News Releases

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) - A University of Tennessee food safety expert was honored recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with one of 18 Commissioner's Special Citation Awards.

William C. Morris, UT professor and Extension specialist in the University of Tennessee Department of Food Science and Technology and food safety expert in the UT Food Safety Center of Excellence, was presented the award for his outstanding leadership in planning, developing and conducting training and educational outreach activities for new food firms in Tennessee and for his service as elected chair of the newly created Tennessee Food Safety Task Force.

"We couldn't be happier about Bill receiving the Commissioner's Special Citation," said Ann Draughon, co-director of the UT Food Safety Center of Excellence.

"His comprehensive approach to education and ability to communicate with different groups in plain language is a proven asset for FDA and the Tennessee departments of Health and Agriculture as well as the Food Safety Center," she said. "He truly cares about the many people he helps, and we're so pleased he has been recognized for his years of assisting others."

Morris' partnership with FDA began 15 years ago with the publication of his booklet entitled, "Starting a Food Business in Tennessee," which combined the regulatory requirements of all local, state and Federal agencies and offered informative and relevant advice on liability issues related to foods.

The publication has been used by many states and organizations and is available on the Internet.

Morris also organized several organizations in Tennessee, the Southeast and nationally to facilitate communication among food producers and regulatory and educational agencies.

Morris holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in animal nutrition from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in animal science from Iowa State University. He has been affiliated with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for 17 years.

Established in July 2001, the UT Food Safety Center of Excellence develops and evaluates strategies for destroying or controlling food-borne pathogens and reducing their occurrence on the farm, in food distribution and retail centers and ultimately in the home. The center's multi-disciplinary team of researchers includes scientists with expertise in microbiology, food science, animal and plant production, infectious diseases risk assessment, food service management, and other areas.

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Contact:

Bill Morris, 865-974-7274
Linda Cabage, 865-974-7364