2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To collaborate with Delaware State University (DSU) on a USDA l890 Institution Capacity Building Grant, on mentoring and training six Masters degree students in topics related to food processing and food safety. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The faculty of Delaware State University does not have expertise in food safety or the facilities to conduct food safety research. They propose that their Masters students satisfy their theses requirements by working with ARS Scientists on topics related to the use of food processing and related techniques that ensure food safety, as agreed upon by ARS scientists and DSU professors. This program will allow DSU to train students in food safety. This program will allow DSU students to obtain a Masters of Agriculture degree with a specialization in food safety. 3.Progress Report Four students from Delaware State University have arrived at ERRC and are working in the Dairy Processing and Products RU, the Microbial Food Safety RU, and the Food Safety Interventions Technology RU. One of the students is working at the ERRC Delaware State (Del St.) University Worksite. One student was assigned to a research project related to cheese safety, two were assigned to projects related to meat safety research, and one student was assigned to egg safety research. The student at the Del St. Worksite was assigned to seafood safety research. The students are conducting literature searches related to their field of study and are currently being trained in the laboratory and pilot plant processing methods used in food processing and food safety research. This research addresses NP 306 Action Plan Component 1. Quality Characterization, Preservation and Enhancement. Problem Area 1c. Factors and Processes that Affect Quality; Component 2. New Processes, New Uses and Value-Added Foods and Biobased Products. Problem Areas 2c. New and Improved Processes and Feedstocks and NP 108 Food Safety Component 1.2.4 Processing Intervention Strategies.