Summary: A multicenter study systematically compared six ISO 11731:2017 standardized culture techniques for detecting Legionella in 276 hospital hot-water samples.  Detection rates varied significantly depending on the method used. Source links: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Water What’s the Best Way to Detect …

Together with IEH, Brooks Applied Labs conducted a study evaluating the authenticity of commercial vanilla products using bulk carbon isotope analysis (EA-IRMS) and (GC-C-IRMS)...

Summary:  A rationally defined, 7-member microbial consortium assembled from isolated yeast and bacterial strains found during spontaneous cocoa fermentation was found to faithfully reproduce the chemical, sensory, and microbiological attributes of traditional fine-flavor chocolate.  Source links:  Nature Microbiology Food & …

In a recent issue of Food Protection Trends, published by the International Association for Food Protection, IEH co-founder and Head of R&D Dr. Mansour Samadpour is featured for his continued...

The study analyzed popular protein products for heavy metals, reinforcing the importance of ultra-sensitive detection methods and transparent data practices...

Summary: Campylobacter is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in Europe. Improper handling of raw chicken – boosts Campylobacter cross-contamination risk in the kitchen; replacing cutting boards or knives was found to reduced pathogen transfer by 57–75%. Source links: International …

Summary: E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium were inoculated onto lettuce and cucumber plants. The pathogens were frequently detected internally, indicating that these routes may allow entry into edible tissues and persist through harvest.  Source links: Food Microbiology Food & Beverage Study …

Summary: A survey of smallholder farms in South Africa identified frequent contamination with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-producing Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – informal farming systems may serve as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Source links: Journal of Food Protection Food & Beverage Informal Farming …

Summary: Four-year follow-up data from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial shows that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in adolescents with obesity improves metabolic health and body composition despite no significant changes in BMI. Source links: Nature Communications Microbiome Fecal Microbiota Transplantation May …

Summary:  The crossover of avian influenza A(H5N1) to dairy cattle and the recovery of virus in milk from infected cows pose a risk for human transmission. Whilst pasteurization is known to inactivate the virus, the increasing popularity of raw milk …