Improving produce safety on Pennsylvania farms
Official title: Path B Continued Development and Implementation of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program
Funded at Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture · NIH-10886566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making sure the fruits and vegetables you buy are safe to eat by helping over 5,000 farms in Pennsylvania follow important safety rules, so you can enjoy fresh produce with peace of mind!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Harrisburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $641,622 |
| NIH project number | 5U2FFD007441-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this initiative include produce farmers in Pennsylvania who are looking to improve their safety practices and comply with federal regulations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not farm or are not involved in the produce industry may not receive any direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on enhancing the safety of fresh produce by implementing the FDA's Produce Safety Rule among farms in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will provide education, technical assistance, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. The initiative aims to reach over 5,000 produce farms, helping them understand and adhere to regulations that protect public health. By building on previous efforts, the program seeks to create a comprehensive inventory of verified produce farms in the state.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer produce for consumers and reduced foodborne illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown success in improving food safety standards and compliance among agricultural producers.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Harrisburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Stefanie M — Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Study coordinator: Smith, Stefanie M
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.