The California Longitudinal Study, a five-year environmental study of California’s Central Coast produce-growing region, identified wildlife, livestock, and surface water as potential contributors to the persistence and movement of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).
The educational series comprises four distinct food safety events taking place across the U.S. to help address the nut industry’s diverse challenges through networking, professional development, and knowledge-sharing.
The researchers conducted environmental sampling throughout a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operation and tested swabs for L. monocytogenes. Boot covers proved to be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation.
The standards provide a consistent framework for state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions overseeing produce operations and commodities covered by the Produce Safety Rule.
The STEC O26:H11 outbreak sickened 40 people and resulted in 19 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children. Dried fruit was the probable vehicle of illness. Researchers underlined the importance of a weight-of-evidence approach in the outbreak investigation.
MagnaFlow is a new automated inline washwater analyzer that provides continuous, real-time visibility into the microbial loads present in post-harvest wash systems.
A recent study examined the efficacy of three commonly used sanitizers—chlorine, QACs, and UV-C light—against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel, PET, and silicone rubber surfaces, including organic matter, representing produce packing environments.
CalRecycle has issued a final draft of the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to manage packaging and single-use plastic. Western Growers shared concerns about the produce industry’s ability to qualify for categorical exclusion.
The researchers found that advanced, multi-step disinfection treatment significantly reduces the antibiotic resistance (AMR)-related food safety risks of wastewater reused for irrigation, while biological treated water remains a potential source of resistant bacteria contamination.
Dr. Alejandro Castillo is looking closely at Listeria contamination in the Mexican–U.S. avocado supply chain. Dr. Matt Taylor is working to help meat and poultry producers validate the microbial safety of their products and ensure regulatory compliance.
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