AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State University has received a federal grant to set up a center for food safety designed to assist food processors in 12 states ensure compliance with new regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration awarded the university a three-year, $950,000 grant to establish the new North Central Regional Center for Food Safety Training.
The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act was designed to strengthen the nation's food safety system and reduce food-borne illnesses. It established a national center and four regional centers to help companies comply with the law.
New requirements include updated food safety record-keeping and training.
Fruit and vegetable growers must meet science-based minimum standards for safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding fresh produce.
University officials announced the grant on Monday.
