By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia
University of Georgia food microbiologist Larry Beuchat has
received the 2004 Nicholas Appert Award from the Institute of
Food Technologists. The award, IFT’s highest honor, recognizes
outstanding contributions to food technology.
A Distinguished Research Professor in the UGA College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Beuchat conducts
research at the Center for Food Safety in Griffin, Ga.
International leader
“Larry Beuchat is a world-renowned food mycologist and
bacteriologist,” said Michael P. Doyle, director of the center.
“He has been, through his research and involvement in advisory
committees, an international leader in improving the
microbiological safety of fresh produce.”
Beuchat is one of five UGA food scientists to get the Appert
award. The others were Doyle (1996), John J. Powers (1984), J.G.
Woodroof (1978) and John C. Ayres (1972).
Beuchat conducted much of the pioneering work to better
understand the ecology of the bacteria on raw fruits and
vegetables that cause illnesses in humans. He has contributed
significantly to food mycology (fungal food pathogens).
His research focuses on the microbiology of fruits, vegetables,
nuts and legumes. He studies methods of detecting yeasts, molds
and pathogenic bacteria, relationships between water and
microbial growth and fermented foods and food preservatives.
Advises UGA students, too
As a professor in the UGA Department of Food Science and
Technology, Beuchat also advises graduate students in their
studies.
“Despite all of his accomplishments,” said graduate student Manan
Sharma, “Dr. Beuchat remains very much engaged in advising and
guiding students like myself through their research projects. He
is one of the most humble men I have ever met and truly deserving
of this honor.”
Before joining the university faculty in 1972, Beuchat held
positions with H.J. Heinz, Hanover Brands Inc. and Quaker Oats.
Over the past 32 years, he has won many UGA honors: the D.W.
Brooks Faculty Award, Distinguished Faculty Research Award, Gamma
Sigma Delta Senior Faculty Award, Outstanding Graduate Professor,
Distinguished Research Professor and Research Professor.
His industry honors include the Indo-American Fellowship,
Fulbright Senior Lecturer Award, Sir Frederick McMaster
Fellowship, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Donald
C. Mackel Award (co-recipient) and “Food Safety” Magazine’s
Distinguished Service Award. He also received the Outstanding
Alumnus Award from both Penn State University and Michigan State
University.
Beuchat has been named a fellow by IFT, the American Academy of
Microbiology and the International Association for Food
Protection. He is also a member of the International Association
of Food Protection, the American Society of Microbiology, the
Society for Applied Microbiology and the International Fresh-cut
Produce Association.
Edits, publishes food science publications
He was associate editor of the “Journal of Food Science” and
scientific co-editor of the “Journal of Food Protection.” He
currently serves on the editorial boards of two scientific
journals, “Food Microbiology” and the “International Journal of
Food Microbiology.”
Beuchat has authored or co-authored five books and 1,074
scientific publications, including 433 refereed journal articles.
He serves on the boards of the National Academy of Sciences,
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service’s
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for
Foods.
