The Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit focuses on improving safety, quality and exportability of high value agricultural products, such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, raisins and cantaloupes.
FTDP scientists have developed a sensitive, reliable and portable test for amanitin, the deadliest class of mushroom poisons. This immunoassay could be used in the field for detecting amanitin presence in wild mushrooms. More
FTDP scientists developed a highly sensitive T-cell assay for detecting staphylococcal toxin in food. The new assay is faster, more sensitive and less expensive than animal model tests. More
FTDP scientists developed a highly sensitive test for all known strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria by using novel antibodies. They are patented by ARS and may also lead to treatments for foodborne illness. More
Scientists in FTDP and the Produce Safety and Microbiology research units developed a rapid, easy to use test for botulinum toxin, as part of their mission to enhance food safety and biosecurity. More
FTDP chemists are collaborating with almond industry researchers to create a potent attractant for navel orangeworm, the primary insect pest of almonds. Larval feeding can promote fungal infection in kernels, potentially leading to contamination with carcinogenic toxins. More
Flight tunnel behavioral tests led to development of an effective attractant (pear ester) for codling moth, a major pest of apples, pears and walnuts. More
Mission
The Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit conducts research to enhance food safety and biosecurity by developing new methods for analysis of toxins and bacteria in foods, and new strategies to reduce or eliminate mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities (especially tree nuts and figs). We validate these technologies and transfer knowledge to the scientific community, the food industry, and regulatory agencies responsible for the safety of the U.S. food supply.Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit (FTDP)
Luisa Cheng, Research Leader
Jackie Green, Executive Assistant to the Center Director
Phone: (510) 559-5600
FTDP Personnel
FTDP Research
Current Research Projects. 2010–2015 projects listed below:
- Detection and bioavailability of bacterial toxins
- Chemical approaches to eliminate fungal toxins
- Environmental and ecological approaches to eliminate fungal toxins
