FoodWorld

mdpi

Abstract

The existence of biofilms as heterogeneous structures, comprising bacterial cells embedded in a self-synthesized polymeric matrix and adhered to biotic and abiotic surfaces, exhibiting high antibiotic tolerance, is a fact that, in recent years, has exerted selective pressure on healthcare systems with the emergence of numerous infections. This review provides a historical overview of the emergence of biofilms, the latest insights into their functionality and distribution, as well as data on innovative strategies to combat them. Special attention is given to significant diseases caused by biofilms, alongside current data on the molecular mechanisms underpinning their tolerance and resistance.

FSN

A project has been awarded funding to investigate a strain of Salmonella often found in cattle.

The grant will fund research to explore the genetic and phenotypic variations within Salmonella Dublin. The aim is to understand more about how the bacteria moves from cattle to humans and what that means for food safety and public health.

The study will be led by Dr. Prerna Vohra from the school of biological sciences at the University of Edinburgh, and Dr. Gemma Langridge from the Quadram Institute.

FSN

A suspected outbreak of food poisoning that has sickened more than 100 people and killed three is being investigated in Italy.

Four nursing and residential care facilities (RSA) in the Florence area are affected. They share the same cooking center.

From an initial analysis, 114 cases of gastroenteritis with diarrhea and vomiting were found out of 173 guests.

Rappel

FSA

FSN

Experts in Belgium have given reasons why they believe a second analysis is not needed when doing microbiological testing.

The Scientific Committee of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) proposed an amendment to the draft decree on the taking and analysis of samples in foodborne outbreaks. The advisory body provides advice on the assessment and management of risks in the food chain.

Experts said a second microbiological analysis is not scientifically relevant, given that the analysis of the first sample by an accredited laboratory provides a reliable assessment of the microbial safety of the lot.

FSN

European public health officials are monitoring an outbreak linked to international travel on long-haul flights.

A cluster of 20 genetically linked Shigella sonnei sequence type (ST) 152 cases were first reported by the United Kingdom.

Austria, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands have also recorded genetically linked cases, suggesting a common source of infection. Austria and France have seven cases each while Ireland has three and the Netherlands has one.

FSN

In recent years, Salmonella outbreaks have become a pressing public health concern, highlighting the vulnerabilities in our food supply chain. Salmonella, a group of bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illnesses, is notorious for causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe infections. It’s time for both consumers and industry players to adopt more rigorous safety practices to prevent these outbreaks and protect public health.

Salmonella can find its way into various foods, including poultry, eggs, produce, and even processed goods. The challenge lies in the bacteria’s resilience and adaptability, which allow it to thrive in diverse environments. Recent incidents trace back to unsanitary farming practices, cross-contamination in processing facilities, and improper food handling. Clearly, we need systemic changes to mitigate these risks.

At the industry level, manufacturers and farmers must adopt stricter hygiene standards and invest in regular inspections. Implementation of comprehensive safety protocols, such as better temperature control and sanitation methods, is essential in preventing contamination. The integration of technology, like blockchain for traceability, can help in quickly identifying and isolating sources during outbreaks, thereby reducing the spread of contaminated products.

UK cultivated meat manufacturer Meatly has achieved another first, after gaining UK regulatory approval for its cultivated meat in July 2024.

https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2025/02/06/meatly-and-the-pack-launch-pet-treats-made-from-lab-grown-meat-into-pets-at-home/

FSN

The European Commission has adopted legislation requiring EU countries to do Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) during foodborne outbreaks.

Member states will need to collect Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter coli isolates from food, animal, feed, and related environmental samples from food and feed businesses, where the isolates are associated or suspected to be associated with a foodborne outbreak. They will also need to carry out WGS on those isolates.

EU countries would send results to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which developed the One Health WGS system with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). EFSA would compare the WGS results on these samples with findings from human isolates communicated to ECDC to identify the source of outbreaks.