Microbiological Control

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.

Patient Count in Raw Farm E. coli Outbreak Grows, Majority are Young Children

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:42:55 -0400

Nearly all of the ill people interviewed reported consuming Raw Farm-brand raw dairy products. Testing and an onsite inspection of Raw Farm’s operation in California is ongoing. Raw Farm LLC has yet to issue a recall.

Researchers Investigate Microbial Risks to Produce Growers’ Groundwater Quality, Irrigation Systems

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:29:01 -0400

The Center for Produce Safety-funded project aims to generate practical guidance for produce growers, including improved sampling approaches to determine whether groundwater is influenced by surface water, and immediately actionable recommendations for mitigating microbial contamination and biofilms in irrigation systems.

Macrowave RF Pasteurization Validated for Microbial Reduction in Infant Formula Ingredient

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:54:57 -0400

Radio Frequency Company’s Macrowave Radio Frequency (RF) pasteurization systems have been fully validated for the treatment of rice flour utilized in infant formula, achieving a greater than 5-log reduction of important pathogens.

Study: Intensified Sampling Yields Limited Food Safety Benefits, Significant Cost and Sustainability Impacts

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:09:48 -0400

Researchers developed a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) framework that evaluates the public health, environmental, and economic trade-offs of microbiological sampling plans. They suggested microbiological sampling may be most useful when risk-based or as a verification tool.

Amid E. coli Outbreak, Congress Urges FDA to Mandate Raw Cheese Recall

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:27:00 -0400

“If mandatory authority needs to be strengthened, the Food Safety Caucus stands ready to tackle this issue at FDA’s request,” wrote Congress members in a statement about the ongoing E. coli outbreak involving Raw Farm raw cheese products. Raw Farm has so far refused to recall.

National Officials Publish Analysis of Netherlands' Largest-Ever Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A key cause of the outbreak was determined to be contaminated eggshells used in poultry feed. Cross-sector collaboration and data-sharing were instrumental in solving the investigation.

144 Illnesses Potentially Linked to Global Cereulide-Contaminated Infant Formula Incident, WHO Reports

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:28:43 -0400

WHO assessed the overall public health risk as “moderate,” citing the vulnerability of infants, uncertainty around the extent of contamination, and gaps in surveillance and traceability.

FDA Highlights Successful Mexico-U.S. Effort to Eliminate Salmonella Outbreaks from Papayas

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

No U.S. Salmonella outbreaks linked to Mexican papayas have been identified since 2020 thanks to collaborative efforts between regulators and industry in both countries. The case study could serve as a framework for improving food safety in other commodities and global supply chains.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplements Ends with 97 Sickened in 32 States

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

The products have been recalled, but have a long shelf life. FDA previously reported working with the manufacturers to determine the root cause of contamination, but has not shared an update at the time of the investigation’s close.

UK FSA Estimates Chicken Meat Causes More than 80 Percent of Human Campylobacteriosis Cases

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:45:09 -0400

A national study led by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) found concerning increases in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among poultry-associated Campylobacter isolates. Source attribution modeling predicted that chicken meat is by far the most dominant source of human campylobacteriosis cases.

Moringa Supply Chains Under Scrutiny: What Recent Contamination Cases Reveal About Botanical Ingredient Risks

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Recent contamination incidents involving moringa products draw attention to supply chain vulnerabilities that affect many botanical ingredients used in the global natural health industry. These events offer an opportunity to examine where problems can emerge and how companies can better protect consumer safety.

Novel Test Detects Bacteria in Milk with 98 Percent Accuracy Using AI, Sensor Technology

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:29:55 -0400

The low-cost approach enables simultaneous detection of multiple foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in a shorter timeframe than traditional detection methods, without requiring advanced technical training.

Multistate E. coli Outbreak Likely Caused by Raw Cheese, but Manufacturer Refuses to Recall

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:25:00 -0400

A total of seven patients—four of whom are three years of age or younger—have been sickened in three states. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that RAW FARM-brand unpasteurized cheddar cheese products are the likely vehicle of illness, but product testing is ongoing.

Pork Slaughterhouse Salmonella Isolates Remain Highly Susceptible to Common QAC Sanitizer Despite Resistance Genes

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the researchers, the findings indicate that Salmonella persistence in food processing environments should not be attributed solely to disinfectant resistance. Proper implementation of cleaning and sanitization protocols alongside stringent hygiene practices remains critical.

USDA-FSIS Investigated Seven Multistate Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in FY 2025

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:59:12 -0400

The agency has published a summary of foodborne illness outbreak investigations involving USDA-regulated products in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, alongside an after-action review of a fatal listeriosis outbreak linked to Yu Shang-brand ready-to-eat (RTE) meats that was solved in 2024.

FAO, WHO Request Data on Microbial Food Safety Impacts of Frozen Storage Temperatures

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:21:53 -0400

The information gathered will be used to support FAO/WHO scientific advice intended to inform future Codex Alimentarius discussions on frozen food handling guidance.

Fatal Listeriosis Outbreak in France Linked to RTE Meats

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:49:09 -0400

Ready-to-eat (RTE) pâté en croute contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and produced by Drôme Ardèche Tradition has sickened 12 people across France, resulting in two deaths. All patients were hospitalized.