Source: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CURRENT AND EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1014365
Grant No.
2017-70020-27245
Cumulative Award Amt.
$164,980.00
Proposal No.
2017-04975
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2017
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2020
Grant Year
2017
Program Code
[A4182]- Regional FSMA Center
Recipient Organization
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
3500 JOHN A. MERRITT BLVD
NASHVILLE,TN 37209
Performing Department
College of Ag, Human & Nat. Sc
Non Technical Summary
Evolving social changes, such as expansion in global travel and commerce, consumers’ demand for minimally processed and ready-to-eat products, and increases in at-risk segments of populations are further breeding grounds for emerging, novel, and reemerging infectious diseases associated with food and agricultural commodities. Recent epidemiological studies of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate roughly 1 out of 6 Americans experiencing illnesses from foodborne pathogens, leading to about 128,000 hospitalizations and over 3,000 deaths every year. Food manufacturing and agricultural commodities’ market is highly volatile- producers’ and manufacturers’ profit could be adversely affected to great extent when food safety outbreak occurs anywhere in the country. In addition to loss of productivity, medical expenses, and consumers’ insecurity, it is estimated that annual cost of foodborne diseases in the United States is around $77.7 billion. As a comprehensive legislation with over 50 rules, implementation of vast majority of Food Safety Modernization Act components had recently taken place. Along with the progress in implementation, concerns of the producers and processors, particularly those who undergo new regulatory requirements for the first time in the history of the country, is gaining momentum. FSMA compliance is particularly critical and disconcerting for smaller operations and emerging entrepreneurs. Without food safety regulatory knowledge, these operations had to maintain only limited profit and/or regional market in order to remain within the FSMA exemption “box.” Conduct and interpretation of FSMA water testing requirement is also a main concern of producers of raw agricultural commodities due to cost and lack of available laboratories capable of conducing the test.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
72202101170100%
Knowledge Area
722 - Zoonotic Diseases and Parasites Affecting Humans;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
1170 - Epidemiology;
Goals / Objectives
Along with the progress in implementation of FSMA, stakeholders’ concerns, particularly those who undergo new regulatory requirements for the first time in the history of the country, is gaining momentum. FSMA compliance is particularly critical and disconcerting for smaller operations and emerging entrepreneurs. Without food safety regulatory knowledge, these operations had to maintain only limited profit and/or regional market in order to remain within the FSMA exemption “box.” Conduct and interpretation of FSMA water testing requirement is also a major concern of producers of raw agricultural commodities due to cost and lack of available laboratories capable of conducting the test. As such our proposal is a multidisciplinary Community Outreach endeavor for: (1) Development of a regional FSMA Advisory Panel; (2) Development of an Alternative Curricula for Small Stakeholders, and Expansion of Existing Training and Scholarship Programs; (3) Development of FSMA Tool Kit for Extension Agents; (4) Development of Water Testing Capability, Best Practices Guidelines, and a Mobile Water Testing Unit for Niche, Hard-to-reach Areas; (5) Expansion of Qualitative and Quantitative Needs Assessment and Development of Tennesseans’ Producers and Processers FAQ Sheets.
Project Methods
Objective 1. Development of a Regional FSMA Advisory Panel. During the first year of the project, it is expected to develop a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary panel of advisers for conduct of the needs assessment, enhanced communication in region, harmonizing the efforts in FSMA, and development of the curricula thereafter. In additions to members of Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program, and Colleges of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Sciences, and Health Sciences, colleagues from Tennessee Departments of Agriculture and Health, Tennessee Food Safety Task Force, Tennessee Variance Committee, University of Tennessee, Tennessee Technological University, and Middle Tennessee State University are expected to be invited to join the panel. For development of the curriculum, rather than relying on a traditional eminence-based approach, this study is utilizing adequately powered needs assessment survey based on a modified Delphi technique to receive input from existing subject-matter experts of the advisory panel. This study proposes development of a comprehensive domains and competencies related to Produce and Preventive Control rules. By two Delphi rounds, the study then proposes to identify and refine core competencies for development of the curriculum, and topics of importance for the FSMA Tool Kit. Project PI assumes responsibility for recruitment and harmonizing the efforts of the advisory panel during the life of the project. Objective 2. Development of an Alternative Curricula for Small Stakeholders, and Expansion of Existing Training and Scholarship Programs. Based on the information of Codes of Federal Register for Produce rule (Docket ID: FDA-2011-N-0921) and Preventive Control rule (Docket ID: FDA-2011-N-0920) and information provided in FSPCA and PSA Lead Instructor workshop manuals a comprehensive list of core competencies will be developed. Information such as surface and sub-surface water testing, conduct of hazard analysis, validating existing process controls, biological soil amendment, wildlife control management, health and hygiene training, equipment and facilities sanitary design, recordkeeping and documentations, and development of control measures, and corrective actions will be then organized as domain with relevant sub-domains and will be validated as an instrument for Delphi approach need assessment. The key personnel of the project from Tennessee will provide input for development and validation of the instrument. To conduct a systematic needs assessment and identify and refine areas of concern for producers and processors, domains and sub-domains will then be ranked by panels of practitioners. The Delphi rounds will be conducted with at least 10 participants in each panel to assure an adequately powered experiment and will be completed after obtaining Institutional Review Board approval of Tennessee State University. Review of the instrument by internal and external evaluators of the project (Drs. John Ricketts and Kushal Patel) and conduct of the Delphi rounds with above-mentioned adequately powered panel members are our approach for assuring the internal and external validity of the design. Currently Tennessee State University are in possession of three recently developed surveys (producer, processors, and food safety educators). Contents of the surveys will be complemented with results of above approach prior to validation and administration to target audiences. As discussed earlier, TSU has established Tennessean Growers’ Scholarship program to assist low-income and emerging entrepreneurs of raw agricultural commodities receive Food Safety Modernization Act training. The Scholarship program is stablished in 2017 by TSU Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (A. Fouladkhah), and had provided support for 9 low-income farmers for receiving training from Produce Safety Alliance. Upon acceptance of the proposal, it is intended to continue this endeavors on both years of the project. As elaborated in section A.3., TSU had initiated the Food Safety Modernization Act/ Food Safety Student Competition program, a state-wide platform for sharing new research and outreach programs of Food Safety Modernization Act/ Food Safety pertaining to Raw Agricultural Commodities as well as Produce and PC rules of FSMA. The competition is stablished in 2017 by TSU Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (A. Fouladkhah), with 34 participants, 11 finalist competitors, and 3 awardees. This program is also intended to be continued on both years of the study upon securing the current extramural funding.Objective 3. Development of FSMA Tool Kit for Extension Agents. The Tool Kit will contain soft and hard publications available for FSMA specialists and educators in addition to those that will be developed in TSU after assimilation of the qualitative and quantitative needs assessment data, and input from the project collaborators, and the advisory panel. The Tool Kit dossier will also include an approximately 20-minute power point slide deck as a general introduction to FSMA, 50-minute slide deck for elaboration of main competencies of Produce and Preventive Control Rules, infographical factsheet for discussion of exemption and non-exemption of Produce and Preventive Control Rules, and information on dual-jurisdiction facilities, as well as information on water sampling, transportations, and analyses best practices and TSU site(s) capable of conducting the water testing for the stakeholders. The Tool Kit is expected to be disseminated to county agents with one months and 6 months follow up surveys to receive agents and stakeholders input on the content of the Kit.

Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Assuring the safety of food and water supplies is a daunting task and a moving target. Evolving social changes including expansion in global travel and commerce, consumers' demand for minimally processed and ready-to-eat commodities and increases in at-risk segments of populations are breeding grounds for emerging, novel, and reemerging infectious diseases associated with food and agricultural commodities. Recent epidemiological studies of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate roughly 1 out of 6 Americans experiencing illnesses from foodborne pathogens, leading to about 128,000 hospitalizations and over 3,000 deaths every year. Food manufacturing and agricultural commodities' market is highly volatile- producers' and manufacturers' profit could be adversely affected to great extent when food safety outbreak occurs anywhere in the country. In addition to loss of productivity, medical expenses, and consumers' insecurity, it is estimated that annual cost of foodborne diseases in the United States is around $77.7 billion. In case of negligence from a producer or processor, where the legal and medical expenses could burden back to the entrepreneur, costs per cases of illness episode could well exceed $100,000 per case. Agriculture is one of the top industries in Tennessee, contributing $70 billion annually to the state's economy, employing 340,000 individuals, with having 66,000 farms representing 10.8 million acres. Our project was targeted towards students and stakeholders of Food Safety and Food Safety Modernization Act. Changes/Problems:Despite the currently ongoing global respiratory pandemic/endemic the project made satisfactory progress. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As previously elaborated, this project at the last reporting period had been involved in training of 26 additional individuals in food safety modernization act from academe, government and non-governmental agencies, and food industry. The grant had also partially funded three additional students obtaining doctoral and MS trainings: Doctoral Student: S. A. (2018-2021), Graduate Research Assistant, (PhD candidate, Biological Sciences c. Food Microbiology). Dissertation Proposal: Biofilm Formation and Pressure-based Pasteurization of Bacterial Spores and Foodborne Pathogens of Public Health Concern as Affected by Bacteriocin and Bactericidal Compounds. Doctoral Student: J. G. (2019-), Graduate Research Assistant (PhD student, Biological Sciences c. Food Microbiology). Dissertation Proposal: An Emerging Technology for Mitigating Burden of Sessile and Planktonic Foodborne Bacteria of Public Health Concern MS Student: S. W. (2020-), Graduate Research Assistant (MS student, c. Food Microbiology). Thesis Proposal: Prevention of Foodborne Pathogens and Industrially Relevant Spoilage Microorganisms: Synergism of an Emerging Technology with Traditional Preservation Methods. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project has also support travel/presentation of the students and project members in conferences for dissemination of the results to target audiences. These include: -2020 International Association for Food Protection Meeting. IAFP 2020 Annual Meeting. Virtual event due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic. October 26-28, 2020. -2020 Regional IFT Meeting, 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020. Available at: https://www.ift.org/events/event-listing/2020/sep/4th-annual-statewide-competition-for-food-safety-modernization-act-food-safety-and-food-science-stud -2020 Tennessee Academy of Science, 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. November 21, 2020. -2019 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, New Orleans, LA, June 2-5, 2019. -2019 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Louisville, KY, July 21-24, 2019 -2019 Annual Tennessee State University-wide Research Symposium, Jane Elliott Hall, Nashville, TN, April 2-4th 2019 -2019 Tennessee Academy of Science Competitions, Columbia State Community College, Columbia, TN, November 22, 2019 -2019 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. -2018 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, IL. -2018 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Salt Lake City, Utah. -2018 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 128th annual meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, November 17, 2018. -2018 Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, April 6, 2018. -2018 2nd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, April 26, 2018. Deliverables of the project are additionally available o the public via the program website: (accessed 11-30-2020): https://publichealthmicrobiology.education/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?N/A. This is the final report.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Current Project targeted to provide information and training for stakeholders and students active in Food Safety, Public Health Microbiology, and Food Safety Modernization Act. In addition to meeting project objectives, during the course of the project these awards were obtained by students involved in the project: Awards of Student Partially Supported by the Current project: Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (Advisor: A. Fouladkhah): -1st Place, Health & Medical Sciences Section, Oral Competitions. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. November 21, 2020. Student: S. W. -2nd Place, Health & Medical Sciences Section, Oral Competitions. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. November 21, 2020. Student: S. A. -3rd Place, Health & Medical Sciences Section, Oral Competitions. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. November 21, 2020. Student: N. K. -3rd Place, Health & Medical Sciences Section, Poster Competitions. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. November 21, 2020. Student: J. G. -1st Place, Graduate Students Oral Competitions. 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020. Student: S. W. -2nd Place, Graduate Students Oral Competitions. 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020. Student: J. G. -3rd Place, Graduate Students Oral Competitions. 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020. Student: S. A. -1st Place (tied), Oral Emerging Leader Competitions. 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020. Scholar: Dr. M.S.B.N. (part-time visiting scholar of the PHM lab). -2nd Place, Oral Emerging Leader Competitions. 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020. Scholar: Dr. NK (Post doc of PHM lab). -3rd Place, Poster Student Competitions. 4th Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists/Public Health Microbiology laboratory. September 8, 2020.Student: A. S. Additionally, 26 additional individuals also received Food Safety Modernization Act certification (Lead Instructor/Sole instructor A. Fouladkhah). Their certification is based on FSPCA Preventive Control for Human Food and their certification numbers are: 6eeb3b76;50be1262; 4f1f73fd; 0f569a71; d6fcbde8; c27b2478; f461186a; 576a9975; e93756f0; 841d2a7e; ab295c71; ff3d55c5; c6db1b28; 179981b2; ad4fe947; d9d11c4e; 7ea9c699; ee0111fd; 87e56edc; 8d86b348; 61fb529b; 2681b095; 666a8be8; 87e56edc; e8ed3cfe; e6fa9719. Certificants are members of food industry (n=10), non-governmental food agencies (n=3), government agency (n=1), a doctoral researcher (n=1), and graduate students and part-time employee in food-related research and/or processing institutions (n=11). They obtained this certification without any costs, obtaining such certification would at least cost each individual $500 to $1000 (Including the registration, accommodation, and travel), so the cost saving for the stakeholders were at least >$12 to 26K.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Fouladkhah*, A.; Thompson^, B.; Camp, J.S. The Threat of Antibiotic Resistance in Changing Climate. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 748. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167. *Corresponding author, ^student/post-doc
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kabir^, M.N., Aras^, S., Wadood^, S., Chowdhury^, S., Fouladkhah*, A. Fate and Biofilm Formation of Wild-Type and Pressure-Stressed Pathogens of Public Health Concern in Surface Water and on Abiotic Surfaces. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 408. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167. *Corresponding author, ^student/post-doc
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Aras^, S., Kabir^, M.N., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah*, A. Augmenting the Pressure-Based Pasteurization of Listeria monocytogenes by Synergism with Nisin and Mild Heat. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 563. Impact factor (2018-2019): 2.469. *Corresponding author, ^student/post-doc
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wadood, S., Fouladkhah, A. Reducing the L. monocytogenes infection risk by utilization of nisin and elevated hydrostatic pressure. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. Health & Medical Sciences Section, Oral Presentations, November 21, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Aras, S., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. Synergism of thymol, mild heat, and elevated hydrostatic pressure for inactivation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157: H7. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. Health & Medical Sciences Section, Oral Presentations, November 21, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kabir, N., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. Formation of biofilm and survival of wild-type and pressure-stressed pathogens of public health concern in surface water and on abiotic surfaces. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. Health & Medical Sciences Section, Oral Presentations, November 21, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah, A. Decontamination of pressure-stressed sessile bacteria of public health concern and microbial spores. Health & Medical Sciences Oral Presentations. Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Nov 22, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Henry-Smith, M., Fouladkhah, A. Use of an emerging technology and evidence-based recommendations for control of pathogenic Cronobacter and Salmonella serovars in infant formula. Health & Medical Sciences Oral Presentations. Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Nov 22, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Keene, T., Fouladkhah, A. Public health burden of Listeria monocytogenes: secondary analyses of recent epidemiological studies. Health & Medical Sciences Poster Presentations. Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Nov 22, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: George, J, Fouladkhah, A. Novel bacteriocin and bactericidal compounds for augmenting pressure-based elimination of planktonic cells of Staphylococcus aureus. 130th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science. Virtual meeting (due to ongoing respiratory pandemic/endemic) hosted by East Tennessee State University. Health & Medical Sciences Section, Poster Presentations, November 21, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Aras, S., Fouladkhah, A., Pressure-based inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes as augmented by nisin. Health & Medical Sciences Oral Presentations. Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Nov 22, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Chowdhury, A. Fouladkhah, A. Sensitivity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovars to pressure-based pasteurization. Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Nov 22, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: George, J., Fouladkhah, A. Decontamination of Staphylococcus aureus by pressure-based pasteurization. Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Nov 22, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Henry-Smith, M., Fouladkhah, A. Assuring Safety of Infant Formula Using an Emerging Technology. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Oral Presentation. (1st place)


Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Assuring the safety of the public against natural and anthropogenic microbial pathogens from food and agricultural commodities is a daunting task and a moving target. Evolving social changes, such as expansion in global travel and commerce, consumers' demand for minimally processed and ready-to-eat products, and increases in at-risk segments of populations are further breeding grounds for emerging, novel, and reemerging infectious diseases associated with food and agricultural commodities. Recent epidemiological studies of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate roughly 1 out of 6 Americans experiencing illnesses from foodborne pathogens, leading to about 128,000 hospitalizations and over 3,000 deaths every year (Scallan, et al., 2011). Food manufacturing and agricultural commodities' market is highly volatile- producers' and manufacturers' profit could be adversely affected to a great extent when a food safety outbreak occurs anywhere in the country. In addition to the loss of productivity, medical expenses, and consumers' insecurity, it is estimated that the annual cost of foodborne diseases in the United States is around $77.7 billion (Scharff, 2012). In case of negligence from a producer or processor, where the legal and medical expenses could burden back to the entrepreneur, costs per case of illness episode could well exceed $100,000 per case (Fouladkhah, 2017a). Agriculture is one of the top industries in Tennessee, contributing $70 billion annually to the state's economy, employing 340,000 individuals, with having 66,000 farms representing 10.8 million acres (TN Department of Ag., 2017). Our study is targeted towards students and stakeholders of the Food Safety Modernization Act.? Changes/Problems:Like any regulation in the country, implementation, interpretation, and compliance requirements to various components of the legislation could be a moving target and evolve during the life of the project and beyond. For example in May 2017, FDA had slightly modified the requirement for the surface and sub-surface water testing of Produce Rule. Further changes in various components of the legislation may occur during the course of the project considering the evolving nature of the regulation and microbial food safety. Through close communication with national and regional centers, the project team intends to modify the endeavors, curricula, and training, in the case of any update and modification in the law. Considering the public health significance of FSMA and the current burden of food- and water-borne diseases death, hospitalization, and illness episodes, the project team assumes FSMA will remain the law of the land in the current regulatory climate. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As previously elaborated, this project had been involved in the training of 13 individuals in food safety modernization act certification. The grant had also funded three students one obtaining a PhD, one obtaining an MS degree and one obtaining a non-thesis MS degree: Dissertation: Inactivation of Wild-type, Rifampicin-resistant, and Pressure-adopted Foodborne Bacteria of Public Health Concern and Microbial Spores using Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure. Student: A.A., Graduation: Fall 2019 (Adviser/degree chair: A. Fouladkhah). Thesis: Control of biofilm and planktonic cells of Cronobacter sakazakii, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Salmonella serovars using pressure-based and quaternary ammonium compound-based sanitizers. Student: M.H. Graduation: Fall 2019 (Adviser/degree chair: A. Fouladkhah). Non-Thesis Graduation Seminar: Public Health Burden of Listeria monocytogenes: Secondary Analyses of Recent Epidemiological Studies. Student: T. K. Graduation: Fall 2019 (Adviser/degree chair: A. Fouladkhah). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project has also supported travel/presentation of the students and project members in meetings and conferences for dissemination of the results to target audiences. These include: -2019 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, New Orleans, LA, June 2-5, 2019. -2019 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Louisville, KY, July 21-24, 2019 -2019 Annual Tennessee State University-wide Research Symposium, Jane Elliott Hall, Nashville, TN, April 2-4th 2019 -2019 Tennessee Academy of Science Competitions, Columbia State Community College, Columbia, TN, November 22, 2019 -2019 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology Laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. -2018 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, IL. -2018 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Salt Lake City, Utah. -2018 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 128th annual meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, November 17, 2018. -2018 Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, April 6, 2018. -2018 2nd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology Laboratory, Nashville, TN, April 26, 2018. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Effective communication is the cornerstone of the current project and FSMA endeavor in Tennessee State University. Within the state, the communication among collaborators and specialists are expected to be enhanced through the development of the FSMA advisory panel delineated under the first objective. Specifically water safety information on Produce and Preventive Control rules will be communicated to extension agents for sharing such information with stakeholders at the county level. We intend to continue the progress of the project by providing certification and training for students and stakeholders and dissemination of material in relevant meetings and venues.?

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Current Project targets to provide information and training for stakeholders and students active in Food Safety Modernization Act. During the course of the project these awards were obtained by students involved in the project: Students Awards (Advisor: A. Fouladkhah): -1st Place, Oral Competitions, Health and Medical Sciences section. 2019 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Student: A. A (Nov 22, 2019). -2nd Place, Oral Competitions, Health and Medical Sciences section. 2019 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Student: S. A (Nov 22, 2019). -3rd Place, Oral Competitions, Health and Medical Sciences section. 2019 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Student: M. H (Nov 22, 2019). -2nd Place, Poster Competitions, Health and Medical Sciences section. 2019 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Student: S. A (Nov 22, 2019). -3rd Place, Poster Competitions, Health and Medical Sciences section. 2019 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 129th annual meeting, Columbia State Community College. Columbia, TN. Student: M. H-S (Nov 22, 2019). -3rd Place, Poster Graduate Competitions, 2019 Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: J. A. (May 29, 2019) -2nd Place, Oral Graduate Competitions, 2019 Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: A. A. (May 29, 2019) -1st Place, Oral Graduate Competitions, 2019 Annual State-wide Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: M. H. (May 29, 2019) 13 individuals also received Food Safety Modernization Act certification (Lead Instructor A. Fouladkhah). Their certification is based on FSPCA Preventive Control for Human Food and their certification numbers are: 5bc84953; 80420174; f1a00180; 9dc45bfb; 3d754963; 56495791; d8dc1380; d44224fc; b2369554; 674bd853; ea458e1f; 073140f9; ff2237cc. They obtained this certification without any costs, obtaining such certification would at least cost each individual $950 to $2000 (Including the registration, accommodation, and travel), so the cost saving for the stakeholders were at least >$12K.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Henry-Smith, M., Fouladkhah*, A. Inactivation of wild-type and pressure-stressed Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli at planktonic and sessile stages. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah*, A. Synergism of Mild Heat, Nisin, and Lysozyme for Pressure-based Inactivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, and Bacillus atrophaeus Spores. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Adhikari, J., Fouladkhah*, A. Assuring the Safety of Apple Cider from Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Serovars and Rifampicin-Resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 using High Pressure Pasteurization. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Poster Presentation. (3rd place)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Henry-Smith, M., Fouladkhah*, A. Assuring Safety of Infant Formula Using an Emerging Technology. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Oral Presentation. (1st place)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah*, A. Pressure-Based Inactivation of Rifampicin-Resistant Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Six Non-O157 Serogroups. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Oral Presentation. (2nd place)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Adhikari, J., Fouladkhah*, A. Elimination of Wild-type and Acid-adopted Escherichia coli O157 and Non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars using High Pressure Pasteurization in Orange Juice. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Aras, S., Fouladkhah*, A. Effects of nisin and pressure-based pasteurization for inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in buffered environment. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kabir, Md. N., Fouladkhah*, A. Proliferation of foodborne bacterial pathogens and their importance in their current food safety regulatory landscape. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Technical Assistance Booth and Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kabir, Md. N., Fouladkhah*, A. Food Safety Modernization Outreach and Technical Assistance in Tennessee. 3rd State-Wide Research Competition, Vol. section IFT & Public Health Microbiology laboratory, Nashville, TN, May 29, 2019. Technical Assistance Booth and Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Fouladkhah*, A.C., Thompson, B. and Camp, J.S., 2019. Safety of Food and Water Supplies in the Landscape of Changing Climate. Microorganisms 2019, 7(10), 469. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kabir, M.N., Aras, S., Allison, A., Adhikari, J., Chowdhury, S. and Fouladkhah*, A., 2019. Interactions of Carvacrol, Caprylic Acid, Habituation, and Mild Heat for Pressure-Based Inactivation of O157 and Non-O157 Serogroups of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Acidic Environment. Microorganisms, 7(5), p.145. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Henry, M., Fouladkhah*, A. Outbreak History, Biofilm Formation, and Preventive Measures for Control of Cronobacter sakazakii in Infant Formula and Infant Care Settings. Microorganisms 2019, 7(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7030077. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah*, A. Synergism of Mild Heat and High-Pressure Pasteurization against Listeria monocytogenes and Natural Microflora in Phosphate-Buffered Saline and Raw Milk. Microorganisms 2018, 6(4), 102. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah*, A. Sensitivity of Salmonella Serovars and Natural Microflora to High Pressure Pasteurization: Open Access Data for Practitioners and Risk Assessment. Data in Brief (Elsevier) 2018, 21:480484.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: 1. Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Advances in Validation Studies for Pressure-based Pasteurization of Microbial Pathogens, Pressure-adopted Microorganisms, and Bacterial Spores. 2019 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Louisville, KY, July 21-24, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Henry, M., Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Needs Assessment Survey of Producers of Raw Agricultural Commodities in Tennessee for Meeting the Requirements of Food Safety Modernization Act. 2019 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, New Orleans, LA, June 2-5, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Henry, M., Allison, A., Adhikari, J., Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Biofilm formation of wild-type and pressure-stressed Listeria monocytogenes at 7 and 25 �C and their sensitivity to quaternary ammonium compound. 2019 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, New Orleans, LA, June 2-5, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Henry, M., Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Needs Assessment Survey of Processors of Human Food in Tennessee for Meeting the Requirements of Food Safety Modernization Act. 2019 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Louisville, KY, July 21-24, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: K.R. Schneider, M.D. Danyluk, R. Goodrich Schneider, T. Chapin, A. Harder, A. Jackson-Davis, L. Kassama, D. Chembezi, E. Myles, A. Philyaw-Perez, K. Woods, C. Carter, J. Northcutt, K. Baker, K. Sarjeant, M. Harrison, J. Harrison, A. Mohan, P. Vijayakumar, M. Newman, A. Adhikari, K. Fontenot, C. Graham, J. Silva, C. Gunter, E. Gutierrez-Rodriguez, B. Chapman, P. Tripp, R. Jadeja, D. Jaroni, l. Feliciano Orellana, M. Plaza, A. Wszelaki, M. Morgan, A. Fouladkhah, R. Fleming, T.M. Taylor, A. Castillo, J. Masabni, B. Vaughn, F. Malekian, L. Strawn, A. Vallotton, and R. Williams. Southern Regional Center for Food Safety Training, Outreach, and Technical Assistance. 2019 National Consortium for Produce Safety Program Development, NASDA, Orlando, FL, March 2019. Abstract, p.2-3. (Poster Presentation)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Fouladkhah, A., Allison, A., Henry, M. 2019. Food Safety Modernization Act Outreach and Technical Assistance: Needs Assessment Survey of Producers of Raw Agricultural Commodities in Tennessee. 41st Annual Tennessee State University-wide Research Symposium, Jane Elliott Hall, Nashville, TN, April 2-4th 2019 (Faculty Poster).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Fouladkhah, A., Henry, A., Allison, M. 2019. Assessing Needs of Small Food Producers in Tennessee for Meeting the Regulatory Requirements of the Current Food Safety Landscape. 41st Annual Tennessee State University-wide Research Symposium, Jane Elliott Hall, Nashville, TN, April 2-4th 2019 (Faculty Poster).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Synergism of Mild Heat, Nisin, and Lysozyme for Pressure-based Inactivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, and Bacillus atrophaeus Spores. 41st Annual Tennessee State University-wide Research Symposium, Jane Elliott Hall, Nashville, TN, April 2-4th 2019 (Poster Presentation).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah A., Allison A., Henry M. Food Safety Requirements for Assisting Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Farmers in the New Climate. 2018 Food Safety Outreach Program Directors Meeting, USDA NIFA| Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, August 21 & 22, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah A., Allison A., Henry M. Food Safety Modernization Act Outreach and Technical Assistance for Current and Emerging Entrepreneurs. 2018 Food Safety Outreach Program Directors Meeting, USDA NIFA| Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, August 21 & 22, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah, A. Food Safety Modernization Act for Emerging Entrepreneurs. Meeting for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Farrel Westbrook Auditorium, TSU, Nashville, Tennessee. Apr 26 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah, A., Fleming, R., Clardy, A., Ricketts, J. 2018. Regulatory Requirements for Early-Career Labor and Emerging Entrepreneurs in the Current Food Safety Regulatory Landscape. 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Danyluk, M.D., R. Goodrich Schneider, A. Harder, K. Schneider, D. Treadwell, A. Jackson-Davis, K. Gibson, A. Fouladkhah, M/ Harrison, J. Harrison, W. Hurst, A. Mohan, M. Newman, P. Rentfrow, P. Vijaykumar, T. Woods, A. Adhikari, K. Fontenot, J. Silva, T. Kim, B. Chapman, E. Gutierrez-Rodriguez, D. Ducharme, D. Green, L.-A. Jaykus, C. Gunter, J. Levine, C. Stevenson, D. Jaroni, R. Jadeja, L. Ma, W. McGlynn, L. Feliciano Orellana, M. Plaza, J. Northcutt, F. Critzer, A. Wszelaki, T.M. Taylor, G. Acuff, J. Anciso, A. Castillo, L. Strawn, R. Boyer, A. Vallotton, R. Williams, K. Sarjeant, M. Valesco, M. Mesh, and R. McReynolds. 2018. A Southern Training, Education, Extension, Outreach, and Technical Assistance Center to Enhance Produce Safety. Southern Region Integrated Produce Safety Conference. Atlanta, GA, November 2018, Abstract, p. 21-22. (Poster Presentation)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Krug, M., K. Schneider, M. Danyluk, R. Goodrich Schneider, T. Chapin, A. Harder, A. Jackson-Davis, L. Kassama, D. Chembezi, E. Myles, A. Philyaw-Perez, K. Woods, C. Carter, J. Northcutt, K. Baker, K. Sargeant, M. Harrison, J. Harrison, A. Mohan, P. Vijayakumar, M. Newman, A. Adhikari, K. Fontenot, C. Graham, J. Silva, C. Gunter, E. Guiterrez-Rodriguez, B. Chapman, P. Tripp, R. Jadeja, D. Jaroni, L. Feliciano Orellana, M. Plaza, A. Wszelaki, M. Morgan. A. Fouladkhah, R. Fleming, T.M. Taylor, A. Castillo, J. Masabni, B. Vaughn, F. Malekian, L. Strawn, A. Vallotton, and R. Williams. A Southern training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance center to enhance produce safety. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, January 2019. Abstract, p. 5-6. (Poster Presentation)


Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:With mechanisms such as biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and ability to move towards diversity and "fitness" through vertical and horizontal gene transfer mechanism, continued emergence of organisms with new characteristics in response to evolving agricultural and manufacturing environments is an unavoidable episode. As such, assuring the safety of the public against natural and anthropogenic microbial pathogens from food and agricultural commodities is a daunting task and a moving target. Evolving social changes, such as expansion in global travel and commerce, consumers' demand for minimally processed and ready-to-eat products, and increases in at-risk segments of populations are further breeding grounds for emerging, novel, and reemerging infectious diseases associated with food and agricultural commodities. Recent epidemiological studies of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate roughly 1 out of 6 Americans experiencing illnesses from foodborne pathogens, leading to about 128,000 hospitalizations and over 3,000 deaths every year. Food manufacturing and agricultural commodities' market is highly volatile- producers' and manufacturers' profit could be adversely affected to a great extent when food safety outbreak occurs anywhere in the country. In addition to the loss of productivity, medical expenses, and consumers' insecurity, it is estimated that annual cost of foodborne diseases in the United States is around $77.7 billion. In case of negligence from a producer or processor, where the legal and medical expenses could burden back to the entrepreneur, costs per cases of illness episode could well exceed $100,000 per case. Agriculture is one of the top industries in Tennessee, contributing $70 billion annually to the state's economy, employing 340,000 individuals, with having 66,000 farms representing 10.8 million acres. Signed into law in January of 2011, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is the most comprehensive legislation in the U.S. food manufacturing and agricultural production in more than 70 years. The food safety law aims to ensure the safety of domestic and imported foods by shifting the focus of federal food regulatory agencies from the response to contamination topreventivemeasures. As a comprehensive law with over 50 rules, the proposal and implementation of the legislation had been in progress and have gained increasing momentum in recent years. ThePreventive Controls for Human Food(FDA-2011-N-0920) andStandards for the Growing, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption(FDA-2011-N-0921) are among the most critical pieces of the legislation for producers and processors. The rules mandate additional compliance requirements for many sectors of food manufacturing, and agricultural production for the first time in the history of the country. FSMA also grants the Food and Drug Administration accelerated authority for mandatory recall and suspension of facilities with noncompliance records, authorities that were nonexistent in the pre-FSMA era. Although the legislation is expected to appreciably enhance the health of the public by even further reducing the burden of the foodborne diseases, hospitalizations, and deaths, it requires extensive steps from producers and processors. Meeting and exceeding Produce and Preventive Control Rules requirements would be critical for producers and processors regardless of the size of their operation.For those currently exempt from the produce regulation (i.e.those with three year average annual revenue of high-risk Raw Agricultural Commodities below $25K) and Preventive Control rule (e.g.direct sales to restaurants and consumers within 275 mile radius of their operations), training and certification would empower them to expand their businesses that otherwise had to remain inside the exemption "box" to be excluded from federal audits and compliance requirements. For non-exempt farmers and processors, the information would also be critical for continued access to the marketsince in post-FSMA era, Food and Drug Administration had received authority both for mandatory recall and suspension of noncompliant facilities. The target audience of the current project is producers and processors in Tennessee and around the country particularly those considered as small, very small, and emerging entrepreneurs. As previously indicated, these entrepreneurs could not expand their operation beyond the limitation of FSMA exemption without regulatory compliance training. Our students as upcoming early career labor in the food and agricultural industries were also a target audience of the project. FSMA regulatory training would facilitate their career prospect and assist the existing entrepreneur meeting the regulatory requirements. The vast majority of the target audience member in private industry and the academe during this project were among the underrepresented populations as further elaborated below. Some internship activities were provided by the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (PI: A. Fouladkhah) during the course of this project and recently concluded FSOP pilot project (PI: A. Fouladkhah) to provide food safety and FSMA training for underrepresented students. Specifically, Mr. Edward Daniels (twice), 2017 & 2016 Summer Intern (Michigan native); Ms. Karimah Preston, 2017 Summer Intern (Illinois native); Ms. Akiliyah Sumlin, 2017 Summer Intern (Oklahoma native); Ms. Destiny Cook, 2016-2017 Undergraduate Research Assistant (Georgia native) had a chance to join the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory for learning about food safety and food safety regulatory climate. All four interns and/or undergraduates are from African American background (1 male, 3 females). Graduate students were similarly involved in the efforts of the project. Their progress is further delineated under the accomplishment section. In short, Ms. Abimbola Allison and Ms. Monica Henry, both African American female graduate students have achieved several awards and provided deliverables listed below. Producers and processors were also the main target audience of the project. They have received training scholarship targeted towards the small entrepreneurs as elaborated in details under the "Other products" section (Also available athttp://www.midtngrowers.com/produce-safety-alliance-grower-training/). Training and workshops had been also conducted in Tennessee as well as two events in Boston and New Haven, CT as further elaborated below. Several validation studies required for efficacious and economic design and implementation of a Food Safety Plan in Preventive Control for Human Foods were also prepared. As further delineated in the products section, those were also disseminated in a workshop in Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting of 2018 where the project PI served as the Co-Chair, organizer, and a presenter of the section.? Changes/Problems:Based on USDA census data, a number of farming operations have been consistently in decline nation-wide and in Tennessee. The number of operations in Tennessee has declined 22% from 87,587 in 2002 to 68,050 operations in 2012, highlighting the critical role of land-grant institutions in continued rural development and assuring food security. Tennessee farming operations are ranked 11th in the country with approximately 70% of operations considered as small entrepreneurs in rural areas. Continuous engagements with the producers and processors in the Tennessee area especially those considered as emerging entrepreneurs is of critical importance for the successful continuation of the land-grant mission. As further delineated in Target audience section, this project established a grower's scholarship to assist producers of raw agricultural commodities to receive food safety training and certification. A special emphasis was placed on entrepreneurs with less than 10 acres of operations. In addition to the provided information, additional information could be obtained at http://www.midtngrowers.com/produce-safety-alliance-grower-training/. Such initiatives could of importance for enhanced stakeholder engagement and continued land-grant mission of our institutions. Similarly, two state-wide research and outreach events were organized on Campus of Tennessee State University were students and stakeholders had a chance to attend the event, present their recent work associated with Food Safety and Food Safety Modernization Act outreach and technical assistance. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In addition faculty, staff, student, and stakeholdertrainingsprovided, students involved in the project was able to make research and collegiate achievements that are summarized in two sections below. Students' Research Competition Awards (Advisor: A. Fouladkhah) -1st Place, Oral Competitions, HealthandMedical Sciences section. 2018 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 128th annual meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN. Student: M. Henry. Nov 17, 2018 -2nd Place, Oral Competitions, HealthandMedical Sciences section. 2018 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 128th annual meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN. Student: A. Allison. Nov 17, 2018 -3rd Places, Oral Competitions, HealthandMedical Sciences section. 2018 Tennessee Academy of Sciences. The 128th annual meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN. Student: J. Adhikari. Nov 17, 2018. -1st Place (tied), Graduate Poster Competitions, 2018 Annual State-wide Poster Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: M. Henry. Apr262018, -1st Place, Undergraduate Poster Competitions, 2018 Annual State-wide Poster Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: B. Simpson. Apr262018 -2nd Place, Undergraduate Poster Competitions, 2018 Annual State-wide Poster Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: A. Sumlin. Apr262018. -3rd Place (tied), Undergraduate Poster Competitions, 2018 Annual State-wide Poster Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: K. Day. Apr262018. -3rd Place (tied), Undergraduate Poster Competitions, 2018 Annual State-wide Poster Competition for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Student: K. Sampson. Apr262018. -3rd Place, Oral Competitions, Graduate Agricultural Sciences Oral I Division, 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018. Student: A. Allison. Apr62018. -2nd Place, Oral Competitions, Graduate Life and Physical Sciences Oral Division, 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018. Student: M. Henry. Apr62018. -2nd Place, Oral Competitions, Graduate Life and Physical Sciences Division, 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018. Student: A. Allison. Apr62018. -1st Place, 2017 Tennessee Academy of Science, Health and Medical Sciences Student Oral Competition November 17, 2017,Universityof Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee. Student: K. Sampson. -3rd Place, 2017 Tennessee Academy of Science, Microbiology Student Oral Competition, November 17, 2017,Universityof Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee. Student: A. Allison. -Finalist, 2017 IFT-EFFoST International Non-thermal Processing Conference Graduate Student Oral Competition. Student: A. Allison,PhDcandidate. May252017. -2nd Place, Oral Competitions, Graduate Biological Sciences Division, 39th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2017. Student: A. Allison,PhDStudent. Apr182017. Students Collegiate & Scholastic Recognitions (Advisor: A. Fouladkhah): -2018 Public Health Microbiology Graduate Student Publication Scholarship. Funds of $550 towards Publication and Open Access Fees, For Preparation of an Outstanding Manuscript as Part of AGSC 5540 Food Policies and Regulation Course. Student: M. Henry. Nov 15, 2018 -2018-2019 Foundation/Food and Product Safety (FMI) Scholarship. Student: A. Allison. -2018 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Feeding Tomorrow Graduate Scholarship. Extension and Outreach Division. Student: A. Allison. May 2018. -2018 International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Graduate Scholarship. 2018 Annual Conference of IAFP. Student: A. Allison. -2017-2018 OutstandingPhDStudent of College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Sciences, Tennessee State University (Selected after peer-review by college faculty and NIFA judges, among approximately 34PhDstudents/candidates in the college). Student: A. Allison,PhDcandidate. Apr282017. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Producers and processors were also the main target audience of the project. They have received training scholarship targeted towards the small entrepreneurs as elaborated in details under the "Other products" section (Also available athttp://www.midtngrowers.com/produce-safety-alliance-grower-training/). Training and workshops had been also conducted in Tennessee as well as two events in Boston and New Haven, CT as further elaborated below. Several validation studies required for efficacious and economic design and implementation of a Food Safety Plan in Preventive Control for Human Foods were also prepared. As further delineated in the products section, those were also disseminated in a workshop in Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting of 2018 where the project PI served as the Co-Chair, organizer, and a presenter of the section. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Two state-wide research and outreach eventswere organized on Campus of Tennessee State University were students and stakeholders had a chance to attend the event, present their recent work associated with Food Safety and Food Safety Modernization Act outreach and technical assistance. Since 2017 the programs have provided presentation opportunity for 22 finalist competitors, and 11 awardees. Further information about the program is availableat:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ift-vol-section-2017-spring-meeting-tickets-33476967511 In addition to regional, national and internal experience in the conduct of outreach and technical assistance workshops, the project PI has been holding a series of international outreach and technical assistance workshop in the Dominican Republic through a USAID funded project, discussing food safety, FSMA, and consumer food safety. Summary of these endeavors are available athttp://farmertofarmer.blogspot.com/2017/10/enhancing-meat-processing-through.html A recent profile of the program is also featured by Institute of Food Technologists availableat:http://u7.ift.org/About-Us/Volunteer/Volunteer-Profiles/Aliyar-Fouladkhah.aspx Finally, public health microbiology laboratory is uniquely positioned to further disseminate deliverables of the current community outreach project in a publically available, open-access capacity since the project PI is editing a relevant special issue inMicroorganisms,the webpage is available athttp://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms/special_issues/foodborne_pathogens_manufacturing Further development and competition of the project curriculum, the Toolkit, and the FSMA FAQ sheet are currently ongoing.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? As previously mentioned, faculty and staff of TSU has been the target of the training for the current project and recently terminated 2016 FSOP pilot project (PI: A. Fouladkhah). The two projects had provided funds for TSU faculty and staff to receive training as PSA instructor (AF, JR, AC, RF, AA, ET, DF), FSPCA lead instructor for Human Food (LS, AF), FSPCA Lead Instructor for Animal Food (AF), PC QI for Human Food (SC, NK, AA, JA Lead, Instructor: A. Fouladkhah). Three additional employees of TSU has also received approval to become a lead instructor for FSCPA Human Food and Foreign Supplier Verification (AA, NK, AF) that plan to obtain the status using an existing project of the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory of TSU. Workshop of TSU stakeholder and agents had also been conducted on October 2018 and November 2018 as delineated in "Other products" section. Needs assessment survey of processorswere conducted during the life of the project (n=17). A number of employees in the processing plants were ranging from 1 to 8 (average 2 employees) and the processors were in business for an average of 8 years (ranging from 1 to 30 years). 58% of respondents indicated they do not know if they are exempt from Preventive Control for Human Food rule while 41.2% indicated they know their operation is currently exempt. Their edible products were Baked Products; donuts and specialty pastries; Salsa; Peach Salsa; Jams; Spicy Jam; egg; honey; Jams; Cheeses; Bread; Donuts; Peanut Butter; Deserts; Baking flour mix; Chilli Oil; Spices; Canned foods; Chicken. Their non-edible products were: Beauty soaps; Beeswax candle; Gardening supplies. Highlights of Current knowledge of the Processors:40% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Microbiological effects of water activity on food products." 31% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Microbiological effects of pH on food products." 46% of processors indicated they possess "good knowledge" of "Microbiological effects of shelf-live on food products." 37% of processors indicated they possess "good knowledge" of "Foodborne illness that may be associated with food products." 57% of processors indicated they possess "good knowledge" of "Preventing cross-contamination when making food products." 36% of processors indicated they possess "poor knowledge" of "Allergen concerns of food products." 28% of processors indicated they possess "good knowledge" of "Hazards during transportation of food products." 33% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Agencies that regulate food processing facilities and food products." 43% of processors indicated they possess "excellent knowledge" of "Causes of spoilage in food products." 27% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Procedures used to control microorganisms." 57% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Temperature danger zone for microorganisms to grow." 29% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Label requirement for food products." 27% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Facility needed to produce food products for direct sales to consumers." 29% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Facility needed to produce food products for sale to retail." 20% of processors indicated they possess "poor knowledge" of "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for food producers." 20% of processors indicated they possess "excellent knowledge" of "Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for food processing." 33% of processors indicated they possess "average knowledge" of "Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for food processing." Highlights of Processors Perception about Availability of Training:41% indicated training for "Microbiological effects of water activity on food products" are "occasionally available." 25% indicated training for "Microbiological effects of pH on food products," are "rarely available." 29% indicated training for "Microbiological effects of shelf-life on food products," are "rarely available." 46% indicated training for "Foodborne illness that maybe be associated with products," are "rarely available." 38% indicated training for "Preventing cross-contamination when making food products," are "rarely available." 26% indicated training for "Allergen concerns of food products," are "occasionally available." 33% indicated training for "Hazards during transportation of food products," are "occasionally available." 31% indicated training for "Agency that regulates food processing facility and food products," are "occasionally available." 33% indicated training for "Causes of spoilage in food products," are "rarely available." 37% indicated training for "Procedures used to control microorganisms," are "rarely available." 46% indicated training for "Temperature danger zone for microorganisms to grow," are "rarely available." 25% indicated training for "Label requirement for food products," are "rarely available." 29% indicated training for "Facility needed to produce food products for direct sales to consumers," are "rarely available." 31% indicated training for "Facility needed to produce food products for sale to retail," are "occasionally available." 29% indicated training for "use of cleaning and sanitation procedures to prevent foodborne illness," are "occasionally available." Needs assessment survey for the producersof raw agricultural commodities were conducted during the life of the project (n=12), with three respondents being female farmers. Mean age of the farmers were 64.5 (range 53 to 77), number of acre ranging from 4 to 25 acres (average 10.1 acres). On average operations had 6.9 employees involved in harvest (ranging from 2 to 12) and having 1 to 4 year-round employee. Crops of their choice were Celery (n=1); Cabbage (n=2); Peppers (n=5); Radishes (n=2); Leafy greens (n=6); Cucumber (n=2); Tomatoes (n=8); Herbs (n=7); Broccoli (n=5); Carrot (n=4); Onion (n=4); Melons (n=5); Strawberries (n=4); Other crops (wheat, cotton soybean): (n=5) and their selling market were: Grocery stores and retail stores (n=1); Foodservice (n=1); Farmers market (n=2); Roadside (n=4); On-farm store (n=3); Pick your own (n=3); CSA (n=2); Food hub (n=2). Highlights of Current knowledge of the Producers:37% and 25% indicated they have "average," and "poor" knowledge of water sources and risk, respectively; 37% and 38% indicated they have "poor," and "average" knowledge of water testing methods, respectively; 25% and 50% indicated they have "very poor," and "average" knowledge of types of water tests required, respectively; 37% and 38% indicated they have "very poor," and "average" knowledge of the frequency of water testing, respectively; 25% and 25% indicated they have "average," and "poor" knowledge of interpreting water analysis results, respectively; 63% indicated they have "good" knowledge of treated soil amendments; 38% and 50% indicated they have "average," and "good" knowledge of untreated soil amendment, respectively.; 38% and 38% indicated they have "average," and "good" knowledge of Interval application of soil amendment, respectively; 75% indicated they have "excellent" knowledge of domestic and wild animal control; Highlights of Producers Need for Information:70% indicated "very high" need for water sources and risk training information; 89% indicated "very high" need for water testing methods training information; 90% indicated "very high" need for types of water testing methods training information; 57% indicated "very high" need for interval application of soil amendment training information; 50% indicated "very low" need for worker health, hygiene training information; 57% indicated "low" need for equipment and facility cleaning and sanitation practices training information. .

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah*, A. Adoptable Interventions, Human Health, and Food Safety Considerations for Reducing Sodium Content of Processed Food Products. Foods (Basel, Switzerland) 2018 7(2), 16.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah*, A. The Need for Evidence-Based Outreach in the Current Food Safety Regulatory Landscape. Commentary section, Journal of Extension 2017. 55(2): 2COM1.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah A., Allison A., Henry M. Food Safety Requirements for Assisting Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Farmers in the New Climate. 2018 Food Safety Outreach Program Directors Meeting, USDA NIFA| Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, August 21 & 22, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah A., Allison A., Henry M. Food Safety Modernization Act Outreach and Technical Assistance for Current and Emerging Entrepreneurs. 2018 Food Safety Outreach Program Directors Meeting, USDA NIFA| Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, August 21 & 22, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah, A., 2018. Food Safety and Consumer-Driven Change: Assisting Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Farmers Meeting Requirements of the New Food Safety Regulatory Climate. 5th Annual Yale Food Symposium Conference, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, CT, February 23, 2018. Available at: https://yalefoodsymposium.org/symposium-agenda/food-safety-and-consumer-driven-change/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah, A., 2018. Food Safety Compliance for Emerging Entrepreneurs. Commercial Kitchen-Food Safety Workshop. UT/TSU Montgomery County Extension Office, Clarksville, TN, April 27, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah, A. Food Safety Modernization Act for Emerging Entrepreneurs. Meeting for Food Safety Modernization Act, Food Safety, and Food Science Students. Tennessee (Volunteer) section Institute of Food Technologists. Farrel Westbrook Auditorium, TSU, Nashville, Tennessee. Apr 26, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah, A., Fleming, R., Clardy, A., Ricketts, J. 2018. Regulatory Requirements for Early-Career Labor and Emerging Entrepreneurs in the Current Food Safety Regulatory Landscape. 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah*, A. Synergism of Mild Heat and High-Pressure Pasteurization against Listeria monocytogenes and Natural Microflora in Phosphate-Buffered Saline and Raw Milk. Microorganisms 2018, 6(4), 102.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Fouladkhah*, A. Sensitivity of Salmonella Serovars and Natural Microflora to High Pressure Pasteurization: Open Access Data for Practitioners and Risk Assessment. Data in Brief (Elsevier) 2018, 21:480484.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Daniels, E., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah*, A. Effects of Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure against Mesophilic Background Microflora and Habituated Salmonella Serovars in Orange Juice. Microorganisms 2018, 6(1), 23.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Fouladkhah A., 2018. Recent Validation Studies Using Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure and Synergism with Heat, and Natural Antimicrobials. In session: Industrial Adoption and Validation of High Pressure Based Minimal Processing Technologies (A. Fouladkhah, session organizer). 2018 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, IL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., and Fouladkhah, A. 2018. Effects of Lactic Acid and Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure against Wild-Type and Rifampicin-Resistant O157 and Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Meat Homogenate. 2018 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, IL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Henry, M., Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. 2018. High Pressure Pasteurization for Inactivation of Rifampicin-Resistant Cronobacter sakazakii in Reconstituted Infant Formula. 2018 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. 2018. Effects of Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure for Decontamination of Raw Milk from Listeria monocytogenes and Background Microflora. 2018 Annual Meeting of International Association for Food Protection, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Allison, A., Troyanovskaya, E., Chowdhury, S., and Fouladkhah, A. Synergistic Effect of Heat and Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure for Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes. International Association for Food Protection 2017 Annual meeting, Tampa, Florida. Abstract No. 14475.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Troyanovskaya, E., Cooks, D., and Fouladkhah, A. Effects of Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure at Controlled Temperature against Background Microflora and Planktonically-Grown Habituated Salmonella Serovars in Orange Juice. 2017 Annual Meeting of Institute of Food Technologists, Las Vegas, Nevada. Abstract No. 19315.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. 2018. Biofilm formation of wild-type and pressure-stressed Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella serovars and their sensitivity to sodium hypochlorite. 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Allison, Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. 2018. Effects of Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure for Decontamination of Raw Milk from Listeria monocytogenes and Background Microflora. 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Henry, M., Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. 2018. High Pressure Pasteurization for Inactivation of Rifampicin-Resistant Cronobacter sakazakii in Reconstituted Infant Formula. 40th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, 2018.