Brenda Zai

As climate change advances, the safety of Canada’s agri-food systems faces growing challenges. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events can heighten the risk of contamination in preharvest foods, increasing the likelihood of food- and waterborne illnesses among consumers.Brenda’s PhD research examines these emerging climate-sensitive preharvest food safety risks in the Canadian agri-food sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, her work identifies priority hazards and models the relationships between biological and chemical contaminants and climate variables. By integrating this evidence, Brenda’s research aims to inform mitigation and adaptation strategies that strengthen climate resilience, protect public health, and ensure the long-term safety of Canada’s food supply. She also advocates for greater recognition of the food system within the One Health framework, emphasizing its critical role in the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment.