The Achyut Adhikari Research Group is conducting several projects focused on preventive, FSMA-aligned strategies to reduce microbiological risks during pre-harvest and processing of produce, including hydroponic production, manure fertilizer treatment, food-contact surface sanitation, and antimicrobial packaging development.
The platform uses a DNAzyme-crosslinked hydrogel that produces a visible color change when E. coli is present, enabling equipment-free, point-of-use detection. It successfully detected E. coli in a range of foods, even when other pathogens were present.
Researchers have developed and validated a rapidly vaporizing antimicrobial liquid designed for dry sanitization, which, after further optimization and regulatory approvals, could offer a potential alternative to highly flammable alcohol-based solutions.
Elevated levels of certain metals and the presence of commonly used disinfectants were found to inactivate Salmonella vaccines administered to poultry via drinking water.
The California Longitudinal Study, a five-year environmental study of California’s Central Coast produce-growing region, identified wildlife, livestock, and surface water as potential contributors to the persistence and movement of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).
Maximum reductions in norovirus infectivity occurred rapidly once temperatures reached 60 °C (140 °F). The findings could help inform improved thermal processing recommendations for foodborne norovirus.
The researchers positioned the machine learning model as a low-cost complement to traditional testing workflows, helping dairy processors enhance food safety while targeting laboratory resources.
Incorporating a novel “bio-fumigation” method based on a natural compound produced by mustard plants, the micro-malting machine effectively addresses mycotoxins while preserving quality. USDA is working with industry to scale the prototype for widespread adoption.
Researchers found that the presence of nanoplastic particles can increase the expression of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in Salmonella,and can also encourage biofilm formation.
In an analysis of domestic refrigerator swabs, researchers discovered complex microbial communities harboring foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The findings also suggested that regular cleaning is possibly more important than temperature control in managing these communities.
