The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), situated within the Department of Food Science at Stellenbosch University, is a premier applied food science research consortium dedicated to strengthening food safety systems. By bridging the gap between academia and the food industry, the CFS provides a unique platform for stakeholders to develop and exchange expertise in food safety, defense, and processing. Through high-quality science—including advanced tools like Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)—the Centre delivers tangible research outputs that bolster consumer confidence and ensure food security both nationally and internationally.