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.

UMass Food Science Receives NIFA Grant for Educational Sanitation Program
USDA, UMass, UMaine, NC State Logos

The 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. 

Resources Related to COVID-19 and Food Handling

UMass Food Science Extension Response to COVID-19

As 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)

 

Resources

North Carolina State COVID-19 Resources

 

Purdue Extension Fact Sheets

For education and training:

English version: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-37-W

Spanish version: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-37-W-S

Simplified Chinese version: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-37-W-CS

Traditional Chinese version: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-37-W-CT

 

For consumers:

English version: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-36-W

Traditional Chinese: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-36-W-CT

Simplified Chinese: https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FS-36-W-CS

Spanish version: coming soon

 

LSU Information Posters for Customers and Employees

 

Girls Inc. Food Science Program was a Great Success!

The UMass Food Science Extension Program, UMass Dining, and Girls Inc. teamed up to investigate the scientific properties of baking bread in a fun, 2-day event at UMass Amherst. 

Read more about Girls Inc. Food Science Program was a Great Success! »
View all Food Science events »