Image courtesy of: Riccardo_Mojana (iStock / Getty Images Plus) Contamination of food, beverages, and water includes physical, chemical, and microbiological concerns, as well as allergens (the Big 9, formerly the Big 8). https://www.food-safety.com/rss/308 en-us The program, which was explored after the Boar’s Head outbreak of 2024 spurred the agency to reevaluate its inspection and Listeria monitoring protocols, was piloted in FY 2026 and will be expanded to FSIS districts nationwide. The program, which was explored after the Boar’s Head outbreak of 2024 spurred the agency to reevaluate its inspection and Listeria monitoring protocols, was piloted in FY 2026 and will be expanded to FSIS districts nationwide.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11846 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:39:39 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11846-usda-fsis-to-roll-out-listeria-environmental-sampling-program-nationwide-at-rte-facilities Michigan State University researchers found that a gut microbiota-derived metabolite inhibited Campylobacter jejuni growth and colonization, which could guide possible non-antibiotic interventions for campylobacteriosis. Michigan State University researchers found that a gut microbiota-derived metabolite inhibited Campylobacter jejuni growth and colonization, which could guide possible non-antibiotic interventions for campylobacteriosis.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11844 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:42:04 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11844-researchers-identify-molecule-in-gut-that-inhibits-campylobacter-growth Researchers examined four different antimicrobial surface technologies and evaluated their potential suitability for reusable food packaging, addressing the challenges of microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, and cross-contamination between reuse cycles. Researchers examined four different antimicrobial surface technologies and evaluated their potential suitability for reusable food packaging, addressing the challenges of microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, and cross-contamination between reuse cycles.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11826 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11826-review-explores-antimicrobial-surface-technologies-to-improve-safety-of-reusable-food-packaging A memo from EPA leadership to its Regional Water Division directors withdraws guidance that encouraged states and wastewater utilities to use existing Clean Water Act authorities to prevent “forever chemicals” from entering waterways and drinking water systems. A memo from EPA leadership to its Regional Water Division directors withdraws guidance that encouraged states and wastewater utilities to use existing Clean Water Act authorities to prevent “forever chemicals” from entering waterways and drinking water systems.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11841 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:58:27 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11841-epa-withdraws-guidance-for-states-utilities-on-preventing-pfas-from-entering-drinking-water-sources The third annual Foreign Material Contamination in Food Benchmark Report revealed how often food manufacturers are dealing with contamination, how confident facilities are in their detection equipment, how they are investing, and how they respond when an event happens. The third annual Foreign Material Contamination in Food Benchmark Report revealed how often food manufacturers are dealing with contamination, how confident facilities are in their detection equipment, how they are investing, and how they respond when an event happens.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11834 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:10:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11834-flexxray-survey-shows-how-food-manufacturers-handle-foreign-material-contamination The researchers concluded that integrating multiple sampling matrices and detection methods could improve understanding of Campylobacter occurrence in commercial broiler production and support preharvest surveillance. The researchers concluded that integrating multiple sampling matrices and detection methods could improve understanding of Campylobacter occurrence in commercial broiler production and support preharvest surveillance.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11825 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11825-study-explores-qpcr-campylobacter-monitoring-in-fecal-air-samples-on-poultry-farms The M50 R-Series AdvancedLine metal detectors are designed for food manufacturers requiring metal detection capabilities alongside traceability, data connectivity, and production line monitoring. The M50 R-Series AdvancedLine metal detectors are designed for food manufacturers requiring metal detection capabilities alongside traceability, data connectivity, and production line monitoring.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11829 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:33:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11829-mettler-toledo-introduces-metal-detection-system-with-connectivity-monitoring-capabilities The amendments to European food hygiene regulations would provide food business operators with greater flexibility in the storage of fresh meat from domestic ungulates (i.e., cattle, sheep, pigs) before freezing, based on a recent EFSA scientific opinion. The amendments to European food hygiene regulations would provide food business operators with greater flexibility in the storage of fresh meat from domestic ungulates (i.e., cattle, sheep, pigs) before freezing, based on a recent EFSA scientific opinion.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11828 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:07:19 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11828-eu-proposes-more-flexible-storage-conditions-for-certain-fresh-meat-before-freezing hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The company will pay the U.S. and states for “knowingly manufacturing infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars [under state Medicaid and WIC programs] in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microbial contamination.” The company will pay the U.S. and states for “knowingly manufacturing infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars [under state Medicaid and WIC programs] in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microbial contamination.”

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11827 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:14:12 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11827-abbott-nutrition-to-pay-385m-settlement-for-2022-infant-formula-shortage-contamination-incident USDA and University of Arkansas researchers concluded that the plant-derived antimicrobial compound could possibly offer a natural disinfection solution for controlling S. Infantis biofilms on plastic and stainless steel surfaces in poultry and food processing facilities. USDA and University of Arkansas researchers concluded that the plant-derived antimicrobial compound could possibly offer a natural disinfection solution for controlling S. Infantis biofilms on plastic and stainless steel surfaces in poultry and food processing facilities.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11824 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11824-study-shows-potential-of-thymol-for-controlling-salmonella-biofilms-on-food-contact-surfaces hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five covers new research on the impact of spray application on sanitizer efficacy, ROI of WGS for foodborne pathogen surveillance, effect of common food additives on gut health and implications for safety assessment, and contribution of industrial poultry farming to global Campylobacter spread. This episode of Food Safety Five covers new research on the impact of spray application on sanitizer efficacy, ROI of WGS for foodborne pathogen surveillance, effect of common food additives on gut health and implications for safety assessment, and contribution of industrial poultry farming to global Campylobacter spread.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11820 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11820-food-safety-five-ep-37-sanitizer-spray-efficacy-roi-of-wgs-emulsifier-health-effects-and-more The resource outlines the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment’s (BfR’s) approach to risk assessment of NIAS in FCMs. It is primarily intended to support dossiers for new substances in Germany. The resource outlines the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment’s (BfR’s) approach to risk assessment of NIAS in FCMs. It is primarily intended to support dossiers for new substances in Germany.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11821 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:59:53 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11821-german-officials-publish-guidance-on-risk-assessment-of-non-intentionally-added-substances-in-food-contact-materials Recall activity in 2026 is sending a clear message that the industry is not facing isolated failures, but rather recurring breakdowns in the systems designed to prevent them. Manufacturers must prioritize four critical areas to minimize the risk of product contamination and recalls heading into 2027. Recall activity in 2026 is sending a clear message that the industry is not facing isolated failures, but rather recurring breakdowns in the systems designed to prevent them. Manufacturers must prioritize four critical areas to minimize the risk of product contamination and recalls heading into 2027.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11819 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11819-unpacking-the-2026-recall-landscape-and-preparing-for-q4 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) CDC has declared the unprecedented Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce over. FDA continues its root cause investigation of the current outbreak as well as investigations into other U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak clusters. CDC has declared the unprecedented Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce over. FDA continues its root cause investigation of the current outbreak as well as investigations into other U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak clusters.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11818 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:34:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11818-cyclospora-outbreak-linked-to-taylor-farms-lettuce-ends-with-nearly-13-000-illnesses-two-deaths In eight sampling and testing assignments spanning several years and various targeted food commodities, the majority of samples tested were deemed to be satisfactory when analyzed for chemical contaminants, hygiene indicators, and pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In eight sampling and testing assignments spanning several years and various targeted food commodities, the majority of samples tested were deemed to be satisfactory when analyzed for chemical contaminants, hygiene indicators, and pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11816 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:31:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11816-canada-posts-results-of-food-safety-surveillance-across-range-of-commodities-for-microbial-chemical-contaminants University of California, Riverside researchers have identified key chemical reactions that occur when UV light is used to break down PFAS “forever chemicals” in water, which could inform the development and optimization of PFAS treatment technologies, or even more degradable fluorinated compounds. University of California, Riverside researchers have identified key chemical reactions that occur when UV light is used to break down PFAS “forever chemicals” in water, which could inform the development and optimization of PFAS treatment technologies, or even more degradable fluorinated compounds.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11809 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11809-study-provides-new-understanding-of-uv-based-pfas-destruction-that-could-inform-better-treatment-technologies The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) said the EU health-based guidance value for acute glycerol exposure from beverages can also be applied to solid foods, adding to recent discussions around glycerol intoxication in young children and safe levels of exposure. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) said the EU health-based guidance value for acute glycerol exposure from beverages can also be applied to solid foods, adding to recent discussions around glycerol intoxication in young children and safe levels of exposure.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11808 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:15:32 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11808-german-food-safety-officials-say-glycerol-exposure-limits-for-beverages-should-also-apply-to-solid-foods Based on an analysis of 2.8 million samples collected in 41 countries over 25 years, the global pooled prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic bacteria, viruses, and parasites was 15 percent. Based on an analysis of 2.8 million samples collected in 41 countries over 25 years, the global pooled prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic bacteria, viruses, and parasites was 15 percent.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11807 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11807-global-study-quantifies-pathogen-prevalence-in-traditional-food-markets-seafood-showed-greatest-contamination An interim report details how Michigan investigators gathered early epidemiologic evidence pointing to iceberg lettuce in the massive U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, and how patient interview data helped inform public health actions and FDA’s traceback in real time. An interim report details how Michigan investigators gathered early epidemiologic evidence pointing to iceberg lettuce in the massive U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, and how patient interview data helped inform public health actions and FDA’s traceback in real time.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11805 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11805-interim-report-details-michigans-cyclospora-outbreak-investigation-early-epidemiologic-evidence This article explores the application of pre-wash and other food hygiene processes to raw agricultural products to implement food safety measures sooner in the production and processing of raw agricultural commodities. This article explores the application of pre-wash and other food hygiene processes to raw agricultural products to implement food safety measures sooner in the production and processing of raw agricultural commodities. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11802 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11802-when-should-you-start-the-conversion-of-agricultural-commodities-to-food-particularly-for-fresh-cut-items hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) After reviewing a study suggesting that glyphosate causes cancer even at levels below those considered “safe” by EU regulatory agencies, the European Chemicals Agency stood by its 2022 hazard assessment decision that the herbicide does not warrant a classification for carcinogenicity. After reviewing a study suggesting that glyphosate causes cancer even at levels below those considered “safe” by EU regulatory agencies, the European Chemicals Agency stood by its 2022 hazard assessment decision that the herbicide does not warrant a classification for carcinogenicity.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11806 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:26:22 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11806-eu-reaffirms-stance-that-glyphosate-is-not-carcinogenic-after-considering-new-data Prompted by a global food safety incident and infant formula recalls spanning 99 countries, the European Commission has drafted a regulation that would set a limit of 1 µg/kg cereulide toxin in dried formula products. The draft regulation is open for public feedback. Prompted by a global food safety incident and infant formula recalls spanning 99 countries, the European Commission has drafted a regulation that would set a limit of 1 µg/kg cereulide toxin in dried formula products. The draft regulation is open for public feedback.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11803 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:48:47 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11803-eu-proposes-maximum-limits-for-cereulide-in-infant-formula Considering the unprecedented ByHeart and Nara Organics infant botulism outbreak and with a focus on dairy ingredients, participants emphasized the need for prevalence research, more sensitive and standardized testing, data-sharing, validated preventive controls, and coordinated industry action. Considering the unprecedented ByHeart and Nara Organics infant botulism outbreak and with a focus on dairy ingredients, participants emphasized the need for prevalence research, more sensitive and standardized testing, data-sharing, validated preventive controls, and coordinated industry action.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11801 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11801-recommendations-from-industry-led-reagan-udall-roundtable-on-controlling-c-botulinum-in-infant-formula Synexis’ DHP technology will be offered through Zee Company as an additional intervention that food and beverage processors can incorporate alongside existing sanitation and pathogen control programs. Synexis’ DHP technology will be offered through Zee Company as an additional intervention that food and beverage processors can incorporate alongside existing sanitation and pathogen control programs.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11797 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:06:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11797-synexis-zee-company-partnership-expands-pathogen-control-technology-for-food-processors Mycotoxins, PAHs, and other contaminants were also detected. The researchers concluded that plant-based protein supplements may contain chemical contaminants from environmental exposure, agricultural practices, and processing. They called for systematic monitoring, improved controls, and optimization of processing conditions. Mycotoxins, PAHs, and other contaminants were also detected. The researchers concluded that plant-based protein supplements may contain chemical contaminants from environmental exposure, agricultural practices, and processing. They called for systematic monitoring, improved controls, and optimization of processing conditions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11793 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11793-polish-study-finds-pfas-in-all-tested-commercially-available-plant-based-protein-supplements The UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and UD Cooperative Extension offer Produce Safety Alliance Training at least three times a year, with the next course slated for winter 2026–2027. The UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and UD Cooperative Extension offer Produce Safety Alliance Training at least three times a year, with the next course slated for winter 2026–2027.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11796 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:11:53 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11796-university-of-delawares-produce-safety-alliance-training-addresses-on-farm-microbial-risks-like-cyclospora hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The commitment aligns with FDA’s and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to facilitate an industry-led, voluntary phase-out of synthetic FD&C-certified food dyes from the U.S. food supply. The commitment aligns with FDA’s and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to facilitate an industry-led, voluntary phase-out of synthetic FD&C-certified food dyes from the U.S. food supply.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11795 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:47:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11795-general-mills-completes-artificial-food-dye-phase-out-for-all-us-cereals Regulation (EU) 2026/1825 expands MLs for 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl fatty acid esters, and Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 establishes new MLs for furan, 2-methylfuran, and 3-methylfuran. Regulation (EU) 2026/1825 expands MLs for 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl fatty acid esters, and Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 establishes new MLs for furan, 2-methylfuran, and 3-methylfuran.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11794 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:19:04 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11794-eu-expands-maximum-levels-for-three-contaminants-in-infant-and-baby-foods The findings highlighted the importance of considering rearing substrate composition when assessing the allergen safety and labeling of insect-based foods The findings highlighted the importance of considering rearing substrate composition when assessing the allergen safety and labeling of insect-based foods

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11792 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11792-study-shows-food-allergens-can-carry-over-from-insect-feed-to-edible-insects hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Acrylamide is a harmful contaminant that forms during thermal processing. An analysis of 17 years of EU RASFF data showed that UPFs accounted for 85 percent of related notifications. Cereals, baked goods, and potato chips were most frequently implicated. Acrylamide is a harmful contaminant that forms during thermal processing. An analysis of 17 years of EU RASFF data showed that UPFs accounted for 85 percent of related notifications. Cereals, baked goods, and potato chips were most frequently implicated.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11783 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11783-ultra-processed-foods-cause-most-high-risk-food-safety-notifications-for-acrylamide-in-eu