https://www.food-safety.com/rss/86 en-us In a new report, FAO assessed mycotoxin contamination in food and feed across the region and highlighted disparities in national regulatory frameworks, laboratory capacities, and surveillance systems, as well as the increasing impact of climate change on contamination risks. In a new report, FAO assessed mycotoxin contamination in food and feed across the region and highlighted disparities in national regulatory frameworks, laboratory capacities, and surveillance systems, as well as the increasing impact of climate change on contamination risks.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11956 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:22:09 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11956-fao-identifies-five-priorities-for-strengthening-mycotoxin-control-in-near-east-north-africa According to the review, microbiological and chemical food safety hazards in the country are exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, limited regulatory oversight, and food insecurity. According to the review, microbiological and chemical food safety hazards in the country are exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, limited regulatory oversight, and food insecurity.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11948 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11948-researchers-describe-significant-food-safety-risks-regulatory-gaps-in-afghanistan The actions are part of FDA's Closer to Zero initiative, which aims to continually reduce dietary exposure to toxic heavy metals among babies and young children. The actions are part of FDA's Closer to Zero initiative, which aims to continually reduce dietary exposure to toxic heavy metals among babies and young children.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11955 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:55:52 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11955-fda-proposes-cadmium-action-levels-for-baby-foods-issues-preventive-controls-guidance-for-chemical-hazards Supported by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS), Cornell researchers are developing a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to evaluate how quality defects affect Listeria and E. coli growth on produce, helping identify effective interventions and improve processes. Supported by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS), Cornell researchers are developing a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to evaluate how quality defects affect Listeria and E. coli growth on produce, helping identify effective interventions and improve processes.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11952 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:31:49 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11952-researchers-developing-risk-assessment-model-to-evaluate-food-safety-impacts-of-produce-defects Postbiotin-E8, derived from Lacticaseibacillus, demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against several foodborne pathogens, as well as the ability to extend the freshness of pasteurized milk, suggesting its potential as a natural preservative and surface decontaminant. Postbiotin-E8, derived from Lacticaseibacillus, demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against several foodborne pathogens, as well as the ability to extend the freshness of pasteurized milk, suggesting its potential as a natural preservative and surface decontaminant.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11947 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11947-novel-antimicrobial-peptide-inhibits-foodborne-pathogens-delays-milk-spoilage The guidance was developed following the EU’s ban on BPA in food-contact materials and describes the data requirements for the safety assessment of other bisphenols used in specific food-contact applications. The guidance was developed following the EU’s ban on BPA in food-contact materials and describes the data requirements for the safety assessment of other bisphenols used in specific food-contact applications. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11951 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:42:33 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11951-efsa-publishes-guidance-on-safety-assessment-of-bpa-alternatives-in-food-contact-materials Researchers tested two low-cost food safety intervention approaches in small- and medium-scale pig slaughterhouses. Despite improvements in hygiene practices, neither approach was associated with reduced carcass contamination, suggesting the need for sustained, multi-level interventions targeting infrastructure, operations, and worker hygiene. Researchers tested two low-cost food safety intervention approaches in small- and medium-scale pig slaughterhouses. Despite improvements in hygiene practices, neither approach was associated with reduced carcass contamination, suggesting the need for sustained, multi-level interventions targeting infrastructure, operations, and worker hygiene.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11946 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11946-hygiene-interventions-tested-in-vietnam-slaughterhouses-failed-to-reduce-microbial-contamination CDC and USDA-FSIS researchers analyzed 50 salmonellosis outbreaks linked to pork and identified the most commonly implicated products and serotypes, as well as the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among isolates. CDC and USDA-FSIS researchers analyzed 50 salmonellosis outbreaks linked to pork and identified the most commonly implicated products and serotypes, as well as the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among isolates.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11940 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:36:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11940-researchers-characterize-us-pork-associated-salmonella-outbreaks-from-20122021 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode covers the final findings from the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak, new USDA efforts to address Listeria, the new FDA Food Code, research on high-pressure processing for raw chicken, and emerging food safety concerns associated with plastic pollution. This episode covers the final findings from the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak, new USDA efforts to address Listeria, the new FDA Food Code, research on high-pressure processing for raw chicken, and emerging food safety concerns associated with plastic pollution. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11930 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11930-food-safety-five-ep-38-regulatory-and-research-updates-on-cyclospora-listeria-microplastics-and-more FDA tested 195 samples from 2022–2025. No violations were identified among domestic samples, but 4.5 percent of imported samples showed evidence of economically motivated adulteration. FDA tested 195 samples from 2022–2025. No violations were identified among domestic samples, but 4.5 percent of imported samples showed evidence of economically motivated adulteration. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11937 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 16:05:05 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11937-fda-finds-evidence-of-limited-food-fraud-in-imported-lemon-juice hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A federal court has barred the agency from using federal funds to shut down offices or relocate employees until December 11, at which time USDA could ask Congress to lift appropriations restrictions. A federal court has barred the agency from using federal funds to shut down offices or relocate employees until December 11, at which time USDA could ask Congress to lift appropriations restrictions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11935 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:01:30 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11935-court-temporarily-halts-usdas-planned-reorganization Genomic analysis also identified biofilm-forming ability in half of isolates, as well as clinically relevant virulence genes. The study, conducted in the Indian state of Meghalaya, represents the country’s first genomic characterization of C. jejuni from pig sources. Genomic analysis also identified biofilm-forming ability in half of isolates, as well as clinically relevant virulence genes. The study, conducted in the Indian state of Meghalaya, represents the country’s first genomic characterization of C. jejuni from pig sources.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11925 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11925-one-third-of-campylobacter-from-poultry-pork-supply-chains-in-northeast-india-study-show-multidrug-resistance After further optimization and validation, the approach could possibly offer an alternative to conventional culture-based screening methods that typically require three to five days. The bacteriophage amplification strategy, which was tested against Salmonella on chicken meat, could be adapted to detect other viable foodborne bacteria. After further optimization and validation, the approach could possibly offer an alternative to conventional culture-based screening methods that typically require three to five days. The bacteriophage amplification strategy, which was tested against Salmonella on chicken meat, could be adapted to detect other viable foodborne bacteria.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11924 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11924-novel-bacteriophage-based-biosensor-test-method-shows-potential-for-rapid-detection-of-viable-foodborne-pathogens The reviewed studies reported B. cereus contamination in different foods at rates ranging from approximately 15 percent to more than 70 percent. In a study focused on Burkina Faso, B. cereus was detected in 42 percent of tested infant cereals. The reviewed studies reported B. cereus contamination in different foods at rates ranging from approximately 15 percent to more than 70 percent. In a study focused on Burkina Faso, B. cereus was detected in 42 percent of tested infant cereals.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11922 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11922-study-reveals-bacillus-cereus-as-underrecognized-risk-to-food-safety-in-africa hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The proposal would expand the Threshold of Regulation (TOR) exemption to include food additives and ingredients, which would allow chemicals to enter the U.S. food supply without oversight if they meet TOR criteria. TOR submissions only require minimal data rather than comprehensive safety evidence. The proposal would expand the Threshold of Regulation (TOR) exemption to include food additives and ingredients, which would allow chemicals to enter the U.S. food supply without oversight if they meet TOR criteria. TOR submissions only require minimal data rather than comprehensive safety evidence.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11931 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:20:23 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11931-fda-quietly-included-provision-in-gras-proposed-rule-to-expand-one-loophole-while-tightening-another The Baby Food Protection Act aims to set enforceable limits for total arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, as well as a state testing program and labeling requirements for manufacturers. The Baby Food Protection Act aims to set enforceable limits for total arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, as well as a state testing program and labeling requirements for manufacturers.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11929 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:48:32 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11929-pennsylvania-advances-bill-that-would-set-limits-on-heavy-metals-in-baby-foods Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a chlorine-based chemical used to bleach tree nut shells for aesthetic purposes, can react with fatty acids in the edible kernels to form potentially harmful fatty acid chlorohydrins. Researchers called for further toxicological evaluation of these process contaminants. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a chlorine-based chemical used to bleach tree nut shells for aesthetic purposes, can react with fatty acids in the edible kernels to form potentially harmful fatty acid chlorohydrins. Researchers called for further toxicological evaluation of these process contaminants.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11919 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11919-study-suggests-bleaching-of-tree-nuts-produces-potentially-toxic-chemical-byproducts hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Hundreds of grocery stores in France were targeted by a cyberattack in which hackers raised fridge temperatures to as high as 50 °C (122 °F), leading to mass food spoilage and several fires. Some retailers in several other European countries were also hit. Hundreds of grocery stores in France were targeted by a cyberattack in which hackers raised fridge temperatures to as high as 50 °C (122 °F), leading to mass food spoilage and several fires. Some retailers in several other European countries were also hit.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11927 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:11:18 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11927-refrigerator-cyberattack-at-hundreds-of-stores-in-france-other-countries-results-in-mass-food-losses The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board approved an application to permit the use of cell-cultured duck biomass in combination with other ingredients to make products such as foie gras and pâté. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board approved an application to permit the use of cell-cultured duck biomass in combination with other ingredients to make products such as foie gras and pâté.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11926 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:21:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11926-australia-approves-cell-cultured-duck-ingredient Respondents generally reported sanitation practices intended to minimize water introduction, but opportunities remained to improve relative humidity management, standardize understanding of sanitation breaks, and better characterize the relationship between moisture management and microbial contamination risks. Respondents generally reported sanitation practices intended to minimize water introduction, but opportunities remained to improve relative humidity management, standardize understanding of sanitation breaks, and better characterize the relationship between moisture management and microbial contamination risks.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11918 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11918-survey-of-low-moisture-food-manufacturers-reveals-opportunities-to-strengthen-dry-sanitation hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The policy statement comes as raw milk consumption rises in popularity due to high-profile individuals and influencers touting its purported health benefits, and in the wake of a highly publicized case of a California toddler who fell severely ill after being infected with E. coli from raw goat’s milk. The policy statement comes as raw milk consumption rises in popularity due to high-profile individuals and influencers touting its purported health benefits, and in the wake of a highly publicized case of a California toddler who fell severely ill after being infected with E. coli from raw goat’s milk.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11921 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:22:26 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11921-american-academy-of-pediatrics-endorses-raw-milk-ban-as-children-continue-to-fall-seriously-ill WHO and FAO convened 352 participants from more than 40 countries to strengthen multisectoral food safety emergency response planning in Africa and the Middle East, covering emergencies like natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and food supply chain disruptions. WHO and FAO convened 352 participants from more than 40 countries to strengthen multisectoral food safety emergency response planning in Africa and the Middle East, covering emergencies like natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and food supply chain disruptions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11917 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:43:07 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11917-who-fao-support-cross-sector-food-safety-emergency-response-in-africa-middle-east The researchers concluded that no single alternative currently fulfills all of the antimicrobial and technological functions provided by conventional nitrites and nitrates. Instead, they identified hurdle technology as the most promising approach. The researchers concluded that no single alternative currently fulfills all of the antimicrobial and technological functions provided by conventional nitrites and nitrates. Instead, they identified hurdle technology as the most promising approach.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11902 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11902-review-examines-strategies-for-reducing-nitrites-nitrates-in-processed-meats-while-ensuring-microbial-safety Taylor Farms outlined actions it is taking to enhance food safety following the historic cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to its lettuce. The same day, Consumer Reports sent a letter to FDA requesting answers about why its outbreak response was “hindered by notable delays and a lack of transparency.” Taylor Farms outlined actions it is taking to enhance food safety following the historic cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to its lettuce. The same day, Consumer Reports sent a letter to FDA requesting answers about why its outbreak response was “hindered by notable delays and a lack of transparency.”

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11914 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:43:57 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11914-with-cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-over-taylor-farms-speaks-up-as-fda-is-questioned A final rule now permits the use of salt substitutes in foods with standards of identity (SOI) that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient. A final rule now permits the use of salt substitutes in foods with standards of identity (SOI) that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11913 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:16:02 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11913-to-support-sodium-reduction-goals-fda-amends-sois-for-139-foods-to-allow-salt-substitutes Following the historically large cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce that swept the U.S. this summer, FAO highlighted the importance of pre-harvest water safety, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent microbial contamination of food in a new fact sheet resource. Following the historically large cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce that swept the U.S. this summer, FAO highlighted the importance of pre-harvest water safety, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent microbial contamination of food in a new fact sheet resource.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11912 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11912-fao-responds-to-cyclospora-outbreak-with-agrifood-water-safety-resource Contamination varied by pathogen, host species, and production conditions. The findings suggested that environmental and management conditions, rather than whether wildlife is farmed or wild-caught alone, likely influence zoonotic hazards. Contamination varied by pathogen, host species, and production conditions. The findings suggested that environmental and management conditions, rather than whether wildlife is farmed or wild-caught alone, likely influence zoonotic hazards.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11901 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11901-study-compares-pathogen-risks-in-farmed-wild-caught-food-animals-sold-in-traditional-markets Only 65 percent of U.S. adults said they were very or somewhat confident that food sold at most grocery stores is safe to eat. Confidence in the federal government's ability to ensure food safety also reached a new low, at 47 percent. Only 65 percent of U.S. adults said they were very or somewhat confident that food sold at most grocery stores is safe to eat. Confidence in the federal government's ability to ensure food safety also reached a new low, at 47 percent.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11911 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:09:28 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11911-gallup-poll-shows-americans-confidence-in-food-safety-federal-oversight-hits-record-lows Under the draft policy, FDA would not enforce requirements for retailers and restaurants selling less than $1 million worth of food in a three-year period. FDA will also hold a public meeting to discuss potential flexibilities related to Traceability Lot Codes, Key Data Elements, and other issues. Under the draft policy, FDA would not enforce requirements for retailers and restaurants selling less than $1 million worth of food in a three-year period. FDA will also hold a public meeting to discuss potential flexibilities related to Traceability Lot Codes, Key Data Elements, and other issues.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11910 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:44:38 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11910-fda-announces-food-traceability-rule-exemption-for-certain-small-businesses-considers-additional-flexibilities An analysis of multinational WGS surveillance data suggests that a multidrug-resistant lineage of Campylobacter coli has circulated across human, animal, food, and environmental sources in Europe for years, highlighting the need for coordinated One Health genomic surveillance. An analysis of multinational WGS surveillance data suggests that a multidrug-resistant lineage of Campylobacter coli has circulated across human, animal, food, and environmental sources in Europe for years, highlighting the need for coordinated One Health genomic surveillance.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11900 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11900-researchers-raise-concerns-about-multidrug-resistant-campylobacter-circulating-across-sectors-and-countries-in-europe