My research program is in the area of microbial food safety with a focus on the microbiology of fresh fruits and vegetables and nutmeats. My research team has worked to develop and validate standard methods for inoculation and recovery of pathogens from a range of produce items.  We have used these methods to evaluate the behavior of foodborne pathogens in juices, and on fruits, vegetables and nutmeats stored under a variety of conditions. The methods have also been used to evaluate various sanitizers for their efficacy in reducing microbial populations on various cut and intact produce surfaces and to validate thermal and non-thermal processes for treating nuts.

Mailing Address: 
UC Davis Dept. of Food Science & Technology
One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
Directions to Dr. Harris' Office  (PDF 174 KB)

Co-Principal Investigator
Western Center for Food Safety (WCFS)
Physical Address: WIFSS & WCFS: 
UC Davis School of Vet Med: Population Health & Reproduction
1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616
Directions to the Western Center for Food Safety 
and the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security