During an October 29 Senate confirmation hearing, Dr. Mindy Brashears, the presidential nominee for USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety, has provided insight into what her priorities will be if she is confirmed for the position—with Salmonella topping her list, followed by Listeria.
Despite growing enthusiasm about and application of artificial intelligence (AI) for food safety management and regulatory oversight, the report underscores persistent challenges, the need for robust governance, and other factors to consider for responsible adoption.
An analysis conducted by Cornell University researchers sought to better understand the genomic characteristics associated with an important reoccurring, emerging, and persistent (REP) Salmonella strain, S. Infantis REPJFX01, to help inform targeted interventions.
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.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has enacted regulatory amendments with the goal of reducing red tape regarding labeling, traceability, and imports
for fresh fruit/vegetable producers and the poultry/egg industries—specifically, hatcheries.
The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has announced six new research projects totaling $1.8 million to address critical food safety challenges in the fresh produce industry.
The event focused on the alignment and intersection of food safety culture and best practices to control Listeria monocytogenes and prevent foodborne illness.
A German outbreak of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O45:H2 infections has caused 183 confirmed cases of illness (351 including probable and possible cases), 48 cases of HUS, and three deaths (two confirmed one probable). Contaminated meat or sausage products are the likely vehicle of illness, but plant-based foods have not yet been ruled out.
In a survey of California fast food employees, 47 percent of respondents reported seeing serious food safety issues at work in the past year, more than half of which went knowingly unresolved by management, and 37 percent who reported food safety issues said they faced retaliation for doing so.