We now are nearly two years into the project, and are pleased to report that our yr-3 funding has been approved by USDA. We have significant project results that will be reported at IAFP 2017 (Watch for posters, etc. to be uploaded in the "Project Outputs" link hopefully by the time IAFP 2017 begins), largely focused on: (a)  new data evaluating the use of the non-pathogenic surrogate E. faecium NRRL B-2354 in multiple food matrices as a tool for process validation., and (b) pilot-scale challenge studies with multiple technologies, including RF, extrusion, spray drying, and other legacy processes (e.g., roasting and baking).