Africa's No.1 Food Safety, Quality & Compliance Magazine
CHINA – In a comprehensive decade-long study, researchers in China have delved into the sources and factors behind Bacillus cereus outbreaks, shedding light on crucial data that can guide efforts to prevent foodborne cases caused by this pathogen. The study, using data from the National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System spanning from 2010 to 2020, unraveled a total of 419…
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KENYA – In a shocking exposé, a report titled “Toxic Business: Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Kenya,” has shed light on the troubling agricultural practices in Kenya. Despite the well-documented dangers posed by Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) to human health and the environment, Kenyan farmers continue to rely on them extensively, jeopardizing food safety and the nation’s ecological balance. The comprehensive…
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EUROPE – The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) investigation, aimed at guiding the European Commission (EC) in establishing maximum Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) levels in specific foods, has uncovered a disconcerting truth that demands immediate attention, with infants emerging as the most vulnerable population. These elusive compounds, derived from crude oil, coal, gas, and biomass, have quietly made their way…
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GLOBAL – A groundbreaking study harnessing publicly available whole genome sequencing (WGS) data has shed light on the concerning landscape of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within various Salmonella serovars, offering a comprehensive overview of resistance patterns and the identification of prominent antibiotic resistance genes. Drawing data from a vast array of sources, the study culled information from the European Nucleotide Archive…
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JAPAN – Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have unveiled a groundbreaking technology capable of accurately measuring viable bacteria in food within just one hour, shattering the conventional two-day waiting period. This innovation promises to redefine the landscape of food safety testing, offering a swift and efficient solution that could prevent potentially deadly foodborne illnesses. Published in the esteemed journal Analytical…
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JAPAN – A recent study in Japan on Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMPs) has unveiled the persistent presence of Listeria monocytogenes in food production facilities, emphasizing the significance of these monitoring programs. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2022, aimed to tailor EMPs to the specific needs of Japanese food businesses and promote the widespread adoption of these crucial monitoring strategies.…
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U.S – In a groundbreaking development for both the agricultural and public health sectors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA’s NIFA) has granted the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) a staggering U.S$2.48 million in research funding. The mission? To spearhead innovative projects that promise to reshape the landscape of swine production while addressing critical concerns…
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TOKYO – In a pioneering breakthrough, scientists from the Tokyo University of Science have unearthed a new microorganism residing in soil that holds the potential to combat patulin, a perilous mycotoxin often found on damaged or decaying fruits such as apples. This toxin can infiltrate a variety of fruit-based products, including sauces, juices, and ciders, prompting numerous countries to enforce…
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U.S – Michigan State University (MSU) has in a study unveiled the dark underbelly of foodborne bacteria, highlighting the widespread menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Campylobacter jejuni. Using the cutting-edge technique of whole genome sequencing (WGS), scientists have not only shed light on this escalating crisis but have also traced the origins of specific strains with unprecedented precision. The…
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EUROPE – Fresh research emerging from Europe suggests paper straws may harbor hidden environmental and health risks, contrary to initial assumptions. As people shift away from single-use plastics towards more eco-friendly alternatives, paper straws have been gaining popularity as a seemingly greener choice. In 2021, the European Union took steps to combat plastic pollution by enforcing a ban on select…
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