Dr. Wenqing (Wennie) Xu

Assistant Professor
Consumer Food Safety Specialist

School of Nutrition and Food Sciences

281 Knapp Hall
110 LSU Union Square
Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Email: Wenqing.Xu@agcenter.lsu.edu
Phone: 225-578-3997
Fax: 225-578-4443

EDUCATION
Ph.D. 2010-2014 Food Microbiology, University of Delaware
M.S. 2008-2010 Food Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, China
B.S. 2004-2008 Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

EXTENSION INTERESTS
Dr. Xu's group investigates attitude, knowledge and behaviors of consumers regarding food safety. We provide information for consumers about home food preservation, food safety before and after natural disasters, as well as prevention of Listeriosis during pregnancy, through extension and outreach programs. By combining research and extension, we conduct needs assessments, develop and distribute evidence-based information to communicate food safety risks, encourage good food safety practices and help create a food safety culture.

RESEARCH FOCUS
Our group focuses on using reality-based research methods to enhance microbial safety of fresh produce, as well as understand the survival and transmission of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in various public settings.

TEACHING
NFS 3000 (3 cr) Food Safety (Fall, Team Teaching with Dr. Marlene Janes)

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
International Association of Food Protection (IAFP)