Contamination Control

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A total of seven patients—four of whom are three years of age or younger—have been sickened in three states. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that RAW FARM-brand unpasteurized cheddar cheese products are the likely vehicle of illness, but product testing is ongoing.

According to the researchers, the findings indicate that Salmonella persistence in food processing environments should not be attributed solely to disinfectant resistance. Proper implementation of cleaning and sanitization protocols alongside stringent hygiene practices remains critical.

The agency has published a summary of foodborne illness outbreak investigations involving USDA-regulated products in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, alongside an after-action review of a fatal listeriosis outbreak linked to Yu Shang-brand ready-to-eat (RTE) meats that was solved in 2024.

The information gathered will be used to support FAO/WHO scientific advice intended to inform future Codex Alimentarius discussions on frozen food handling guidance.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) pâté en croute contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and produced by Drôme Ardèche Tradition has sickened 12 people across France, resulting in two deaths. All patients were hospitalized.

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.

This article examines the frequent contamination of fresh produce (e.g., cucumber and sprouts due to recent outbreaks linked to these foods) with Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

The system was developed for vegetable processors handling multiple SKUs, mixed products, and frequent production changeovers. COMPASS is ideal for fresh and individually quick frozen (IQF) corn, peas, and green beans.

Providing evidence for potential Produce Safety Rule standards, the assessment examined how pathogens survive in untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and contaminate produce. FDA found that longer time between BSAAO application and harvest significantly reduces crop contamination.