Developing advanced testing for food safety and defense
Official title: Wadsworth Center's Radiochemical, Microbiological and Chemical Testing for Food Defense and Capability Development
Funded at Wadsworth Center · NIH-10878813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to keep our food safe by using advanced lab tests to quickly find harmful substances, helping the FDA protect everyone from food safety issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wadsworth Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menands, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $923,065 |
| NIH project number | 5U19FD007089-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include consumers and food industry stakeholders concerned about food safety and contamination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in food production or consumption may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance food safety by creating a comprehensive testing program that integrates radiochemical, microbiological, and chemical analyses. The Wadsworth Center will utilize its advanced laboratory capabilities to support the FDA’s Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) in identifying and responding to food safety threats. By employing state-of-the-art technologies, including mass spectrometry and genomic sequencing, the program will improve the detection of contaminants and ensure food safety for consumers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve food safety and public health by providing rapid and accurate testing for foodborne threats.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research initiatives have shown success in enhancing food safety protocols and emergency response capabilities, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wadsworth Center
Menands, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parsons, Patrick J. — Wadsworth Center
- Study coordinator: Parsons, Patrick J.
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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.