Articles tagged with Food Safety
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.
Researchers at Purdue University have found that chlorine dioxide gas is highly effective in killing bacteria on food surfaces, particularly Listeria monocytogenes. The study showed significant reductions in bacterial populations on apple skin, stem cavity, and calyx using the gas.
The DuPont team developed the BAX system, which detects harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella in just five hours, reducing reporting time by one to two days.
DuPont scientists Richard Rees and W. Mark Barbour's team developed innovative technologies to minimize falling and flying glass during explosions, while also detecting harmful pathogens in food supplies with the BAX system. Their advancements strengthen global security and protection measures.
A study found that 57,000 Canadian families struggle with hunger due to lack of funds for food. Parents often sacrifice their health to provide for their children, highlighting the need for improved social safety nets.
The proposed food label changes could lead to a reduction in heart disease deaths, with estimated annual savings of $25 billion to $59 billion in healthcare costs. Manufacturers are expected to reformulate products in response to consumer demand for lower trans fat foods.
Researchers developed a battery-operated pen that can disinfect drinking water using a salt solution, inactivating parasites, viruses, and bacteria with dramatic results.
Researchers explore biotechnology for healthier foods, enzymes for proper digestion, rapid pathogen detection, and advanced packaging materials. These advancements aim to delay chronic disease, improve mental and physical performance, and enhance food safety.
The Institute of Food Technologists honored four journalists for their investigative reporting on food safety and irradiation. Martha Groves, John Wasik, Bob Gilmartin, and Lea Thompson won awards for their compelling stories, which shed light on issues such as adulterated ground beef and inadequate produce inspection.
The Institute of Food Technologists' meeting will address foodborne disease challenges and the role of genomics in food production. It also explores the potential of nutritionally-enhanced foods and consumer preferences for functional foods.
New approaches to addressing fresh produce safety will be discussed at the IFT Annual Meeting, focusing on microbiological performance criteria and non-thermal technologies. These methods aim to control microorganisms and maintain food freshness, with benefits including better nutrient retention and flavor preservation.
Experts will discuss Listeria monocytogenes characteristics, risk assessment and control measures. They will also examine strategies for dealing with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and improving food safety in muscle foods.
The Institute of Food Technologists' Annual Meeting will address pressing questions on plant substances, functional foods and dietary supplements. Researchers will discuss the potential impact of phytochemicals and dietary supplements on chronic disease, as well as cultural and regulatory differences among countries.
The Institute of Food Technologists' 1999 Annual Meeting & FOOD EXPO will feature over 1,200 scientific presentations on global food safety, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, and more. Attendees can also explore the latest in food products, ingredients, and processing techniques.
Representatives from government agencies, industry, and academia will discuss regulatory aspects of pesticide residues in foods. The symposium will also examine global food safety standards concerning heavy metals, mold toxins, and other contaminants.
Representatives from IFT, FDA, and industry experts will discuss cooking and food storage time and temperature specifications in restaurants and retail food operations. The forum aims to enhance food safety and quality worldwide through information exchange and knowledge sharing among members.
DHEA supplements, believed to have anti-aging properties, may stimulate the production of IGF-1, increasing prostate cancer risk. Dr. Goldberg recommends monitoring serum DHEA, PSA, and IGF-1 levels for men taking DHEA supplements.
Research found that spices can inhibit the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in ground meat and salami, with garlic showing the highest effectiveness. While spices may not eliminate the pathogen, they could add an extra layer of safety to food handling and cooking.
A new device, patented by Sandia National Laboratories, uses a color-changing material to detect when frozen food has thawed and been refrozen, potentially posing food safety risks. The device, which can be made for pennies per unit, relies on an inexpensive 'smart' wire that changes shape at specific temperatures.
The symposium will describe new packaging systems that interact with package contents or the package's internal atmosphere, controlling gases to delay spoilage. Active packaging may incorporate antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, and moisture scavengers for consumer convenience.
The Institute of Food Technologists will address the safety and quality of home meal replacements at its annual meeting. Experts will discuss ways to ensure the safety and quality of these products using good manufacturing practices, natural antimicrobials, and temperature control.
Emerging technologies in food processing, such as high pressure and biotechnology, promise to enhance food safety and nutrition. These methods can preserve nutrients better than traditional heat pasteurization, while also providing new antimicrobial systems for extended shelf-life.
The Institute of Food Technologists' Annual Meeting will explore ways to detect, identify, prevent, and control viruses and parasites in food and water. The symposium will also discuss rising antimicrobial resistance in pathogens, acid-resistant pathogens, and strategies for enhancing the safety of fresh produce.
The symposium will cover various aspects of food safety associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, including outbreaks, international trade, industry initiatives, and microbial ecology. The event aims to discuss intervention strategies and future directions in fresh produce safety assurance.
Pesticide residues on food raise concerns, but some pesticides can increase safety by reducing naturally occurring toxins. Carl Winter suggests fine-tuning regulations to reflect relative benefits and risks presented by a pesticide.
This year's award winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions to food science and technology, including research on fat replacers, lipid biotechnology, and flavor science. The awards honored IFT members who demonstrated exceptional ability, leadership, and service to the profession.
A study found that cultures in hot climates used spices more frequently due to their antimicrobial properties, which helped reduce foodborne illnesses. The most effective spices were garlic, onion, and oregano, killing up to 80% of bacteria.
A study investigated the understanding of common food label quantifier terms among consumers, revealing significant discrepancies between their perceptions and FDA regulations. Consumers tended to overestimate the amounts of components affected by these terms.
Researchers are exploring e-beam processing to extend the shelf-life of foods, reduce the need for preservatives, and increase food safety. The technology has shown promise in delaying ripening of fruits and vegetables, inhibiting sprouting of vegetables, and reducing microbial contamination.
A possible solution is lactic acid bacteria, called LAB by researchers, which produce natural acids that prevent Listeria from getting a foothold in foods. The extra margin of safety is that the same conditions that promote the growth of bad bacteria also cause LAB to thrive.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA test that can detect small amounts of alpha toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens in food samples. This method has great potential for the meat industry, allowing for early detection and prevention of illness.
A better-coordinated data base can help policymakers analyze situations, identify priority research areas, and allocate resources more effectively. It enables researchers to determine cost-effective strategies for controlling pathogens in specific foods.
A new system using ozone has been successfully tested at a turkey processing plant in Arkansas, allowing for the recycling of at least 80% of chill water. The process saves energy and reduces costs by minimizing the need for cooling and pretreatment.
Dr. Daniel Fung's work on rapid methods in food safety has bridged the gap between clinical microbiology and food microbiology, enabling faster testing for pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. The goal is to provide real-time results within a day, reducing waiting periods from seven days, which were once common.