Colorado Department of Agriculture Works to Protect the Food on Your Plate
In partnership with: Colorado Department of Agriculture
Providing safe, nutritious food for consumers is a top priority for Colorado farmers and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). CDA helps minimize foodborne illness risks by educating farmers on food safety, screening for potential risks, and quickly addressing outbreaks if and when they occur. Several programs and laboratories support these efforts, ensuring the food reaching consumers is top quality and as thoroughly vetted as possible.
Colorado Food Safety First
Monitoring food meant for consumption begins at the ground level – literally – in fields and pastures. The food safety programs at the Colorado Department of Agriculture, which encompass egg dealers, custom meat processing, produce safety and laboratory services, are responsible for protecting food safety and consumers.
“I don’t know of a farmer who doesn’t think about making sure his produce is safe and fresh,” says Duane Sinning, who oversees the first three food safety programs.
“We’re here to help protect consumer health and the farmers’ financial interest.”
Top fruits and vegetables like Rocky Ford melons, Pueblo chiles, Palisade peaches, onions and carrots are frequently consumed raw, leading to an increased risk of foodborne illness. By conducting inspections and maintaining a database of Colorado farms, the program helps mitigate the risk of outbreaks, which can be devastating for farmers and consumers alike.
Because production in Colorado is so diverse, CDA works with farms of all sizes. Even small farms can benefit from resources provided online and in person through this free program to support their dedication to food safety.
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Science Meets Agriculture
At CDA’s Division of Laboratory Services, the work to ensure food safety never stops. The Biochemistry Laboratory tests thousands of samples collected by CDA inspectors annually, helping to ensure the safety of human and animal food, grain and hemp as well as groundwater and surface water.
“Our main goal is most definitely protecting the consumer and protecting our environment,” says Kristi McCallum, CDA laboratory manager who dedicated 27 years to food safety before retiring in June 2025.
The lab is critical in identifying pathogens during an outbreak. It also works with federal and state partners to build strong surveillance programs that assess risks by looking at weather patterns and past data to predict and anticipate when and where an outbreak might occur.
The lab utilizes real-time PCR-based testing to identify pathogens that may be linked to illnesses, with a quick turnaround to mitigate their spread. With a dedicated team of 14 scientists, the laboratory staff is passionate about protecting consumers and working with farmers to ensure safe food and water for all.
“I think it’s really important to find an issue before there are any illnesses and be able to act quickly with our results,” McCallum says. “Every single person deserves healthy, safe food.”
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