The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently began a national sampling and testing assignment for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) in raw cow’s milk cheese.

Scientists have developed a new method for detecting fecal contamination in water using human viral DNA, which can help improve the safety of water sources while also allowing for microbial source tracking of contamination.

In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to two MilliporeSigma food safety regulatory experts about the significance of Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) to food safety, as well as the importance of testing and the advanced testing solutions available for E. coli/STEC. 

The FAO/WHO Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) has published a report ranking the most important foodborne viruses and virus-food commodity pairings.

To assist interpretation of test results generated by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratories, UKHSA has published new guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods placed on the market.

Following the high-profile, fatal listeriosis outbreak linked to Boar’s Head ready-to-eat (RTE) deli meats that prompted an internal review of USDA-FSIS processes, the agency has announced several new steps to strengthen its oversight of RTE facilities, including expanded Listeria rule requirements and stricter state-federal cooperative inspection agreements.

Ensuring the safety of your food products starts with maintaining a food-safe environment. Environmental monitoring programs (EMPs) are essential systems for sanitation management and regulatory compliance in every food processing facility, regardless of size or product types. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched its five-part National Milk Testing Strategy to monitor and address Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) in milk and dairy herds. A new Federal Order and accompanying guidance has been issued. 

The EU Joint Research Center (JRC) has developed new methods for detecting adulteration in six popular herbs and spices, as well as new reference materials to help identify fraudulent fish products.

Recently concluded research funded by the Center for Produce Safety provides practical, immediately actionable insights that industry can integrate into their operations, ranging from sanitation best practices, to Salmonella and E. coli mitigation, to wild bird management, and more.