Food Safety Magazine is the leading content provider of science-based solutions for food safety and quality assurance professionals worldwide. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/articles SLIPNOT's Amstep Products portfolio has acquired the metal stair tread nosings line from Nystrom®. The metal stair tread nosings will strengthen Amstep's comprehensive portfolio of engineered slip-resistant solutions across industries throughout North America. SLIPNOT's Amstep Products portfolio has acquired the metal stair tread nosings line from Nystrom®. The metal stair tread nosings will strengthen Amstep's comprehensive portfolio of engineered slip-resistant solutions across industries throughout North America.

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:01:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11711-slipnot-amstep-products-acquires-nystrom-stair-nosing-line http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11711 The bipartisan Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026 would amend FDA's major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat, in an effort to mitigate "hidden" exposure to gluten for consumers with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. The bipartisan Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026 would amend FDA's major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat, in an effort to mitigate "hidden" exposure to gluten for consumers with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11710-bill-introduced-to-amend-fd-and-c-act-to-require-gluten-labeling-for-barley-rye-oats http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11710 Automated, risk-tiered supplier monitoring does not prevent an outbreak (like this summer's cyclosporiasis event) or replace the traceback work done by FDA and CDC, but it can change how fast and how precisely a distributor can act while that investigation unfolds. Automated, risk-tiered supplier monitoring does not prevent an outbreak (like this summer's cyclosporiasis event) or replace the traceback work done by FDA and CDC, but it can change how fast and how precisely a distributor can act while that investigation unfolds. 

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11674-the-missing-link-in-outbreak-response-why-distributors-need-real-time-supplier-intelligence-not-just-recall-notices http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11674 Hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by catalase enzyme application to remove residual peroxide, significantly reduced Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on raw chicken wings while preserving the meat's overall color quality, although more research is needed on the effect on other organoleptic properties. Hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by catalase enzyme application to remove residual peroxide, significantly reduced Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on raw chicken wings while preserving the meat's overall color quality, although more research is needed on the effect on other organoleptic properties.

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11687-study-shows-promise-of-hydrogen-peroxide-treatment-for-poultry-decontamination http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11687 In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Dr. Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Dr. Justin Ransom, Administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), about the future of food safety oversight at USDA. With Dr. Brashears, we discuss FSIS' emerging Salmonella SAFE Strategy and Salmonella Gold Standard, the agency's evolving approach to Listeria control, and the creation of a new scientific advisory panel. Dr. Ransom dives into how FSIS is using connected data, AI, and other emerging technologies to strengthen inspection and identify food safety risks earlier. In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Dr. Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Dr. Justin Ransom, Administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), about the future of food safety oversight at USDA. With Dr. Brashears, we discuss FSIS' emerging Salmonella SAFE Strategy and Salmonella Gold Standard, the agency's evolving approach to Listeria control, and the creation of a new scientific advisory panel. Dr. Ransom dives into how FSIS is using connected data, AI, and other emerging technologies to strengthen inspection and identify food safety risks earlier.

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11692-live-from-iafp-with-usda-leadersnew-strategies-for-salmonella-ai-and-inspection-tech http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11692 The Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz, M.D., J.D., M.P.H. as the new Director of CDC on August 5, making her the agency's first permanent leader in nearly a year. Dr. Schwartz previously served as Deputy Surgeon General during the first Trump administration and as Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard. The Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz, M.D., J.D., M.P.H. as the new Director of CDC on August 5, making her the agency's first permanent leader in nearly a year. Dr. Schwartz previously served as Deputy Surgeon General during the first Trump administration and as Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard.

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:32:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11707-senate-confirms-dr-erica-schwartz-as-cdc-director http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11707 WECO's MXV-Bulk X-ray inspection system identifies and rejects a variety of product defects that show no obvious external signs including empty nut shells, insect damage, and internal mold. It also removes foreign material including stones, glass, ceramics, and embedded metal. WECO's MXV-Bulk X-ray inspection system identifies and rejects a variety of product defects that show no obvious external signs including empty nut shells, insect damage, and internal mold. It also removes foreign material including stones, glass, ceramics, and embedded metal.

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:38:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11706-weco-introduces-multiscan-mxv-bulk-x-ray-inspection-system-for-nuts http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11706 A new scientific review examines blue light-mediated photosensitization for antimicrobial intervention across various food sectors. The review notes the technology's promise as a nonthermal antimicrobial intervention for food safety and emphasizes the need for further studies to support scale-up across industry. A new scientific review examines blue light-mediated photosensitization for antimicrobial intervention across various food sectors. The review notes the technology's promise as a nonthermal antimicrobial intervention for food safety and emphasizes the need for further studies to support scale-up across industry.

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:58:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11705-scientific-review-evaluates-blue-light-mediated-photosensitization-across-food-applications http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11705 The recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce is a reminder of just how difficult modern foodborne outbreak investigations have become. In reality, food safety investigations rarely depend on a single "smoking gun." The future of ensuring food safety lies not in simply improving any one test or technology, but in integrating them into a comprehensive decision-support system. The recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce is a reminder of just how difficult modern foodborne outbreak investigations have become. In reality, food safety investigations rarely depend on a single "smoking gun." The future of ensuring food safety lies not in simply improving any one test or technology, but in integrating them into a comprehensive decision-support system.

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11675-beyond-the-smoking-gun-why-food-safety-needs-systems-thinking http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11675 Two topics of increasing regulatory scrutiny—the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) rule and a federal definition of ultra-processed food (UPFs)—have seen some movement at the U.S. Government's Office of Management and Budget, signaling progress on the Trump administration's food policy agenda. Two topics of increasing regulatory scrutiny—the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) rule and a federal definition of ultra-processed food (UPFs)—have seen some movement at the U.S. Government's Office of Management and Budget, signaling progress on the Trump administration's food policy agenda.
 

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:18:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11703-regulatory-updates-gras-proposed-rule-clears-omb-review-fda-sends-upf-whitepaper-to-oira http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11703 The fast-casual Mexican-style restaurant chain has pulled the jalapeños from its restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers, out of "an abundance of caution." The fast-casual Mexican-style restaurant chain has pulled the jalapeños from its restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers, out of "an abundance of caution."

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11702-chipotle-identifies-potential-connection-between-salmonella-outbreak-and-jalapenos http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11702 A new industry resource helps food processors compare X-ray inspection providers using technical capabilities, service offerings, and long-term value metrics. A new industry resource helps food processors compare X-ray inspection providers using technical capabilities, service offerings, and long-term value metrics.

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:52:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11701-abm-equipment-publishes-industry-guide-for-x-ray-product-inspection http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11701 Taking a page out of the pharmaceutical industry's pharmacovigilance playbook, this article discusses why Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) teams need to monitor product performance after reformulation or process changes—and how to start. Taking a page out of the pharmaceutical industry's pharmacovigilance playbook, this article discusses why Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) teams need to monitor product performance after reformulation or process changes—and how to start.

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11673-what-if-we-treated-food-like-medicine-bringing-pharmacovigilance-thinking-to-food-safety-in-the-age-of-ai http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11673 Nurtured Nuts Company won The Pitch! at the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo for its gene-edited, low-allergen peanuts advancing safer food innovation. Nurtured Nuts Company won The Pitch! at the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo for its gene-edited, low-allergen peanuts advancing safer food innovation.

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:24:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11700-nurtured-nuts-company-wins-ift-first-pitch-prize-for-low-allergen-peanuts http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11700 While New World screwworm (NWS) itself does not pose a food safety risk in edible meat or poultry products, residues from veterinary drugs used to treat and prevent infestations of NWS are potential chemical hazards. While New World screwworm (NWS) itself does not pose a food safety risk in edible meat or poultry products, residues from veterinary drugs used to treat and prevent infestations of NWS are potential chemical hazards.

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:06:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11699-fsis-updates-veterinary-drug-residue-surveillance-in-response-to-new-world-screwworm http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11699 Michigan and Ohio recently updated their case counts in a massive Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak, bringing state-reported totals for all 50 states to at least 21,775 cases. Michigan also reported two deaths tied to the outbreak. Michigan and Ohio recently updated their case counts in a massive Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak, bringing state-reported totals for all 50 states to at least 21,775 cases. Michigan also reported two deaths tied to the outbreak.

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:38:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11698-state-counts-for-us-cyclospora-cases-pass-21-000-michigan-reports-two-deaths http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11698 USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has issued a revised directive outlining financial management procedures for state cooperative inspection programs. The directive replaced fiscal guidance that had been in effect since March 2004. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has issued a revised directive outlining financial management procedures for state cooperative inspection programs. The directive replaced fiscal guidance that had been in effect since March 2004.

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:42:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11697-usda-fsis-updates-fiscal-guidance-for-state-cooperative-inspection-programs http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11697 The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has appointed Elizabeth Andoh-Kesson as Director, marking the next phase of the organization's leadership following her tenure as Interim Director. The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has appointed Elizabeth Andoh-Kesson as Director, marking the next phase of the organization's leadership following her tenure as Interim Director.

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:52:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11696-elizabeth-andoh-kesson-named-director-of-gfsi http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11696 Transport cages are recognized as a potential source of cross-contamination in poultry slaughterhouses. The optimal washing water temperature and detergent concentration completely eliminated detectable Salmonella while greatly reducing indicator organisms. The identified parameters may improve food safety and operational efficiency. Transport cages are recognized as a potential source of cross-contamination in poultry slaughterhouses. The optimal washing water temperature and detergent concentration completely eliminated detectable Salmonella while greatly reducing indicator organisms. The identified parameters may improve food safety and operational efficiency.

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11677-study-identifies-optimal-poultry-transport-cage-washing-conditions-to-reduce-salmonella http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11677 Food safety begins in the field, the barn, and the watershed, not at the processing plant. The concept of preharvest biosurveillance—the systematic, continuous monitoring and management of biological threats before harvest—is now central to building safer and more resilient food systems. Food safety begins in the field, the barn, and the watershed, not at the processing plant. The concept of preharvest biosurveillance—the systematic, continuous monitoring and management of biological threats before harvest—is now central to building safer and more resilient food systems. 

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11688-from-farm-signal-to-supply-chain-shield-preharvest-biosurveillance-in-a-national-biosurveillance-ecosystem http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11688 Modern food facilities are spaces where small structural gaps around utilities and loading areas can create hidden rodent pathways, making exclusion and digital monitoring necessary. Modern food facilities are spaces where small structural gaps around utilities and loading areas can create hidden rodent pathways, making exclusion and digital monitoring necessary.

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11670-mitigating-hidden-rodent-risks-in-food-facilities http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11670 Intended for professional sanitarians, food safety leaders, hygienic design specialists, and managers working in low-moisture food manufacturing, the event will take place October 26–27, 2026 in Beloit, Wisconsin. Intended for professional sanitarians, food safety leaders, hygienic design specialists, and managers working in low-moisture food manufacturing, the event will take place October 26–27, 2026 in Beloit, Wisconsin.

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:03:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11695-cornell-cals-announces-advancing-dry-sanitation-forum http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11695 The findings suggest that pathogen persistence on plastic food contact surfaces is governed by the combined effects of material composition, engineered surface topography, and microbial ecology rather than any single factor. The findings suggest that pathogen persistence on plastic food contact surfaces is governed by the combined effects of material composition, engineered surface topography, and microbial ecology rather than any single factor.

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11686-researchers-identify-plastic-food-contact-material-properties-background-microbes-that-influence-listeria-biofilm-persistence http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11686 Science and decision-making rarely operate on the same timeline. While scientists continue evaluating new evidence, people across the food system are making decisions based on the best information available at that moment. This creates a natural tension, as the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak investigation has demonstrated Science and decision-making rarely operate on the same timeline. While scientists continue evaluating new evidence, people across the food system are making decisions based on the best information available at that moment. This creates a natural tension, as the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak investigation has demonstrated

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11672-waiting-for-certainty-what-outbreak-investigations-reveal-about-strategic-communications http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11672 FDA has announced the fiscal year (FY) 2027 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). FDA has announced the fiscal year (FY) 2027 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP).

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:02:05 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11693-fda-announces-fy-2027-vqip-tpp-user-fee-rates http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11693 The Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2025 would require health warning labels for certain foods and beverages, prohibit marketing of specified products to children, and expand federal nutrition research and education related to ultra-processed foods. The Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2025 would require health warning labels for certain foods and beverages, prohibit marketing of specified products to children, and expand federal nutrition research and education related to ultra-processed foods.

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11685-senate-committee-advances-bernie-sanders-bill-targeting-upfs-with-warning-labels-research-and-education http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11685 Ten Latin American countries are developing national initiatives to strengthen food safety systems by integrating risk analysis into public policy and regulatory decision-making, through a regional project led by UN organizations and assisted by the University of Minnesota. Ten Latin American countries are developing national initiatives to strengthen food safety systems by integrating risk analysis into public policy and regulatory decision-making, through a regional project led by UN organizations and assisted by the University of Minnesota.

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11680-international-collaboration-drives-food-safety-systems-development-in-latin-america http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11680 The facility supports product development, equipment testing, technical training, and process optimization for manufacturers producing coated food products. Customers can conduct production trials using complete processing lines configured to match their manufacturing requirements. The facility supports product development, equipment testing, technical training, and process optimization for manufacturers producing coated food products. Customers can conduct production trials using complete processing lines configured to match their manufacturing requirements.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:17:08 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11691-nothum-opens-solutions-studio-for-processing-equipment-testing-product-development http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11691 The notice formalizes proposed reorganization plans that surfaced in April 2025 amid the federal government-wide RIFs and the mass overhaul of HHS that occurred shortly after President Trump took office, spearheaded by DOGE. The notice formalizes proposed reorganization plans that surfaced in April 2025 amid the federal government-wide RIFs and the mass overhaul of HHS that occurred shortly after President Trump took office, spearheaded by DOGE.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:20:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11690-fda-to-centralize-administrative-functions-generalize-inspectors http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11690 Over a more than three-decade career, Dr. Jaykus has advanced scientific understanding of foodborne viruses while helping the frozen food industry address complex food safety challenges. Over a more than three-decade career, Dr. Jaykus has advanced scientific understanding of foodborne viruses while helping the frozen food industry address complex food safety challenges.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:56:43 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11689-dr-lee-ann-jaykus-receives-2026-freezing-research-award http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11689