About the Produce Safety Lab
The Produce Safety Lab, under the guidance of Dr. Camila Rodrigues, is housed in the College of Agriculture’s Horticulture Department. Our lab studies a range of topics on food safety, including identifying potential sources of fresh produce contamination; implementing mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of produce contamination on conventional, organic, and soilless farming systems; analyzing microbial risks associated with agricultural water, biological soil amendments, and post-harvest activities; and investigating alternative methods to minimize fresh produce contamination.
Extension Programs
AgWater Safety Program – This is an Extension program at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to assist fresh produce growers in Alabama in assessing microbial quality of agricultural water. The program provides FREE water testing and technical support. Visit the ACES website for resources and program information.
AgWater Safety
Produce Safety for Indoor Agriculture – This Extension program provides science-based training and practical resources to help hydroponic, aquaponic, and other indoor growers reduce microbial food safety risks. Through targeted modules on worker hygiene, water quality, system design, pest management, postharvest handling, sanitation, and food safety planning, the program supports growers in building safer production systems and improving regulatory readiness. Visit the ACES website for resources and program information.
Research
- Pre-Harvest Factors Affecting Produce Safety and Quality – This research area focuses on understanding how water quality, environmental conditions, plant characteristics, and farm-level practices influence microbial contamination risks and overall produce quality. The goal is to identify critical control points in production systems and generate science-based recommendations that help growers minimize risks before harvest.
- Postharvest Strategies for Produce Safety and Quality – This area examines how handling practices, sanitation protocols, and facility or system design impact produce safety and shelf life after harvest. Research emphasizes practical interventions to reduce cross-contamination, improve the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitizing, and maintain quality throughout postharvest handling and distribution.
- Produce Safety for Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems – This research area develops and evaluates targeted mitigation strategies for indoor and soilless production systems, including hydroponics and aquaponics. The work addresses unique challenges, including water recirculation, system design, and pathogen persistence, to support safe and sustainable production in controlled environments.
Assistant Professor and Food Safety Specialist
Email: czr0079@auburn.edu
Dr. Camila Rodrigues is an Assistant Professor and Food Safety Specialist. She received her B.S. in Pharmacy from the University Center of Maringa in Parana, Brazil, in 2012, followed by her M.S. in Biosciences and Pathophysiology from the State University of Maringa in 2013. In 2019, she earned her Ph.D. in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida. Dr. Rodrigues’s research program focuses on identifying potential sources of microbial contamination in fresh produce production systems and developing mitigation strategies to reduce food safety risks in conventional, organic, and soilless farming systems.
Her work has been funded through USDA programs and has addressed topics such as microbial water quality, food safety in hydroponic and aquaponic systems, sanitation practices during pre- and post-harvest handling, and innovative approaches to ensure safe, high-quality products for existing and emerging high-value markets. As part of an interdisciplinary team, Dr. Rodrigues’s outreach program is dedicated to developing educational materials, specialized food safety programs, and training opportunities to support growers, producers, and stakeholders in improving and promoting safe practices for fruit and vegetable production. In her free time, when possible, Dr. Rodrigues enjoys spending time with her family and exploring outdoor adventures.
Graduate Students
Postdoctoral Fellow
Email: jzd0148@auburn.edu
Visiting Research Scholar
Email: vzm0054@auburn.edu
Ph.D. Student
Email: sap0113@auburn.edu
Ph.D. Student
Email: rjc0026@auburn.edu
Master Student
Email: lpr0016@auburn.edu
Master Student
Email: lrb0049@auburn.edu
