Cruise ships are self-contained, complex ecosystems where pathogens like norovirus present a heightened risk to passengers. Highly contagious, environmentally persistent, and operationally disruptive, norovirus has long been the single greatest food safety challenge facing the cruise industry.
A new study demonstrated the efficacy of far-UV-C light at 222 nm for inactivating human norovirus on surfaces. As it is safe for humans, researchers believe UV-C 222 could enable real-time, continuous disinfection in enclosed foodservice settings and food processing environments.
The FAO/WHO Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) has published a report on prevention and intervention measures for foodborne virus–commodity pairs of concern.
According to the newly published European Union One Health 2024 Zoonoses Report, the number of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks reported in the EU are on an upward trend. Notably, listeriosis cases with severe outcomes have risen.
In a new peer-reviewed paper, experts emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how the entire frozen berry supply chain can manage enteric virus safety, shifting from reliance on detection to a focus on prevention strategies.
A limited number of state jurisdictions have completely adopted the most recent norovirus food safety provisions outlined in the FDA Food Code, according to an analysis conducted in 2020 by CDC researchers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently published its first annual report summarizing infectious disease trends, which noted increases in the incidence of infections by important foodborne pathogens like Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, and norovirus.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its estimates for the burden of domestically acquired foodborne illnesses in the U.S. caused by major pathogens. Norovirus was the leading cause of illnesses and hospitalizations, but Salmonella topped fatalities.
Scientists have discovered antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of norovirus strains, laying the groundwork for a broadly effective vaccine. Historically, development of a norovirus vaccine has been hindered by the virus’ many genetic variants and frequent mutation.
Following a winter with higher-than-average reports of norovirus cases linked to an emergent genotype, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning the public about a potential second wave of infections associated with a second, more common genotype.
