Food Safety Magazine Editorial Team

The updated Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook chapter on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial isolates now includes protocols for using both the Illumina MiSeq and MiSeq i100 sequencing platforms.

In a meeting with industry, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (WVS) confirmed its intent to ban the botanical ashwagandha, a widely used dietary supplement and functional food/beverage ingredient.

Phage W5, isolated from poultry and livestock slaughterhouse effluent, significantly inhibited the growth of Salmonella in milk, pork, and eggs, and effectively prevented and eradicated biofilms on food-contact surfaces. The absence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes supported its suitability as a food-grade biocontrol agent.

Registration is now open for the virtual meetings on FSMA 204, which will be jointly hosted with the Partnership for Food Traceability. FDA is interested in hearing stakeholder feedback on lot-level traceability efforts, industry challenges, and potential solutions.

Peak Automation Intelligence by Peak Technologies uses machine vision, smart optics, mobile computing, and unified analytics to provide an automated view of pallets and packages, material movement, and dock workflow.

EFSA has created new online portals where guidances are described and sorted for accessibility and ease of use by scientists, industry applicants, and other stakeholders. Additionally, future guidance documents will be developed following a new, standardized process.

Although UV-C was effective against Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes under most conditions, pathogen regrowth during refrigerated storage was significant. The findings suggest UV-C may be a useful post-harvest intervention when used in combination with other measures.  

Campden BRI’s Ninth Global Food Safety Training Survey, conducted in collaboration with global certification bodies, revealed gaps in training practices, technology adoption, and program effectiveness across the food and beverage industry.

The portal contains guidance issued by USDA and its agencies.

In a partnership with Syngenta, early laboratory testing demonstrated the activity of novel bioactive ingredients, developed with Biotalys’ AGROBODY technology, against a specific insect crop pest.