Microbiological Control

FAO Researchers Explore How Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance Spreads in Gut Microbiome

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400

The review summarized current knowledge about the potential contribution of foodborne bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes to the human gut resistome, suggesting the integration of gut microbiome and AMR data into risk assessment frameworks.

WFSD 2026: Exclusive WHO Interview on New Global Foodborne Disease Estimates

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:45:00 -0400

Recognizing World Food Safety Day (WFSD) 2026 and the new estimates on the global burden of foodborne disease, WHO’s Elaine Borghi, Ph.D. discusses the development of the estimates and how they can be used to drive effective interventions that meaningfully improve food safety and public health.

Eight Sick, One Dead in Three-Year Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:41:39 -0400

The now-recalled requeson cheese was produced by Maryland-based Clover Hill Dairy. Patients have been identified in New York, Maryland, and Virginia, with the earliest illness occurring in early 2023 and the most recent in May 2026.

After Infant Botulism Outbreak, FDA Shares Root Cause Analysis Findings from ByHeart Formula Plants

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:44:19 -0400

FDA did not identify deficiencies in ByHeart’s production facilities that could explain the outbreak, but a powdered milk ingredient did test positive for C. botulinum. ByHeart is developing an action plan based on data generated from the investigations.

Global Foodborne Disease Burden Comparable to Malaria, Per Updated WHO Estimates

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:29:14 -0400

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its anticipated updated global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which suggest that 42 microbiological and chemical hazards caused approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.52 million deaths in 2021.

Salmonella Cases in England Hit Highest Number Seen in a Decade

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:15:48 -0400

The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that the number of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England remained high or increased in 2025, while listeriosis cases stayed stable from the previous year.

WHO Releases Data on the Proportion of Microbiological, Chemical Hazards that are Foodborne

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:04:39 -0400

The study was conducted to support the development of new global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which are going to be released on June 4, ahead of World Food Safety Day.

FDA Opens Third Salmonella–Moringa Outbreak Investigation of the Year

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The agency has also reopened a previously closed Salmonella outbreak investigation linked to powdered moringa supplements, with 22 new reported illnesses in four additional states.

Study is First to Analyze Trends in Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Linked to Non-Dairy Fermented Products

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Notable pathogen–food commodity pairings emerged, including Clostridium botulinum and Alaskan traditional fermented meats and fish. The analysis was conducted by FDA and CDC researchers.

Researchers Investigate Antimicrobial Light, Optimal Sanitation Protocols for Produce Packinghouse Brushes

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400

Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes.

Researchers Recommend UV-C for Norovirus Inactivation, Continuous Surface Disinfection

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A new study demonstrated the efficacy of far-UV-C light at 222 nm for inactivating human norovirus on surfaces. As it is safe for humans, researchers believe UV-C 222 could enable real-time, continuous disinfection in enclosed foodservice settings and food processing environments.

UK Food Standards Agency Reviews Farm-to-Fork Campylobacter Interventions for Chicken

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:43:12 -0400

Campylobacter is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the UK, most frequently linked to contaminated chicken. The UK Food Standards Agency conducted a scientific assessment to consider possible future actions for reducing foodborne campylobacteriosis.

CDC: Produce, Salmonella Drove Multistate Foodborne Enteric Disease Outbreaks in 2024

Tue, 19 May 2026 05:26:00 -0400

CDC has published a report summarizing the multistate enteric disease outbreaks it solved in 2024, of which 29 were foodborne, resulting in 1,533 illnesses, 519 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths.

Scientists Tackle Food Waste with More Accurate ‘Sell By’ Dates Based on Meat Microbial Activity

Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Consumers often throw away meat that is still safe to eat based on the “sell by” date. Auburn University researchers are investigating methods to predict meat spoilage based on microbial activity, which would enable more accurate “sell by” dates.

Food Safety Five Ep. 31: Rare, Unusual, and Emerging Foodborne Pathogens of Growing Concern

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses several foodborne pathogens that have been recently highlighted by researchers due to their unusual nature, emergence, and increasing public health significance, including a rare Salmonella strain, an STEC/ETEC hybrid, Group B Streptococcus, and drug-resistant Shigella.

Australia to Develop Foodborne Campylobacter Action Plan

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 04 May 2026 10:34:07 -0400

The action plan would outline strategies to mitigate Campylobacter and reduce cases of foodborne illness. Those who are interested in contributing to the development of the action plan are invited to register to receive communications about stakeholder engagement.

Raw Farm E. coli Outbreak Ends; Congress Questions Why FDA Never Used Mandatory Recall Authority

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:45:29 -0400

The E. coli outbreak involving Raw Farm unpasteurized dairy products has ended with one raw cheese sample matching isolates from a different 2025 outbreak. In an April 29 hearing, Congresspeople questioned whether U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy influenced FDA’s failure to mandate a recall.

Fatal French HUS Outbreak Caused by Globally Emerging, Hybrid E. coli Strain Affected Only Adults

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In 2025, a genetically unique hybrid STEC/STEC strain was the cause of a foodborne illness outbreak that affected exclusively adults, with 90 percent of patients developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and three deaths occurring.

FAO Highlights Importance of Group B Streptococcus ST283 as Atypical Foodborne Disease

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Associated with freshwater fish consumption and handling, GBS ST283 causes invasive infections, including meningitis, septic arthritis, and bacteremia. WGS has played a central role in recognizing the pathogen as a foodborne hazard. FAO has identified GBS ST283 as a hazard requiring structured risk profiling.

40 Sick, One Dead in German Salmonella Outbreak Involving Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:05:22 -0400

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Bochum is extremely rare. Children and adolescents aged 2–15 years represent 75 percent of outbreak patients. Patient interviews and a case-control study point to a certain brand of chocolate-hazelnut spread as the vehicle of illness.

FDA Finds E. coli in Raw Farm Cheese Matching a Second Outbreak

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:12:09 -0400

During its investigation of an ongoing Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak involving Raw Farm-brand unpasteurized cheddar cheese, FDA detected E. coli in a product sample not matching the current outbreak strain, but instead matching a strain from a different 2025 outbreak.

Persistent, Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Strain is Growing Cause of Poultry Contamination, Human Infections

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Per CDC and USDA-FSIS data, in 2023, Salmonella Infantis strain REPJFX01 accounted for 97 percent of S. Infantis isolates and 21 percent of all Salmonella recovered from chicken carcasses. This rising trend is closely aligned with an increase in human salmonellosis infections linked to REPJFX01.

CDC Reports Emergence of Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigella

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:27:42 -0400

The proportion of extensively drug-resistant isolates rose from 0 percent during 2011–2015 to 8.5 percent in 2023.

Novel Phage Effectively Inhibits Antimicrobial-Resistant Salmonella, Biofilms on Food, Surfaces

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Phage W5, isolated from poultry and livestock slaughterhouse effluent, significantly inhibited the growth of Salmonella in milk, pork, and eggs, and effectively prevented and eradicated biofilms on food-contact surfaces. The absence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes supported its suitability as a food-grade biocontrol agent.

Study Evaluates Pathogen Reductions on Microgreens Treated with UV-C

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Although UV-C was effective against Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes under most conditions, pathogen regrowth during refrigerated storage was significant. The findings suggest UV-C may be a useful post-harvest intervention when used in combination with other measures.

Abundant Drug Resistance Genes in Retail Foods Pose ‘Significant Public Health Concern,’ Researchers Find

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Using metagenomic sequencing and qPCR, the study analyzed bacteria from produce, chicken meat, and RTE deli meats sold at retail stores in Tennessee. A high abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes were identified, potentially contributing to the persistence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food supply.

Testing Confirms Microbiological, Chemical Safety of Canadian Infant Formula, Children’s Foods

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently published the findings from several food sampling and testing assignments for microbiological and chemical contaminants across a range of food categories. In general, the results were satisfactory.

Raw Farm Recalls Unpasteurized Cheese While Denying Link to E. coli Outbreak

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:28:14 -0400

The company says the recall is being issued “under protest” and “as a path forward,” while continuing to contest the epidemiological evidence provided by FDA.

Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplements Ends, Root Cause Remains Unknown

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:09:57 -0400

Although FDA was unable to find a cause of contamination, a single supplier of the contaminated moringa powder was identified. Affected products, which were sold under the Rosabella brand and distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC, have been recalled.

Ireland Food Safety Authority Issues Guidance on Controlling Listeria in Ready-to-Heat Meals

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:15:00 -0400

Responding to recent listeriosis outbreaks and recognizing that consumers do not always handle or cook ready-to-heat meals in accordance with package instructions, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) encourages businesses to implement recommended practices to better control L. monocytogenes.