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P. C. VASAVADA, Dept. of Animal & Food Science, Univ. of Wisconsin, River Falls, 410 S. 3rd St., 0246 Food Science Addition, River Falls, WI 54022-5013 and S. C. Ridley. The UW River Falls has a long tradition of engaging in international activity in food and agricultural sciences. Whether it is participating in the U.S. meat industry delegation and study tour to Korea or conducting training for farmers and processors in Nicaragua, China, Hungary, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico or participating in the international symposia and workshops on food safety and microbiology, HACCP, food quality management and cleaning and sanitation, the UWRF food science and technology faculty has contributed significantly to food science extension and outreach. We have been invited to collaborate and participate in several USAID funded training projects both in the U.S. and abroad and have successfully hosted several training programs for East Central European and the SE Asian countries through the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program. Perhaps the most sustained and visible part of our international outreach and extension activity is our Food Microbiology Symposium, which has been organized annually for the past 23 years. The program features international speakers to discuss latest research and developments regarding detection of foodborne pathogens, regulatory and industry trends, predictive microbiology, validation of laboratory methods, and HACCP implementation as well as approaches for the detection and monitoring of bioterrorism threat. A workshop, designed for demonstrations and discussion of various tests, instruments and kits available for detection and characterization of foodborne organisms and rapid hygiene monitoring in food processing facilities, is also part of the program. We have helped develop and organize several food safety and microbiology and rapid methods workshops designed to provide training in laboratory-based methodology in several countries. Microbiological aspects of food safety and quality provide basis for successful competitiveness in today’s global food industry and we are glad to play a small role in providing outreach and extension to our international colleagues.
Session 43, International outreach through global partnerships
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