A survey of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS)found on retail foods sold in the UK has shown the overall prevalence of Salmonella to be low, although there is great genetic diversity among the Salmonella that was present, which may hinder outbreak investigations and source attribution in the case of foodborne illness outbreaks.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently highlighted a new rapid tool called GeneSeekR that can confirm if Escherichia coli detected in food samples can cause illness in humans.
State and local health departments in Washington are investigating five cases of foodborne illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes in Western Washington, three of which have resulted in death. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has indicated a common source of infection.
Expert scientists from nine African countries convened recently in Accra, Ghana to launch a new wave of diagnostic testing using DNA sequencing aimed at improving food safety and controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has highlighted the importance of its engagement with international organizations on critical food safety topics, in particular, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
The UK Food Standards Agency recently highlighted the Pathogen Surveillance in Agriculture, Food and Environment (PATH-SAFE) program, which aims to develop a national surveillance network that uses whole genome sequencing (WGS) to improve the monitoring of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we talk with Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D., D.V.M., the Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety and Food Science at Cornell University, about his research on Listeria and Salmonella, his work to strengthen foodborne illness surveillance and response, his use of whole genome sequencing (WGS), and other topics.
Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were able to link a persistent, drug-resistant strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to multiple sources for various foodborne illness outbreaks.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we talk with Susan Mayne, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Mayne discusses the work she oversees at CFSAN, such as implementing guidances and policies related to FSMA and the Closer to Zero initiative, as well as her perspective on the future of human foods regulation at FDA amid a proposed reorganization of the Foods program. Additionally, Bob Ferguson, President of Strategic Consulting Inc., speaks about his latest Food Safety Insights column on how food processors are preparing to comply with the FSMA Food Traceability Final Rule.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is planning to hold a workshop for government officials from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to learn about whole genome sequencing (WGS). Individuals interested in participating are invited to apply.
