In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Brendan Niemira, Ph.D., a Research Microbiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA’s ARS), about his work developing cold plasma technology for microbial decontamination in food applications, and its potential to advance food safety.
A recent study found that, while alternative farming practices aimed at reducing water usage can lower greenhouse gas emissions and arsenic levels in rice, the same practices may also increase cadmium content in plants. The same study also demonstrated that no-till farming techniques raise the likelihood of mycotoxin contamination in crops.
A recent study has demonstrated that the risk of foodborne Salmonella enterica infection from raw produce may increase as humidity worsens due to climate change, and that certain plant diseases can aid the survival of Salmonella on leafy greens.
At the 2024 Farm Progress Show, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed that the agency is beginning field trials for a vaccine to address the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1—also known as “bird flu”—in cattle.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $300,000 grant to a University of Arkansas research project that aims to develop best practices for controlling pests and pathogens in soilless substrate used in hydroponic lettuce production.
Dry sanitation is a pivotal practice in the food processing industry, particularly for facilities that produce low-moisture or low-water-activity foods. This article explores some of the trending technologies and approaches being developed to ensure the microbial safety of low-moisture foods in dry food processing facilities.
In September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) will begin testing dairy cows at slaughter for the presence of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), under the existing National Residue Program.
Thanks to whole genome sequencing (WGS) and other investigative data, two foodborne salmonellosis outbreaks previously thought to be separate have been linked to each other and have been associated with cucumbers.
A recent study has established a framework for identifying and prioritizing microbiological risks in infant food products. A web tool has been made available to the public.