The European Food Safety Authority Panel on Biological Hazards (EFSA BIOHAZ) recently produced a report on the microbiological hazards associated with water used in postharvest handling and processing of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

A recent study has demonstrated the efficacy of antimicrobial blue light technology for the inactivation of both dried cells and biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes on surfaces found in food processing environments. 

Due to a steady increase of foodborne Cyclospora cayetanensis infections in recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) charged the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) with producing a report that provides information on the factors that contribute to the contamination of produce by the parasite, as well as recommendations for a prevention and management strategy.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has put out an alert regarding an international outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in chicken, involving 335 cases across 14 European countries plus the UK, as well as the U.S.

An ongoing study funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is looking to fill knowledge gaps about the potential for microbial cross-contamination in dry produce packinghouse environments to inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Dr. Lise Korsten—a leading researcher in the areas of food safety, water quality, and post-harvest intervention strategies for produce—to discuss her work to prevent microbial contamination of crops in Africa, global regulatory trends and future challenges affecting the food system, and the potential of emerging technologies to ensure food safety and security in an ever-changing world. 

Recently, the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) provided a review of foodborne viruses and relevant food commodities of highest public health concern, relevant analytical methods, and the potential utility of indicators.

According to recent research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections caused by Salmonella with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) only to clinically important antibiotics were not associated with poorer outcomes, suggesting that factors other than treatment failure may be important.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has released a notice informing agency inspection program personnel about the continuation of and changes to the Raw Pork Products Sampling Program.

Hygiena’s Innovate RapiScreen Dairy and Beverage Kits are the first methods to be awarded the AOAC RI Performance-Tested MethodsSM (PTM) Certification for the entire product testing workflow.