Image courtesy of: kerdkanno (iStock / Getty Images Plus) The categories of food for which food safety concerns are examined include beverages; dairy and eggs; ingredients; meat and poultry; natural and organic; fresh produce; ready-to-eat (RTE); refrigerated and frozen; seafood and shellfish; plant-based; and alternative proteins. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/341-food-type en-us Mycotoxins, PAHs, and other contaminants were also detected. The researchers concluded that plant-based protein supplements may contain chemical contaminants from environmental exposure, agricultural practices, and processing. They called for systematic monitoring, improved controls, and optimization of processing conditions. Mycotoxins, PAHs, and other contaminants were also detected. The researchers concluded that plant-based protein supplements may contain chemical contaminants from environmental exposure, agricultural practices, and processing. They called for systematic monitoring, improved controls, and optimization of processing conditions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11793 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11793-polish-study-finds-pfas-in-all-tested-commercially-available-plant-based-protein-supplements The findings highlighted the importance of considering rearing substrate composition when assessing the allergen safety and labeling of insect-based foods The findings highlighted the importance of considering rearing substrate composition when assessing the allergen safety and labeling of insect-based foods

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11792 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11792-study-shows-food-allergens-can-carry-over-from-insect-feed-to-edible-insects As regulatory requirements continue to evolve and consumer expectations increase, organizations across the fresh produce supply chain must adopt a proactive approach to risk management that emphasizes prevention, verification, transparency, and continuous improvement. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve and consumer expectations increase, organizations across the fresh produce supply chain must adopt a proactive approach to risk management that emphasizes prevention, verification, transparency, and continuous improvement. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11791 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11791-managing-risk-from-seed-to-shelf-a-comprehensive-approach-to-fresh-produce-food-safety hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) In August 28 social media posts, President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins alluded to plans to give ranchers and farmers the ability to process their own meats and other efforts to cut “red tape.” Industry groups said these actions would jeopardize food safety and consumer confidence. In August 28 social media posts, President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins alluded to plans to give ranchers and farmers the ability to process their own meats and other efforts to cut “red tape.” Industry groups said these actions would jeopardize food safety and consumer confidence. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11778 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:54:52 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11778-cattlemens-associations-oppose-trumps-push-to-allow-on-farm-meat-processing-food-safety-is-not-red-tape 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11774 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:58:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11774-474-cases-two-deaths-in-three-uk-salmonella-outbreaks-likely-linked-to-imported-eggs FDA’s post-incident Executive Incident Summary of a 2026 Salmonella outbreak linked to MOGO-brand moringa supplements details traceback findings, positive product samples, and food safety deficiencies identified during inspections of firms in the moringa powder supply chain. FDA’s post-incident Executive Incident Summary of a 2026 Salmonella outbreak linked to MOGO-brand moringa supplements details traceback findings, positive product samples, and food safety deficiencies identified during inspections of firms in the moringa powder supply chain.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11772 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11772-fda-details-investigation-into-2026-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-moringa-powder hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Researchers observed inflammatory responses, gut barrier damage, and immune effects relevant to allergy development in experiments with two emulsifiers, soy lecithin and DATEM. Study author Dr. Cezmi Akdis said the findings support a more comprehensive framework for evaluating food additive safety. Researchers observed inflammatory responses, gut barrier damage, and immune effects relevant to allergy development in experiments with two emulsifiers, soy lecithin and DATEM. Study author Dr. Cezmi Akdis said the findings support a more comprehensive framework for evaluating food additive safety.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11758 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11758-study-calls-for-broader-food-additive-safety-assessments-after-showing-emulsifiers-affect-gut-barrier Outbreak strains include STEC serotypes O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8 and one strain of Salmonella Agona. Some people were infected with more than one outbreak strain. The implicated products were distributed by Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Outbreak strains include STEC serotypes O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8 and one strain of Salmonella Agona. Some people were infected with more than one outbreak strain. The implicated products were distributed by Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11755 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:01:44 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11755-alfalfa-sprouts-contaminated-with-both-e-coli-salmonella-sicken-55-people-in-15-states The research and development center is designed to provide shared infrastructure for developing and testing emerging food technologies, biomaterials, and other products. It will offer industry, academics, and nonprofits with access to prototyping, characterization, culinary testing, and early-stage consumer testing resources. The research and development center is designed to provide shared infrastructure for developing and testing emerging food technologies, biomaterials, and other products. It will offer industry, academics, and nonprofits with access to prototyping, characterization, culinary testing, and early-stage consumer testing resources.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11750 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:53:38 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11750-tufts-university-innovation-hub-for-food-and-materials-technologies-opening-fall-2026 A new web portal allows small and very small establishments regulated by USDA-FSIS to submit appeals outside of the Public Health Information System, supporting efforts to improve service and reduce regulatory burden for small meat and poultry processors. A new web portal allows small and very small establishments regulated by USDA-FSIS to submit appeals outside of the Public Health Information System, supporting efforts to improve service and reduce regulatory burden for small meat and poultry processors.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11749 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:38:27 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11749-usda-fsis-offers-easier-way-to-submit-noncompliance-record-appeals-as-part-of-small-processors-action-plan There have been 57 hospitalizations. The peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to companies across the U.S., including Chipotle, which used its traceability system to help FDA identify the outbreak source. There have been 57 hospitalizations. The peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to companies across the U.S., including Chipotle, which used its traceability system to help FDA identify the outbreak source.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11748 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:30:52 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11748-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-jalapenos-now-includes-431-people-in-32-states FDA recently proposed the most significant changes to its GRAS framework since 1958. For companies managing ingredient compliance, the proposed mandatory filing obligations raise questions about statutory authority, agency capacity, and whether its design matches its stated objectives. FDA recently proposed the most significant changes to its GRAS framework since 1958. For companies managing ingredient compliance, the proposed mandatory filing obligations raise questions about statutory authority, agency capacity, and whether its design matches its stated objectives.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11745 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11745-fdas-proposed-mandatory-gras-rule-what-food-safety-professionals-need-to-know Aligning with the agency’s priority of supporting agency in phasing out synthetic colorants from the food supply, the petitions seek expanded or new uses for gardenia (genipin) blue, safflower extract, and acetone-extracted carrot oil. Aligning with the agency’s priority of supporting agency in phasing out synthetic colorants from the food supply, the petitions seek expanded or new uses for gardenia (genipin) blue, safflower extract, and acetone-extracted carrot oil.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11742 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:37:31 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11742-fda-receives-color-additive-petitions-for-three-natural-food-dyes Is whole head lettuce really safer than bagged salad? The answer depends on far more than how the lettuce is packaged and sold. Is whole head lettuce really safer than bagged salad? The answer depends on far more than how the lettuce is packaged and sold.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11725 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11725-is-whole-head-lettuce-safer-than-bagged-salad According to Nature’s Frequencies, independent third-party laboratory testing has demonstrated freshness improvements of up to 50 percent for produce and bread, and commercial retail programs have documented produce shrink reductions of 23–47 percent. According to Nature’s Frequencies, independent third-party laboratory testing has demonstrated freshness improvements of up to 50 percent for produce and bread, and commercial retail programs have documented produce shrink reductions of 23–47 percent.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11734 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:12:09 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11734-food-freshness-card-now-available-for-commercial-applications-to-reduce-produce-shrink-food-waste hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) There are an additional six cyclosporiasis outbreaks under investigation and thousands more Cyclospora cases reported by CDC and states. Two deaths have been reported. Stakeholders are urging an end to the Food Traceability Rule delay. There are an additional six cyclosporiasis outbreaks under investigation and thousands more Cyclospora cases reported by CDC and states. Two deaths have been reported. Stakeholders are urging an end to the Food Traceability Rule delay.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11732 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:41:27 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11732-fda-begins-inspection-at-taylor-farms-mexico-as-official-cyclospora-outbreak-case-count-exceeds-10-000 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The legislation comes ahead of an impending end-of-year deadline set in the FY 2026 appropriations bill that is expected to remove most currently marketed intoxicating, hemp-derived THC beverages from the legal market by the end of 2026 through the closure of a loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation comes ahead of an impending end-of-year deadline set in the FY 2026 appropriations bill that is expected to remove most currently marketed intoxicating, hemp-derived THC beverages from the legal market by the end of 2026 through the closure of a loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11731 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11731-bipartisan-bill-would-establish-federal-regulatory-framework-for-hemp-derived-thc-beverages Four Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 outbreaks identified in France between May and July 2026 were linked to homemade egg-based foods and traced to a common egg distribution network in Poland. The same Polish food group was implicated in another multinational salmonellosis outbreak in 2016–2020. Four Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 outbreaks identified in France between May and July 2026 were linked to homemade egg-based foods and traced to a common egg distribution network in Poland. The same Polish food group was implicated in another multinational salmonellosis outbreak in 2016–2020.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11730 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:31:38 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11730-repeated-european-salmonella-outbreaks-traced-to-polish-egg-firm The microbiological quality of most ready-to-eat (RTE) plant-based meat, dairy, and fish substitutes was satisfactory, but elevated levels of pathogens and indicators in some commodities raised process and hygiene concerns. An analysis of the products’ physico-chemical properties suggested they could support microbial growth. The microbiological quality of most ready-to-eat (RTE) plant-based meat, dairy, and fish substitutes was satisfactory, but elevated levels of pathogens and indicators in some commodities raised process and hygiene concerns. An analysis of the products’ physico-chemical properties suggested they could support microbial growth.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11724 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:27:45 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11724-eu-survey-of-pathogens-in-rte-plant-based-foods-suggests-microbial-growth-potential-need-for-regulatory-attention The researchers determined that probabilistic modeling could help food businesses capitalize on existing scientific data to map processing and formulation conditions for controlling non-proteolytic C. botulinum in refrigerated, processed foods of extended durability. The researchers determined that probabilistic modeling could help food businesses capitalize on existing scientific data to map processing and formulation conditions for controlling non-proteolytic C. botulinum in refrigerated, processed foods of extended durability.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11723 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11723-modeling-study-identifies-heat-ph-conditions-to-inhibit-c-botulinum-growth-in-chilled-foods Oxford University researchers found that the expansion of dense, industrial chicken farming created conditions that enabled Campylobacter strains to spread, mix, and acquire traits that could improve their survival in poultry production environments. Oxford University researchers found that the expansion of dense, industrial chicken farming created conditions that enabled Campylobacter strains to spread, mix, and acquire traits that could improve their survival in poultry production environments.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11720 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11720-study-links-industrial-poultry-farming-to-increased-spread-adaptation-of-campylobacter The resource provides recommendations and examples for implementing FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule requirements to control known or reasonably foreseeable biological hazards in fresh-cut produce. The resource provides recommendations and examples for implementing FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule requirements to control known or reasonably foreseeable biological hazards in fresh-cut produce.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11718 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:01:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11718-fda-finalizes-fsma-preventive-controls-guidance-for-fresh-cut-produce The self-affirmed GRAS pathway has supported innovation in the food industry for decades by allowing companies to bring new ingredients to market based on robust scientific evidence. As FDA considers changing this pathway, manufacturers should understand both the criticisms driving the debate and the steps they can take to prepare for potential regulatory change. The self-affirmed GRAS pathway has supported innovation in the food industry for decades by allowing companies to bring new ingredients to market based on robust scientific evidence. As FDA considers changing this pathway, manufacturers should understand both the criticisms driving the debate and the steps they can take to prepare for potential regulatory change.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11717 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:17:32 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11717-the-future-of-self-affirmed-gras-balancing-innovation-transparency-and-food-safety In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Brittney Miller, President of Manchester Farms, about how America's first quail farm applies HACCP, SQF certification, and a strong food safety culture to specialty poultry production, while exploring the unique challenges, opportunities, and future of food safety in the sector. In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Brittney Miller, President of Manchester Farms, about how America's first quail farm applies HACCP, SQF certification, and a strong food safety culture to specialty poultry production, while exploring the unique challenges, opportunities, and future of food safety in the sector.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11708 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11708-ep-223-brittney-miller-haccp-sqf-and-food-safety-on-americas-first-quail-farm hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Federally defining UPFs could allow U.S. regulatory agencies to pursue specific policies for the category. The importance of processing versus nutrient content and formulation in causing diet-related chronic diseases, as well as the value of defining UPFs, has been heavily debated. Federally defining UPFs could allow U.S. regulatory agencies to pursue specific policies for the category. The importance of processing versus nutrient content and formulation in causing diet-related chronic diseases, as well as the value of defining UPFs, has been heavily debated.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11714 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:34:49 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11714-fda-usda-submit-ultra-processed-foods-definition-for-final-review hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Importantly, the proposal would not establish a premarket review and approval process for GRAS substances. Companies could still independently conclude that a substance is GRAS and market it while FDA evaluates the notice. Importantly, the proposal would not establish a premarket review and approval process for GRAS substances. Companies could still independently conclude that a substance is GRAS and market it while FDA evaluates the notice.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11713 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:18:39 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11713-fda-proposes-mandatory-gras-notifications-for-ingredients-introduced-to-us-food-supply Hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by catalase enzyme application to remove residual peroxide, significantly reduced Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on raw chicken wings while preserving the meat's overall color quality, although more research is needed on the effect on other organoleptic properties. Hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by catalase enzyme application to remove residual peroxide, significantly reduced Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on raw chicken wings while preserving the meat's overall color quality, although more research is needed on the effect on other organoleptic properties.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11687 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11687-study-shows-promise-of-hydrogen-peroxide-treatment-for-poultry-decontamination Transport cages are recognized as a potential source of cross-contamination in poultry slaughterhouses. The optimal washing water temperature and detergent concentration completely eliminated detectable Salmonella while greatly reducing indicator organisms. The identified parameters may improve food safety and operational efficiency. Transport cages are recognized as a potential source of cross-contamination in poultry slaughterhouses. The optimal washing water temperature and detergent concentration completely eliminated detectable Salmonella while greatly reducing indicator organisms. The identified parameters may improve food safety and operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11677 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11677-study-identifies-optimal-poultry-transport-cage-washing-conditions-to-reduce-salmonella Over a more than three-decade career, Dr. Jaykus has advanced scientific understanding of foodborne viruses while helping the frozen food industry address complex food safety challenges. Over a more than three-decade career, Dr. Jaykus has advanced scientific understanding of foodborne viruses while helping the frozen food industry address complex food safety challenges.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11689 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:56:43 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11689-dr-lee-ann-jaykus-receives-2026-freezing-research-award This article discusses the regulatory aspects of food additives, along with how and why they are needed and developed. This article discusses the regulatory aspects of food additives, along with how and why they are needed and developed. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11679 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11679-regulatory-aspects-of-food-additives