Setting a new a new precedent for preharvest food safety interventions, the first-ever registration of an antimicrobial treatment for foodborne pathogens in preharvest agricultural water has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially named Taylor Farms onions served at McDonald’s as the source of the recent Escherichia coli outbreak, and has reported 90 illnesses, 27 hospitalizations, two cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, and one fatality.

In an effort to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, researchers at Wageningen University and Research (WUR) are developing a tool to help farmers choose the most effective and sustainable crop protection approaches for their unique operations.

Testing has shown no sign of Escherichia coli contamination in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder beef patties, and traceback and epidemiological data have ruled out beef as the cause of the ongoing E. coli outbreak. Quarter Pounders have returned to the menu at affected McDonald’s locations—without slivered onions.

An ongoing study funded by the Center for Produce Safety aims to fill knowledge gaps about the microbial food safety risks posed by wax roller brushes used on fruit and vegetables, as well as identify best cleaning and sanitation practices. 

A foodborne illness outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders contaminated with Escherichia coli has caused 49 illnesses, ten hospitalizations, and one death in ten states. Slivered onions used on the sandwiches are the probable vehicle of illness. 

In a recent research project, the fortification of rice grains with zinc oxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles was shown to be effective in inhibiting Escherichia coli growth. The researchers believe that similar nanofortification techniques could be applicable across agriculture to enhance microbial food safety.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Purdue University are launching a multi-year environmental study of Salmonella in the Southwest Indiana agricultural region to answer questions raised by recent outbreaks linked to cantaloupe and to inform food safety strategies. 

On November 12–13, the Penn State Extension is offering a virtual course to help produce growers comply with Produce Safety Rule requirements under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The option to receive a certificate of completion is available.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Dr. Takashi Nakamura, Vice President of Food Safety at Fresh Del Monte, about the company’s food safety initiatives, from supplier approval and grower engagement to environmental monitoring, traceability, and beyond.