Using a newly developed quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model, researchers have identified interventions along the U.S. romaine lettuce supply chain that would most effectively reduce E. coli contamination. The QMRA is publicly available for use.
In May 2025, EPA rolled back Biden-era drinking water limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of concern. A new map visualizing EPA testing data shows that more than 30 million Americans are served by drinking water systems containing one of four PFAS for which the limits have been revoked.
After an updated risk assessment on fluoride exposure in the EU, focusing especially on developmental neurotoxicity in children, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) revised the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for fluoride. EFSA concluded there is no major health risk considering the new ULs and current EU drinking water limits for fluoride.
Federal support for state-level foodborne illness surveillance programs, directed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), significantly improves participating states’ detection and reporting of foodborne illness outbreaks, a new study demonstrates.
The Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2025 would set stricter requirements for manufactures to decide a food ingredient is “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). It also sets an annual quota of GRAS notices for FDA to review, and lays the groundwork for a systematic chemical reassessment process.
Denmark has banned 23 pesticides containing six active ingredients known to break down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) that easily contaminates water and has been found in food products.
Developed by University of Texas at Dallas scientists, EnliSense’s READ FWDx is a novel, compact rapid sensor that can simultaneously detect microbiological and chemical food contaminants. EnliSense and the researchers behind READ FWDx envision their technology being used by both food manufacturers and consumers at home.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently completed an assessment of estragole—a naturally occurring genotoxin and carcinogen—in fennel seed preparations, concluding that consumption of fennel seed preparations may be toxic to infants, children, and fetuses. EFSA is seeking public comment.
Using an artificial intelligence (AI) model to standardize and analyze a massive, global set of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for Cronobacter sakazakii, University of Maryland researchers have discovered genetic traits that may explain the pathogen’s persistence and virulence in low-moisture foods like powdered infant formula.
Key Technology’s new COMPASS belt-fed optical sorter delivers exceptional foreign material and defect removal for food products that cannot be handled by chute-fed sorters.