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News Headlines: 27 February - 5 March 2010 Report estimates annual foodborne illness cost at $152 billion; Contaminated HVP prompts recalls; Concern over antimony in juice drinks; Studies highlight confusion between risk and haza . . . more News Headlines: 20 - 26 February 2010 Parents advised on safe way to make up infant formula; Agency issues Food Alert for smoked mackerel; EFSA cooperation project looks at non-plastic food contact materials; New study ident . . . more News Headlines: 13 - 19 February 2010 Salmonella Montevideo outbreak - FDA update; USA launches new screening system for food imports; Oysters withdrawn over norovirus contamination; FDA warns Kellogg over Listeria in waffle . . . more News Headlines: 6 - 12 February 2010 Report questions bagged salad safety; AFSSA publishes bisphenol A safety opinion; Evira releases contaminant report; Study finds mercury contamination in canned tuna; a href="#stor . . . more News Headlines: 30 January - 5 February 2010 Annual zoonoses and foodborne outbreak report published; Tests confirm black pepper as source of Salmonella outbreak; EFSA to consult experts on BPA safety; Baby food recalled over possi . . . more More

SOMETHING IN THE AIR - techniques for monitoring airborne microorganisms Controlling levels of microbial contamination in the air around sensitive processing and packing operations has become an increasingly important part of hygienic food manufacturing in recent years. Despite this, the methods routinely used for monitoring the microbiological quality of the air in food factories have lagged behind those available for other applications. . . . more A REVOLUTION IN THE MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY Until comparatively recently, the tools available to the food microbiologist were antiquated in comparison with those at the disposal of analytical chemistry and other disciplines. After a long wait, the revolution in molecular biology that has already changed other branches of microbiology beyond recognition is set to propel food microbiology into the twenty-first century. . . . more SALAD DAYS (Part II) - an investigation into the microbiological safety of prepared salads Food poisoning outbreaks caused by leafy green salad vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, have been making food safety headlines on a regular basis over the last few years, especially in the USA. In the second part of this two-part feature, we look at how contamination occurs, how it can be controlled and some of the latest research on the interactions between pathogenic bacteria and plants. . . . more SALAD DAYS - an investigation into the microbiological safety of prepared salads Food poisoning outbreaks caused by fresh salad vegetables have been making food safety headlines on a regular basis over the last few years, especially in the USA. But is a developing reputation as a high-risk sector really deserved? In the first part of this two-part feature, we look at some of the facts and figures and try to put the issue into perspective. . . . more FOOD IRRADIATION - The Lost Technology The potential of ionising radiation to destroy harmful microorganisms in foods was realised a long time ago, but it is still little used by industry. This article looks at the history of the technology and asks whether it could be the solution to some enduring food safety problems. . . . more More