The safety of fresh-cut produce is of special concern because there is no cooking killstep involved in consumption. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/348-produce en-us hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) CDC has declared the unprecedented Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce over. FDA continues its root cause investigation of the current outbreak as well as investigations into other U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak clusters. CDC has declared the unprecedented Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce over. FDA continues its root cause investigation of the current outbreak as well as investigations into other U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak clusters.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11818 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:34:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11818-cyclospora-outbreak-linked-to-taylor-farms-lettuce-ends-with-nearly-13-000-illnesses-two-deaths An interim report details how Michigan investigators gathered early epidemiologic evidence pointing to iceberg lettuce in the massive U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, and how patient interview data helped inform public health actions and FDA’s traceback in real time. An interim report details how Michigan investigators gathered early epidemiologic evidence pointing to iceberg lettuce in the massive U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, and how patient interview data helped inform public health actions and FDA’s traceback in real time.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11805 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11805-interim-report-details-michigans-cyclospora-outbreak-investigation-early-epidemiologic-evidence This article explores the application of pre-wash and other food hygiene processes to raw agricultural products to implement food safety measures sooner in the production and processing of raw agricultural commodities. This article explores the application of pre-wash and other food hygiene processes to raw agricultural products to implement food safety measures sooner in the production and processing of raw agricultural commodities. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11802 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11802-when-should-you-start-the-conversion-of-agricultural-commodities-to-food-particularly-for-fresh-cut-items 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 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 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 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 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 Fresh produce travels through several layers of the supply chain, and it is important to understand how produce is kept safe in transit. Wholesale distributors play a critical role in safeguarding produce, whether it is storing product in their warehouse or transporting it to customers. This article breaks down what happens to produce as it makes its way from the farm to consumers' plates. Fresh produce travels through several layers of the supply chain, and it is important to understand how produce is kept safe in transit. Wholesale distributors play a critical role in safeguarding produce, whether it is storing product in their warehouse or transporting it to customers. This article breaks down what happens to produce as it makes its way from the farm to consumers' plates.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11709 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:30:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11709-protecting-produce-in-transit-best-practice-reminders-from-the-distribution-side The growing collection includes scientific publications and guidances on detection and viability methods, agricultural water monitoring and treatment, mitigation strategies, and the biology and epidemiology of the parasite. The growing collection includes scientific publications and guidances on detection and viability methods, agricultural water monitoring and treatment, mitigation strategies, and the biology and epidemiology of the parasite.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11664 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:42:12 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11664-center-for-produce-safety-releases-cyclospora-resources-for-industry Developed by the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine Extension with USDA-NIFA support, the peer-to-peer microlearning video series grew out of years of on-the-ground, individualized farm visits, hands-on technical assistance, and the trust that develops from working closely with a farmer. Developed by the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine Extension with USDA-NIFA support, the peer-to-peer microlearning video series grew out of years of on-the-ground, individualized farm visits, hands-on technical assistance, and the trust that develops from working closely with a farmer.  

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11656 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11656-jumpstart-to-produce-safety-program-helps-small-growers-with-practical-solutions-free-resources hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) By the same time last year, CDC had only reported 249 confirmed, domestically acquired Cyclospora infections across the entire U.S. States’ reports may include both probable and confirmed cases. By the same time last year, CDC had only reported 249 confirmed, domestically acquired Cyclospora infections across the entire U.S. States’ reports may include both probable and confirmed cases.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11647 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:16:59 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11647-michigan-ohio-together-report-more-than-9-000-cyclosporiasis-cases-cdc-outbreak-count-exceeds-4-000 The Brix level for Florida oranges has been steadily declining over the past few decades due to severe weather and citrus greening, making it challenging to meet the original Standard of Identity (SOI) for pasteurized orange juice, which was established in 1963. The Brix level for Florida oranges has been steadily declining over the past few decades due to severe weather and citrus greening, making it challenging to meet the original Standard of Identity (SOI) for pasteurized orange juice, which was established in 1963.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11641 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:50:15 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11641-fda-lowers-brix-content-for-orange-juice-to-enable-manufacturers-to-continue-using-florida-oranges hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Between 1,600 and 5,000 people are sick in a five-state cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to CDC and Michigan officials. Iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms of Mexico to companies like Taco Bell and Walmart has been identified as the vehicle of infection. FDA has rescinded a previous positive product sample finding. Between 1,600 and 5,000 people are sick in a five-state cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to CDC and Michigan officials. Iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms of Mexico to companies like Taco Bell and Walmart has been identified as the vehicle of infection. FDA has rescinded a previous positive product sample finding.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11639 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:19:56 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11639-taylor-farms-lettuce-named-as-source-of-us-cyclospora-outbreak hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The outbreak cluster includes more than 1,600 people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Outside of the outbreak cluster, Michigan and other parts of the U.S. continue to experience elevated rates of Cyclospora infections compared to previous years. The outbreak cluster includes more than 1,600 people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Outside of the outbreak cluster, Michigan and other parts of the U.S. continue to experience elevated rates of Cyclospora infections compared to previous years.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11635 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:08:21 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11635-fda-says-a-taco-bell-iceberg-lettuce-supplier-is-source-of-five-state-cyclosporiasis-outbreak The Center for Produce Safety (CPS)-funded study also found that some produce items may naturally inhibit Listeria monocytogenes growth and that peracetic acid may sometimes promote Listeria growth during storage. The Center for Produce Safety (CPS)-funded study also found that some produce items may naturally inhibit Listeria monocytogenes growth and that peracetic acid may sometimes promote Listeria growth during storage.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11569 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11569-usda-researcher-identifies-key-cold-storage-temperature-for-maintaining-microbial-safety-of-work-in-process-fresh-cut-produce Researchers from Purdue University conducted focus groups with Indiana produce growers who qualified for exemptions from the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, examining the beliefs and practical constraints that shape on-farm food safety practices. Researchers from Purdue University conducted focus groups with Indiana produce growers who qualified for exemptions from the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, examining the beliefs and practical constraints that shape on-farm food safety practices.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11558 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11558-small-scale-produce-growers-share-perspectives-on-fdas-produce-safety-rule-exemptions Traceability investigations identified a common seed supplier, with implicated alfalfa seeds imported from India and distributed throughout Europe. Available evidence suggested the seeds were likely contaminated before entering the EU. Traceability investigations identified a common seed supplier, with implicated alfalfa seeds imported from India and distributed throughout Europe. Available evidence suggested the seeds were likely contaminated before entering the EU.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11554 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:12:55 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11554-salmonella-tainted-alfalfa-sprouts-sicken-109-people-in-11-european-countries-one-death-reported Each operating company retains its name, people, customer relationships, and local presence while gaining access to shared resources, broader sourcing strength, operational support, and additional capabilities. Each operating company retains its name, people, customer relationships, and local presence while gaining access to shared resources, broader sourcing strength, operational support, and additional capabilities.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11541 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:57:34 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11541-fresh-produce-collective-of-regional-companies-launches-under-trusource-name hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Wageningen University researchers developed a hybrid machine learning modeling framework that considers crop growth stages, various future scenarios, and a large geographic region. The model predicted deoxynivalenol will present the greatest risk, with coastal countries, the UK, and northern France most affected. Wageningen University researchers developed a hybrid machine learning modeling framework that considers crop growth stages, various future scenarios, and a large geographic region. The model predicted deoxynivalenol will present the greatest risk, with coastal countries, the UK, and northern France most affected.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11522 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11522-researchers-predict-climate-change-driven-increases-in-mycotoxin-contamination-of-wheat-across-europe Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes. Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11465 Thu, 28 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11465-researchers-investigate-antimicrobial-light-optimal-sanitation-protocols-for-produce-packinghouse-brushes In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Jenny Du, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Apeel Sciences, about Apeel—a clean alternative to traditional post-harvest produce coatings and treatments—and its transparent approach to disrupting an $11 billion industry. In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Jenny Du, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Apeel Sciences, about Apeel—a clean alternative to traditional post-harvest produce coatings and treatments—and its transparent approach to disrupting an $11 billion industry.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11385 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11385-apeel-sciences-helping-growers-and-suppliers-build-the-future-of-food Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a unique food production system with its own food safety risks and considerations. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a unique food production system with its own food safety risks and considerations.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11340 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:06:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11340-cea-alliance-publishes-updated-food-safety-guide-for-leafy-greens-herbs Large-scale recycled manure use—a circular agriculture approach used to combat soil acidification that reduces crop yield—can lead to the accumulation of cadmium in soil, which is then taken up by rice crops, affecting food safety. Large-scale recycled manure use—a circular agriculture approach used to combat soil acidification that reduces crop yield—can lead to the accumulation of cadmium in soil, which is then taken up by rice crops, affecting food safety.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11338 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:52:20 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11338-sustainable-fertilizer-practice-causes-increased-cadmium-in-rice-study-shows 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. 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.  

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11319 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11319-study-evaluates-pathogen-reductions-on-microgreens-treated-with-uv-c hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five discusses the Environmental Working Group’s 2026 “Dirty Dozen” list of the most “pesticide-contaminated produce,” including ongoing debate over the list’s methodology and its relevance to food safety and public health. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses the Environmental Working Group’s 2026 “Dirty Dozen” list of the most “pesticide-contaminated produce,” including ongoing debate over the list’s methodology and its relevance to food safety and public health.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11308 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11308-food-safety-five-ep-29-the-dirty-dozen-debatepesticides-in-produce-explained hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Redacted details include the importer of the implicated mangoes, the country in which the mangoes were grown, and the number and names of states in which outbreak cases were reported. Redacted details include the importer of the implicated mangoes, the country in which the mangoes were grown, and the number and names of states in which outbreak cases were reported.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11299 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:30:50 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11299-latest-fda-post-investigation-summary-for-mango-salmonella-outbreak-redacts-key-details 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11282 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:29:01 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11282-researchers-investigate-microbial-risks-to-produce-growers-groundwater-quality-irrigation-systems