Testing & Analysis

Faster, Cheaper Sequencing Transforms Microbial Food Safety Testing

Transformational insights in microbial surveillance technology

October 18, 2021

Implementation of rapid whole-genome sequencing could help transform microbial risk surveillance across the food industry from a surveillance approach to a more preventive approach; one in which we can identify outbreak indicators to predict, and take steps to prevent, a problem before it even occurs.

How a Mature Food Safety Culture Can Prevent Foreign-Body Contamination

Whole-team engagement makes for a more thorough, effective result

Nic Sharman M.Sc.

August 22, 2021

Foreign bodies are a large risk to the food and drink industry with authorities recalling products due to foreign-body contamination. Learn how a strong food safety culture can help a company implement best practices in avoiding such events.

Food Safety Insights: 5 Years Later, Part 1

Celebrating the Food Safety Insights partnership with Food Safety Magazine

Bob Ferguson

August 17, 2021

The Food Safety Insights column began in 2017, and for the past 5 years, it has been providing insights on changes and developments in the food safety marketplace. How has the market changed and what are the key drivers and trends that continue to drive food safety markets?

A Silver Lining of the Pandemic: Whole-Genome Sequencing and Food Safety

The benefits of whole-genome sequencing are far ranging

Masami Takeuchi Ph.D. Isabella Apruzzese M.Sc.

June 20, 2021

Whole-genome sequencing has become a significant tool in investigating foodborne disease outbreaks. We examined the current use of this technology for foodborne disease surveillance and food monitoring at the global level and sought to understand the factors limiting its use in developing countries.

Whole-Genome Sequencing for Food Safety

Just what is whole-genome sequencing, and how can it be used to improve food safety?

Peter Gerner-Smidt M.D., D.Sc.,

June 19, 2021

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a concept in food safety. This brief review of WGS describes how it has revolutionized food safety in recent years as an integral part of public health surveillance and used by the food industry worldwide.

Food Safety Testing Continues to Increase

Processors plan more testing—but only some analytical methods show growth

Bob Ferguson

June 17, 2021

In a continuation of this topic from April/May, we dig deeper into current microbiology sample collection and analysis practices of food processors around the world and their future plans.

Food Safety Insights

Testing to Continue to Increase in 2021

Environmental monitoring and a focus on continuous improvement in sanitation drive increases in test volumes

Bob Ferguson

April 15, 2021

As food processors continue to recover from 2020, we wanted to find out more about their plans for 2021. One thing was clear: Testing—especially environmental monitoring—will continue to grow at a rapid pace.

A Bacterial Virus Helps Spread Salmonella

Rob Kingsley, Ph.D.

April 6, 2021

A toxin-carrying virus is involved in the emergence of a new strain of Salmonella in pigs.

Testing

Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Presumption of Positivity and the Presumed Problem of Nonconfirmable Presumptives in Food Pathogen Diagnostics

Daniel R. Demarco Ph.D.

February 26, 2021

The rate of nonconfirmable presumptives in food pathogen diagnostics has increased significantly in recent years. We explore the reasons why in this article.