Microbiological contamination of food encompasses bacterial pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli (E.coli), Salmonella, Cronobacter, and many other pathogens that can contaminate food at any point during the supply chain, causing foodborne illness. This category also includes foodborne parasites. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/311 en-us 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11777 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11777-ilsi-europe-develops-framework-to-help-food-industry-rank-microbial-risks-of-dried-ingredients 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11770 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11770-uk-apha-highlights-outcomes-of-seven-year-project-to-bolster-global-amr-laboratory-capacities 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11774 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:58:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11774-474-cases-two-deaths-in-three-uk-salmonella-outbreaks-likely-linked-to-imported-eggs 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11772 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11772-fda-details-investigation-into-2026-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-moringa-powder 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11771 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:16:06 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11771-nara-organics-infant-formula-botulism-outbreak-ends-wgs-supply-chain-evidence-show-link-to-byheart hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11768 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:44:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11768-q-and-a-efsa-explains-new-eu-wgs-data-sharing-requirements-for-foodborne-illness-outbreaks 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11763 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:36 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11763-food-hygiene-antimicrobial-stewardship-are-equally-critical-to-controlling-foodborne-drug-resistance-fao-experts-say 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11756 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:38:50 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11756-learnings-from-a-2025-uk-listeriosis-outbreak-linked-to-home-delivered-cook-chill-meals 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11755 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:01:44 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11755-alfalfa-sprouts-contaminated-with-both-e-coli-salmonella-sicken-55-people-in-15-states hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Participants argued that reductions in listeriosis will require implementation of fundamental preventive controls, true “seek and destroy” efforts, and risk-based approaches. Dose-response models suggesting that low contamination may confer low risk were also discussed. Participants argued that reductions in listeriosis will require implementation of fundamental preventive controls, true “seek and destroy” efforts, and risk-based approaches. Dose-response models suggesting that low contamination may confer low risk were also discussed.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11754 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:36:43 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11754-fdas-listeria-prevention-public-meeting-experts-debate-zero-tolerance-emphasize-environmental-monitoring-and-fundamental-controls There have been 57 hospitalizations. The peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to companies across the U.S., including Chipotle, which used its traceability system to help FDA identify the outbreak source. There have been 57 hospitalizations. The peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to companies across the U.S., including Chipotle, which used its traceability system to help FDA identify the outbreak source.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11748 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:30:52 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11748-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-jalapenos-now-includes-431-people-in-32-states A vehicle of illness has not yet been definitively confirmed, but according to UKHSA, epidemiological evidence points to egg consumption as the strongest food signal identified to date. A vehicle of illness has not yet been definitively confirmed, but according to UKHSA, epidemiological evidence points to egg consumption as the strongest food signal identified to date.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11744 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:39:56 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11744-200-sick-one-dead-in-uk-salmonella-enteritidis-outbreak Longer application times, shorter nozzle distances, and spray patterns that deliver sufficient physical force to surfaces may contribute to improved microbial reduction. Sanitizer efficacy experiments could misrepresent real-world sanitation outcomes when shear stress and application time are not considered. Longer application times, shorter nozzle distances, and spray patterns that deliver sufficient physical force to surfaces may contribute to improved microbial reduction. Sanitizer efficacy experiments could misrepresent real-world sanitation outcomes when shear stress and application time are not considered.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11739 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:57:34 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11739-study-shows-how-spray-application-affects-sanitizer-efficacy-against-listeria-on-food-contact-surfaces hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five discusses new research on avocado oil authenticity in processed foods, the effects of nanoplastics on bacterial biofilms in drinking water systems, factors influencing Listeria monocytogenes persistence on plastic food contact surfaces, and stress-adaptation traits that may help E. coli persist from farm to fork. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses new research on avocado oil authenticity in processed foods, the effects of nanoplastics on bacterial biofilms in drinking water systems, factors influencing Listeria monocytogenes persistence on plastic food contact surfaces, and stress-adaptation traits that may help E. coli persist from farm to fork.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11733 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11733-food-safety-five-ep-36-listeria-e-coli-biofilms-plastics-and-oil-adulteration Cases decreased by 27.2 percent from the previous year. Although Cryptosporidium can be transmitted through routes other than food, the parasite can enter the food supply through contaminated irrigation water and contact with excrement during cultivation, harvesting, and handling. Cases decreased by 27.2 percent from the previous year. Although Cryptosporidium can be transmitted through routes other than food, the parasite can enter the food supply through contaminated irrigation water and contact with excrement during cultivation, harvesting, and handling.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11736 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:54:31 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11736-uk-sees-significant-decline-in-cryptosporidium-infections-in-2025