Methods | Food Safety

Faster, Cheaper Sequencing Transforms Microbial Food Safety Testing

Transformational insights in microbial surveillance technology

October 18, 2021

Implementation of rapid whole-genome sequencing could help transform microbial risk surveillance across the food industry from a surveillance approach to a more preventive approach; one in which we can identify outbreak indicators to predict, and take steps to prevent, a problem before it even occurs.

A Silver Lining of the Pandemic: Whole-Genome Sequencing and Food Safety

The benefits of whole-genome sequencing are far ranging

Masami Takeuchi Ph.D. Isabella Apruzzese M.Sc.

June 20, 2021

Whole-genome sequencing has become a significant tool in investigating foodborne disease outbreaks. We examined the current use of this technology for foodborne disease surveillance and food monitoring at the global level and sought to understand the factors limiting its use in developing countries.

Whole-Genome Sequencing for Food Safety

Just what is whole-genome sequencing, and how can it be used to improve food safety?

Peter Gerner-Smidt M.D., D.Sc.,

June 19, 2021

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a concept in food safety. This brief review of WGS describes how it has revolutionized food safety in recent years as an integral part of public health surveillance and used by the food industry worldwide.

Food Safety Testing Continues to Increase

Processors plan more testing—but only some analytical methods show growth

Bob Ferguson

June 17, 2021

In a continuation of this topic from April/May, we dig deeper into current microbiology sample collection and analysis practices of food processors around the world and their future plans.

A Bacterial Virus Helps Spread Salmonella

Rob Kingsley, Ph.D.

April 6, 2021

A toxin-carrying virus is involved in the emergence of a new strain of Salmonella in pigs.

Testing

Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Presumption of Positivity and the Presumed Problem of Nonconfirmable Presumptives in Food Pathogen Diagnostics

Daniel R. Demarco Ph.D.

February 26, 2021

The rate of nonconfirmable presumptives in food pathogen diagnostics has increased significantly in recent years. We explore the reasons why in this article.

Back-to-Back Outbreaks in Frozen and Dried Imported Coconut

Donald C Obenhuber Ph.D.

October 19, 2020

Here we explore foodborne illness outbreak investigations related to coconuts, highlight the challenges experienced, and share the food safety lessons learned.