Canadian Institute advances food safety from farm to table
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The Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS) at the University of Guelph connects scientific research with practical solutions to protect food supplies.
CRIFS brings together experts in fields like microbiology, genomics, and data science to address food safety challenges across the entire supply chain, from farms to consumers. Researchers at the institute investigate how harmful organisms survive, spread, and respond to control measures, translating these findings into strategies for detection and prevention.
CRIFS supports food companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, by providing scientific and technical assistance with regulatory compliance, process validation, and troubleshooting. They utilize advanced technologies like whole genome sequencing and metagenomics to identify hazards at a level previously unattainable, and are developing portable diagnostic tools for faster, on-site analysis. Professor Lawrence Goodridge leads the institute in applying a “One Health” approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in food safety.
CRIFS also focuses on training future food safety professionals and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. By linking research with practical application, the institute aims to build a more resilient and proactive food system, anticipating hazards before they become crises.
