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A recent study comparing the presence of chemical contaminants in conventionally and hydroponically grown produce found pesticide residues and toxic heavy metals in a larger number of conventional samples than in hydroponic samples. Phthalate levels were consistent between conventional and hydroponic samples.

Researchers at NC State University compared poultry broiler farms of various sizes and found higher rates of Salmonella at large commercial operations than at small backyard farms; however, multidrug-resistant Salmonella were found in samples from both types of farm.

The EU Court of Justice has made three rulings that set a precedent requiring Member States to consider more modern, comprehensive scientific literature in their pesticide safety assessments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published the long-anticipated Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule, fulfilling Subpart E of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced the launch of the Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation (RENOFARM) initiative, a global 10-year effort to mitigate the growing public health threat that is antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Alissa Welsher, Associate Senior Consultant at Elanco Poultry Food Safety, about the importance of pest management to poultry safety; specifically, for the control of darkling beetles, which can be an important source of Salmonella in poultry production operations.

To help predict and mitigate the presence of Escherichia coli and other foodborne pathogens on lettuce, a new weather-based model has been developed by USDA-ARS researchers and collaborators.

On May 9, 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will hold a webinar via Zoom to discuss the food safety aspects that need to be considered and addressed when using environmental inhibitors in agrifood systems.

Contamination is a major challenge for composters. California AB 1201 expanded requirements for compostable products, but a recent study by CalRecycle found it unfeasible to separate suitable products for organic agricultural use from non-suitable ones. This decision affects compostable product requirements in other legislation.

Controlled environment agriculture can help meet food requirements of the future, but this objective must be achieved by specific processes that minimize negative impacts on the environment and place food safety front and center.