Improving safety standards for growing and handling produce.
Official title: National Project to Support and Promote Consistent Implementation of the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
Funded at Nat'l Assn/state/depts/agricultu/res/fdn · NIH-10690518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping farmers grow safe fruits and vegetables by making sure they know and follow important safety rules, so everyone can enjoy fresh produce without worry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nat'l Assn/state/depts/agricultu/res/fdn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,218,581 |
| NIH project number | 5U18FD006871-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10690518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include consumers who purchase fresh produce and farmers involved in the growing and handling of fruits and vegetables.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume fresh produce or are not involved in agricultural practices may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to enhance the safety of produce by promoting consistent implementation of safety standards among farmers and the produce industry. It involves collaboration with state departments of agriculture and the FDA to create awareness and understanding of these standards. The initiative includes training for state regulators to conduct inspections and develop regulatory programs, ensuring that safety protocols are effectively communicated and followed. By focusing on the On-Farm Readiness Review process, the project seeks to prepare farmers for compliance with safety regulations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer produce for consumers, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives aimed at improving food safety standards have shown success in enhancing produce safety and reducing foodborne illness outbreaks.
Where this research is happening
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Nat'l Assn/state/depts/agricultu/res/fdn
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehart, Bob — Nat'l Assn/state/depts/agricultu/res/fdn
- Study coordinator: Ehart, Bob
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving the safety of produce through national regulatory support
This study is working to make fruits and vegetables safer to eat by helping different states and agencies follow the same safety rules, so everyone can enjoy fresh produce without worry.
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Improving the safety of animal food systems in the U.S.
This study is all about making sure the food we give our pets is safe by helping different government agencies work better together, sharing helpful tips, and creating training programs to keep everyone on the same page about safety standards.
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.