Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health
Our food system is a diverse, extensive, and somewhat accessible system, open to the introduction of contaminants through natural processes and by intentional means. USDA science provides the information and technologies that help maintain a safe food supply for consumers by reducing food-borne pathogens, toxins, and chemical contaminants.
USDA science also supports research, education, and extension programs to promote health and reduce malnutrition and obesity - particularly in children and other high-risk populations.
OCS Point of Contact: Molly Kretsch (Deputy Administrator, Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality, Agricultural Research Service, ARS)
USDA Science's strategic role in nutrition and combating childhood obesity (PDF)
USDA Science's strategic role in food safety (PDF)
Food Safety Related Areas:
- Food Safety across the USDA
- USDA in-house research on Food Safety (ARS)
- Economic analyses of Food Safety (ERS)
- Food Safety and Biosecurity research, education, and extension programs (NIFA)
- Food Safety Research Information Office (ARS/NAL)
- Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- President's Food Safety Working Group
- Foodsafety.gov
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act
- Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (Interagency Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance)
- Food Safety
eXtension Community of Practice and others
Human Nutrition Related Areas:
- Global Food Security in the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS)
- Dietary Health across the USDA
- USDA in-house research on Human Nutrition (ARS)
- Food Environment Atlas (ERS)
- Economic analyses of Food Choices & Health (ERS)
- Economic analyses of Food & Nutrition Assistance (ERS)
- Nutrition research, education, and extension programs (NIFA)
- Food and Nutrition Information Center (ARS/NAL)
- Nutrition.gov (ARS/NAL)
- Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
- Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
- eXtension Communities of Practice: Families, Food, & Fitness; Omega-3s; and more