Biofilm Control

LSU Researchers are Developing Farm-to-Packaging Produce Safety Strategies

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

The Achyut Adhikari Research Group is conducting several projects focused on preventive, FSMA-aligned strategies to reduce microbiological risks during pre-harvest and processing of produce, including hydroponic production, manure fertilizer treatment, food-contact surface sanitation, and antimicrobial packaging development.

Study Shows Nanoplastics Can Increase Salmonella Virulence, Biofilm Formation, Drug Resistance

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:59:10 -0500

Researchers found that the presence of nanoplastic particles can increase the expression of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in Salmonella, and can also encourage biofilm formation.

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 Listeria Biofilm Age, Surface Properties Affect Sanitizer Efficacy in Produce Packinghouses

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

A recent study examined the efficacy of three commonly used sanitizers—chlorine, QACs, and UV-C light—against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel, PET, and silicone rubber surfaces, including organic matter, representing produce packing environments.

Report Describes How UK Food Processors Are Advancing Microbial Control

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Drawing upon insights shared by UK food safety professionals, a report produced by the Food Safety Research Network (FSRN)/Quadram Institute identifies emerging defenses against microbiological risks in food production environments, including science-backed approaches, advanced technologies, and culture-based initiatives.

Study: Blue Light Plus Plant Chemicals Reduce Listeria on Salmon, Prevent Biofilm

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0500

New research has demonstrated that certain plant-based compounds (i.e., curcumin, berberine, quercetin, and capsaicin) can enhance the antimicrobial effect of blue light treatment against Listeria monocytogenes on food and disrupt its biofilm-forming abilities.

Food Safety Implications of Emerging Alternative Interventions for Salmonella Biofilms

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:10:25 -0500

Through the One Health lens, a scientific review summarized current knowledge on Salmonella biofilms, the importance of non-antibiotic interventions given the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), emerging alternative strategies with potential for real-world use, and challenges and needs moving forward.

Top Ten Food Safety Scientific Studies of 2025

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

The top ten food safety research projects that excited Food Safety Magazine’s audience the most in 2025 covered Listeria monocytogenes (especially related to biofilms), microplastics, Escherichia coli, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), avian influenza in dairy, microbial threats in irrigation water, and food allergens.

Ep. 208: Reviewing 2025—A Year of Change for Food Safety Policy

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:30:00 -0500

In this year-end episode of Food Safety Matters, we round up the top stories of 2025, covering U.S. federal food safety policy changes under the Trump Administration, MAHA- and state-led moves against food additives of concern and ultra-processed foods, infant formula safety, science on Listeria and biofilms, ongoing monitoring of avian flu, and AI food safety applications.

Study Shows Sustainable Enzymatic Pre-Treatment Speeds Salmonella Biofilm Removal in Egg Processing

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:55:38 -0500

A new USDA study suggests that the “green,” biodegradable enzyme ficin can improve the efficacy of conventional sanitizers when used as a pre-treatment in egg processing environments, reducing the contact time and sanitizer concentration required to achieve Salmonella biofilm inactivation.

eBook | Food Safety Assurance for Dairy and Low-Moisture Foods

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In processing operations for dairy and low-moisture foods, specialized sanitation and environmental monitoring programs are paramount to securing food safety and hygienic operation of facilities.

Food Safety Five Ep. 20: The Latest Research on Listeria Biofilms, E. coli, and the UPFs Debate

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:30:00 -0500

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses research on Listeria biofilms, including sanitizer efficacy and evolutionary insights, and on a persisting Escherichia coli strain in leafy greens. It also covers regulatory developments in the UK, Canada, and the UAE, as well as a potential U.S. ultra-processed foods (UPFs) definition.

First-of-its-Kind Study Shows How Listeria Strains Evolve Into Strong Biofilm Formers

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:15:01 -0500

Wageningen University researchers conducted an experimental evolutionary study to explore the genetic and phenotypic mechanisms that drive the enhanced biofilm formation ability of evolved L. monocytogenes strains, identifying the overexpression of a certain protein as a key contributor.

Food Safety Five Ep. 19: Biofilms in Hoses; Listeria and Campylobacter on Retail Meats

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:30:00 -0500

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses hoses as reservoirs for biofilms in food processing facilities, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter on retail beef and chicken, a new Salmonella serovar database, and microplastics release from food contact materials.

Study Explores Sanitizer Limitations Against Listeria Biofilms in Leafy Greens Production

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:23:23 -0400

A recent study sought to better understand the ability of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel surfaces to withstand common industry sanitizers, chlorine and PAA, using strains and temperature conditions relevant to the fresh leafy greens supply chain.

Study Shows Water Hoses as Reservoirs for Biofilms in Food Processing Facilities

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:17:58 -0400

A recent study investigating biofilms in water hoses used in a meat processing facility revealed widespread microbial colonization, reaffirming concerns about hoses as reservoirs for pathogens, and underscoring the need for routine monitoring and maintenance of water delivery systems.

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.

Nanoplastics Could Make Foodborne Pathogens Like E. coli More Virulent, Study Shows

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:16 -0400

Study’s results suggest that charged nanoplastics can influence the growth, viability, virulence, physiological stress response, and biofilm lifestyle of the pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Study Identifies Biofilm-Forming, Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas Strains Posing a Challenge to Dairy Industry

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:02:55 -0400

A recent study of Pseudomonas spoilage microorganisms isolated from dairy products in Spain identified the presence of highly biofilm-forming, antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains, presenting challenges for dairy industry control strategies, and posing the risk of transfer of AMR genes to pathogenic foodborne bacteria.

Food Safety Five Ep. 10: Scientific Advancements in Listeria Knowledge and Detection

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:30:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses two recent scientific studies that are advancing the food industry’s understanding of and ability to address Listeria monocytogenes, including new findings about the pathogen’s behavior in biofilms and a developing rapid detection method.

Microplastics Increase Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli, Aid Biofilm Formation, Study Shows

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:55:02 -0400

A Boston University study has shown that Escherichia coli exposed to microplastics form strong biofilms and develop increased levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multi-drug resistance.

USDA Study Shows WGS Could Detect Salmonella on Food-Contact Surfaces Earlier Than Culturing

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:26:46 -0400

A new study by USDA researchers has shown that long-read whole genome sequencing (WGS) could detect Salmonella attachment to food-contact surfaces earlier than traditional culture-based methods, allowing for sanitation interventions to be applied before the maturation of robust and difficult-to-remove biofilms.

Study Demonstrates Listeria’s Ability to Colonize, Survive in Preexisting Multispecies Biofilms

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:13:04 -0500

A recent study demonstrated the ability of Listeria monocytogenes to colonize a preexisting multispecies biofilm within a matter of hours and survive within the biofilm over time, without significantly altering the community structure or the overall matrix composition.

Study Characterizes Dry Salmonella Biofilms, Offers Sanitization Strategy for Low-Moisture Food Industry

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:50:17 -0500

Filling a critical knowledge gap in light of recent outbreaks and recalls associated with low-moisture foods, a study led by National University of Singapore researchers has characterized dry surface Salmonella biofilms and developed a fit-for-purpose, antibiofilm, waterless sanitization protocol for the low-moisture food industry.

Scientists Point to Food Safety Threats Posed by Microplastics in Wastewater

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:09:18 -0500

Researchers are pointing to the food safety and public health threat of microplastics in wastewater, which can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilm communities and antibiotics, introducing these hazards to the environment and crops, and even contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

eBook | Achieving Sanitation Success with Innovative Techniques, Simplified SSOPs, and Applied Technology

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Our exclusive eBook, Achieving Sanitation Success with Innovative Techniques, Simplified SSOPs, and Applied Technology, will equip you with expert guidance on chemical applications and sanitation best practices to help your company achieve sanitation success and ensure food safety.

Scientists Find Listeria, Microbial Populations Remain Stable Despite Cleaning at RTE Food Production Facilities

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:53:33 -0400

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Quadram Institute and the UK Health Security Agency has revealed that, despite cleaning, Listeria monocytogenes are able to persist in ready-to-eat (RTE) food production environments, supported by diverse bacterial populations that also remain stable over time.

Identification of Biofilm-Forming Foodborne Pathogens and Development of Prevention Strategies

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Understanding the structure and function of biofilms is essential for developing effective strategies to control microbial biofilm formation, mitigate biofilm-related risks, and harness the beneficial properties of biofilms for various applications.

Study Highlights Importance of Addressing Biofilm-Forming Pathogens to Control Listeria in Food Processing Facilities

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:06:43 -0500

A recent study has demonstrated the protection that multispecies biofilms provide to Listeria monocytogenes against sanitizers, and could help inform more effective sanitation procedures in food processing environments.

Efficacy of Eco-Friendly Sanitation Methods Against Listeria Biofilms in Food Production Environments

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

A recent study reviewed the efficacy of environmentally friendly pathogen inactivation methods against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms in food production environments, specifically, electrolyzed water, plasma-activated water, ozone, and enzymes.