Contamination Control

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taylor Farms Lettuce Ends with Nearly 13,000 Illnesses, Two Deaths

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:34:14 -0400

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.

Canada Posts Results of Food Safety Surveillance Across Range of Commodities for Microbial, Chemical Contaminants

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:31:00 -0400

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.

Study Provides New Understanding of UV-Based PFAS Destruction That Could Inform Better Treatment Technologies

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

German Food Safety Officials Say Glycerol Exposure Limits for Beverages Should Also Apply to Solid Foods

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:15:32 -0400

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.

Global Study Quantifies Pathogen Prevalence in Traditional Food Markets; Seafood Showed Greatest Contamination

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

Interim Report Details Michigan’s Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation, Early Epidemiologic Evidence

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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.

When Should You Start the Conversion of Agricultural Commodities to Food, Particularly for Fresh-Cut Items?

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

EU Reaffirms Stance That Glyphosate is Not Carcinogenic After Considering New Data

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:26:22 -0400

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.

EU Proposes Maximum Limits for Cereulide in Infant Formula

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:48:47 -0400

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.

Recommendations from Industry-Led Reagan-Udall Roundtable on Controlling C. botulinum in Infant Formula

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400

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.

Synexis, Zee Company Partnership Expands Pathogen Control Technology for Food Processors

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:06:41 -0400

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.

Polish Study Finds PFAS in All Tested Commercially Available Plant-Based Protein Supplements

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

University of Delaware’s Produce Safety Alliance Training Addresses On-Farm Microbial Risks Like Cyclospora

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:11:53 -0400

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.

General Mills Completes Artificial Food Dye Phase-Out for All U.S. Cereals

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:47:00 -0400

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.

EU Expands Maximum Levels for Three Contaminants in Infant and Baby Foods

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:19:04 -0400

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.

Study Shows Food Allergens Can Carry Over From Insect Feed to Edible Insects

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The findings highlighted the importance of considering rearing substrate composition when assessing the allergen safety and labeling of insect-based foods

Ultra-Processed Foods Cause Most High-Risk Food Safety Notifications for Acrylamide in EU

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

ILSI Europe Develops Framework to Help Food Industry Rank Microbial Risks of Dried Ingredients

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:15:00 -0400

The qualitative, risk-based framework is designed to help manufacturers, foodservice operators, suppliers, and buyers evaluate microbiological hazards associated with dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, and appropriate pathogen mitigation measures.

Study Proposes Grouping Approach to Prioritize Hazardous Food Contact Chemicals, Prevent Regrettable Substitutions

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the researchers, 1,222 FCCs are already known to be hazardous to human health, and more than 13,000 lack sufficient data to determine safety. Until adequate data become available, they proposed grouping FCCs based on chemical structure to help identify substances that may pose similar hazards.

UK APHA Highlights Outcomes of Seven-Year Project to Bolster Global AMR Laboratory Capacities

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In an effort to address the “silent pandemic” of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a recently concluded UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)–FAO project has helped partners across Africa and Asia to improve their AMR detection, analysis, and mitigation capabilities.

474 Cases, Two Deaths in Three UK Salmonella Outbreaks Likely Linked to Imported Eggs

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:58:41 -0400

Three Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak clusters potentially associated with imported eggs, one of which is part of a broader EU-wide outbreak, are under investigation. There is no evidence implicating UK-produced eggs. UKHSA emphasized that the overall risk to the public is low.

FDA Details Investigation Into 2026 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Powder

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:15:00 -0400

FDA’s post-incident Executive Incident Summary of a 2026 Salmonella outbreak linked to MOGO-brand moringa supplements details traceback findings, positive product samples, and food safety deficiencies identified during inspections of firms in the moringa powder supply chain.

Consumer Reports Finds ‘Concerning’ Acrylamide Levels in Popular Snacks Eaten by Kids, But Low Heavy Metals

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Of the 21 popular packaged children’s snacks, 14 contained at least one contaminant at levels Consumer Reports considered concerning. Conversely, testing also showed generally low levels of heavy metals, and seven products had no contaminants above CR’s levels of concern.

Allergens and GMO: What is Happening in Control Programs?

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Allergens are an unavoidable part of food processing, and effective control is key. Testing and control options are changing, with more technologies, test formats, and cleaning options available. How are food processors evaluating and choosing the options they use? This global survey of food processors seeks to find out.

Nara Organics Infant Formula Botulism Outbreak Ends; WGS, Supply Chain Evidence Show Link to ByHeart

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:16:06 -0400

The Nara Organics infant botulism outbreak has ended, with four sick in three states. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) findings and a shared powdered milk supplier/processor indicate a common source of contamination with the 2025 outbreak linked to ByHeart infant formula.

Q&A: EFSA Explains New EU WGS Data-Sharing Requirements for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:44:00 -0400

Regulation (EU) 2025/179, which came into effect on August 23, requires EU Member States to conduct WGS on five key pathogens during foodborne illness outbreak investigations. An interview with EFSA’s Dr. Frank Verdonck unpacks the new rule and previews the upcoming Science Meets Policy conference.

Food Hygiene, Antimicrobial Stewardship are Equally Critical to Controlling Foodborne Drug Resistance, FAO Experts Say

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:36 -0400

Controlling foodborne antimicrobial resistance requires a One Health approach centered on food hygiene. Although antimicrobial stewardship can slow the emergence and enrichment of resistant bacteria, existing environmental reservoirs mean that resistant bacteria can contaminate food regardless of antimicrobial use.

China Investigates Illegal Use of Formaldehyde to Preserve Cabbage

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:53:48 -0400

After an online video surfaced showing the illegal use of formaldehyde to preserve cabbage by a wholesaler, Chinese authorities launched an investigation, confirmed the practice, and ordered nationwide inspections of fresh produce.

Learnings From a 2025 UK Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Home-Delivered Cook-Chill Meals

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:38:50 -0400

In an analysis of a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in which one person died, UKHSA highlighted investigation details, risk assessment and control measures, and the potential risks associated with home-delivered cook-chill meals.

Alfalfa Sprouts Contaminated With Both E. coli, Salmonella Sicken 55 People in 15 States

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:01:44 -0400

Outbreak strains include STEC serotypes O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8 and one strain of Salmonella Agona. Some people were infected with more than one outbreak strain. The implicated products were distributed by Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota.