The study represents the first publication of a large FDA dataset on ochratoxin A (OTA) occurrence in U.S. foods. OTA was detected above the limit of detection in 3.5 percent of all samples (which were targeted based on their susceptibility to contamination).
L. monocytogenes is the fourth-leading foodborne illness-related cause of death in the U.S. Despite continued efforts, listeriosis incidence rates have not declined, prompting FDA to launch a series of public engagements to discuss best practices for managing the pathogen.
After losing more than 4,000 employees since the Trump Administration took office, FDA is in the process of hiring and re-hiring thousands. The agency is also close to choosing its next Commissioner and has selected a new Director of Produce Safety in the Human Foods Program’s Office of Microbiological Food Safety.
Researchers from Purdue University conducted focus groups with Indiana produce growers who qualified for exemptions from the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, examining the beliefs and practical constraints that shape on-farm food safety practices.
The guidance agenda lists topics that the program is considering for possible guidance documents or revisions to existing guidance documents, spanning Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation; Microbiological Food Safety; and Nutrition.
Reoccurring, emerging, and persisting (REP) strains cause foodborne illnesses over extended periods of time, rather than through isolated outbreaks. The REP framework was jointly developed by CDC, FDA, and USDA-FSIS through the Interagency Foodborne Outbreak Response Collaboration.
As it stands, the bill would mandate that USDA provide guidance on HACCP plans to small and very small meat processors, require USDA and FDA to define “honey” and establish honey authenticity testing standards, and initiate other directives.
Citing concerns about antibiotic overuse in food-producing animals contributing to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the petition calls for FDA to withdraw approvals for the routine use of medically important drugs for disease prevention.
A series of tabletop exercises led by FDA and involving food companies across the supply chain revealed industry’s progress and challenges in meeting the requirements of the Food Traceability Rule/FSMA 204.
FDA did not identify deficiencies in ByHeart’s production facilities that could explain the outbreak, but a powdered milk ingredient did test positive for C. botulinum. ByHeart is developing an action plan based on data generated from the investigations.
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