Improving food safety to reduce foodborne illnesses
Official title: EH20-001, Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net) - Practice based research to improve food safety
Funded at Minnesota State Dept of Health · NIH-10891327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve food safety in restaurants and food businesses by checking the environment during foodborne illness outbreaks to find out what causes these illnesses and how to prevent them, so everyone can enjoy their meals safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minnesota State Dept of Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Paul, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,587 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EH001359-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who frequent commercial food establishments and may be at risk for foodborne illnesses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume food from commercial establishments or those with no history of foodborne illness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance food safety practices in commercial food establishments across Minnesota and the U.S. by conducting thorough environmental assessments during foodborne illness outbreak investigations. It seeks to identify factors that contribute to foodborne illnesses and understand the environmental conditions that lead to sporadic cases. The project will also evaluate existing food safety programs and develop interventions to minimize the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Findings will be shared with the environmental health community and food service industry to promote better practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the occurrence of foodborne illnesses, leading to improved public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in improving food safety practices and reducing foodborne illnesses through similar environmental health interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Minnesota State Dept of Health
St. Paul, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Kirk — Minnesota State Dept of Health
- Study coordinator: Smith, Kirk
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.