The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its anticipated updated global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which suggest that 42 microbiological and chemical hazards caused approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.52 million deaths in 2021.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that the number of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England remained high or increased in 2025, while listeriosis cases stayed stable from the previous year.
The study was conducted to support the development of new global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which are going to be released on June 4, ahead of World Food Safety Day.
The agency has also reopened a previously closed Salmonella outbreak investigation linked to powdered moringa supplements, with 22 new reported illnesses in four additional states.
Notable pathogen–food commodity pairings emerged, including Clostridium botulinum and Alaskan traditional fermented meats and fish. The analysis was conducted by FDA and CDC researchers.
Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes.
A new study demonstrated the efficacy of far-UV-C light at 222 nm for inactivating human norovirus on surfaces. As it is safe for humans, researchers believe UV-C 222 could enable real-time, continuous disinfection in enclosed foodservice settings and food processing environments.
Campylobacter is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the UK, most frequently linked to contaminated chicken. The UK Food Standards Agency conducted a scientific assessment to consider possible future actions for reducing foodborne campylobacteriosis.
CDC has published a report summarizing the multistate enteric disease outbreaks it solved in 2024, of which 29 were foodborne, resulting in 1,533 illnesses, 519 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths.
Consumers often throw away meat that is still safe to eat based on the “sell by” date. Auburn University researchers are investigating methods to predict meat spoilage based on microbial activity, which would enable more accurate “sell by” dates.