1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
The objective of this Annex is to establish the Center for Food Safety and Quality, co-located at the Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Nebraska, United States. Each center will conduct research, develop scientific tools and technology, and introduce improved methods for agricultural products processing in combination with other human pursuits that socially and economically maintain livelihoods and protect the environment through information exchange, education and proactive extension services. This Annex is subject to the terms and conditions of the S & T Agreement and the Protocol. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of the S & T Agreement or the Protocol and this Annex, the S & T Agreement and the Protocol shall govern.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
Cooperation under this Annex may include, but is not limited to, the following topic areas:

(1) Food-borne pathogens: such as E. coli 0157:H7, Salmonella, Listerai etc. (2) Microbiological prediction and control technology: the establishment of microbiological prediction models and their application in food processing; (3) Information services and technology transfer: Assemble, manage, and publish data and information resources for research, education, and public service.

To generate broad interest and increased activities, the Participants will, upon mutual consent, involve other interested government agencies and the scientific and business communities of both countries in cooperative programs, trade capacity-building activities, and scientific cooperation and exchanges in implementation of this Annex.

3.Progress Report

This report documents research conducted under an MOU with the Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology. The annual Joint Working Group that was scheduled for September 14th, 2010 in Yangling China to report on this activity has been postponed pending the confirmation of the new REE Undersecretary. This activity has several ARS and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) funded collaborators. The lead for ARS is Tommy Wheeler at the US Meat Agricultural Research Center (MARC) in Nebraska who partners with Nanjing University. Dr. Wheeler visited Dr. Zhou Guanghong, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China to give guest lectures and discuss collaboration with USMARC (2009).