Microbiological Control

Researchers Raise Concerns About Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter Circulating Across Sectors and Countries in Europe

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

An analysis of multinational WGS surveillance data suggests that multidrug-resistant lineage of Campylobacter coli has circulated across human, animal, food, and environmental sources in Europe for years, highlighting the need for coordinated One Health genomic surveillance.

Antimicrobial Violet-Blue Light Shows Promise for Reducing Drug-Resistant Campylobacter on Poultry

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:30:42 -0400

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.

FDA Closes Taylor Farms Lettuce Investigation, Announces Action Plan to Prevent Future Cyclospora Outbreaks

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:56:13 -0400

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.

New MicroCap Sampler Automates Pathogen Sampling on Cut Produce Processing Lines

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:11:22 -0400

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.

EU-Funded Project to Develop Novel Technologies for Continuous Microbial Monitoring in Poultry Supply Chain

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:57:23 -0400

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.

Raw Milk Under the Microscope: Separating Safety Risks From Nutritional Claims

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400

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.

Pathogens Found on Brazilian Citrus Fruit Present Emerging Food Safety Concerns

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:01:07 -0400

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.

Scotland Updates Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy; Challenged by Highest STEC O157 Rate in UK

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:02:52 -0400

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.

Researchers Examine Microbiological Risks in Sauces and Dressings

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:15:00 -0400

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.

Analysis of EU RASFF Data Finds Aflatoxins, Imported Foods Lead Mycotoxin-Related Notifications

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

USDA-FSIS to Roll Out Listeria Environmental Sampling Program Nationwide at RTE Facilities

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:39:39 -0400

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.

Researchers Identify Molecule in Gut that Inhibits Campylobacter Growth

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:42:04 -0400

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.

Review Explores Antimicrobial Surface Technologies to Improve Safety of Reusable Food Packaging

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

Study Explores qPCR Campylobacter Monitoring in Fecal, Air Samples on Poultry Farms

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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.

EU Proposes More Flexible Storage Conditions for Certain Fresh Meat Before Freezing

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:07:19 -0400

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.

Abbott Nutrition to Pay $385M Settlement for 2022 Infant Formula Shortage, Contamination Incident

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:14:12 -0400

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.”

Study Shows Potential of Thymol for Controlling Salmonella Biofilms on Food-Contact Surfaces

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

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.

Food Safety Five Ep. 37: Sanitizer Spray Efficacy, ROI of WGS, Emulsifier Health Effects, and More

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.