NYS Division of Milk Control inspector verifying a chart

FSL & MQIP

The Food Safety Laboratory (FSL) and Milk Quality Improvement Program (MQIP) united by a common mission led by Drs. Martin Wiedmann and Nicole Martin.

Program Vision

Moving the world toward safer, more wholesome food.

Program Mission

Through innovative research, education and outreach, improve the microbial safety and quality of the global food supply.

Program Diversity Statement

We value the perspectives and contributions of a diverse representation of scientists, inclusive of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, neurodiversity, religion, class, nationality, and disability status. We are committed to actively cultivating a climate in which all of our faculty, students and staff are given an equitable opportunity to pursue scientific discovery in an inclusive and supportive environment.

In the news

Close up of milk being poured from a small tin can to a larger one.

News

Avian flu in raw milk found to be broadly sensitive to heat

In response to dairy industry needs, a team of researchers found that avian flu persisted in raw milk for as long as eight weeks when refrigerated - but also that it did not survive pasteurization and even some subpasteurization temperatures.

  • Food Safety Laboratory and Milk Quality Improvement Program
  • Food Science
  • Food
A glass of milk

News

Higher bacterial counts detected in single-serving milks

After examining pasteurized single-serving milk cartons, Cornell food scientists found bacterial counts two weeks after processing were higher than in larger containers from the same facilities.

  • Food Safety Laboratory and Milk Quality Improvement Program
  • Dairy
  • Food Science
A bottle of milk on a grey/white background. The bottle reads "organic milk."

News

Bacterial test for raw, organic milk may require more precision

Cornell food scientists show that a standard quality test used for raw, organic milk is insufficient for distinguishing between specific groups of bacteria -- suggesting that criteria needs updating.

  • Dairy
  • Food Science
  • Microbiology

Contact Us

The Food Safety Laboratory and Milk Quality Improvement Program both operate out of the newly renovated Stocking Hall. The programs can be contacted at:

Food Safety Laboratory

352 Stocking Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-1266

Milk Quality Improvement Program

358 Stocking Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-2894