Articles tagged with Food Safety
Scientists have identified how E. coli O157:H7 colonizes fresh-cut lettuce, providing new insights for food safety. The bacteria breaks down leaf cells, releasing carbohydrates and antimicrobial compounds that can be used as energy sources.
The USDA has developed a cutting-edge optical scanning system that uses two different kinds of lighting and a sophisticated camera to inspect fresh produce items. The system can detect defects and contaminants, such as cuts, bruises, and specks of fertilizer, in a single image.
Canada's food safety system lacks adequate regulation, allowing preventable contamination to harm many people and potentially lead to deaths. The current system needs improved standards and incentives for industry to prioritize food safety.
The USDA has identified six lesser-known Escherichia coli types, known as the Big Six, which are increasingly of concern to food safety scientists. Researchers have developed gene-based PCR assays for each type, allowing for quick and reliable identification and detection.
USDA scientists tracked E. coli's journey from soil to leafy greens, finding the pathogen's survival in roots is sporadic and not a significant food safety concern. The study suggests that E. coli is unlikely to become internalized through plant roots, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a nanotechnology-based biosensor that can detect cancer cells and pathogens, leading to improved food safety and reduced health risks. The device uses carbon nanofibers to capture and detect microbial particles, enabling early detection and prevention of outbreaks.
A €3 million research project aims to deliver better ways to ensure the quality and safety of animal feeds in Europe. The QSAFFE project, led by Queen's Centre for Assured, Safe and Traceable Food (ASSET), involves 11 partners from six countries and will work on developing new technology to detect contamination quickly and at low cost.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast analyzed 2,439 food recalls over the past decade, revealing a significant increase in recalls due to operational mistakes and food fraud. The study highlights the need for improved traceability and safety measures in the food industry.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that rejecting alternatives can lead consumers to reverse their preferences. Consumers may focus on less-preferred options when trying to decide what they don't want, making them more likely to notice appealing features of alternative options.
A recent study proposes a new method for assessing the societal benefits of mandating more stringent food processing practices. Consumers were surveyed and found willing to pay $305 million annually for a 10% reduction in E. coli contamination, exceeding a previous USDA estimate of $446 million.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are developing a new type of indicator made of 'intelligent plastics' that changes color when food is about to spoil, cutting unnecessary waste by up to 8.3 million tonnes in the UK each year. This technology aims to improve food safety and reduce the economic damage caused by food waste.
Research from Michigan State University shows that food safety concerns significantly impact consumer spending and shopping habits. Consumers value third-party certification, but place more emphasis on traceability, seeing government inspection as the most credible signal of food safety.
A study by Adriano Aguzzi and Christina Sigurdson found that the local structure of PrPC protein influenced prion transmissibility between different species. The researchers identified a molecular switch controlling interspecies prion disease transmission in mice, providing new insight into food safety risks associated with BSE.
A European consumer study found that people in Finland rated whole grain products higher in healthiness and naturalness compared to other countries. Additionally, health claims had a positive impact on consumers' likelihood of buying cereal products in most European countries, except Italy.
Researchers identified carbon dioxide as an odorant that alters physiology and affects aging in fruit flies. Flies incapable of smelling CO2 live longer and are resistant to stress. This finding suggests a potential link between sensory perception and aging, with implications for human health.
A team of researchers at Imperial College London developed a mathematical model to explain chemotaxis in bacteria. They found that Escherichia coli adapts to potentially toxic molecules more quickly than to nutrients.
A Michigan State University professor advocates for targeted recall messages via direct phone calls, email, and social media to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. The expert notes that consumer concern about food safety is on the rise, with three-quarters of Americans believing recalls have increased in the past year.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that independently owned ethnic restaurants had significantly more food safety violations, including time and temperature control, hand washing, and proper use of utensils. The research aims to help restaurant owners improve their food handling and safety records.
A fragmented system with inadequate data leads to ineffective foodborne illness surveillance in Canada. The lack of a national program results in reliance on surveys, making it difficult to execute meaningful interventions.
Researchers from The George Institute for International Health conducted a systematic survey to monitor sodium content in Australian processed foods. The study provides valuable tools for continued monitoring and reformulation efforts to lower sodium levels, ultimately reducing the risk of elevated blood pressure among Australians.
A large population-based study of 5,042 female breast cancer survivors in China found that moderate soy food intake is safe and associated with lower mortality and recurrence rates. The study suggests that women with breast cancer may benefit from consuming soy foods as part of their treatment plan.
A Kansas State University study found that adolescents are less likely to wash their hands when cooking and more susceptible to cross-contaminating raw foods. Researchers also discovered that even with provided instructions, many consumers don't follow food safety guidelines.
A Pew poll shows that 90% of Iowa voters believe the government should have stronger food protections. The survey also found that half of respondents had lost confidence in the safety of US food due to high-profile outbreaks, and more than half of seniors shared this sentiment.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing an educational comic book to teach AIDS patients about food safety, highlighting risks such as listeria and toxoplasmosis. The study aims to improve awareness and reduce life-threatening infections among AIDS patients.
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on food and water safety, reviewing current issues and new tools to decrease illness. The paper highlights the need for collaboration among professionals, industry and government agencies to promote education, technological innovation and research.
Kansas State University researchers suggest government agencies communicate better with public about recalls and inspection process. Consumers may doubt the effectiveness of food safety systems due to unclear information from regulatory agencies.
Michigan State University scientists have successfully validated a pathogen-killing technology using X-rays, which can effectively eliminate E. coli and salmonella from leafy greens without altering product quality.
The new journal covers the principles and practice of food security, analyzing it from various disciplines. It aims to define constraints preventing one billion people from accessing adequate nutrition and address means to overcome them.
A Kansas State University research team aims to understand the connection between distillers' grains and E. coli O157:H7 in cattle. The study investigates novel strategies to mitigate potential risks, including administering probiotics and feeding brown seaweed.
A study of 490 black men found they ate an average of three servings of fruits and vegetables daily, despite the recommended nine servings per day. The researchers also identified barriers to food safety practices in restaurant employees, including inadequate training and resources.
A new national study found that most Americans believe US-produced food is safe, but have concerns about imported food and the government inspection system. Many also worry about getting ill from food they eat, with certain groups, such as Hispanics and African-Americans, more likely to be concerned.
Researchers at the University of Guelph found that first-year college students gained an average of 5.29 pounds, not 15 pounds, over six months. The study also highlights the importance of educating employees on food safety measures to reduce the risk of foodborne illness in restaurants.
A team led by Byron Brehm-Stecher is investigating the potential of silver nanoparticles to improve food safety. They aim to develop applications such as antimicrobial fabrics and surfaces, which could help kill foodborne pathogens and enhance shelf life.
Researchers at Kansas State University have validated a new method to destroy pathogens in beef jerky production, making it safer for consumers. The process involves additional drying time at 68 degrees Celsius to ensure both E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella are eliminated.
The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.
Researchers found that reusing water in produce washing processes compromises sanitizer efficacy and affects product quality. The study provides specific information on how wash operation variables impact water quality and product quality, offering new tools for enhancing food safety and quality.
A new test can identify contaminated cardboard food containers that break phthalate safety rules. Researchers found significant exposure to diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) in some boxes, emphasizing the need for unrecycled materials.
A team of MSU researchers found inconsistencies in China's certification and traceability systems, which can affect the quality and safety of imported goods. The experts recommend increased government oversight, training for producers and distributors, and improving labelling practices to ensure compliance with international standards
Research finds that women in Botswana and Swaziland who experience food insufficiency are nearly twice as likely to have high-risk sex. Protecting access to food may decrease vulnerability to HIV infection, says a new study published in PLoS Medicine.
A national survey found that only 6% of Americans have heard a lot about nanotechnology, with women and older Americans being the least aware. The public is seeking more information on health risks and benefits before purchasing nanotechnology-enhanced products.
Low-salt foods are as safe as high-salt ones in terms of bacterial spoilage, according to a study. The researchers found that different strains of bacteria showed no significant difference in growth rates regardless of the salt concentration tested.
Hormel was recognized for its outstanding achievements in food safety investments, including the development of high pressure processing technology, and pioneering efforts to ensure humane animal treatment. The award honors food companies that protect consumer health and improve satisfaction.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered that a combination of ozone, high-intensity ultrasound, electrolyzed water, irradiation, and temperature is most effective in reducing E. coli 0157:H7 pathogens to meet FDA standards.
A study found that managers in the UK food industry prioritize consumer concerns about food safety and hygiene risks over rules and regulations. The survey of 204 individuals across various businesses revealed a high degree of confusion about state regulators and their roles, with locally-based environmental health officers perceived a...
Outbreaks linked to unpasteurized orange juice have been on the rise since the mid-1990s. Recent research suggests that this type of orange juice can still carry Salmonella bacteria, highlighting the need for consumers to look for pasteurized options.
The survey highlights a lack of awareness about food-borne illnesses, with only 10% of Americans reporting food poisoning in the past year despite statistics indicating a quarter of Americans suffer from food-borne illnesses annually. Americans tend to attribute their illnesses to other causes rather than food-borne illness.
Researchers found that the public underestimates certain bacteriological hazards while overestimating those with low prevalence, like mad cow disease. Experts believe early school intervention and media training can improve public understanding of food risk messages.
A Canadian institute has defined sustainable agriculture as a key to ensuring economic viability for farmers. The paper recommends using immigration policies to bolster rural communities and suggests levying a small tax on food to support sustainability goals.
A new program aims to reduce food-related illnesses by investigating the causes of these illnesses and identifying effective interventions. Led by Canadian researcher Jan Sargeant at McMaster University, this US-funded initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from 18 colleges and universities.
Microbial contamination of food is a significant problem worldwide, causing millions of deaths and illnesses. Experts recommend new approaches to food control, including centralized policies and increased surveillance, to ensure safe food production and trade.
Purdue researchers develop a new optical biosensor that can detect minute quantities of Listeria monocytogenes in less than 24 hours. The sensor is selective enough to recognize only the species monocytogenes and has improved detection capabilities compared to existing commercial test kits.
Researchers have discovered that nanowires composed of lithium, molybdenum and selenium atoms can detect significant changes in electrical resistance when exposed to vapors of organic solvents. This property enables the creation of simple chemical sensors that can measure the acidity of a solution.
A recent study highlights the importance of implementing sanitary growing and harvesting conditions worldwide to reduce the risk of human disease outbreaks linked to fresh produce. Plant pathologists emphasize the need for good quality irrigation water and sanitary worker conditions, particularly as international imports increase.
A study by Ohio State University found that despite new regulations, only half of recalled meat and poultry products are actually recovered from the market. The number of recalls has increased due to more sensitive tests, but their success rate remains low. Small plants have shown a better recovery rate than large ones.
New studies examine acrylamide levels in foods such as potato chips, breads and cereals. Researchers have found that cooking conditions influence acrylamide levels, with some foods showing low levels despite popular assumption.
Global food safety experts gather to discuss new approaches to assessing risk of microbiological foodborne hazards. The symposium aims to create mathematical models that predict the number of illnesses that can occur and help managers control food safety strategies.
Experts from USDA, Texas A&M University, and the National Food Processors Association will present on strategies to protect America's agriculture and food supply from terrorism and biological threats. Initiatives include improved communication, rapid detection, and emergency response planning to prevent outbreaks and ensure food security.
The University of Minnesota is leading a new initiative to create standardized safety protocols for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the agricultural biotechnology industry. This effort aims to address concerns about GMO safety and reduce regulatory stalemates.
Food-borne illness remains a major concern despite a safe food supply, as supermarkets increasingly rely on procedures and processes to meet growing demand for diverse international foods. International supermarket chains have a strong motivation to ensure food safety due to liability concerns and damage to reputation.
A study by Purdue economist William Masters found that African mothers are willing to pay a premium of 30% for infant food with guaranteed quality and safety information. This could lead to reduced child malnutrition rates if generic options were made available, saving up to 6 million lives annually.