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-contamination-control en-us At the highest tested dose, every isolate, even those exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underwent at least a 2-log reduction in viable cells. Modeling suggested that such a reduction could decrease public health risk of infection by up to 90 percent. At the highest tested dose, every isolate, even those exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underwent at least a 2-log reduction in viable cells. Modeling suggested that such a reduction could decrease public health risk of infection by up to 90 percent. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11895 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:30:42 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11895-antimicrobial-violet-blue-light-shows-promise-for-reducing-drug-resistant-campylobacter-on-poultry FDA found Indonesia’s Cs-137 import certification program for shrimp and spices, launched because cesium-contaminated shipments of shrimp and spices were detected in the U.S., “substantially meets requirements” after the certifying entities corrected deficiencies identified through an in-country assessment. FDA found Indonesia’s Cs-137 import certification program for shrimp and spices, launched because cesium-contaminated shipments of shrimp and spices were detected in the U.S., “substantially meets requirements” after the certifying entities corrected deficiencies identified through an in-country assessment.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11891 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:05:03 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11891-after-2025-radioactive-shrimp-incident-fda-reports-indonesian-import-certification-program-now-up-to-par Positive environmental samples were found on a farm and at a Taylor Farms of Mexico processing facility, which supplied the implicated lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. The root cause of contamination was not found, however. FDA also announced ten actions to prevent future cyclosporiasis outbreaks. Positive environmental samples were found on a farm and at a Taylor Farms of Mexico processing facility, which supplied the implicated lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. The root cause of contamination was not found, however. FDA also announced ten actions to prevent future cyclosporiasis outbreaks.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11889 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:56:13 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11889-fda-closes-taylor-farms-lettuce-investigation-announces-action-plan-to-prevent-future-cyclospora-outbreaks The community tracker allows people with food allergies to report anaphylaxis and other serious allergic reactions experienced at foodservice establishments, with the intent of filling data gaps about food anaphylaxis, informing allergic consumers, and motivating industry allergen safety practices. The community tracker allows people with food allergies to report anaphylaxis and other serious allergic reactions experienced at foodservice establishments, with the intent of filling data gaps about food anaphylaxis, informing allergic consumers, and motivating industry allergen safety practices.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11886 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:41:19 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11886-trustdiner-launches-uk-anaphylaxis-tracker-to-increase-visibility-of-allergic-reactions-while-dining-out MicroTally’s MicroCap sampler grabs microorganisms from product surfaces as finished product passes through the weigh station. The device can operate unattended for up to two hours. MicroTally’s MicroCap sampler grabs microorganisms from product surfaces as finished product passes through the weigh station. The device can operate unattended for up to two hours.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11885 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:11:22 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11885-new-microcap-sampler-automates-pathogen-sampling-on-cut-produce-processing-lines The Sensor4Food research project will develop five photonic sensing technologies intended to identify pathogenic contamination, animal disease, and meat quality issues at critical points in poultry production, possibly supporting a digital “poultry passport” to link information about poultry production, transport, welfare, and processing. The Sensor4Food research project will develop five photonic sensing technologies intended to identify pathogenic contamination, animal disease, and meat quality issues at critical points in poultry production, possibly supporting a digital “poultry passport” to link information about poultry production, transport, welfare, and processing.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11884 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:57:23 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11884-eu-funded-project-to-develop-novel-technologies-for-continuous-microbial-monitoring-in-poultry-supply-chain AB 1603 requires the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to indicate when pesticides contain PFAS ingredients in its online database and include use trends in annual reports. AB 1603 requires the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to indicate when pesticides contain PFAS ingredients in its online database and include use trends in annual reports.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11882 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:07:45 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11882-california-enacts-law-to-track-use-of-pfas-pesticides As consumer interest in raw milk grows, questions persist about its safety and purported nutritional and health benefits. Examining the evidence can help producers, consumers, and regulators distinguish established risks from emerging science and unsupported claims.  As consumer interest in raw milk grows, questions persist about its safety and purported nutritional and health benefits. Examining the evidence can help producers, consumers, and regulators distinguish established risks from emerging science and unsupported claims.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11874 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11874-raw-milk-under-the-microscope-separating-safety-risks-from-nutritional-claims The new X-ray Reclaim Foreign Material Reinspection Services facility in Dallas will provide in-house and mobile foreign material reinspection, contaminant extraction, application validation, and documented reporting services for regional food, beverage, ingredient, and pet food manufacturers evaluating products affected by suspected foreign material incidents. The new X-ray Reclaim Foreign Material Reinspection Services facility in Dallas will provide in-house and mobile foreign material reinspection, contaminant extraction, application validation, and documented reporting services for regional food, beverage, ingredient, and pet food manufacturers evaluating products affected by suspected foreign material incidents.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11880 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:45:30 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11880-mettler-toledo-to-open-x-ray-reinspection-facility-in-texas FDA published its annual Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report for Fiscal Year 2024, finding that pesticide chemical residues measured in the U.S. food supply were generally in compliance with EPA tolerances. FDA published its annual Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report for Fiscal Year 2024, finding that pesticide chemical residues measured in the U.S. food supply were generally in compliance with EPA tolerances.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11878 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:09:28 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11878-fda-reports-high-levels-of-compliance-with-pesticide-limits-in-food-for-fy-2024 During the screening of lactic acid bacteria on limes grown near poultry farms, scientists in Brazil discovered the presence of two emerging pathogens with traits that raise concerns for food safety, human clinical outcomes, and One Health. During the screening of lactic acid bacteria on limes grown near poultry farms, scientists in Brazil discovered the presence of two emerging pathogens with traits that raise concerns for food safety, human clinical outcomes, and One Health.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11871 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:01:07 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11871-pathogens-found-on-brazilian-citrus-fruit-present-emerging-food-safety-concerns In a survey of 48 packaged baby foods from 11 brands, 96 percent contained heavy metals below Consumer Reports’ level of concern. However, alates were detected in most products tested, and microplastics were found in all analyzed purees. In a survey of 48 packaged baby foods from 11 brands, 96 percent contained heavy metals below Consumer Reports’ level of concern. However, alates were detected in most products tested, and microplastics were found in all analyzed purees. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11864 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11864-testing-finds-widespread-microplastics-lower-heavy-metals-in-baby-foods Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and the Food Packaging Forum have proposed a panel of 15 high-throughput in vitro bioassays to screen chemicals for biological activity associated with cancer, brain-related harms, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders. Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and the Food Packaging Forum have proposed a panel of 15 high-throughput in vitro bioassays to screen chemicals for biological activity associated with cancer, brain-related harms, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11863 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11863-scientists-propose-toxicological-screening-approach-for-broader-identification-of-hazardous-food-contact-chemicals Foreign material contamination remains one of the most persistent operational risks in food manufacturing. Foreign material contamination remains one of the most persistent operational risks in food manufacturing.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11866 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11866-foreign-material-by-the-numbers-what-the-2026-benchmark-report-reveals Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has outlined its plans to reduce foodborne illness over the next three years, prioritizing Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, as well as its related research objectives. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has outlined its plans to reduce foodborne illness over the next three years, prioritizing Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, as well as its related research objectives.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11867 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:02:52 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11867-scotland-updates-foodborne-illness-reduction-strategy-challenged-by-highest-stec-o157-rate-in-uk Physical contamination prevention goes beyond end-of-line detection. Learn how strategic inspection points, metal detection, and x-ray technology can strengthen food safety, quality, and operational efficiency. Physical contamination prevention goes beyond end-of-line detection. Learn how strategic inspection points, metal detection, and x-ray technology can strengthen food safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11865 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11865-beyond-detection-how-to-avoid-physical-contamination-in-food-through-a-smarter-inspection-strategy hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) EPA is reassessing glyphosate’s human health risks and carcinogenic potential after a federal court vacated its previous determination. An expert source raised concerns stemming from the fact that EPA has already disqualified 78 percent of independent studies identified in its review. EPA is reassessing glyphosate’s human health risks and carcinogenic potential after a federal court vacated its previous determination. An expert source raised concerns stemming from the fact that EPA has already disqualified 78 percent of independent studies identified in its review.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11862 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:34:54 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11862-epa-announces-glyphosate-safety-review-efforts-decision-expected-by-early-2027-experts-question-scientific-rigor A new FAO technical brief explains how plastic pollution moves through agrifood systems and creates interconnected risks to food safety and human, animal, plant, and environmental health. A new FAO technical brief explains how plastic pollution moves through agrifood systems and creates interconnected risks to food safety and human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11853 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11853-fao-outlines-risks-of-plastic-pollution-to-food-safety-calls-for-one-health-policy-approach The system was developed to reduce the manual intervention and time required for routine performance testing while improving operator safety, consistency, and repeatability on food processing lines. The system was developed to reduce the manual intervention and time required for routine performance testing while improving operator safety, consistency, and repeatability on food processing lines. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11854 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:18:58 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11854-loma-introduces-remote-test-system-for-metal-detectors Based on a review of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to sauces and other literature, University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety researchers underscored pathogenic bacteria as the primary public health concern, while also highlighting spoilage microorganisms and the comparatively understudied risk posed by foodborne parasites. Based on a review of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to sauces and other literature, University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety researchers underscored pathogenic bacteria as the primary public health concern, while also highlighting spoilage microorganisms and the comparatively understudied risk posed by foodborne parasites.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11852 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11852-researchers-examine-microbiological-risks-in-sauces-and-dressings In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak about gluten-free food safety from the perspectives of a person with celiac disease, a consumer advocate, and a food manufacturer, including gluten-free labeling requirements, food safety controls, gaps in U.S. labeling regulations, and policy discussions around cross-contact, precautionary labeling, thresholds, and "free-from" claims. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak about gluten-free food safety from the perspectives of a person with celiac disease, a consumer advocate, and a food manufacturer, including gluten-free labeling requirements, food safety controls, gaps in U.S. labeling regulations, and policy discussions around cross-contact, precautionary labeling, thresholds, and "free-from" claims.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11812 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11812-ep-226-jules-shepard-from-celiac-disease-advocacy-to-gluten-free-food-manufacturing A new study characterized mycotoxin-related RASFF food safety notifications by mycotoxin type, product category, country of origin, risk level, and notification type. The researchers also contextualized notification trends dating back to 2012. A new study characterized mycotoxin-related RASFF food safety notifications by mycotoxin type, product category, country of origin, risk level, and notification type. The researchers also contextualized notification trends dating back to 2012.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11832 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11832-analysis-of-eu-rasff-data-finds-aflatoxins-imported-foods-lead-mycotoxin-related-notifications 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