About Us > Mission

The mission of NCFST can be summarized by the following :

• Providing the foundations for sound, sensible regulation – safer food products forconsumers
• Excellence in research into critical food processing issues for food safety, health andwell-being
• Based on a synergy between academia, government and industry, a cost effectiveresearch vehicle
• Provide the ‘food’ link for the IIT Life sciences initiative
• Forum for industry to interact with FDA
• Providing industry and FDA with an authoritative information resource
• Grow and prosper to provide challenge and opportunity for NCFST employees

Responding to trends in the global food industry and the interest of stakeholders, industry, FDA, IIT, and staff, the Center has developed a strategic plan to guide its growth and development to allow it to reach its full potential as a world class food research organization. The plan will see the activities of the Center approximately double over the next five years, re-establish a leadership position in current FDA and industry priorities, and develop new synergies with IIT.

Growth will also allow the NCFST to broaden its funding base and reinvest in buildings, laboratories and scientific capability for the future benefit of the stakeholders.