Illinois researchers develop model to evaluate food safety control strategies for produce industry

Leafy greens can become contaminated with pathogenic E. coli or other bacteria. Growers and processors work hard to implement multiple safety procedures, but contaminated products still slip through the cracks. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at control measures and product testing in the produce supply chain.

UAlbany Chemists Develop Color-Changing Test for Rapid Salmonella Detection

UAlbany researchers have developed a new method for fast-acting salmonella detection. The test employs a paper strip that changes color in the presence of the bacterial genome, enabling quick, easy and inexpensive screening for salmonella in food products.

MSU expert: What to know about Halloween candy safety

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many adults and especially young children. With traditions ranging from attending fun costume parties to transforming spaces with spooky decorations to trick-or-treating, there’s ample opportunity for kids to find themselves with heaps of candy. So, what should parents know about the health effects of all this candy? Christine Venema is a food safety educator with MSU Extension. Here, she explains what parents should know when it comes to the health concerns around candy and the shelf life of candy.

Food safety gets a digital upgrade: mapping the path to global hygiene compliance

A cutting-edge online food safety toolbox has been crafted to bolster the proficiency of Food Business Operators (FBO) and regulatory bodies. This tool streamlines the implementation of the Codex Alimentarius (Codex) General Principles of Food Hygiene (GPFH), employing a structured learning strategy that encompasses mapping, chunking, and dynamic inquiry. Its goal is to unify food safety protocols, from farm to table.

Las investigaciones demuestran que la contaminación por pesticidas traspasa la cáscara de la manzana

Un grupo de investigadores que publican en la revista Nano Letters de ACS ha desarrollado un método de creación de imágenes de alta tecnología para detectar la contaminación por pesticidas en niveles inferiores, y su aplicación en la fruta revela que las prácticas actuales de seguridad alimentaria podrían ser insuficientes.

The Detection of a Massive Harmful Algal Bloom in the Arctic Prompts Real-Time Advisories to Western Alaskan Communities

In summer of 2022, a research cruise detected a massive harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the Bering Strait region of western Alaska. This expedition provided a dramatic example of science utilizing new technology to track a neurotoxic HAB, and effectively communicate information that protects remote coastal communities in real-time.

Fourth of July story ideas: Fireworks safety, economics and hot dog competitions, food safety and more

Ahead of Independence Day on July 4, Virginia Tech experts can speak on a variety of topics, including fireworks safety, economic lessons from eating contests, grilling safety tips, and more. To schedule an interview, please contact the media relations office at [email protected]. Fireworks safety The July 4th holiday brings a dramatic increase in eye injuries each year.

Food Safety and Quality Review Summarizes Sustainable Seafood Preservation Techniques to Minimize Wastes and Losses

Seafood is widely savored worldwide and a staple in many regions. However, the seafood processing industry struggles with significant waste generation, causing financial and socioecological issues. A Food Safety and Quality review describes emerging chemical and physical preservation techniques that can overcome the challenges associated with conventional preservation approaches. The review highlights innovative techniques which can significantly improve the shelf life of seafood and retain their sensory attributes, in an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective manner.

Expert shares tips for food safety at cookouts and potlucks

As the summer season approaches, lots of people will be planning to host or attend backyard cookouts and potlucks. But before you fire up the grill, Virginia Tech food safety expert Melissa Wright shares tips to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from foodborne illnesses during the warm-weather months. “Safe food handling when eating outdoors is critical,” says Wright.

Revolutionizing Infant Formula Safety: A New Frontier in Pathogen Detection

Cronobacter sakazakii is a harmful germ that can be found in powdered baby formula. It can cause very serious health problems in infants, such as meningitis and septicemia. Right now, it takes a long time and is complicated to check if the germ is in the formula. However, a new study has created a special test that uses a computer program to find the germ in the formula. This new method makes it easier and faster to find the germ, which is known for causing serious illness in babies. It helps make sure that baby formula is safe to use.

Paper: Multistate foodborne illness outbreaks impact restaurant stock price, public perception

As demand for food from restaurants soars in the U.S., so does the importance in understanding the impacts of foodborne illness outbreaks. A new paper co-written by a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert in food marketing and food policy finds that outbreaks spanning multiple states bring swift financial losses, increased media attention and a public-relations hit that makes smaller outbreaks more financially damaging.

Expert offers safety tips for grilling beef-alternative burgers on Memorial Day

Hamburgers are an American classic. There are few foods that embody what a Memorial Day weekend should taste like sinking your teeth into a juicy burger hot off the grill. But with more and more Americans opting for beef-alternatives like plant-based and turkey burgers in recent years, it’s important to keep in mind that the requirements for safely cooking and enjoying a beef hamburger won’t necessarily apply to a black bean burger.