Microbiological Testing & Analysis

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The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has released its first Science and Technology Advisory Group (STAG) Report, which focuses on four themes impacting food safety: “Big Data,” the role of the microbiome, emerging foodborne pathogens, and food system resilience.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has announced upcoming changes and expansions to its beef sampling and testing programs for Escherichia coli and Salmonella. 

Sixth Wave Innovations Inc. recently announced that its Accelerated Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (AMIPs™) technology has expanded its library of detectable pathogens, which already includes Escherichia coli, to encompass Salmonella, Listeria monocytgenes, and Sarcina.

The UK Animal and Plant Health Agency has reported on certain developments that took place in 2021 that impact food safety regarding whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) will host a virtual open house featuring live demonstrations and presentations on Salmonella sampling and quantification, whole genome sequencing, agency technology, and the National Residue Program.

Scientists have developed a rapid detection method for microbial contaminants in food that can identify the presence of certain pathogens by color in as little as one hour.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has issued Changes to Accreditation of Non-Federal Analytical Testing Laboratories, which expands the scope of its Accredited Laboratory Program to include microbial and chemical testing.

Researchers at the University of Georgia are developing a biosensor-based rapid diagnostic test for Listeria monocytogenes in food.

There are no set microbiological performance standards for food products, yet demonstrating that hazards are sufficiently controlled is a key component of FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act. For some products, such as canned goods, these standards have been set over many decades of scientific testing. For others, these performance standards have yet to be established, particularly for new, unique ingredients with minimal processing steps. This article explores the history of performance standards and provides guidance on how to establish such standards where currently lacking.

Xibus Systems Inc. has announced the development of XiSafeä, a solution for the rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in food and beverages, and is seeking interested customers for a demonstration of XiSafeä.