A recent study comparing the presence of chemical contaminants in conventionally and hydroponically grown produce found pesticide residues and toxic heavy metals in a larger number of conventional samples than in hydroponic samples. Phthalate levels were consistent between conventional and hydroponic samples.

Controlled environment agriculture can help meet food requirements of the future, but this objective must be achieved by specific processes that minimize negative impacts on the environment and place food safety front and center.

A project funded by the Center for Produce Safety aims to analyze risk factors and sampling points for pathogens in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities to provide data industry can use to develop control measures.

An article recently published in the Journal of Food Protection has highlighted the food safety gaps and needs that must be addressed in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, such as supply chain control, foodborne pathogen mitigation, research, education, and collaboration.

As the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector has grown, so too has its original industry group. In 2022, the CEA Food Safety Coalition became the CEA Alliance, adding multiple workflows and new produce commodities to the group.

Edible Garden has partnered with government and academic institutions in two studies: one to study the food safety potential of nanobubble technology in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), and one to work towards identifying sources of fresh produce contamination and mitigation strategies.

The questions about the safety of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) are complicated. This article outlines why CEA safety depends on understanding and properly addressing the challenges of combining agricultural and ready-to-eat (RTE) into a single facility. It also addresses why CEA is not inherently safe. Ultimately, this article will show how the risk profile of CEA must be compared to that of other RTE produce and that there is no universal answer to the question of CEA safety.

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Food Safety Coalition (CEA Food Safety Coalition) has changed its name to the CEA Alliance, and has expanded its mission to serve the broader needs of all controlled environment food growers.

A University of Arkansas study provides insight into the food safety risks of microgreens production and discusses measures for mitigating microbiological contamination in indoor farming environments. 

Controlled Environment Agriculture is being touted as safer, fresher, and more nutritious, but no fresh produce operation is without hazards.