Grow Safe
Protecting the UK From foodborne hazards
The UK Food Safety Research Network connects food industry, food and health policymakers and academia to collaboratively pursue shared research priorities to protect us from microbial foodborne hazards.
Lettuces growing in a greenhouse
Make Safe
Protecting the UK From foodborne hazards
The UK Food Safety Research Network connects food industry, food and health policymakers and academia to collaboratively pursue shared research priorities to protect us from foodborne hazards.
A close up of cheese being made in a factory
Eat Safe
Protecting the UK From foodborne hazards
The UK Food Safety Research Network connects food industry, food and health policymakers and academia to collaboratively pursue shared research priorities to protect us from foodborne hazards.
A strawberry on a fork
Our Research
Current projects funded by the UK Food Safety Research Network.
Overview
Food supply chain safety and security are at risk from environmental issues such as extreme weather events and disease outbreaks.   This risk is increasingly exacerbated by climate change and biodiversity
A digital illustration of an abstract form representing a network
A digital illustration of an abstract form representing a network
Overview
There is a diagnostics challenge in detecting foodborne and disease-causing strains of Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli. There are multiple serotypes and they are genetically diverse which means it can be
Overview
Campylobacter is the most common bacteria causing human gastroenteritis globally.   While chicken serves as the primary source of Campylobacter, there exists a potential risk of cross-contamination to other
An orange bacteriophage on a green surface
An orange bacteriophage on a green surface
Overview
Phages have enormous potential to reduce food safety risks and optimise health outcomes across One Health.  The country Georgia has been using bacteriophages technology for decades including for improving
Overview
Contamination of fresh produce by microorganisms during their storage and transportation is a food safety challenge. The University of Birmingham, together with Queens University Belfast and Ermen Systems are
Overview
Streptococcus suis bacteria cause infections in pigs globally, affecting their health and wellbeing, driving antibiotics usage and, in many countries, the food safety of meat products.  Infections caused by
Overview
It’s challenging to quickly detect bacteria in food due to its complex biochemical make up.  A project funded by the UK Food Safety Research Network is developing a sensor
Two people cooking in a kitchen
Two people cooking in a kitchen
Overview
Previous research using video recordings show that there are many common risky kitchen behaviours at home such as misuse of tea towels and frequent use of mobile devices during
A gloved hand wiping a surface
A gloved hand wiping a surface
Overview
Currently, there are no affordable, sustainable, simple and objective tests that can make microbes visible in the food industry.   This UK Food Safety Research Network project is developing new

Food poisoning is a major health challenge costing the UK up to £9 billion each year. 

The UK Food Safety Research Network helps to ensure food is safe from microbial risks.

Our network is hosted by the Quadram Institute funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Food Standards Agency and serves as an innovation hub

It brings together experts from government, industry and academia to address current and emerging issues of food safety in the UK.

Latest News

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6th September 2024
The advancement of rapid and accurate on-site diagnostic methods is crucial for the prevention and control of foodborne pathogens, as early detection could not only reduce threats to public