Contamination Control

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA’s ARS) has launched the Salmonella Grand Challenge—a new, nationwide initiative that brings together a group of elite scientists from different specialties to fight salmonellosis. The scientists will integrate their research to learn more about Salmonella risks to meat and poultry products, which will then inform the development of monitoring tools for meat and poultry producers to prevent Salmonella contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has released an updated Guideline for Controlling Salmonella in Swine Slaughter and Pork Processing Establishments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a final guidance for industry, titled, Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice, which identifies an action level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. 

Salmonella infection is one of the most commonly reported causes of foodborne illness, resulting in over 80 million cases of foodborne salmonellosis each year globally.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided and update on the agency’s activities to better understand per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the food supply, including recent testing results, progress on seafood-related work, and advances in testing methods.

Approximately 40 percent of foodborne illness outbreaks associated with retail food establishments during 2017–2019 were caused by an infectious employee, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working toward conducting a modernized, systematic reassessment of chemicals added to foods with a focus on post-market review. However, FDA requires greater funding and additional authorities to execute this new approach. 

A recent study has demonstrated the ability of Listeria monocytogenes to develop persister cells under produce packinghouse conditions, as well as persisters’ susceptibility to chlorine treatment where antibiotics fail.

A recent study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology suggests that lead, cadmium, and mercury have varying negative effects on human brain development and cognition. 

A study led by Tulane University recently found that some commonly consumed beverages contain levels of toxic metals that exceed federal drinking water standards. The study was conducted to fill knowledge gaps, as there are few peer-reviewed studies examining the contents of U.S. beverages.