Articles tagged with Food Safety
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working to regulate synthetic food dyes, with recent federal and state actions taking place. The regulatory landscape is being contextualized, which has implications for policy, industry, and clinical practice.
Researchers are transforming paper into sophisticated smart packaging that controls respiration, scrubbing ethylene to slow ripening for fruits and vegetables. For meat and seafood, the focus is on blocking oxygen and grease while embedding sensors that flag spoilage before it becomes obvious.
Researchers identified a precise gene edit that lowers cadmium in rice grains while maintaining yield and essential mineral nutrients. The OsNramp5 I441T mutation selectively limits cadmium translocation, reducing grain cadmium by 48% without compromising zinc or manganese uptake.
A new study found that hunger increases the immediate liking and physiological arousal triggered by sweetness, not just its calorie content. Long-term non-nutritive sweetener consumers exhibit heightened activity in a brain region linked to self-control, suggesting these sweeteners may help manage hedonic appeal.
A large European study found a correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and increased levels of harmful fatty acids in the blood. The study, which analyzed data from 15,200 participants, suggests that ultra-processed foods may contribute to metabolic stress and potential health risks.
The BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment investigates how PFAS enter food via feed, drinking water, and soil. High concentrations of PFAS in the body have been linked to increased blood lipid levels and liver enzyme elevations. The magazine also explores other topics such as omega-3 fatty acids, raw milk, and food colour safety.
Researchers propose a voluntary labelling scheme using 'STABILISED' to indicate products with minimal risk of Listeria infection. The scheme aims to help consumers choose safe products and reduce the number of people falling ill with Listeria infections.
The Harvesting the Future Africa Summit emphasized the need for sustained investment in agricultural innovation to bring proven solutions to more farmers, faster. CIMMYT is advancing integrated food systems approaches that connect science to implementation, farmers to markets, and innovation to investment.
Colorado State University researchers propose strategies to immobilize toxic metals and prevent plant uptake in rice grains, protecting food security and public health. The approach aims to reduce arsenic, cadmium, and mercury contamination in rice paddies using nanomaterials and chemical reactions.
A new study reveals that consumers instinctively prefer hand-prepared foods due to the 'handmade food halo', associating human involvement with positive product attributes. However, providing targeted messaging can shift purchase intentions and make safer options more appealing.
A new children's book from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment aims to educate kids about food safety, highlighting common pathogens like Campylobacter. The book provides tips on how to avoid cross-contamination and stay safe in the kitchen.
A new study has found that standard antibody-based tests can fail to detect all gluten residues in barley beer, leading to concerns about the safety of gluten-free products. Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry method to identify celiac disease-active peptides, which were found in some 'gluten-free' beers.
A study analyzing nearly 2,000 human infections with Shiga-producing E. coli found increasing resistance to antibiotics, particularly for tetracycline and sulfisoxazole. The researchers propose a 'One Health' approach to address the issue, focusing on antibiotic stewardship in agriculture, food safety, and environmental controls.
The partnership aims to strengthen Uzbekistan's wheat breeding capabilities, introduce elite germplasm, and conduct systematic disease diagnostics to improve crop resilience. The agreement paves the way for the full Advancing Wheat Innovation and Capacity in Uzbekistan program, positioning the country as a leader in Central Asian wheat...
A nationally representative survey of US adults found that over 60% believe ultraprocessed foods are addictive and major causes of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Respondents across party lines supported policies to reduce consumption of such foods.
The new edition of the Wiley Registry of Mass Spectral Data 2026 expands compound coverage to over 915,500 reference spectra, strengthening a foundational layer of scientific data and research intelligence. This expansion enables researchers to identify unknown chemical compounds and materials faster with confidence.
A study has mapped changes in the distributions of two phytoplankton groups, Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis, which produce toxins that can harm human health and marine ecosystems. The research reveals significant shifts over six decades, with changes aligned more closely with climate-driven ocean physical shifts.
A recent study found that lycopene protects porcine intestinal epithelial cells from DON-induced damage by inhibiting PGAM5-mediated mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis. Lycopene increases tight junction proteins, reduces ROS levels, and stabilizes mitochondrial function, restoring barrier integrity.
Researchers at Florida International University have discovered that sargassum seaweed can serve as a valuable ingredient in everyday foods due to its high content of alginate. The study shows extraction yields of roughly 45% and demonstrates the potential for sargassum as an alternative source to traditionally harvested seaweeds.
A study by Cranfield University found that almost all plant-based meat alternatives and beverages in the UK contained at least one mycotoxin, with multiple products containing more than one. The research highlights the need for effective mycotoxin management integrated within food safety standards.
A nationwide survey of 5,000 Brazilian households found that many engage in improper food hygiene and handling practices, increasing the risk of bacterial outbreaks. The study revealed concerning gaps in behavior, with only 38% of participants properly sanitizing vegetables, and higher-income families tending to use safer methods.
A novel sensor made of strontium oxide, functionalized carbon black, and reduced graphene oxide detects theobromine in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals with high accuracy and speed. The sensor's neutral pH and low sample amounts make it safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
Optical biosensors offer promising solutions for rapid, portable, and on-site pesticide detection. Key biorecognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers enable high-selectivity detection and minimize environmental impacts.
A new study has developed biologically plausible dose-response models to better protect pregnant people from Listeria, a leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. The models, built on data from guinea pigs and gerbils, found that fetal brain infection is a more precise indicator of stillbirth risk than direct stillbirth outcomes al...
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.
Scientists create fluorescent nanoplastics that resemble real-world plastics in morphology, enabling real-time tracking and studying chronic exposure effects. The study reveals that smaller particles retain longer in the body, highlighting the need for further research on health risks due to microplastic ingestion.
Microbiologists Nicola Holden and Gil Domingue discuss the raw milk debate, highlighting the lack of meaningful differences between pasteurized and raw milk. They stress the need for improved consumer protection through clearer product labeling and regulation enforcement.
A Rapid Outbreak Assessment published by ECDC and EFSA concludes that the likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low due to ongoing recalls. Most affected children experience mild symptoms, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new method for detecting microplastics using metal oxide electrodes, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for environmental monitoring. The technology has the potential to replace traditional spectroscopic methods with its portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities.
A new joint report from EFSA and ECDC highlights the ongoing threat of antimicrobial resistance in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Despite some encouraging signals, progress has been limited, and continued action is essential to slow the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a deep learning-based model for rapid bacterial contamination detection, eliminating misclassifications of food debris. The enhanced model can reliably detect bacteria in three hours and has the potential to prevent outbreaks and protect consumer health.
The new centre will support the WHO in estimating disease burden from foodborne diseases and developing integrated risk-benefit approaches, combining nutrition, microbiological risks, and chemical contamination. The centre will contribute scientific expertise to achieve healthy, safe, and sustainable dietary patterns worldwide.
A living biosensor made of bacteria detects acetic acid levels in wine, alerting wineries to potential spoilage. The sensor works in real-time and can detect volatile acetic acid in the air above wine bottles, enabling early intervention before damage is done.
A team of McGill researchers has found a range of unexpected chemical contaminants in human milk samples from Canada and South Africa. The chemicals include pesticides, antimicrobials, and additives used in plastics and personal-care products. Despite these findings, breast milk remains ideal for infants due to its nutrient content and...
The BfR children's book aims to educate children from grade 1 upwards about the dangers of contaminated food and how to avoid cross-contamination. The book features colorful illustrations and teaches kids how to defeat 'Campys' and other bacteria and viruses.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that consuming local waterfowl may lead to higher levels of mercury and omega-3 fatty acids in Indigenous communities. Researchers suggest including waterfowl in monitoring programs to balance nutrition and risk reduction.
A UAlbany researcher will study how PFAS 'forever chemicals' accumulate in plants, affecting their nutritional quality and safety. The study aims to understand the dynamics of PFAS in soil-plant systems and develop regulatory standards to protect public health.
Researchers have developed a microneedle-based sensor to measure hypoxanthine levels, a reliable indicator of fish freshness. The sensor can detect concentrations as low as 500 parts per billion, making it a potential tool for real-time food-quality monitoring.
A new study found that iron fortified hemp biochar can significantly cut the amount of 'forever chemicals' that move from contaminated soil into edible radish bulbs. The treatment lowered PFAS levels in radish tissues and reduced overall plant uptake compared to unamended soil.
Researchers have discovered a zero-cost solution to reverse desertification by using food waste nanocellulose extracted from pineapple peels. The material cuts water leakage by 90% and triples phosphate retention, offering a more sustainable alternative to expensive hydrogels.
Researchers found that kestrels deter smaller birds from fruit while also reducing the likelihood of cherry damage more than tenfold. Kestrels were associated with a 3-fold reduction in droppings spotted on branches, making them a low-cost, low-maintenance tool for growers.
A Chinese group has developed a single sheet of modified paper pulp that can cut oxygen levels by 99% and change color when food is spoiled. The cellulose film uses a combination of dialdehyde protein cross-linking and curcumin to kill bacteria and monitor freshness.
A team of researchers has developed a two-in-one nanostructured SERS sensor integrated into a stretchable and antimicrobial wrapper that monitors food directly on the surface and actively preserves it. The proposed technology enables real-time, non-destructive detection of nutritional components and tracks spoilage progression over time.
A controlled feeding study out of South Dakota State University shows that older adults who reduced ultra-processed foods naturally consumed fewer calories, lost weight and abdominal fat, and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and inflammation. This study provides evidence that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can deliver s...
The BfR is part of a nationwide interdisciplinary surveillance system, OHIS, to monitor antibiotic resistance. The goal is to identify trends and develop targeted measures.
Wiley has expanded its spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections, delivering researchers enhanced capabilities for faster and more confident compound identification. The expansion brings over 9.5 million high-quality spectra, including 1 million IR spectra and 161,000 Raman spectra.
Researchers developed a persistent luminescence nanoprobe to detect H₂O₂ in real samples, overcoming background fluorescence interference. The probe's high selectivity and reproducibility make it suitable for food safety monitoring, environmental inspection, and biomedical assays.
The BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warns of flawed scientific studies and advises critical evaluation. Experts emphasize the need to consider study results in context, as laboratory tests on cells cannot be directly applied to humans.
The Hepatitis E virus has been found to be transmissible between rats and humans, with cases reported in Germany. The virus is primarily transmitted through contaminated food products from pigs and game animals, but its transmission via rat feces is still being investigated.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
Two new studies show that oral immunotherapy and oral food challenges can transform daily life for young patients with food allergies, improving quality of life and reducing anxiety. The treatments have been found to be safe and effective in desensitizing children to common allergens such as peanut, tree nuts, sesame, egg, and milk.
A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.
Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos developed a sensor that can identify sodium nitrite in beverages. The device uses cork, laser-induced graphene, and electrochemical oxidation to detect the substance, which has potential carcinogenic effects. The sensor performed excellently with high sensitivity and good stability.
According to the BfR Consumer Monitor, only 10% of respondents expressed concern about raw milk's health risk. Raw milk can transmit pathogens, posing a risk to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Healthy adults also face an increased risk of mild to severe food poisoning from unboiled raw milk.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that T. phoenicis can enter dormancy to evade detection, highlighting the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes and raising concerns about planetary protection. The findings may lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies in various industries.
Scientists recreated a traditional Balkan yogurt recipe using ants, finding that the insects' natural chemicals and microbes can kickstart the fermentation process. The researchers tested live, frozen, and dehydrated ant products, concluding that only live ants are suitable for yogurt making.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that using blockchain to track ingredients through the supply chain reduces consumer uncertainty about food safety and increases willingness to pay premium prices. The technology also provides clear information about the source of ingredients, boosting trust in sustainable foods.