U center, China sign deal on security of food supply

The University of Minnesota-based National Center for Food Protection and Defense has signed an agreement with Chinese officials to increase security of the food supply.

As part of the memorandum of understanding, the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine will collaborate with researchers in Minnesota to find ways to ensure food exchanged between China and the United States is safe to consume.

The acting director of the National Center for Food Protection, Amy Kircher, said it's important to find partners around the world because of the global food system. She says they will work on methods of preventing intentional contamination of the food supply, possibly by terrorists.

U of M President Eric Kaler called the agreement "a big deal" that will "open... doors."

The National Center for Food Protection, created in 2004, is part of the federal Department of Homeland Security.