Wageningen University researchers conducted an experimental evolutionary study to explore the genetic and phenotypic mechanisms that drive the enhanced biofilm formation ability of evolved L. monocytogenes strains, identifying the overexpression of a certain protein as a key contributor.
This episode of Food Safety Five discusses hoses as reservoirs for biofilms in food processing facilities, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter on retail beef and chicken, a new Salmonella serovar database, and microplastics release from food contact materials.
Proactive Listeria testing can save millions in recall costs. Learn how validated PCR diagnostics, rapid environmental monitoring, and data-driven insights help food brands prevent contamination, ensure compliance, and protect consumer trust.
The deadly multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to prepared pasta meals involving Nate’s Fine Foods, Freshrealm Inc., and California Ranch Food Company has grown, with seven new illnesses and two additional deaths.
A recent study sought to better understand the ability of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel surfaces to withstand common industry sanitizers, chlorine and PAA, using strains and temperature conditions relevant to the fresh leafy greens supply chain.
A recent study investigating Listeria monocytogenes in South Korea’s beef supply chain revealed the presence of the pathogen exclusively in retail product samples, underscoring the importance of strict food safety controls post-harvest. The strains isolated were hypervirulent and stress-adapted.
Since June, FreshRealm has been involved in an ongoing, deadly foodborne illness outbreak, as the producer of prepared pasta meals that were made with Listeria monocytogenes-tainted pasta (supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods Inc.) and distributed nationwide under various brand names. Now, FreshRealm has alerted USDA that it detected L. monocytogenes in spinach used to make meals distributed by HelloFresh.
Retail and foodservice operations must take active responsibility for the safety of RTE products by treating them as high-risk items requiring ongoing control
This article explores the critical yet underappreciated vulnerabilities of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods in retail and foodservice settings, including blind spots in handling practices, supplier-level failures, and the vital importance of reheating protocols and environmental controls.
A CDC analysis of multistate foodborne illness outbreak investigation data for 2023 reveals the foods and pathogens that caused the greatest number of outbreaks and illnesses. A single salmonellosis outbreak linked to cantaloupe accounted for 407 illnesses.
The Congressional Food Safety Caucus, headed by U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, has requested that Boar’s Head representatives appear before the caucus to justify the reopening of its Jarratt, Virginia plant, where the meats behind a deadly 2024 Listeria outbreak were produced.