Research Publications (Food Safety)

Microviridae is a family of phages with circular ssDNA genomes and they are widely found in various environments and organisms. In this study, virome techniques were employed to explore potential members of Microviridae in a poultry slaughterhouse, leading to the identification of 98 novel and complete microvirus genomes.

Abstract Aims Contact with backyard poultry (i.e., privately‐owned, non‐commercial poultry) was first associated with a multistate outbreak of salmonellosis in 1955. In recent years, backyard poultry‐associated salmonellosis outbreaks have caused more illnesses in the United States than salmonellosis outbreaks linked to any other type of animal. Here, we describe the epidemiology of outbreaks from 2015–2022 to inform prevention efforts.

by A. Q. M. Robiul Kawser, M. Nazmul Hoque, M. Shaminur Rahman, Tahsin Islam Sakif, Tracey J. Coffey, Tofazzal Islam The field of fish microbiome research has rapidly been advancing, primarily focusing on farmed or laboratory fish species rather than natural or marine fish populations.

This study investigated the effects of fish protein hydrolysate derived from barramundi on growth performance, muscle composition, immune response, disease resistance, histology and gene expression in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). In vitro studies demonstrated FPH enhanced mRNA expressions of key immune-related genes and stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytic activity in shrimp hemocytes.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the primary pathogenic agents found in cheeses produced with raw milk. Some strains of S. aureus are enterotoxigenic, possessing the ability to produce toxins responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning when present in contaminated foods. This study aimed to genotypically characterize, assess the antimicrobial resistance profile, and examine the enterotoxigenic potential of strains of S.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicerae Flos (SL) extract on the growth performance and intestinal health of yellow-feather broilers following a Clostridium perfringens challenge.

Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), as a feed additive to poultry diets, enhances digestion, prevents Salmonella enteritidis (SE) colonization, and treats current infections. The objective of this study was to utilize a quantitative proteomic approach to determine the effect of BMD feed additive on broiler chickens challenged with SE in the spleen proteome.

Abstract The global shrimp market holds substantial prominence within the food industry, registering a significant USD 24.7 billion in worldwide exportation in 2020. However, the production of a safe and high‐quality product requires consideration of various factors, including the potential for allergenic reactions, occurrences of foodborne outbreaks, and risks of spoilage.

Microbiology Resource Announcements, Ahead of Print. Salmonella enterica is the etiological agent responsible for salmonellosis. Here, we report the draft whole genome sequences of 13 S. enterica subsp. enterica isolates from chickens and cows, as well as from previous Canadian Salmonella outbreaks investigated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
 

by Nutthapon Sangklai, Premruethai Supungul, Pattana Jaroenlak, Anchalee Tassanakajon The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a fungi-related, spore-forming parasite. EHP infection causes growth retardation and size variation in shrimp, resulting in severe economic losses. Studies on shrimp immune response have shown that several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were upregulated upon EHP infection.

The poultry industry faces significant challenges in controlling Salmonella contamination while reducing antibiotic use, particularly with the emergence of Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) strains posing risks to food safety and public health.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been recognized in hospitals, community and livestock animals and the epidemiology of MRSA is undergoing a major evolution among humans and animals in the last decade. This study investigated the prevalence of MRSA isolates from ground pork, retail whole chicken, and patient samples in Hanzhong, China.

This paper aimed to demonstrate the production of edible extracts from red jambo flowers, cultivated in northeastern Brazil, and investigate their bioactive properties.

Abstract Two alternative methods for producing compost in a tunnel, from certain category (Cat.) 3 animal by‐products (ABP) and other non‐ABP material, were assessed. The first method proposed a minimum temperature of 55°C for 72 h and the second 60°C for 48 h, both with a maximum particle size of 200 mm. The assessment of the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) exclusively focused on Cat.

Abstract Global ornamental fish transportation ranging from hours to days can produce multiple stress factors impact fish health and cause mortality. Clownfish, particularly Amphiprion ocellaris, are among the most traded saltwater ornamental fish. Vibrio includes several pathogenic strains that affect aquatic animals. Consequently, prophylactic treatment of the water or fish is recommended.

Recent fresh produce outbreaks potentially associated with bioaerosol contamination from animal operations in adjacent land highlighted the need for further study to better understand the associated risk. The purpose of this research was to evaluate three sampling methods for quantifying target bacterial bioaerosols from animal operations. A dairy cattle and poultry farm located in Georgia, U.S. were visited six times each.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to pose a grave threat to public health. The increase in the burden of AMR is fueled by the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents in agriculture. The objective of this study was to develop a genome-based machine learning model to predict AMR in Salmonella isolated from chicken meat.

This study determined the impact of food residues on the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium from stainless steel surfaces. Results show that food residue types tested in the present study had differentially impacted the recovery of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella during environmental monitoring. Abstract This study evaluated the impact of different food residues on the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium from stainless steel surfaces.

This cross-sectional study investigates the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characteristics in healthy swine populations in central Portugal. A total of 213 samples were collected from pigs on twelve farms, and MRSA prevalence was assessed using selective agar plates and confirmed via molecular methods.

Microbiology Resource Announcements, Ahead of Print. The complete genome sequence is reported for Vibrio harveyi isolate K2014767, isolated from a captive Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) during a species-specific mortality event in a public display aquarium in the United States.
 

The study explores a colouring agent developed from rambutan peel powder stabilised with cardamom oil, imparting antimicrobial functionality. The cardamom vapour's mode of action is elucidated, showing efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, common in foods like shrimp paste. Addressing colour instability, the agent extends shrimp paste shelf life, ensuring a stable red hue. Summary Rambutan peel (RP), an agricultural by‐product from rambutan trading, contains the red pigment anthocyanin.

This research aimed to assess the potential of active food packaging as an innovative approach to enhance the quality of fresh food products. Specifically, our focus was on developing chitosan edible films combined with rosemary nanoemulsion (Ch-RNE) and carvacrol nano-emulsion (Ch-CNE) as effective antibacterial food packaging solutions. The efficacy of these films against artificially inoculated L.

Listeria monocytogenes presents significant risk to human health due to its high resistance and capacity to form toxin-producing biofilms that contaminate food. The objective of this study was to assess the inhibitory effect of citronella aldehyde (CIT) on L. monocytogenes and investigate the underlying mechanism of inhibition.

Superabsorbent bio-aerogels were developed from TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (isolated from vegetable lignocellulosic residues) and two different commercial chitosan reactants (low and high molecular weight) by polyelectrolyte complex formation at room temperature.