. Located in Bedford Park, Illinois, IFSH provides a unique environment where scientists from academia, government, and industry work together to develop and validate food safety and preservation technologies.

History

The Institute for Food Safety and Health was established to enhance the safety of the food supply through research and education. It evolved from the National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST), which was founded in 1988. The transition to IFSH marked an expansion of its mission to include a broader focus on health and nutrition.

Research Areas

IFSH conducts research in several key areas:

• Food Safety: Developing methods to detect and control foodborne pathogens and contaminants.
• Food Defense: Enhancing the security of the food supply against intentional contamination.
• Nutrition: Investigating the impact of food processing on nutritional quality and developing strategies to improve public health.

Facilities

The IFSH campus includes state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot plant facilities that support a wide range of food safety and health research activities. These facilities enable the development and testing of new technologies in a controlled environment.

Collaboration with FDA

A key component of IFSH's mission is its collaboration with the FDA. This partnership allows for the sharing of resources and expertise, facilitating the development of science-based policies and regulations that enhance food safety.

Educational Programs

IFSH offers educational programs and workshops aimed at training the next generation of food safety professionals. These programs are designed to provide students and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address current and emerging food safety challenges.

Related Pages

• Food safety
• Foodborne illness
• Food preservation
• Food and Drug Administration