Research Publications (Food Safety)

Thermal processing is a widely used method to ensure the microbiological safety of milk. Predictive microbiology plays a crucial role in quantifying microbial growth and decline, providing valuable guidance on the design and optimization of food processing operations.

Despite regulatory and technological measures, edible sprouts are still often involved in foodborne illness and are considered a high-risk food. The present study explored the potential of spore-forming Bacillus isolates to mitigate Salmonella and Escherichia coli contamination of alfalfa sprouts. Food-derived Bacillus strains were screened for antagonistic activity against S. enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 (STm) and enteropathogenic E. coli O55:H7.

Salmonella is a global bacterial foodborne pathogen associated with a variety of contaminated food products. Poultry products are a common source of Salmonella-associated foodborne illness, and an estimated 7% of human illnesses in the United States are attributed to turkey products.

Listeriosis is a severe disease caused by the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns. While relatively uncommon, it has a high global mortality rate of 20–30%. Recent research indicates that smaller outbreaks of the more severe, invasive form of the disease occur more frequently than previously thought, despite the overall stable infection rates of L.

The objective of this study was to compare the minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials included in a commercial broth microdilution panel among Gram-positive pathogens that caused non-severe clinical mastitis on three Michigan dairy farms. Duplicate quarter milk samples were collected from eligible quarters of cows enrolled in a randomized clinical trial, cultured in a university laboratory, and identified using MALDI-TOF.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a poultry intestinal disease caused by virulent strains of the bacterium Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens).

In recent years organic food is gaining popularity as it is believed to promote better human health and improve soil sustainability, but there are apprehensions about pathogens in organic produces. This study was designed to understand the effect of different composts and soils on the status of the microbiome present in organically grown leafy vegetables. 16S rRNA metagenomic profiling of the leaves was done, and data were analyzed.

Livestock farms are major reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that are discharged into the environment. However, the abundance, diversity, and transmission of ARGs in duck farms and its impact on surrounding environments remain to be further explored. Therefore, the characteristics of ARGs and their bacterial hosts from duck farms and surrounding environment were investigated by using metagenomic sequencing.

This research investigates the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on the growth performance, gut microbial community, and microbial metabolic functions in weaned piglets via a combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomics approach. A controlled trial was conducted using 200 pigs to highlight the significant influence of PFAs on gut microbiota dynamics.

Abstract Salmonella has been associated with numerous outbreaks from contaminated food products, including emulsions. Emulsions are influenced by emulsifier type and oil presence, which can have varying degrees of stress or protection on bacteria. Although our previous research has shown that emulsifier solutions, rather than emulsions, provide a protective effect on Salmonella typhimurium after thermal treatment, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study selected S.

Listeria monocytogenes can persist in food processing environments, mainly thanks to its biofilm-forming abilities. Alongside classical decontamination methods, environmentally friendly technologies, including electrolyzed water, plasma-activated water, ozone, enzymes, with considerable antimicrobial potential were recently proposed as anti-biofilm strategies. However, data published in recent years suggest significant variability in the response of L.

Abstract Food is one of the basic needs of human life. With the increasing population, the production and supply of safe and quality foods are critical. Foods can be classified into different categories including low moisture, intermediate moisture, and high moisture content. Historically, low‐moisture foods have been considered safe for human consumption due to the limited amount of moisture for microbial activity.

Introduction Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium are the two most clinically important zoonotic Salmonella serovars and vaccination of breeding and laying hens affords effective Salmonella control. The use of live vaccines has proven beneficial for a number of reasons, including ease of application, protection from the first day of life onwards and initiation of a strong local immune response.

Brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola is one major disease in harvested peach fruit. Natural volatile compounds (VOCs) produced by antagonistic microorganisms have good biocontrol effects on postharvest fungal diseases.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a DON and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge on the intestinal morphology, morphometry, oxidative stress, and immune response of broilers. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of a Lactobacillus spp. mixture as an approach to mitigate the damage induced by the challenge.

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen and a leading cause of gastroenteritis in humans and animals. Salmonella is highly pathogenic and encompasses more than 2600 characterized serovars. The transmission of Salmonella to humans occurs through the farm-to-fork continuum and is commonly linked to the consumption of animal-derived food products.

Antimicrobial peptides have been developed based on plant-derived molecular scaffolds for the treatment of infectious diseases. Chenopodin is an abundant seed storage protein in quinoa, an Andean plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Here, we used computer- and physicochemical-based strategies and designed four peptides derived from the primary structure of Chenopodin.

Salmonella contamination of egg products is a major concern in the poultry industry. This study aimed to characterize newly isolated lytic Salmonella bacteriophages and evaluate the efficacy of Salmonella ser.

Thermal inactivation studies were undertaken on Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. inoculated on the surface of country ham. Hams (average = ca. 3.4 ± 0.5 kg each; average = ca. ≥18% shrinkage) were used as provided by the processor (i.e., “salted hams”), desalted in tap water (i.e., “desalted hams”), or dried for an additional period (i.e., “extra dried hams”). Hams were surface inoculated (ca.

Introduction Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen that poses a threat to public health due to its association with foodborne contamination and a variety of infections. The factors contributing to the pathogenicity of S. aureus include virulence, drug resistance, and toxin production, making it essential to monitor their prevalence and genetic profiles. This study investigated and compared the genomic characteristics of S.

In poultry slaughtering, cross-contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis is a constant ongoing challenge. Interaction between food contact surfaces can potentially transfer pathogenic material like feces from carcasses to another one. One approach to break this chain is to modify surfaces that frequently come into contact with the animal during the slaughtering process.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is commonly found in seawater and seafood products, but evidence is limited of its presence in seafood marketed in locations very distant from coastal sources. This study determined the prevalence and characterization of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood from markets in landlocked Phayao province, Northern Thailand. Among 120 samples, 26 (21.7%) were positive for V.

Abstract Aims Enteric pathogens with a livestock reservoir pose a unique risk to people in occupations with regular contact with animals. However, public health surveillance of occupational exposures is inadequate, with surveillance for occupation typically focusing on the risk of transmission and the need for worker exclusion, rather than workplace exposures.

Introduction

This study examines the optimum conversion of Wuzhishan pig manure by Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) at various phases of development, as well as the impact of gut microbiota on conversion efficiency.

Method and results

HMOs (Human milk oligosaccharide) has an impact on maternal and infant health. Colostrum samples of 70 breastfeeding women in China were collected and recorded clinical characteristics. The major oligosaccharides and microbiota were quantitated in colostrum. The concentration of fucosylated HMOs in primipara was higher than that of multipara (p = 0.030). The concentration of N-acetylated HMOs in vaginal delivery milk was less than that of cesarean (p = 0.038).