Food Safety Magazine Editorial Team

FDA shared results of sampling and testing for PFAS conducted under the Total Diet Study in 2024. “Forever chemicals” were detected in 39 of 542 samples, with the highest concentrations in samples of shrimp, clams, catfish, and tilapia.

Two research projects are investigating several novel techniques for detecting hepatitis A virus that eliminate false positives produced by inactivated, non-infectious RNA fragments—an issue that limits the usefulness of existing methods for indicating actual food safety risk.

On December 18, career food scientist and microbiologist Mindy Brashears, Ph.D. was confirmed by the Senate in a 53–42 vote for a second term as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety, a role in which she will oversee USDA-FSIS.

German Federal researchers have developed a rapid, onsite detection system for PFAS in water samples. Its cost-effectiveness and ease-of-use make it a potentially scalable solution for authorities and industry to monitor and remediate “forever chemical” contamination.

University of Georgia researchers conducted a review to compile and communicate best practices for reducing the spread of foodborne pathogens among beef cattle herds prior to processing, with a focus on Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

The recently updated Cost Estimates of Foodborne Illness data from USDA break down the total estimated cost of foodborne illnesses per case and per pathogen.

Sabert Corporation Europe has launched a line of fully home compostable and recyclable foodservice packaging that is free from intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and compliant with forthcoming EU sustainability regulations.

Amazon, Amerisan, the Meat Institute, Mérieux NutriSciences, and Yum! Brands have joined the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, a collaborative effort to advance food safety culture, prevent foodborne illness, and protect consumers.

In a new scientific opinion, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) spreading from U.S. dairy cattle to Europe is very low, but still stresses preparedness and heightened surveillance.

The proposed EU Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package targets "overlapping and disproportionate rules" that burden agri-food businesses and national authorities, covering plant protection, feed additives, official controls, and animal health. The package's pesticide deregulation measures have garnered criticism from environmental protection groups.