This episode of Food Safety Five discusses scientific recommendations around ultra-processed food (UPF) definitions and policy, a study demonstrating the antimicrobial efficacy of common sanitizers in potato wash water, and a review outlining the food safety risks of edible flowers. Also discussed are regulatory and standards developments in the U.S., EU, and at the international level.
A new USDA study suggests that the “green,” biodegradable enzyme ficin can improve the efficacy of conventional sanitizers when used as a pre-treatment in egg processing environments, reducing the contact time and sanitizer concentration required to achieve Salmonella biofilm inactivation.
A laboratory study has provided new insights into the efficacy of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and chlorine dioxide against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and norovirus in wash water during potato processing, and investigated cross-contamination risks in batch washing and water reuse scenarios.
A recent study sought to better understand the ability of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel surfaces to withstand common industry sanitizers, chlorine and PAA, using strains and temperature conditions relevant to the fresh leafy greens supply chain.
This article gives a comparison of food safety/quality needs with employee safety during production, using the chemical application of peracetic acid to control environmental biological contamination as the example. It also examines how to better encourage collaboration between food safety and employee safety, using the hierarchy of controls as the guide.
