Microbiological Control

USDA Researchers Use Crickets to Convert Mycotoxin-Contaminated Corn Into High-Protein Animal Feed

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:26:49 -0400

Crickets were raised on contaminated corn, which would otherwise be diverted from the feed supply chain, and processed into insect meal. The resulting meal contained more protein than corn and had 96 percent lower mycotoxin levels.

USDA Study Explores Enzyme-Bacteriocin Treatments to Control Listeria Biofilms in Food Processing Environments

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Treatment effectiveness varied by L. monocytogenes strain and bacteriocin used. While the findings supported continued development of enzyme-bacteriocin combinations as potential bio-based tools for L. monocytogenes biofilm control, researchers highlighted the need to ensure that biofilm disruption is accompanied by effective bacterial inactivation.

Study Finds Differences Between Beef, Pork Microbial Contamination During Processing

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 05:00:17 -0400

The findings highlighted the importance of considering meat species, equipment type, and temporal changes in microbial communities when developing cleaning and sanitation strategies for meat processing facilities.

FAO Identifies Five Priorities for Strengthening Mycotoxin Control in Near East, North Africa

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:22:09 -0400

In a new report, FAO assessed mycotoxin contamination in food and feed across the region and highlighted disparities in national regulatory frameworks, laboratory capacities, and surveillance systems, as well as the increasing impact of climate change on contamination risks.

Researchers Describe Significant Food Safety Risks, Regulatory Gaps in Afghanistan

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the review, microbiological and chemical food safety hazards in the country are exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, limited regulatory oversight, and food insecurity.

Researchers Developing Risk Assessment Model to Evaluate Food Safety Impacts of Produce Defects

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:31:49 -0400

Supported by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS), Cornell researchers are developing a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to evaluate how quality defects affect Listeria and E. coli growth on produce, helping identify effective interventions and improve processes.

Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Inhibits Foodborne Pathogens, Delays Milk Spoilage

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Postbiotin-E8, derived from Lacticaseibacillus, demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against several foodborne pathogens, as well as the ability to extend the freshness of pasteurized milk, suggesting its potential as a natural preservative and surface decontaminant.

Hygiene Interventions Tested in Vietnam Slaughterhouses Failed to Reduce Microbial Contamination

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers tested two low-cost food safety intervention approaches in small- and medium-scale pig slaughterhouses. Despite improvements in hygiene practices, neither approach was associated with reduced carcass contamination, suggesting the need for sustained, multi-level interventions targeting infrastructure, operations, and worker hygiene.

Researchers Characterize U.S. Pork-Associated Salmonella Outbreaks From 2012–2021

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:36:14 -0400

CDC and USDA-FSIS researchers analyzed 50 salmonellosis outbreaks linked to pork and identified the most commonly implicated products and serotypes, as well as the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among isolates.

Food Safety Five Ep. 38: Regulatory and Research Updates on Cyclospora, Listeria, Microplastics, and More

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400

This episode covers the final findings from the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak, new USDA efforts to address Listeria, the new FDA Food Code, research on high-pressure processing for raw chicken, and emerging food safety concerns associated with plastic pollution.

One-Third of Campylobacter from Poultry, Pork Supply Chains in Northeast India Study Show Multidrug Resistance

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Genomic analysis also identified biofilm-forming ability in half of isolates, as well as clinically relevant virulence genes. The study, conducted in the Indian state of Meghalaya, represents the country’s first genomic characterization of C. jejuni from pig sources.

Novel Bacteriophage-Based Biosensor Test Method Shows Potential for Rapid Detection of Viable Foodborne Pathogens

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

After further optimization and validation, the approach could possibly offer an alternative to conventional culture-based screening methods that typically require three to five days. The bacteriophage amplification strategy, which was tested against Salmonella on chicken meat, could be adapted to detect other viable foodborne bacteria.

Study Reveals Bacillus cereus as Underrecognized Risk to Food Safety in Africa

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The reviewed studies reported B. cereus contamination in different foods at rates ranging from approximately 15 percent to more than 70 percent. In a study focused on Burkina Faso, B. cereus was detected in 42 percent of tested infant cereals.

American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses Raw Milk Ban as Children Continue to Fall Seriously Ill

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:22:26 -0400

The policy statement comes as raw milk consumption rises in popularity due to high-profile individuals and influencers touting its purported health benefits, and in the wake of a highly publicized case of a California toddler who fell severely ill after being infected with E. coli from raw goat’s milk.

Review Examines Strategies for Reducing Nitrites, Nitrates in Processed Meats While Ensuring Microbial Safety

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The researchers concluded that no single alternative currently fulfills all of the antimicrobial and technological functions provided by conventional nitrites and nitrates. Instead, they identified hurdle technology as the most promising approach.

With Cyclospora Lettuce Outbreak Over, Taylor Farms Speaks Up as FDA is Questioned

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:43:57 -0400

Taylor Farms outlined actions it is taking to enhance food safety following the historic cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to its lettuce. The same day, Consumer Reports sent a letter to FDA requesting answers about why its outbreak response was “hindered by notable delays and a lack of transparency.”

FAO Responds to Cyclospora Outbreak With Agrifood Water Safety Resource

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:15:00 -0400

Following the historically large cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce that swept the U.S. this summer, FAO highlighted the importance of pre-harvest water safety, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent microbial contamination of food in a new fact sheet resource.

Study Compares Pathogen Risks in Farmed, Wild-Caught Food Animals Sold in Traditional Markets

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Contamination varied by pathogen, host species, and production conditions. The findings suggested that environmental and management conditions, rather than whether wildlife is farmed or wild-caught alone, likely influence zoonotic hazards.

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 a 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.