5/7/02

Marcia Owens-Kloepper, 334/844-4411

AUBURN'S 'CANARI' PROGRAM ENHANCES FOOD PRODUCT 'SAFETY NET'

AUBURN -- An Auburn University researcher has developed an information network that may significantly enhance the safety net guarding the security of America's food supply.

Consolidated American Network for Agricultural Resource Intelligence, or CANARI, uses existing, new and developing technology to detect, identify and respond to both natural disease outbreaks and agriculture-based bioterrorist attacks, says Robert Norton, a professor in the Department of Poultry Science who has worked on the comprehensive security program for the past five years.

"CANARI uses the analogy of the canary sounding the alarm in a coal mine," Norton says. "It's an organized network that coordinates detection and response by local, state and federal agencies, commodity cooperators and non-government organizations."

Before Sept. 11, interest in the plan was evident, but tasks other than biological warfare had a higher level of priority, according to Norton.

Following the anthrax attacks, government and commodity groups became more interested in the issues of bioterrorism since it could affect the food supply.

Now, all U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are on heightened alert at ports of entry and in meat and poultry slaughter and processing plants, and security has been increased at appropriate USDA facilities.

"We are developing security programs for industry and developing teaching and training materials for managers in the food production and food processing area and in the transportation of live animals and consumer products," Norton said.

Norton worked with several federal agencies to develop the program, the Justice Department, Food and Drug Administration, the Defense Department and the USDA

Norton says the program's objective is to improve the methods of protecting animal agriculture so the consumer is better assured of the continuation of a safe, readily available and economical food supply. He adds that communication, training and outreach are key components of the program.

"Responsibility for detecting and managing a bioterrorist attack needs to be shared among a wide range of federal, state, local and private entities," Norton said.

Funding for development of a model system for tracking food products from "farm-to-fork" is from the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. AU's Poultry Products Safety and Quality Peaks of Excellence Program provides additional support.

The Poultry Products Safety and Quality Program is dedicated to ensuring "farm to fork" safety and quality of poultry and egg products.

Auburn's Peaks of Excellence programs comprise seven multi-disciplinary research areas selected for their strength and ability to address priority research and development needs for the state, region and the nation. Other programs among the Peaks of Excellence include: Fisheries and Aquaculture; Cell and Molecular Biosciences; Detection and Food Safety; Forest Sustainability; Information Technology; and Transportation.

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CONTACT: Owens-Kloepper, 334/844-4411.