UMass Food Science Extension Program
The UMass Food Science Extension Program integrates research and outreach education in areas related to food safety, food production and the principles of food science. Understanding the participants and elements of food systems, Food Science Extension at the University of Massachusetts provides farmers, business owners, and industry partners with support and knowledge essential for growth and success in food production.
We focus on applied research and food safety education to support the food industry. Our research efforts support development research from concept to commercialization to address technical challenges and deliver against product/business needs from farm to fork. In addition, our group provides educational programs that address food science needs through short courses, on-line training and other outreach venues.
News
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UMass Food Science Extension Receives NIFA Grant for Educational Sanitation Program
October 11, 2021The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded funding to UMass Food Science Extension for the project titled, "Sanitation Control Practitioner Program (SCPP)- The development of an education program for small processors." This multi-state project is in collaboration with team members from N.C. State and UMaine. The project's overall goal is to provide educational and technical support targeted to small processors to improve food safety practices that reduce the overall risk of foodborne illness.
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Resources Related to COVID-19 and Food Handling
March 25, 2021As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, there is concern related to how it may impact food production and handling. A variety of resources have been developed to help educate consumers and industry about best practices related to hygiene, food handling, and sanitary practices. These can be found below. For the latest campus news related to COVID-19, please refer to UMass Amherst Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
North Carolina State COVID-19 Resources
For education and training
- Purdue Extension Fact Sheets (English version)
- Purdue Extension Fact Sheets (Spanish version)
- Purdue Extension Fact Sheets (Simplified Chinese version)
- Purdue Extension Fact Sheets (Traditional Chinese version)
For consumers
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Girls Inc. Food Science Program was a Great Success!
July 16, 2018