More scrutiny needed for less-deadly foodborne bacteria

February 13, 2019

Employing advanced genetic-tracing techniques and sharing the data produced in real time could limit the spread of bacteria — Bacillus cereus — which cause foodborne illness, according to researchers who implemented whole-genome sequencing of a pathogen-outbreak investigation.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty members honored for teaching excellence

January 25, 2019

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized six faculty members for outstanding teaching in 2018.

Wake up and smell the coffee: Research shows freezing beans can preserve aroma

January 15, 2019

As a food science major in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Andrew Cotter conducted research on the storage of coffee beans. He showed that storing roasted coffee beans in the freezer — a popular preservation method — can help preserve the aroma of certain varieties of beans.

A 'bran' new way to preserve healthy food with natural ingredients

January 3, 2019

A natural antioxidant found in grain bran could preserve food longer and replace synthetic antioxidants currently used by the food industry, according to researchers at Penn State.

Penn State Berkey Creamery intern plays important role in product development

December 19, 2018

Abigail Rule, a senior majoring in food science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has gotten the inside scoop on product development, thanks to an internship with Penn State's Berkey Creamery.

Biodegradable, edible film kills pathogens on seafood

December 17, 2018

A biodegradable, edible film made with plant starch and antimicrobial compounds may control the growth of foodborne pathogens on seafood, according to a group of international researchers.

Livestock producers, consumers may be affected by cell-cultured meat regulations

December 11, 2018

According to a team of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences livestock experts and food scientists focused on cellular agriculture, the progress of this technology requires thorough evaluation and discussion to address the multitude of questions surrounding it.

Your turkey doesn't need a shower: No-nos when it comes to holiday bird prep

November 21, 2018

Talking (Thanksgiving) turkey: Some methods of handling and cooking turkey, which have been passed down from generation to generation, may be setting the table for foodborne illness, according to a food safety specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Color coded — matching taste with color

November 15, 2018

Color can impact the taste of food, and our experiences and expectations can affect how we taste food, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest this may have implications for how food and beverage industries should market their products.

Penn State food safety experts to help make Ethiopian dairy food supply safer

November 14, 2018

Food safety specialists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will collaborate with scientists at Addis Ababa University and Kansas State University in Ethiopia on a project to improvethe safety and quality of Ethiopian dairy foods.

Farmers market vendors need training to improve food-safety practices

November 1, 2018

Many vendors at farmers markets take inadequate precautions to prevent the spread of foodborne illness, and they should be trained to reduce food-safety risks, according to Penn State researchers who completed the final phase of an innovative five-year study.

College of Agricultural Sciences selected as host site for Mandela Fellows

October 25, 2018

Boubou Sangho and Gladys Freeman, recipients of the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, spent six weeks of professional development at Penn State's University Park campus in August and September.

Internship at McCormick & Co. 'spices up' student's experience

October 10, 2018

Maya Alcalá, a student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is on her way to becoming a seasoned professional thanks to a summer internship with McCormick & Co.

Chewing gum may be effective for delivering vitamins

October 9, 2018

Nearly 15 percent of all chewing gum varieties sold promise to provide health-enhancing supplements to users, so Penn State researchers studied whether two vitamin-supplemented products were effective at delivering vitamins to the body. Their results validate the concept of gum as an effective delivery system for at least some vitamins.

Penn State Berkey Creamery celebrates 'White Out' with new flavor

September 24, 2018

Penn State Berkey Creamery's new ice cream flavor will have football fans celebrating even more when Penn State hosts Ohio State on Sept. 29. "White Out" — a sweet blend of popcorn-flavored ice cream and white chocolate chips — is now available for scooping at the Creamery.

Fall Research Unplugged speaker series to offer weekly talks starting Oct. 4

September 7, 2018

Research Unplugged, the popular series of stimulating conversation with Penn State researchers, is presented in collaboration with Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations and will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. each Thursday in October in Schlow Library’s Downsbrough Community Room.

College of Agricultural Sciences names Harbaugh Faculty Scholars

August 27, 2018

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has awarded funding to three individuals and two teams to support the development of innovative curricula under the college's Harbaugh Faculty Scholars program.

Extension dairy specialist honored by international guild for cheese activism

August 21, 2018

Kerry Kaylegian, assistant research professor of dairy foods and extension specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, was inducted into the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers New World Chapter on July 28 in a ceremony held in association with the American Cheese Society's annual meeting in Pittsburgh.

Sensational servings: Researcher to explain ice cream and our senses

August 17, 2018

Alyssa Bakke, a staff sensory scientist in the Department of Food Science who has expertise in food choice and consumer behavior, will be speaking at August's Science on Tap event at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the Liberty Craft House in State College.

College of Agricultural Sciences students awarded NIFA fellowships

August 2, 2018

Eight graduate students in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are among the 101 recipients of fellowships from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Link found between bitter-taste sensitivity and cancer risk

July 18, 2018

High bitter-taste sensitivity is associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer in older British women, according to researchers who conducted a unique study of 5,500 women whose diet, lifestyle and health has been tracked for about 20 years.

Ag Sciences faculty members honored for teaching, innovation with Bixler award

July 11, 2018

Two faculty members in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently received the 2017 Anna and Guy Bixler Memorial Award in Food Science in recognition of their teaching innovation.

Back to the future: Low-tech food-safety training still best for some audiences

July 2, 2018

While current training for food safety and sanitation usually incorporates high-technology presentations, such as videos and slide shows, there is still a need for low-tech approaches, according to Penn State researchers.

Food for thought: Eight tips for making good choices at farmers markets

June 29, 2018

When it comes to shopping at farmers markets, a little know-how can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe from foodborne illness, advises a food safety educator with Penn State Extension.

Unique food-microbiology workshop offered to select visiting students

June 7, 2018

A faculty team in Penn State's Department of Food Science is offering a novel microbiology workshop in June and July to visiting college students from around the Commonwealth and Puerto Rico.

Extension expanding food-safety training far beyond U.S. borders

May 14, 2018

The food-safety practices that Americans take for granted — such as washing hands with soap, refrigerating perishables, and not cutting raw meat and vegetables on the same surface without disinfection — may not be practiced widely in other places around the world,” said Cutter, professor of food science and Penn State Extension assistant director for food safety and quality programs. She and her colleagues in the College of Agricultural Sciences want to change that.

Pearlman relishes role as Berkey Creamery product development intern

April 26, 2018

Nathan Pearlman, a food science major in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has savored his senior year, thanks, in part, to an internship with the Penn State Berkey Creamery that has helped to launch his professional life.

Zaffuto takes on food science industry one brownie at a time

April 20, 2018

Michael Zaffuto, a food science major, attributes his many accomplishments to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, his family and his hometown of Sykesville, Pennsylvania.

New iced coffees and ice cream to rev up Blue-White Weekend and beyond

April 19, 2018

Just when you thought things could not get any sweeter at the Penn State Berkey Creamery, the "dynamos of delicious" have done it again, and just in time for the Blue-White Game, April 21. Penn State Berkey Creamery has added two new products to its menu — "Brew and White" iced coffees and "Grilled Stickies" ice cream.

Josephine Wee joins Penn State Department of Food Science

April 5, 2018

The Department of Food Science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently welcomed Josephine Wee, a new assistant professor of food microbiology, whose appointment will enhance educational and research programs in food safety and microbiology.