Creating a consistent program for produce safety in Washington State
Official title: Path C Implementation of a Nationally Consistent Produce Safety Program in Washington State
Funded at Wa State Department of Agriculture · NIH-10886572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making sure the fruits and vegetables you buy in Washington State are safe to eat by helping local farmers follow good practices and keeping track of farms, so everyone can enjoy fresh produce without worry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wa State Department of Agriculture NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Olympia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,354,307 |
| NIH project number | 5U2FFD007435-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include consumers of produce in Washington State who are concerned about food safety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume produce or are located outside of Washington State may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on implementing a comprehensive Produce Safety Program (PSP) in Washington State, aligning with the FDA's Produce Safety Rule. The Washington State Department of Agriculture will develop a sustainable infrastructure to ensure the ongoing safety of produce through assessments, education, and quality control measures. The program aims to provide technical assistance to local farmers and maintain a complete database of produce farms to enhance food safety. By coordinating compliance and enforcement efforts, the PSP seeks to improve the overall safety of produce in the state.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the safety and quality of produce available to consumers in Washington State.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives in other states have shown success in improving produce safety and compliance with federal regulations.
Where this research is happening
-
Wa State Department of Agriculture
Olympia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro, Luisa — Wa State Department of Agriculture
- Study coordinator: Castro, Luisa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Enhancing Washington’s Food Safety Lab Capacity to Protect People and Pets
A state food safety lab is expanding its capacity and capabilities to quickly test human and animal foods for safety, improving how outbreaks are detected and managed.
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Improving food safety regulations in Washington State
This study is all about making sure the food we eat—both for people and pets—is safe in Washington State, and it’s for anyone who cares about food safety, as it aims to improve how food regulations work by teaming up with health agencies and using the best practices.
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Improving animal food safety standards and practices
This study is all about making animal feed safer by teaching manufacturers better practices, so pets and livestock can stay healthy and happy.
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Improving food safety testing in Washington State
This study is all about helping the Washington State Department of Agriculture's lab get better at testing food for safety, so you can feel confident that the food you eat is safe for you and your family.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.