Why are so many brands of enoki mushrooms are being recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

 On May 28, the FDA reported the recall of enoki mushrooms due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes by five companies. All recalls were initiated after the California department of health found Listeria monocytogenes in a product. The recalling companies are Marquis Worldwide Specialty Inc (City of Industry, CA), California Terra Garden Inc. (Commerce, CA), CONCORD FARMS (Vernon, CA), Rainfield Marketing Group, Inc. (Vernon, CA), and Sun Hong, Inc (1105 W Olympic Blvd, Montebello, CA).  The question remains why so many recall of a similar product in one state? Did other states fail to test similar products? 


Evolution in Food Pathogen detection: From culture media to Universal detection systems of multiple pathogens

The journey from the traditional culture-based methods to the current state of the art is impressive. Culture-based methods remain the first choice for many since they are sensitive, inexpensive, and easy to use. However, they tend to be laborious, time-consuming, and slow to provide results. Methods evolved- first came Immunological methods that Include ELISA, lateral flow immunoassay, and IMS. They are faster, more convenient but lack some specificity. Molecular Detection Methods emerged from simple PCR to multiplex PCR, real-time PCR (qPCR), NASBA, LAMP, and oligonucleotide DNA microarray, and they keep evolving. Along the way, phage-based methods were developed. Many Biosensors...


How much progress have we made to obtain safe leafy Greens?

On April 6, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced issuing a final report on its investigation of the 2020 fall outbreak of E. coli O157:H7). The FDA also announced the release of an update of their action plan to improve leafy greens’ safety. The 2020 outbreak strain was linked through WGS to previous outbreaks involving leafy greens’ consumption. The outbreak strain was obtained from cattle feces composite sample, taken from a road approximately 1.3 miles upslope from the produce farm. The investigation gave insights into potential sources of contamination, including livestock activities on adjacent land. The FDA...