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Researchers from the University of Córdoba in Spain have developed a model for predicting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in artisanal cheeses, which will be especially useful to producers that must demonstrate compliance with recently expanded EU regulations for controlling the pathogen in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a listeriosis outbreak involving five illnesses and three deaths. Desserts served at healthcare facilities are being considered as the potential vehicle of illness. The desserts tested positive for low levels of Listeria monocytogenes, but have not been confirmed as the source of the outbreak.

FDA is launching “Operation Stork Speed,” comprising a series of actions like increased contaminant testing, to better ensure the safety and adequacy of the U.S. infant formula supply. Consumer Reports, which says Operation Stork Speed was announced one day after it shared contaminant testing results with the agency, has questioned whether FDA is adequately resourced to deliver on its new promises.

According to FDA, between 2018 and 2025, 38 people have been sickened and 12 have died across 21 states after consuming Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated Sysco Imperial and Lyons ReadyCare Frozen Supplemental Shakes that were served at long-term care facilities and hospitals. 

This episode of Food Safety Five covers a new EU regulation that limits PFAS in food packaging and bans single-use plastics for fruit and vegetables under a certain weight, among other changes. Also discussed is a bill introduced to the New York State legislature to ban certain food additives and tighten requirements for GRAS ingredients.

On February 13, Boar’s Head designated a companywide ‘Boar’s Head Food Safety Promise Day’ and unveiled new safety and sanitation controls and processes, following the fatal listeriosis outbreak linked to its products in 2024.

An analysis conducted by German consumer protection group ÖKO TEST demonstrated that bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) are often found in pizza takeout boxes and can migrate into pizzas.

A recent report from the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) summarizes the development of formal risk assessment models for Listeria monocytogenes in leafy greens, cantaloupe, frozen vegetables, and ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently conducted a targeted survey to assess the presence of phthalates in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, vegetable fats, and vegetable oils, finding no detectable levels in 93 percent of samples.

USDA-FSIS has published its Annual Sampling Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, outlining the agency’s strategy for directing sampling resources in the coming year.