Jan 28, 2016

Washington tree fruit industry contributes to food safety research

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) announced a contribution of $750,000 over five years in support of food safety research. This pledge is part of a $20 million capital campaign to support the work of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS), which oversees a coordinated research effort that provides fresh fruit and vegetable producers with the data they need to fill knowledge gaps on produce food safety, a news release said.

“The Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s contribution to the Center for Produce Safety demonstrates our members’ commitment to ensuring that Washington apples, pears and cherries are not only healthy and delicious, but also remain among the safest food choices consumers can make,” said Jon DeVaney, WSTFA president. “Our industry chose to make this investment in research through the Center for Produce Safety because of its strength in developing solutions to food safety questions that are practical, science-based, and credible, while using research dollars effectively.”

In the seven years since it was established, CPS has awarded $16.4 million to support one hundred different research projects, according to a news release.

For further information on the Center for Produce Safety, contact Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, executive director, at 530-554-9706.