Microbiological Control

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In a new scientific opinion, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to critical antibiotics is increasing in some Vibrio species, and that the prevalence of the pathogen is expected to increase globally due to climate change.

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) new Food Enzyme Intake Model (FEIM) web tool helps the food industry and consumers estimate dietary exposure to specific food enzymes per manufacturing processes.

A recent study conducted by researchers at NC State University has found a significantly higher prevalence of Campylobacter on backyard poultry farms than on commercial poultry farms, although the rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were much higher among isolates from commercial farms.

Food spoilage is the result of several factors, one of which is the level of moisture in the food. Flash freezing can be used to reduce spoilage in plant-based milk. Several interventions can improve quality and safety, especially with regard to packaging.

Testing and sampling of raw dog and cat food sold at retail across the UK has shown a high prevalence of significant foodborne pathogens, putting pets and pet owners at varying risk of infection by different bacteria, according to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed, microfluidic chip sensor that uses light to rapidly detect important foodborne pathogens at concentrations as low as 10 CFU/ml.

An innovative seal detection software has been developed by Ravenwood for its VXR® Vision Pack Inspection System—an end-of-line solution for analyzing contaminants and ensuring flawless linerless labels.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new foodborne illness incidence data that show a lack of progress toward disease reduction goals—but that may be attributed to an increased use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs), which allows for the diagnosis of infections that previously would have gone undetected.

Ice cream has historically been associated with human cases of infection by various foodborne pathogens. Pathogen introduction into ice cream can occur at various points throughout the production process for a range of reasons, which can be addressed through proper food safety controls. 

A recent study provided insight into the on-farm hygiene characteristics that affect the contamination of milk produced at informal dairy farms in Zimbabwe. The risk variables identified in the study can serve as a foundation for microbial contamination prevention strategies for the sector.