Contamination Control

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In 2025, a genetically unique hybrid STEC/STEC strain was the cause of a foodborne illness outbreak that affected exclusively adults, with 90 percent of patients developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and three deaths occurring.

A recent study evaluated the migration of non-intentionally added substances from biodegradable food contact materials (FCMs) under different conditions. The researchers underlined the importance of optimizing polymer blends and processing, and considering chemical analysis in FCM risk assessment.

The Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act would mandate public disclosures of “Generally Recognized as Safe” substances used in foods manufactured or sold in New York. It has passed the Assembly and Senate, and now awaits the Governor’s signature into law. 

Associated with freshwater fish consumption and handling, GBS ST283 causes invasive infections, including meningitis, septic arthritis, and bacteremia. WGS has played a central role in recognizing the pathogen as a foodborne hazard. FAO has identified GBS ST283 as a hazard requiring structured risk profiling.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Bochum is extremely rare. Children and adolescents aged 2–15 years represent 75 percent of outbreak patients. Patient interviews and a case-control study point to a certain brand of chocolate-hazelnut spread as the vehicle of illness.

This article examines how the development and validation of effective cleaning practices are imperative to prevent allergen cross-contact in food processing environments. 

During its investigation of an ongoing Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak involving Raw Farm-brand unpasteurized cheddar cheese, FDA detected E. coli in a product sample not matching the current outbreak strain, but instead matching a strain from a different 2025 outbreak.

Per CDC and USDA-FSIS data, in 2023, Salmonella Infantis strain REPJFX01 accounted for 97 percent of S. Infantis isolates and 21 percent of all Salmonella recovered from chicken carcasses. This rising trend is closely aligned with an increase in human salmonellosis infections linked to REPJFX01.

Per the new law, restaurants must place an identifying marker on any food item prepared for delivery or takeout that has been altered or substituted due to a consumer-identified food allergy or sensitivity.

AB 1603 would prohibit the registration of pesticides containing intentionally added PFAS in the state.