Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100648
Jesica Temple , Tim P. Boltz , Jessica M. Blythe , Christopher M. Ashwell , Cangliang Shen
Small-scale produce growers exempt from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) are not required to follow federal food safety standards, yet their practices have direct implications for public health. The extent to which knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) influence voluntary adoption of PSR-aligned practices in this group remains unclear. This systematic literature review aimed to examine self-reported food safety behaviors and willingness to adopt practices among FSMA-exempt small-scale growers. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, six databases (ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, AGRIS, AGRICOLA, and ProQuest) were searched for studies published from 2013 to 2025. Eligible studies included cross-sectional surveys reporting on food safety behaviors and KAB across three high-risk domains: agricultural water (AW), cleaning and sanitation (CS), and storage and transport (ST). Out of 133 records screened, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six reported findings on AW, five on CS, and five on ST. Use of tested well water ranged from 28.9% to 39.4%; 71–74% of respondents reported managing sanitation or packing produce in designated facilities; and 64% reported managing transport sanitation. Despite widespread awareness of food safety importance, the adoption of specific practices was inconsistent. Findings underscore a gap between intention and implementation, reinforcing the need for targeted outreach and affordable infrastructure solutions to support voluntary compliance among FSMA-exempt growers.
不受《食品安全现代化法案》（FSMA）《农产品安全规则》（PSR）约束的小规模农产品种植者不需要遵循联邦食品安全标准，但他们的做法对公众健康有直接影响。知识、态度和行为（KAB）在多大程度上影响了这一群体自愿采用与psr一致的实践，目前尚不清楚。本系统的文献综述旨在检查自我报告的食品安全行为和自愿采取的做法在fsma豁免小规模种植者。根据系统评价和荟萃分析的首选报告项目（PRISMA）指南，检索了六个数据库（ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus， AGRIS， AGRICOLA和ProQuest），以检索2013年至2025年发表的研究。符合条件的研究包括报告食品安全行为和KAB的横断面调查，涉及三个高风险领域：农业用水（AW）、清洁和卫生（CS）以及储存和运输（ST）。在筛选的133份记录中，有7项研究符合纳入标准。6个报告的发现是关于AW， 5个关于CS， 5个关于st。测试井水的使用范围从28.9%到39.4%不等；71-74%的答复者报告在指定设施管理卫生设施或包装农产品；64%的人报告管理了交通卫生设施。尽管普遍意识到食品安全的重要性，具体做法的采用是不一致的。调查结果强调了意图和实施之间的差距，强调了有针对性的推广和负担得起的基础设施解决方案的必要性，以支持fsma豁免种植者自愿遵守。
{"title":"Food Safety Practices Among Small-Scale Produce Growers Exempt from Federal Regulations: A Systematic Literature Review","authors":"Jesica Temple , Tim P. Boltz , Jessica M. Blythe , Christopher M. Ashwell , Cangliang Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small-scale produce growers exempt from the Food Safety Modernization Act (<strong>FSMA</strong>) Produce Safety Rule (<strong>PSR</strong>) are not required to follow federal food safety standards, yet their practices have direct implications for public health. The extent to which knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (<strong>KAB</strong>) influence voluntary adoption of PSR-aligned practices in this group remains unclear. This systematic literature review aimed to examine self-reported food safety behaviors and willingness to adopt practices among FSMA-exempt small-scale growers. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (<strong>PRISMA</strong>) guidelines, six databases (ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, AGRIS, AGRICOLA, and ProQuest) were searched for studies published from 2013 to 2025. Eligible studies included cross-sectional surveys reporting on food safety behaviors and KAB across three high-risk domains: agricultural water (<strong>AW</strong>), cleaning and sanitation (<strong>CS</strong>), and storage and transport (<strong>ST</strong>). Out of 133 records screened, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six reported findings on AW, five on CS, and five on ST. Use of tested well water ranged from 28.9% to 39.4%; 71–74% of respondents reported managing sanitation or packing produce in designated facilities; and 64% reported managing transport sanitation. Despite widespread awareness of food safety importance, the adoption of specific practices was inconsistent. Findings underscore a gap between intention and implementation, reinforcing the need for targeted outreach and affordable infrastructure solutions to support voluntary compliance among FSMA-exempt growers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100648"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145329412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100641
Eugene Niyonzima , Kizito Nishimwe , Armitra Jackson-Davis , Janvier Mugisha , David Mugabo , Sylvie Nkundizanye , Theogene Ndayishimye , Olivier Kamana , Anselme Shyaka , Lamin S. Kassama
Milk is widely recognized as a vital source of animal protein; however, it can also act as a conduit for foodborne infections. This study evaluated the microbiological quality and prevalence of antibiotic residues in raw cow milk along Rwanda’s dairy value chain, including farms, milk transporters, milk collection centers (MCCs), and retail outlets. The research was conducted across four major milk sheds (regions) in Rwanda: Gicumbi, Gishwati, Nyagatare, and Nyanza. A total of 144 dairy farmers, 70 milk transporters, 12 MCCs, and 46 retail points were randomly selected. Data on milk production and handling practices were gathered using a structured questionnaire, and 390 milk samples were analyzed for hygiene indicator bacteria, Salmonella, and antibiotic residues. Milk was found to be transported from farms to MCCs without refrigeration. At the farm level, microbial counts for Total Mesophilic Bacteria (6.10 ± 0.08 log CFU/mL), Total Coliforms (4.85 ± 0.09 log CFU/mL), and Escherichia coli (3.79 ± 0.09 log CFU/mL) exceeded national safety thresholds. Contamination levels increased during transportation and peaked at MCCs, where the Total Mesophilic Count (TMC) reached 6.97 ± 0.14 log CFU/mL, and Salmonella was detected in 18% of samples. However, microbial quality improved at the retail level, likely due to boiling practices. Antibiotic residues were present in 48.5% of milk samples. Tetracyclines were the most frequently detected (40.0%), followed by Streptomycin (6.2%) and β-lactams (2.3%). Additionally, 95.8% of Salmonella isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 54.2% exhibited multidrug resistance. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance on-farm hygiene, establish cold chain systems for milk transportation, and implement routine screening for antibiotic residues throughout the dairy value chain.
{"title":"Milk Safety in Rwanda: Examining Practices, Microbial Contamination, and Antibiotic Residues Along the Milk Value Chain","authors":"Eugene Niyonzima , Kizito Nishimwe , Armitra Jackson-Davis , Janvier Mugisha , David Mugabo , Sylvie Nkundizanye , Theogene Ndayishimye , Olivier Kamana , Anselme Shyaka , Lamin S. Kassama","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Milk is widely recognized as a vital source of animal protein; however, it can also act as a conduit for foodborne infections. This study evaluated the microbiological quality and prevalence of antibiotic residues in raw cow milk along Rwanda’s dairy value chain, including farms, milk transporters, milk collection centers (MCCs), and retail outlets. The research was conducted across four major milk sheds (regions) in Rwanda: Gicumbi, Gishwati, Nyagatare, and Nyanza. A total of 144 dairy farmers, 70 milk transporters, 12 MCCs, and 46 retail points were randomly selected. Data on milk production and handling practices were gathered using a structured questionnaire, and 390 milk samples were analyzed for hygiene indicator bacteria, <em>Salmonella</em>, and antibiotic residues. Milk was found to be transported from farms to MCCs without refrigeration. At the farm level, microbial counts for Total Mesophilic Bacteria (6.10 ± 0.08 log CFU/mL), Total Coliforms (4.85 ± 0.09 log CFU/mL), and <em>Escherichia coli</em> (3.79 ± 0.09 log CFU/mL) exceeded national safety thresholds. Contamination levels increased during transportation and peaked at MCCs, where the Total Mesophilic Count (TMC) reached 6.97 ± 0.14 log CFU/mL, and <em>Salmonella</em> was detected in 18% of samples. However, microbial quality improved at the retail level, likely due to boiling practices. Antibiotic residues were present in 48.5% of milk samples. Tetracyclines were the most frequently detected (40.0%), followed by Streptomycin (6.2%) and β-lactams (2.3%). Additionally, 95.8% of <em>Salmonella</em> isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 54.2% exhibited multidrug resistance. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance on-farm hygiene, establish cold chain systems for milk transportation, and implement routine screening for antibiotic residues throughout the dairy value chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145313054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100642
Sirui Zhang , Reagan L. Brashears , Mindy M. Brashears , Marcos X. Sanchez , Sara E. Gragg
Salmonella is associated with the environment, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes (LNs) of pigs. Contamination in LNs of cull hogs may lead to contamination of carcasses, sausages, and other pork products. To better understand the public health risks of contaminated lymphatic tissues, a cross-sectional analysis of Salmonella in the LNs and tonsils of cull hogs processed at six facilities across two regions of the United States during different seasons was conducted. A total of 3,824 samples from 560 carcasses were included in this study. From each carcass, six LNs (axillary [ALN], mesenteric [MLN], subiliac [SLN], tracheobronchial [TLN], superficial inguinal [SILN], and prescapular [PLN]), and tonsils were collected. The BAX® System Real-Time Salmonella Assay and BAX®-System-SalQuant® methods were used to detect and estimate Salmonella concentration in samples, respectively. Salmonella prevalence was 12.3% overall, 36.9% in tonsils, 29.7% in MLNs, 8.2% in SILNs, 2.5% in PLNs, 4.5% in TLNs, 2.0% in ALNs, and 0.7% in SLNs. Salmonella prevalence was greatest for tonsils in the summer/fall (42.6%), though season was not significant (P = 0.1132). For MLNs, Salmonella prevalence in spring (35.2%) and summer/fall (32.5%) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than winter (18.3%). Salmonella prevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SILNs during winter (19.2%) than spring (0.5%) and summer/fall (2.2%) in the eastern region. Of the 70 MLNs that were enumerable, estimated concentration (log Salmonella cells/sample) was greatest (P < 0.05) during winter (2.8) in comparison to summer/fall (1.8) and spring (0.7) in the eastern region. At the carcass level, 332 (59.3%) harbored Salmonella in one or more samples, and prevalence did not vary by season (P = 0.1495) or region (P = 0.8669). These data suggest that seasonal factors impact Salmonella contamination in specific lymph nodes and can be used by the industry for risk assessment and Salmonella mitigation strategies.
{"title":"Surveillance of Salmonella in Cull Boar, Sow, and Gilt Lymph Nodes and Tonsils from Six Cull Hog Processing Facilities in the United States","authors":"Sirui Zhang , Reagan L. Brashears , Mindy M. Brashears , Marcos X. Sanchez , Sara E. Gragg","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Salmonella</em> is associated with the environment, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes (LNs) of pigs. Contamination in LNs of cull hogs may lead to contamination of carcasses, sausages, and other pork products. To better understand the public health risks of contaminated lymphatic tissues, a cross-sectional analysis of <em>Salmonella</em> in the LNs and tonsils of cull hogs processed at six facilities across two regions of the United States during different seasons was conducted. A total of 3,824 samples from 560 carcasses were included in this study. From each carcass, six LNs (axillary [ALN], mesenteric [MLN], subiliac [SLN], tracheobronchial [TLN], superficial inguinal [SILN], and prescapular [PLN]), and tonsils were collected. The BAX® System Real-Time <em>Salmonella</em> Assay and BAX®-System-SalQuant® methods were used to detect and estimate <em>Salmonella</em> concentration in samples, respectively. <em>Salmonella</em> prevalence was 12.3% overall, 36.9% in tonsils, 29.7% in MLNs, 8.2% in SILNs, 2.5% in PLNs, 4.5% in TLNs, 2.0% in ALNs, and 0.7% in SLNs. <em>Salmonella</em> prevalence was greatest for tonsils in the summer/fall (42.6%), though season was not significant (<em>P</em> = 0.1132). For MLNs, <em>Salmonella</em> prevalence in spring (35.2%) and summer/fall (32.5%) was significantly greater (<em>P</em> < 0.05) than winter (18.3%). <em>Salmonella</em> prevalence was significantly higher (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in SILNs during winter (19.2%) than spring (0.5%) and summer/fall (2.2%) in the eastern region. Of the 70 MLNs that were enumerable, estimated concentration (log <em>Salmonella</em> cells/sample) was greatest (<em>P</em> < 0.05) during winter (2.8) in comparison to summer/fall (1.8) and spring (0.7) in the eastern region. At the carcass level, 332 (59.3%) harbored <em>Salmonella</em> in one or more samples, and prevalence did not vary by season (<em>P</em> = 0.1495) or region (<em>P</em> = 0.8669). These data suggest that seasonal factors impact <em>Salmonella</em> contamination in specific lymph nodes and can be used by the industry for risk assessment and <em>Salmonella</em> mitigation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145313055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100668
Bin Ma , Yi Ding , Ling Feng , Zhaogai Wang , Pengfei Jiang
The similar appearance and composition of pungent spices frequently give rise to adulteration, which not only causes market confusion but also results in inconsistent product quality. This study employed terahertz time-domain spectra and absorption spectra coupled with three machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Deep Neural Network (DNN)—for the classification and identification of five spices (garlic, green pepper, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Toona sinensis, and Qin pepper) as well as their binary mixtures. For single-component spices, all three models achieved classification accuracies exceeding 95% for both time-domain and absorption spectra. Among these models, the SVM model exhibited the best performance, with accuracies of 96.82% for time-domain spectra and 98.75% for absorption spectra. When classifying binary mixtures, models based on time-domain spectra significantly outperformed those based on absorption spectra. Notably, the DNN model demonstrated superior capability in this context, achieving an accuracy of 94.97% for the green pepper-Zanthoxylum bungeanum mixture. To further improve classification accuracy, an innovative multimodal classification model integrating time-domain and absorption spectra was developed. This multimodal model achieved an outstanding accuracy of 98.85%. Collectively, these results confirmed the effectiveness of terahertz spectroscopy combined with machine learning for spice identification, thereby providing robust technical support for nondestructive testing and quality monitoring in the global spice industry.
{"title":"Research on the Identification of Composite Spices Based on Terahertz Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Algorithms","authors":"Bin Ma , Yi Ding , Ling Feng , Zhaogai Wang , Pengfei Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The similar appearance and composition of pungent spices frequently give rise to adulteration, which not only causes market confusion but also results in inconsistent product quality. This study employed terahertz time-domain spectra and absorption spectra coupled with three machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Deep Neural Network (DNN)—for the classification and identification of five spices (garlic, green pepper, <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em>, <em>Toona sinensis</em>, and Qin pepper) as well as their binary mixtures. For single-component spices, all three models achieved classification accuracies exceeding 95% for both time-domain and absorption spectra. Among these models, the SVM model exhibited the best performance, with accuracies of 96.82% for time-domain spectra and 98.75% for absorption spectra. When classifying binary mixtures, models based on time-domain spectra significantly outperformed those based on absorption spectra. Notably, the DNN model demonstrated superior capability in this context, achieving an accuracy of 94.97% for the green pepper-<em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> mixture. To further improve classification accuracy, an innovative multimodal classification model integrating time-domain and absorption spectra was developed. This multimodal model achieved an outstanding accuracy of 98.85%. Collectively, these results confirmed the effectiveness of terahertz spectroscopy combined with machine learning for spice identification, thereby providing robust technical support for nondestructive testing and quality monitoring in the global spice industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100668"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145530392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Small-scale processors represent a large segment of all food processors in the United States. However, they struggle in adapting to the evolving criteria for food safety management, including effective employee food safety training. This study identifies barriers that small-scale processors encounter in employee food safety training programs and assesses their perceptions of various training formats. This qualitative method study was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews of up to one hour each with 30 food safety managers from small-scale food processors. This study identified four major food safety training barriers: accessibility problems, varying baseline knowledge, lack of engagement, and time and budget insufficiencies. Small-scale processors made several recommendations to overcome barriers identified in this study. To improve learning outcomes achieved by food safety training programs, participants suggested using in-facility imagery, “real world” examples, and small training groups. Additionally, small-scale processors preferred a hybrid delivery format to improve food safety training programs and create more accessible opportunities. Small-scale processors perceived food safety regulations as ambiguous. They felt that regulations did not clearly define the food safety requirements in their facilities. Participants also identify a lack of existing resources for food safety management and challenges in prioritizing food safety training topics among management personnel as barriers to robust food safety plan development. This study’s findings will inform food safety educators and extension specialists about ways to create more effective training for small-scale food processors.
{"title":"Bridging Barriers in Food Safety Education: An Evaluation of Current Food Safety Training Programs and Recommendations for Future Opportunities Among Small-Scale Processors","authors":"Maeve Swinehart , Suyapa Fabiola Rojas Oropel , Zachary Berglund , Erin DiCaprio , Yaohua Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small-scale processors represent a large segment of all food processors in the United States. However, they struggle in adapting to the evolving criteria for food safety management, including effective employee food safety training. This study identifies barriers that small-scale processors encounter in employee food safety training programs and assesses their perceptions of various training formats. This qualitative method study was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews of up to one hour each with 30 food safety managers from small-scale food processors. This study identified four major food safety training barriers: accessibility problems, varying baseline knowledge, lack of engagement, and time and budget insufficiencies. Small-scale processors made several recommendations to overcome barriers identified in this study. To improve learning outcomes achieved by food safety training programs, participants suggested using in-facility imagery, “real world” examples, and small training groups. Additionally, small-scale processors preferred a hybrid delivery format to improve food safety training programs and create more accessible opportunities. Small-scale processors perceived food safety regulations as ambiguous. They felt that regulations did not clearly define the food safety requirements in their facilities. Participants also identify a lack of existing resources for food safety management and challenges in prioritizing food safety training topics among management personnel as barriers to robust food safety plan development. This study’s findings will inform food safety educators and extension specialists about ways to create more effective training for small-scale food processors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100651"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-10-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100658
Arisa Mezawa , Toshiyuki Murase , Hiroichi Ozaki
Laying chickens infected with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) may lay eggs contaminated with this organism. However, whether APEC has a superior ability than non-APEC strain to survive and proliferate in egg contents remains unknown. Here, an in vitro egg contamination model was used to assess this matter. A total of 10 APEC and 11 non-APEC E. coli strains, determined according to the results of an embryo lethality assay, were used. A total of 35–190 colony-forming units (CFU) of one of the E. coli strains were experimentally inoculated onto the vitelline membrane of eggs collected from specific-pathogen-free chickens, following which the albumen from a single egg was poured into a plastic beaker to surround the yolk and incubated at 25 °C for three days. Albumen samples from the egg contamination model were enriched using buffered peptone water, and 10 μl of the culture was spread onto a DHL agar plate. Percentage of the albumen samples inoculated with APEC strains that yielded growth was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of those inoculated with non-APEC E. coli strains. When E. coli strains were inoculated in separated albumen samples, percentage of the samples inoculated with APEC strains that yielded growth was significantly higher than that of those inoculated with non-APEC E. coli strains. Treatment of strains with suspension containing lysozyme and ovotransferrin, which simulates the properties of albumen postoviposition, resulted in a decrease in viable cell counts in both the non-APEC E. coli and APEC strains. Several adhesin-associated genes were significantly prevalent in APEC strains than in non-APEC E. coli. The results of this study suggest that APEC strains associated with the vitelline membrane are capable of surviving in albumen in the egg contamination model. These findings lay a foundation for studying the mechanisms of survival of APEC strains in the albumen, which may help in controlling colibacillosis in chickens.
{"title":"Survival of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli in an In Vitro Contamination Model of Eggs","authors":"Arisa Mezawa , Toshiyuki Murase , Hiroichi Ozaki","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Laying chickens infected with avian pathogenic <em>Escherichia coli</em> (APEC) may lay eggs contaminated with this organism. However, whether APEC has a superior ability than non-APEC strain to survive and proliferate in egg contents remains unknown. Here, an <em>in vitro</em> egg contamination model was used to assess this matter. A total of 10 APEC and 11 non-APEC <em>E. coli</em> strains, determined according to the results of an embryo lethality assay, were used. A total of 35–190 colony-forming units (CFU) of one of the <em>E. coli</em> strains were experimentally inoculated onto the vitelline membrane of eggs collected from specific-pathogen-free chickens, following which the albumen from a single egg was poured into a plastic beaker to surround the yolk and incubated at 25 °C for three days. Albumen samples from the egg contamination model were enriched using buffered peptone water, and 10 μl of the culture was spread onto a DHL agar plate. Percentage of the albumen samples inoculated with APEC strains that yielded growth was significantly higher (<em>P</em> < 0.05) than that of those inoculated with non-APEC <em>E. coli</em> strains. When <em>E. coli</em> strains were inoculated in separated albumen samples, percentage of the samples inoculated with APEC strains that yielded growth was significantly higher than that of those inoculated with non-APEC <em>E. coli</em> strains. Treatment of strains with suspension containing lysozyme and ovotransferrin, which simulates the properties of albumen postoviposition, resulted in a decrease in viable cell counts in both the non-APEC <em>E. coli</em> and APEC strains. Several adhesin-associated genes were significantly prevalent in APEC strains than in non-APEC <em>E. coli</em>. The results of this study suggest that APEC strains associated with the vitelline membrane are capable of surviving in albumen in the egg contamination model. These findings lay a foundation for studying the mechanisms of survival of APEC strains in the albumen, which may help in controlling colibacillosis in chickens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100658"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145401058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100647
Barun Yadav , Yi Fan , Scott Hrycauk , Tim McAllister , Claudia Narvaez-Bravo , Tyson Brown , Xianqin Yang
This study investigated the effects of a multistage sanitation process on the microbial populations associated with conveyor belts, drains, and air within a large commercial beef processing facility. Total aerobic counts in samples from conveyor belts, drain, and air increased after a pressurized warm water wash (P < 0.05), decreased after foaming and degreasing (P < 0.05), and were not affected (P > 0.05) by application of peracetic acid (500 ppm) or quat−based (200 ppm) no-rinse sanitizers at recommended in-use concentrations with a 5−min contact time. Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms counts on conveyor belts and drains largely followed the same pattern as those of total aerobic counts. However, the Enterobacteriaceae counts in air samples were below the detection limit (1 CFU/100 L). Escherichia coli were not recovered from belts before cleaning or after sanitation, but were detected only sporadically during sanitation. In drain samples where E. coli were recovered, counts were not affected by cleaning or sanitation steps. Sequencing results revealed that the microbial composition varied by different sampling trips. Overall, Acinetobacter was predominant throughout the sanitation process in conveyor belt, drain, and air samples, with overall relative abundance of 46.06%, 51.18%, and 55.83%, respectively. Prediction models based on sequencing data indicated that the drain surface was a significant contributor to the initial microbiota on conveyor belts, but was replaced by air at the step of pressurized water washing.
{"title":"Effects of Sanitation Practices on Microbial Dynamics in Meat Processing Environment","authors":"Barun Yadav , Yi Fan , Scott Hrycauk , Tim McAllister , Claudia Narvaez-Bravo , Tyson Brown , Xianqin Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of a multistage sanitation process on the microbial populations associated with conveyor belts, drains, and air within a large commercial beef processing facility. Total aerobic counts in samples from conveyor belts, drain, and air increased after a pressurized warm water wash (<em>P</em> < 0.05), decreased after foaming and degreasing (<em>P</em> < 0.05), and were not affected (<em>P</em> > 0.05) by application of peracetic acid (500 ppm) or quat−based (200 ppm) no-rinse sanitizers at recommended in-use concentrations with a 5−min contact time. <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em> and coliforms counts on conveyor belts and drains largely followed the same pattern as those of total aerobic counts. However, the <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em> counts in air samples were below the detection limit (1 CFU/100 L). <em>Escherichia coli</em> were not recovered from belts before cleaning or after sanitation, but were detected only sporadically during sanitation. In drain samples where <em>E. coli</em> were recovered, counts were not affected by cleaning or sanitation steps. Sequencing results revealed that the microbial composition varied by different sampling trips. Overall, <em>Acinetobacter</em> was predominant throughout the sanitation process in conveyor belt, drain, and air samples, with overall relative abundance of 46.06%, 51.18%, and 55.83%, respectively. Prediction models based on sequencing data indicated that the drain surface was a significant contributor to the initial microbiota on conveyor belts, but was replaced by air at the step of pressurized water washing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100647"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10Epub Date: 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100663
Robert L. Buchanan , Darrell W. Donahue , Marcel H. Zwietering , on behalf of ICMSF
{"title":"Letter to the editor regarding “Testing Program Critical Control Points (TP-CCP): Characterizing and Optimizing Decision-making Power in Food Safety Testing (Mosso et al., 2025)”","authors":"Robert L. Buchanan , Darrell W. Donahue , Marcel H. Zwietering , on behalf of ICMSF","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100663","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 12","pages":"Article 100663"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145471018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-04Epub Date: 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100624
Gustavo Guimarães Fernandes Viana , Ana Julia Pereira Mello , Beatriz da Apresentação , Danilo dos Santos Gonçalves , Eduarda Yamauti Gerolamo , Giulya Monteiro de Castro , Guilherme Cardoso da Silva , Henrique de Rezende Corá , Izabella Regina da Silva Marcelino , Kaedra Piva Busch , Luana Kleinubing Aguiar , Luiza Mattos Mendonça , Max Sândalo Ferreira da Silva , Mayara de Sousa Canute , Miguel Sionti de Medeiros Paulino , Pedro Barasnevicius da Silva , Pedro Caldeira de Araújo , Talita Duran Semedo , Victoria Ribeiro Silvestre , Vinicius Guilherme de Araújo , Juliano Gonçalves Pereira
Shared kitchens are potential hotspots for microbial contamination due to frequent use and poor hygiene. In student residences, these risks are heightened by diverse hygiene behaviors and limited oversight. This study aimed to evaluate microbial contamination and hygiene-related behaviors in university student residences. Thirty student households in Botucatu, Brazil, were investigated through microbiological sampling of kitchen surfaces (refrigerator, sink, dish towels, and sponge). Samples were analyzed to assess the counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, and the detection of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes. In addition, a structured questionnaire was applied to gather data on hygiene routines and food handling practices. Feedback sessions were held to communicate the results to each household. No samples tested positive for Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes. Sponges exhibited the highest levels of microbial contamination, with median counts of 8.63 log CFU/cm2 for mesophiles and 5.72 log CFU/cm2 for Enterobacteriaceae, followed by dish towels (4.11 and 3.60 log CFU/cm2), sinks (1.27 and 0.24 log CFU/cm2), and refrigerators (−0.25 and −0.18 log CFU/cm2). Some associations between hygiene behaviors and microbial load were observed, including differences linked to dishwashing habits and the number of residents using the refrigerator. The descriptive trends suggest that certain behaviors, such as the frequency of dish towel sanitization and refrigerator cleaning, may influence microbial risks. These findings emphasize the importance of consistent hygiene practices in shared kitchen environments and support the development of educational and preventive strategies aimed at improving food safety among young adults living in communal housing, such as promoting proper dish towel and sponge replacement, clear cleaning responsibilities, and separation of utensils for raw and cooked foods.
{"title":"Microbial Contamination on Kitchen Surfaces in University Student Housing: Insights from Swab Analysis and Behavioral Surveys","authors":"Gustavo Guimarães Fernandes Viana , Ana Julia Pereira Mello , Beatriz da Apresentação , Danilo dos Santos Gonçalves , Eduarda Yamauti Gerolamo , Giulya Monteiro de Castro , Guilherme Cardoso da Silva , Henrique de Rezende Corá , Izabella Regina da Silva Marcelino , Kaedra Piva Busch , Luana Kleinubing Aguiar , Luiza Mattos Mendonça , Max Sândalo Ferreira da Silva , Mayara de Sousa Canute , Miguel Sionti de Medeiros Paulino , Pedro Barasnevicius da Silva , Pedro Caldeira de Araújo , Talita Duran Semedo , Victoria Ribeiro Silvestre , Vinicius Guilherme de Araújo , Juliano Gonçalves Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shared kitchens are potential hotspots for microbial contamination due to frequent use and poor hygiene. In student residences, these risks are heightened by diverse hygiene behaviors and limited oversight. This study aimed to evaluate microbial contamination and hygiene-related behaviors in university student residences. Thirty student households in Botucatu, Brazil, were investigated through microbiological sampling of kitchen surfaces (refrigerator, sink, dish towels, and sponge). Samples were analyzed to assess the counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em>, and the detection of <em>Salmonella</em> spp. and <em>L. monocytogenes</em>. In addition, a structured questionnaire was applied to gather data on hygiene routines and food handling practices. Feedback sessions were held to communicate the results to each household. No samples tested positive for <em>Salmonella</em> spp. or <em>L. monocytogenes</em>. Sponges exhibited the highest levels of microbial contamination, with median counts of 8.63 log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup> for mesophiles and 5.72 log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup> for <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em>, followed by dish towels (4.11 and 3.60 log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup>), sinks (1.27 and 0.24 log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup>), and refrigerators (−0.25 and −0.18 log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup>). Some associations between hygiene behaviors and microbial load were observed, including differences linked to dishwashing habits and the number of residents using the refrigerator. The descriptive trends suggest that certain behaviors, such as the frequency of dish towel sanitization and refrigerator cleaning, may influence microbial risks. These findings emphasize the importance of consistent hygiene practices in shared kitchen environments and support the development of educational and preventive strategies aimed at improving food safety among young adults living in communal housing, such as promoting proper dish towel and sponge replacement, clear cleaning responsibilities, and separation of utensils for raw and cooked foods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 11","pages":"Article 100624"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-04Epub Date: 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100620
Jelili Adegboyega Adebiyi , Leslie D. Bourquin
The US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) developed suites of voluntary fee-for-service Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) audit verification programs, which, for reasons not well understood, are underwhelmingly accepted by produce buyers. To explore this low acceptance, this study conceptualized that buyers set food quality and safety requirements that their suppliers must meet to access their markets. These requirements likely influence which audit programs buyers deem acceptable. To date, no study has examined how buyers set these requirements or how such decisions shape their acceptance of GAP audit schemes. Therefore, this study surveyed and interviewed buyers to understand their food safety requirements for various types of produce, suppliers, and operations, as well as how these factors influence their selection of audit programs. The resulting information was used to understand the implications of buyers’ food safety requirements for the low acceptance of USDA GAP audit schemes. The findings revealed that buyers’ decisions regarding food safety requirements and audit acceptance are complex, shaped by numerous contextual factors, including regulatory demands, supplier and their operation types, operation scale and location, brand types, retailer reputation, produce risk profiles, and the type, scope, and stringency of audit schemes. The primary factors were the buyers’ customers’ requirements. Beyond fostering food safety, the requirements were set to strengthen buyers’ reputation and competitiveness, enhance quality assurance, and help them capture a share of the produce market. The study concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for expanding acceptance of USDA GAP audit schemes.
{"title":"Food Safety Standards Requirement Setting and GAP Audit Program Acceptance Decision-making by U.S. Buyers","authors":"Jelili Adegboyega Adebiyi , Leslie D. Bourquin","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) developed suites of voluntary fee-for-service Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) audit verification programs, which, for reasons not well understood, are underwhelmingly accepted by produce buyers. To explore this low acceptance, this study conceptualized that buyers set food quality and safety requirements that their suppliers must meet to access their markets. These requirements likely influence which audit programs buyers deem acceptable. To date, no study has examined how buyers set these requirements or how such decisions shape their acceptance of GAP audit schemes. Therefore, this study surveyed and interviewed buyers to understand their food safety requirements for various types of produce, suppliers, and operations, as well as how these factors influence their selection of audit programs. The resulting information was used to understand the implications of buyers’ food safety requirements for the low acceptance of USDA GAP audit schemes. The findings revealed that buyers’ decisions regarding food safety requirements and audit acceptance are complex, shaped by numerous contextual factors, including regulatory demands, supplier and their operation types, operation scale and location, brand types, retailer reputation, produce risk profiles, and the type, scope, and stringency of audit schemes. The primary factors were the buyers’ customers’ requirements. Beyond fostering food safety, the requirements were set to strengthen buyers’ reputation and competitiveness, enhance quality assurance, and help them capture a share of the produce market. The study concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for expanding acceptance of USDA GAP audit schemes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 11","pages":"Article 100620"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145058546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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