Chapter 2

Meat Science and Animal Product Food Safety:

Goal: 

Colorado State University will enhance its focus and depth in undergraduate education, graduate education, research and outreach in meat science and animal product food safety and be recognized nationally as one of the top three university programs. This will include experiential learning in the animal science BS degree designed to add practical experience in meat science and microbiology and to prepare students for leadership positions in the meat production and food manufacturing industries and regulatory agencies. Graduate education, research, and outreach will focus on pre-harvest management of livestock to prevent acquisition of human pathogens in livestock production and handling, post-harvest detection and management systems to prevent and control contamination of meat products with human pathogens, assessment of production systems and regulatory protocols for effective food safety results and domestic and international credibility of the meat products, and producer, consumer, and food handler education in food safety to prevent or control contamination and food safety risks.

Strategic Actions:

• Continue developing approaches for meat science and safety research management to be more responsive to industry, regulatory, and export issues.
• Develop new approaches with which to transfer technology from research to industry and governmental partners.
• Increase support staff including graduate students and Research Associates.
• Develop a five-year BS/MS degree program in Meat Science, following consultation with industry to determine needs and commitment.
• Secure funding for renovation of Animal Sciences building

Critical Resource Growth Needs:

• Renovate and expand the Animal Sciences Building to improve laboratory, classroom, and office space (estimated at $17 million).
• Add a faculty position in the area of meat processing.
• Secure one endowed faculty chair to raise the level of one faculty position.
• Add two Post-Doctoral Fellows, two Research Associates, two meat science/food safety outreach professionaDecember 6, 2007g>
• Secure an additional $50,000 annually for faculty, student, and outreach professional travel and project development.