Cross-Contamination

Food Safety Five Ep. 28: Advancements in Allergen Contamination Control

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

This episode covers new research on food allergen risks in processing environments, including studies on allergen recovery from environmental swabs, cross-contamination in shared frying oil, and dispersal of allergenic food powders. Also discussed is an EU proposal to harmonize precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) requirements.

Study Underlines Underappreciated Risks of Refrigerators: Microbial Communities, AMR, Inadequate Hygiene

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0500

In an analysis of domestic refrigerator swabs, researchers discovered complex microbial communities harboring foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The findings also suggested that regular cleaning is possibly more important than temperature control in managing these communities.

Study Shows How Allergenic Food Powders Spread During Production, Create Cross-Contamination Risk

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Dispersibility may be a useful tool for simulating the spread and hygienic control of allergenic food powders. Researchers recommend that producers add powders from as low a position as possible to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Study Shows Filtering Shared Frying Oil Substantially Reduces Allergen Cross-Contamination Risks

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

A new study quantified the allergen cross-contamination that occurs in shared frying oil and evaluated the efficacy of different filters in removing allergen protein residues from oil.

FAO/WHO Experts Recommend Gluten Reference Dose for Precautionary Allergen Labeling

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:21:59 -0500

To support Codex committee deliberations, an ad hoc joint FAO/WHO committee convened to recommend a gluten reference dose (RfD) in a risk-based precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) framework to ensure food safety for people with both celiac and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated wheat allergies.

Study Investigates Sanitizer Efficacy, Cross-Contamination in Potato Wash Water

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:28:10 -0500

A laboratory study has provided new insights into the efficacy of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and chlorine dioxide against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and norovirus in wash water during potato processing, and investigated cross-contamination risks in batch washing and water reuse scenarios.

How Proactive Listeria Testing Helps Prevent Six- and Seven-Figure Recalls

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Proactive Listeria testing can save millions in recall costs. Learn how validated PCR diagnostics, rapid environmental monitoring, and data-driven insights help food brands prevent contamination, ensure compliance, and protect consumer trust.

Study Shows Drug-Resistant Salmonella Dublin Could Spread Among Cows, Food, and Humans

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:39:00 -0400

Penn State researchers have demonstrated the potential for Salmonella Dublin to spread among cattle, the environment, and people—necessitating a “One Health” response. Based on their analysis, rising antibiotic resistance is also a concern.

Listeria From Multispecies Biofilms More Prone to Growth in RTE Foods, Study Shows

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:33:24 -0400

A recent study found that Listeria monocytogenes from multispecies biofilms exhibits higher growth in ready-to-eat (RTE) cold-smoked salmon than L. monocytogenes from single-species biofilms. Additionally, L. monocytogenes contamination from the multi-species biofilm surpassed EU regulatory limits after 15 days of storage.

New Data From CDC on Contributing Factors of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in 2014–2022

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:27:38 -0400

CDC released a summary of Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System data, analyzing the causes of foodborne illness outbreaks that occurred between 2014 and 2022.

Food Safety and Sustainability with Gluten-Free Options

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for individuals with celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1 percent of the world population. Even small amounts of gluten ingestion can cause a person with celiac disease to become ill, which is why food safety is paramount.

Study Examines Public Health Burden of Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:32:50 -0500

An analysis of salmonellosis outbreaks linked to melons showed cantaloupes to have a higher public health burden than other melons, and revealed factors that may contribute to more severe outbreaks.

Can Cantaloupe Be Made Fit For Purpose?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Treating melons as food as soon as possible—even though they will be peeled—is needed to mitigate the risks associated with the three contamination mechanisms for cantaloupe. Zero risk is impossible, but can industry do better?

UK FSA Testing of Raw Pet Food Shows Dogs, Cats at Medium Risk of Salmonella Infection

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Testing and sampling of raw dog and cat food sold at retail across the UK has shown a high prevalence of significant foodborne pathogens, putting pets and pet owners at varying risk of infection by different bacteria, according to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Study: Are Gloves Worn by Food Handlers Protective of or Damaging to Food Safety?

Thu, 30 May 2024 11:23:24 -0400

A recent study published in the Journal for Food Protection and funded by Eagle Protect PBC has demonstrated the risk of microbial, chemical, and physical contamination risks posed to food by disposable gloves worn by food handlers.

Study Shows Risk of Gluten Migration into Food from Biodegradable Plates, Straws

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 29 May 2024 11:20:40 -0400

A recent study examined the extent of gluten migration from different biodegradable food contact materials into a variety of liquid and solid foods to provide a more comprehensive basis for assessing the risk of exposure for wheat allergy and celiac disease patients.

Extensive Food Safety Resources for Foodservice Managers Offered by Idaho Health Department

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Idaho Central District Health (CDH) recently published a webpage offering a plethora of resources for foodservice managers to help them practice active managerial control (AMC), which involves actively leading employees in food handling practices to reduce the occurrence of foodborne illness risk factors.

Foodborne Salmonella Outbreak Points to Drainage Systems as a Contamination Risk Factor

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:44:04 -0500

A recent analysis of a Canadian foodborne salmonellosis outbreak investigation has highlighted the importance of considering possible aerosolization of bacteria from drainage systems in restaurants as a risk factor for foodborne illness outbreaks.

Tebots Designs UV Disinfection Solution to Bolster Hygiene in Foodservice Environments

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:14:00 -0500

Tebots Inc. has designed a UV disinfection station called POZ that addresses the limitations of existing devices that have prevented the technology’s adoption by the foodservice industry.

CDC Study Highlights Restaurant Characteristics Most Associated With Food Cross-Contamination

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:41:59 -0400

A recent study led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated factors that could contribute to cross-contamination of food in restaurants, and observed more frequent contamination actions in establishments lacking food safety certification, food safety training, and handwashing policies.

Ma and D’lima: How FDA Enforces Allergen Requirements and Recalls to Ensure Food Safety

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:30:00 -0400

In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by two experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the agency’s enforcement of allergen requirements for foods, allergen recall trends, and the implications of the FASTER Act officially making sesame a major food allergen.

Researchers Studying Cross-Contamination in Dry Produce Packinghouse Environments

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:16:47 -0400

An ongoing study funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is looking to fill knowledge gaps about the potential for microbial cross-contamination in dry produce packinghouse environments to inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

Spanish Food Safety Agency Identifies Which Fruits, Vegetables are Most Risky to Sell in Bulk

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:08:26 -0400

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has compiled a report that determines which fruits and vegetables are most at risk of spoilage when sold in bulk and the associated food safety risks.

FDA Updates Guidance to Address Food Manufacturers Circumventing Allergen Cross-Contact Requirements for Sesame

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:03:25 -0400

To address the trend of food manufacturers intentionally adding sesame to food products that did not originally contain the allergen in an attempt to circumvent allergen cross-contact requirements, FDA has updated its draft guidance for industry on hazards analysis and preventive controls with a new chapter on avoiding allergen cross-contact and proper labeling.

USDA Study of Consumer Kitchen Behaviors Highlights Importance of National Food Safety Education Month

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:01:05 -0400

The recently released findings of a five-year study on consumer meal preparation practices by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has highlighted the importance of National Food Safety Education Month.

Reducing Food Safety Risks in Home Kitchens with Science, Education, and Communication

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:35:43 -0400

Many people are unaware of the threat that foodborne illnesses pose in their own homes, with gaps seen between best practice and actual behavior. However, we can reduce risks in our home kitchens by providing people with solid science, education, and communication about home food safety.

Scientists Develop Formulation That Boosts Antimicrobial Properties of Natural Hand Barrier

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:21:06 -0400

Researchers from Kao Corporation have developed a long-lasting skin coating agent that kills pathogens on the hands, paving the way for new hand hygiene solutions that could potentially help food handlers prevent cross-contamination.

Food Safety Culture was Large Focus of 2023 PTNPA Summit

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:27:39 -0400

On June 27–28 in Chicago, Illinois, national and international nut industry leaders convened for the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association’s (PTNPA) annual Operations and Technical Food Safety Summit.

MenuTrinfo’s “Certified Free From” Seal Assures Allergen-Free Label Claims

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:16:50 -0400

MenuTrinfo’s “Certified Free From” (CFF) seal can support brands’ food safety and boost sales by indicating third-party validation of allergen-free claims on a product label.

Addressing the Food Safety Challenges of the Plant-Based Food Industry

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Traditional dairy processors have begun to develop various milk alternatives alongside their standard product lines to adapt to shifting consumer demand. To effectively analyze and test traditional product lines while overcoming the difficulties of testing novel plant-based milk, they must have access to adaptable instruments and accommodate specific food safety concerns.