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The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has announced six new research projects totaling $1.8 million to address critical food safety challenges in the fresh produce industry.

Food industry representatives and consumer advocacy groups have shared their comments, which are varied in opinion, submitted in response to FDA and USDA’s joint request for information to support a federal definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

Regulatory agencies based in Abu Dhabi, UAE have launched a strategic initiative to develop a regulatory framework for novel foods and processes, such as alternative proteins and precision fermentation.

An ongoing Center for Produce Safety-funded study is investigating the factors contributing to the persistence of a reoccurring, emerging, and persisting (REP) Escherichia coli O157:H7 subtype associated with leafy greens foodborne illness outbreaks, with the goal of developing a risk assessment tool for growers.

A new Southern California-based study found that food safety may play a role in UTIs. Genomic analysis of Escherichia coli isolates from UTI patients and retail meats linked 18 percent of UTIs to E. coli strains of animal origin, suggesting foodborne transmission.

Following the formation of a food industry-backed lobbyist group with the goal of stopping state-level food additives restrictions, 84 consumer protection and public health organizations have signed a letter urging Congress to oppose such efforts.

Americans for Ingredient Transparency (AFIT) is campaigning for federal action to “correct a maze of state-by-state-laws” that restrict or prohibit the use of colorants, additives, and ingredients in foods. AFIT is backed by many of the largest food industry associations and companies, some of which have made voluntary commitments to phase out food dyes or other additives.

A 2024 European foodborne illness outbreak caused by a rare Salmonella serotype, linked to leafy greens grown near a buffalo farm, exposed gaps in biosecurity, surveillance, and data transparency across the agri-food system.

New research has demonstrated a low overall prevalence of Campylobacter on retail chicken meat; however, recovered C. jejuni strains did not match known poultry-associated genotypes, suggesting the need for sensitive detection methods and expanded genomic surveillance.

Due to the small, tender quality of berries, individual quick freezing (IQF) and isochoric freezing are ideal options that have been explored to improve preservation. Progress in isochoric freezing technology can revolutionize the methods that are used to handle and store berries.