The CSREES supports food safety research and education through funds appropriated under several legislative authorities. The National Research Initiative (NRI) is the major peer-reviewed competitive grants program in support of agricultural research. Within the NRI, the "Ensuring Food Safety Program" supports research to increase understanding of disease-causing microorganisms and their products, naturally occurring toxicants, and drug residues which contaminate foods. The "Food Characterization, Process, and Product Research Program" supports research to increase the quality, utility, convenience, nutrient value, and safety of food products through innovative processing methods. The "Markets and Trade Program" has a component which supports research on the economics of food safety factors that affect competitiveness ofU.S. agricultural products (the benefits and costs of regulations, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points). The "Sustaining Animal Health and Well-Being Program" supports research on organisms such as E. coli and Salmonella spp.