USDA-FSIS has reissued its guidance on testing for Listeria species other than Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) food production facilities to reflect expansions made to the agency’s testing method and enforcement actions.
At a January 14 public meeting on strategies to reduce Salmonella in poultry products, USDA-FSIS focused on the importance of tailored strategies, data-driven decisions, and considering the needs of small- and medium-sized establishments. Stakeholders shared their concerns and ideas.
In a new report, the EU Court of Auditors say control systems for olive oil are “comprehensive but unevenly applied,” with some Member States inconsistently conducting contamination, authenticity, and traceability checks.
An expert panel that was convened to support FDA’s “Operation Stork Speed” emphasizes the need for streamlined FDA approval processes for infant formulas, more transparent ingredient approval processes (i.e., GRAS, food additive petitions), and enforceable limits for environmental contaminants.
On January 1, three new EU reference laboratories for foodborne and waterborne diseases became officially operational, bringing the total number to nine. These laboratories will help national public health laboratories improve testing, data quality, and outbreak preparedness related to food- and waterborne pathogens.
At a public meeting on January 14 held by USDA-FSIS to discuss strategies for reducing salmonellosis attributable to poultry, a Consumer Reports food scientist argued for the agency to return to its now-withdrawn proposed regulatory framework for Salmonella in poultry.
Supported in part by USDA-NIFA, multidisciplinary researchers and Extension professionals from U.S. land-grant institutions have collaborated under the Enhancing Microbial Safety by Risk Analysis project, completing new research, helping inform policy, and providing education and outreach.
The UK-based Chilled Food Association (CFA) has produced an industry-led good practice guidance for manufacturers and retailers of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods that may support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes to support compliance with UK and EU regulations on the microbiological criteria for foods.
With the goal of helping retail food regulatory programs progress toward achieving FDA’s Retail Program Standards, grant funding supports capacity building, workforce development, and targeted program improvements that strengthen food safety at the retail level.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to acclaimed food policy journalist Helena Bottemiller Evich about the rise of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, the current state of food and nutrition policy under its agenda, and predictions for its future.