At the University of Guelph, the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS) is at the forefront of global efforts to secure the food supply and protect public health through cutting-edge research and cross-sector collaboration.
As food systems grow increasingly complex and interconnected, the importance of rigorous, science-based food safety measures has never been greater. The Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS), housed within the University of Guelph, stands as a critical node in Canada’s national food safety network – and a world leader in advancing tools and knowledge to prevent foodborne illness and mitigate future outbreaks.
Directed by Dr Lawrence Goodridge, Canada Research Chair in Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics, CRIFS has earned international recognition for its work at the intersection of microbiology, molecular biology, data science, and public health.
From genome to field: Accelerating food safety science
A core focus of CRIFS is the advancement of molecular methods and next-generation sequencing to identify, track, and control foodborne pathogens. The institute is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to validate the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for outbreak analysis, particularly for Salmonella. This technology allows researchers to trace the source of contamination with unmatched precision and speed, enabling more targeted and timely interventions.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CRIFS scientists also improved and streamlined molecular assays to detect SARS-CoV-2, reducing testing costs while maintaining accuracy. These efforts have contributed to more scalable and affordable testing strategies – an essential step in pandemic response and preparedness.
More broadly, CRIFS research focuses on enhancing our understanding of pathogen behaviour, virulence, and persistence in foods and the environment. By integrating microbiological innovation with data science and bioinformatics, CRIFS is helping Canada – and the world – stay ahead of emerging food safety risks.
Rapid response and real-time food safety tools
CRIFS is actively developing rapid, on-site approaches to assess the safety and quality of foods, with a strong emphasis on dairy products – one of the institute’s major research priorities. These tools are designed for deployment in real-world settings, helping producers, processors, and regulators make quick, informed decisions that protect consumers and reduce waste.
Another critical area of research is the development of field-ready diagnostics for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As AMR becomes a growing threat to both human and animal health, CRIFS is creating technologies that enable earlier detection and more effective monitoring of resistant bacteria in the food supply.
In parallel, CRIFS is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO–UN) to better understand the risks of AMR across food systems, people, and the environment. This partnership is part of a global initiative to address AMR holistically and ensure science-based action at the local, national, and international levels.
These rapid-response systems support CRIFS’s larger mission to modernise risk assessment and improve real-time food safety decision-making through science and innovation.
Monitoring communities through wastewater surveillance
CRIFS also leads one of Canada’s most robust wastewater surveillance programmes, tracking respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV in urban and rural populations. Wastewater surveillance provides early indicators of viral activity in communities, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective method to support public health preparedness and outbreak response.
This work reinforces the institute’s growing role in environmental surveillance and syndromic monitoring, bridging the gap between microbiological science and community health outcomes.
Bringing the food safety community together
CRIFS co-hosts the Guelph Food Safety Seminars (GFSS) series in collaboration with PHAC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, and other major partners. Since 2004, GFSS has served as a trusted platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and advancing evidence-based food safety policy across Canada and beyond.
Safeguarding the food chain for future generations
CRIFS’s work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the food supply, improving public health, and advancing Canada’s leadership in science-driven food safety. From genomic surveillance to field diagnostics and wastewater monitoring, the institute continues to shape a safer, more resilient food future.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 24th edition of our quarterly publication.
