Rich Family Foundation donates $250,000 to food safety lab

The 1,396-square-foot lab is home to molecular biology and microbiology technology and processes that address food safety issues along the supply chain.

The facility is open and will be used by different faculties and research groups.

Bob Rich Jr., chairman, Rich Family Foundation and Rich Products Corporation, said the Rich’s Food Safety Lab will support food safety research at the university.

“In addition, the lab will serve as a training facility for the next generation of highly qualified food safety professionals, who will lead our industry, share their expertise, and collaborate with manufacturers such as Rich’s and also with our customers, to protect the safety and availability of the global food supply.”​

Rich added the firm will use the expertise, knowledge and technology generated by Cornell’s lab in business worldwide.

Rich Family Foundation is an arm of Rich Products Corporation, a family owned food company.

In partnership with Rich’s and other industry and governmental agencies, scientists at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) work on strengthening and securing food and energy systems.

Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s CALS, said the gift of the Rich’s Food Safety Lab reflects the partnership the institutions have established.

“Rich Products’ generosity will allow Cornell to build on its legacy of leadership in food safety while facilitating future interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts—using state-of-the-art technologies—to ensure a safe and wholesome global food supply from New York to Shanghai.”​