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Food and Feed Safety

Research Unit

Research Leader   Rajah.Rajasekaran@usda.gov  

 

Mission Statement

    

    

The mission of the Food and Feed Safety Research Unit addresses priority areas of food safety, health and nutrition, and is directed towards

(1) using a genomics approach to gain understanding of the genetic regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis;

(2) characterization of compounds and genes governing production of these antifungal compounds for use in applications to control toxin-producing fungi or other fungi that reduce the quality and safety of food and feed;

(3) elucidation, using genomic and proteomic tools, of the complex mechanisms governing expression of genes/enzymes which regulate aflatoxin synthesis during the plant-fungus interaction; and using this knowledge to enhance host-resistance against fungal invasion;

(4) manipulation of agroecosystems involving complex interactions between the toxin-producing fungus, other endemic microflora and the crop plant (particularly as affected by climate change) to reduce levels of fungus and/or toxin in field environments;

(5) characterization of the mechanisms of induction of isoflavonoids in legumes, and elucidation of anti-cancer and anti-obesity activities of these compounds in animal systems; and

(6) integration of research information into practical procedures for assuring a safe, domestic supply of food and feed; and enhancing global food security through sustainable agriculture.