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A paper entitled, “Decontamination of raw produce by surface microdischarge and the evaluation of its damage to cellular components,” researchers from the University of Maryland evaluated a surface microdischarge (SMD) for the bacterial decontamination of raw produce. With 1 min of SMD treatment, a >2 log reduction in Escherichia coli O157:H7 was consistently observed. Scanning electron microscopy of E. coli O157:H7 revealed that SMD causes damage to the cell membrane, lead to cell expansion, and eventually to cell lysis. The treatment causes the oxidation of cellular components by forming carboxylic acid (COOH) and carboxylate (COO-) groups inside the bacteria and/or on the bacterial cell wall. Finally, it also leads to the modification of polysaccharides and phosphorus-containing groups typically found in phospholipids and DNA. The simple and flexible technology can be a game changer in food manufacturing. @ https://www.prweb.com/releases/umd_researchers_explore_new_potential_method_of_food_sanitation_shows_99_e_coli_elimination_using_nothing_but_air_and_a_little_electricity_with_the_flip_of_a_switch/prweb16318526.htm

CDC announced that a total of 71 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Uganda had been reported from 8 states (Connecticut 14, Florida 1, Massachusetts 5, New Jersey 18, New York 27, Pennsylvania 4, Rhode Island 1, and Texas 1). Most illnesses happened since April, Twenty-seven people have been hospitalized, and no death has been reported. Epidemiological data shows that that Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas distributed by Agroson’s LLC are a likely source of this outbreak. All other papayas from Mexico are safe to eat according to the FDA. There was no recall of the product, although the FDA asked the firm to recall the product. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/uganda-06-19/index.html

The FDA, the CDC and State partners, is investigating a suspected link between pig ear treats and human cases of salmonellosis. CDC reports that there have been 45 cases of human infection with Salmonella enterica serotype I 4,[5],12:i:- in 13 states. Twelve people have been hospitalized. Pig ear treat samples collected from bulk bins in retail locations by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) tested positive for several strains of Salmonella (Salmonella London, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Newport, and Salmonella Infantis), but not the specific strain connected to this outbreak. FDA is also working to remove these pig ears from the marketplace and identify other places where they may have been distributed. @ https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigates-contaminated-pig-ear-pet-treats-connected-human-salmonella-infections?utm_campaign=7-3-2019-PigEars&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

According to the CDC, there were nearly 3,000 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in 2018. In 2018, an outbreak tied to salads sold in a quick-service restaurant chain made more than 500 people sick in 15 states, and another associated with prepackaged vegetable trays made 250 people ill in four states. Reported cases increase during May-July. So far in 2019, 23 cases of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis have been reported. In early June, representatives of the FDA, CDC, industry, and academia participated in a scientific workshop to discuss gaps in detection methods and plans for the development of tools that will help keep this parasite out of pre- and post-harvest foods. CDC is working to make reporting easier by improving and expanding web-based reporting. The FDA and CDC are improving how they share information with each other, to help facilitate rapid identification and investigation of cyclosporiasis clusters. Last year, the FDA began using a new method, developed and validated by FDA scientists, to detect Cyclospora in food. Another method was developed for water.@ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-leadership-and-experts/fda-cdc-develop-robust-strategy-prevent-illnesses-caused-cyclospora?utm_campaign=FDA%20Voices%20Cyclospora&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua