The Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net) Practice-Based Research to Improve Food Safety program supports public health departments in conducting research and investigations to enhance food safety at retail establishments. Funded by the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health, this program aims to reduce foodborne illness through evidence-based interventions, improved outbreak investigation practices, and collaboration between environmental health, epidemiology, and laboratory programs. The program aligns with the Healthy People 2030 objectives to prevent foodborne diseases by targeting unsafe practices in retail food settings.

Eligible applicants include state, territorial, local, and tribal government organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and small businesses. Applicants must demonstrate governmental authority over retail food safety in their jurisdiction and provide evidence of collaboration with epidemiology programs. Principal investigators (PIs) should have advanced degrees in relevant fields and documented expertise in food safety research. Applications must include a comprehensive organizational capacity plan and letters of support for partnerships.

The program will provide cooperative agreements for up to 10 recipients, with a total funding ceiling of $10 million over five years. Each recipient may receive up to $200,000 annually. There is no cost-sharing requirement, but applicants must justify all budget items and adhere to federal funding guidelines. Applications are due by December 2, 2024, with optional letters of intent encouraged by November 4, 2024.

Key activities under the grant include conducting multisite research to identify and mitigate foodborne illness risk factors, investigating foodborne outbreaks, and contributing data to the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS). Priority research topics include food safety management systems, norovirus prevention, and effective retail food safety policies. Successful applicants must participate in EHS-Net collaborative activities, develop interventions, and disseminate findings through publications and other methods.

The review process involves initial screening for eligibility, followed by a two-tier merit review considering significance, innovation, approach, and investigator qualifications. Additional factors, such as organizational capacity, collaboration potential, and alignment with program priorities, influence funding decisions. Post-award monitoring includes performance reporting, site visits, and adherence to CDC and federal guidelines.

Prospective applicants should prepare detailed research strategies, secure required registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons), and participate in an informational webinar scheduled for October 15, 2024. Final awards will be announced by August 29, 2025, with projects commencing on September 30, 2025.