S1077: Enhancing Microbial Food Safety by Risk Analysis

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[02/05/2024] [11/04/2024]

Date of Annual Report: 02/05/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/04/2023 - 10/05/2023
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2022 - 09/30/2023

Participants

Last Name First Name Organization
Adhikari Achyut Louisiana State University
Chaves Byron University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Chamberlin Barbara University of New Mexico
Dana Dittoe University of Wyoming
Gibson Kristen University of Arkansas
Mishra Abhivav University of Georgia
Kinchla Amanda University of Massachusetts Amherst
Perry Jennifer University of Maine
Plaza Maria University of Puerto Rico
Richard Nicole University of Rhode Island
Trinetta Valentina Kansas State University
Stasiewicz Matthew University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Zhu Meijun Washington State University

Participants Attachment:

Participants - 23 -current.docx

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Minutes - 23 - updated.docx

Accomplishments

Participants at Illinois continued to lead a team evaluating the power of sampling and testing plans throughout various produce supply chains. This projects has variously involved other S1077 participants in project design, simulating specific supply chains, and in discussions with stakeholders. Participants at UT Knoxville continued research on improved rapid methods to detect, track and control foodborne pathogens, as well as collaborated with the TN Department of Health on WGS for detection and tracking. Participants at UMaine worked in collaboration with participants from DE and colleagues from VT and the FDA to routes of preharvest pathogen contamination in regionally relevant fresh produce commodities grown in the northeast US. Participant at Texas A&M University quantified presence and dissemination of Salmonella via winged insects approaching/entering poultry animal production systems in Central Texas. Isolates’ identities were confirmed and antibiotic resistance profiles were obtained. Isolates were found to be resistant to only one or two drugs, and did not fit the definition of multi-drug/multi-class resistant Salmonella. Research data were used to submit two new competitive grants and formed the foundation of newly funded research carrying into FY2024. Virginia Tech initiated a study to categorize and prioritize the most significant veterinary drug residues in cattle, identify the possible risks associated with them, and provide proper guidance to enhance cattle residue sampling plans and protect public health. The project participants will develop criteria for selecting animals for drug residue testing and recommend appropriate sampling plans to minimize veterinary drug residue contamination of meat and milk. Participants at UMass continued their research related to developing better detection methods for foodborne pathogens. Additionally, they also conducted research related to better understanding how pathogens may evolve and survive in food processing environments, as well as evaluated the potential for risk of common produce processing methods to result in cross-contamination of pathogens. The KSU team continued their research on characterizing the food safety risk in food system, particularly focusing on produce, water and animal food collaborating nationally and internationally. Rutgers University participants characterized food safety risks in food systems. This is done through research in the laboratory which studies the behavior of foodborne pathogens and pathogenic surrogates. This is also accomplished through analysis of data collected in our laboratory but also from the scientific literature. These data are then used to create predictive mathematical models to assess risk. Clemson University analyzed reducing risk of coronavirus in food service facilities, the spread of pathogens by flying insects, reduction of Listeria in stone fruit processing and cross contamination in food pantries. Clemson is collaborating with the University of Florida, University of Utah and University of California Los Angeles. University of Wyoming is characterizing the risk of spillover of Sars-Cov-2 into wildlife systems from wastewater treatment plants in the U.S.. As well, UW has continued to assess the role of environmental inputs on the spread and dissemination of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance and genes in bacteria. <h2>Risk Management: Develop, validate, and apply science-based interventions to prevent and mitigate food safety threats</h2> Participants from UT Knoxville investigated application of intervention and processing technologies including novel UV-LED based systems to inactivate foodborne viral pathogens on surfaces and to decrease the risk of foodborne illness transmission or cross-contamination. In addition, research on bacteriophages for food safety applications continued and work was conducted to understand natural reservoirs of foodborne pathogens. Participants at Texas A&M University modeled and validated the inactivation of Salmonella Senftenberg as a high heat-tolerant Salmonella in poultry carcass offal (feathers, blood) routinely used as an animal food/feed component and/or a biological soil amendment of animal origin. Participant at Texas A&M University collaboratively validated the utility of superhydrophobic coating materials to repel bacterial pathogens from differing materials relevant to fresh produce packing, demonstrating 99% reductions in effective attachment of enteric pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli) and gram-positive non-sporeformers (S. aureus, Listeria spp.) Participants at UMass investigated and developed novel formulations and techniques for inactivating foodborne pathogens, viral and bacterial, in different food processing relevant environments. Further, participants at UMass conducted research on the potential for different foodborne pathogens to develop enhanced resistance to common sanitation regimens used in food production environments. Participants form the KSU team investigated hte application of intervention, such as UV-C and LED light, TiO2 and enhance and combined used of commercially available chemicals to inactive foodborne pathogens on surfaces commonly used in food processing facilities in order to control and decrease the level of foodborne pathogens contamination. Furthermore, researchers have been working on the use of qualitative and quantitative data to determine if pre-chill and post-chill sampling are predictive of Salmonella enterica contamination in ground turkey. Participants from the WSU investigated the efficacy of commonly used sanitizers in inactivating foodborne pathogens on the surfaces of apples and stone fruits and to reduce the risk of foodborne illness transmission or cross-contamination. Participant at University of Missouri investigated the antimicrobial activity of a TiO2-coating on growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus on stainless steel, characterized a novel lytic phage that is effective against Shiga toxin producing E. coli, and worked on development of a biosensor and packaging films using the phage as a tool, as well as on rapid detection methods for pathogens in food. Studies into internalization of E. coli O157:H7 in lettuce continue. Rutgers University participants took the results from risk assessment and then used these results to develop, validate, and apply science-based interventions to prevent and mitigate food safety threats. This area relies on a close partnership with our colleagues who work as regulators and in the food industry. They use the results from our risk assessments in their own work to focus their efforts to assure the greatest benefit for the resources available to manage risk. Clemson University evaluated natural products to replace antibiotics in poultry production, steam treatments to eliminate coronavirus in food service, food-grade sanitizers to sanitize refrigerator waterlines, microbrewery sanitation.  University of Wyoming evaluated novel antimicrobial interventions, grape seed extract and sodium bisulfate, for foodborne pathogen control on food products. As well, UW has continued efforts to develop rapid pathogen quantification and characterization diagnostic tools by adapting a commercial detection kit (PCR) to quantitate Campylobacter jejuni, lari, and coli in poultry rinsate samples, developing a multi-Salmonella detection assay in raw poultry products (dPCR), and enhancing SARS-CoV-2 detection technology (dPCR). <h2>Risk Communication: Convey science-based messages to stakeholders to improve food safety behaviors and practices</h2> LSU AgCenter food safety team offered several food safety workshops including PSA growers course, FSPCA PCQI course, Farmers market food safety, Composting for food safety, GAPs/GHPs and Farm workers food safety course around the state. UMaine Extension, in collaboration with NECAFS, offered a series of workshops focusing on sanitation and sanitary equipment design for growers in Maine using specialized harvesting equipment. Texas A&M UNiversity participant, in partnership with Texas Department of Agriculture, using Zoom.com, provided four differing remote training events to Texas located fresh produce industry members to transfer food safety knowledge to growers and packers of speciality crops, and aid with federal rules compliance. Rutgers University participants conveyed science-based messages to stakeholders to improve food safety behaviors and practices. Stakeholders are defined very broadly and can range from the regulators and members of the food industry, but also includes consumers in their own homes who are seeking risk and science-based information to help with improved decision-making. Through the multi-state networks, a collaborative team from New Mexico State, UMass and Iowa State have designed a new interactive food safety game to convey science based food safety concepts through a fun and engaging delivery method. The Clemson team conveyed results from research projects to the food industry and regulators through Food Safety training workshops, research presentations and research publications

Publications

<ol> <li>Asgari, S., Dhital, R., Mustapha, A., & Lin, M.   Duplex detection of foodborne pathogens using a SERS optofluidic sensor coupled with immunoassay. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 383 (2022):109947.</li> <li>Choo, K. W., Mao, L. and Mustapha, A.   CAM-21, a novel lytic phage with high specificity towards Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food products. Int. J. of Food Microbiol. 386 (2023):110026.</li> <li>Haley, O.C.*, Xu, X., Jaberi-Douraki, M., Rivard, C., Pliakoni, E.D., Nwadike, L. & Bhullar, M.S. 2023. The Reduction of Escherichia coli on the Surface of Fresh Strawberries by UV-LED Technology is limited by Its Complex Surface Structures. Journal of Food Protection (Revisions submitted).</li> <li>Haley, O.C.*, Xu, X., Jaberi-Douraki, M., Bhullar, M.S., Rivard, C., Pliakoni, E.D., & Nwadike, L. 2023. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Ultraviolet-C Light Technologies for Agricultural Surface Water Decontamination by Produce Growers in Kansas and Missouri. Food Protection Trends (Accepted).</li> <li>Haley, O. C.*, Zhao, Y., Hefley, T., Britton, L. L., Nwadike, L., Rivard, C., & Bhullar, M.S. 2023. Developing a decision-making tool for agricultural surface water decontamination using ultraviolet-C light. Journal of Food Protection, 100129.</li> <li>Manville, E., Bhullar, M., Nwadike, L., Mustapha, A., & Trinetta, V. 2023. Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolates from Agricultural Water on Kansas and Missouri Fresh Produce Farms by Whole-Genome Sequencing. Food Protection Trends, 43(4).</li> <li>Zhao, Y.*, Haley, O.C.*, Xu, X., Jaberi-Douraki, M., Rivard, C., Pliakoni, E.D., Nwadike, L. & Bhullar, M.S., 2023. The Potential for Cover Crops to Reduce the Load of Escherichia coli in Contaminated Agricultural Soil. Journal of Food Protection, 86(7), p.100103.</li> <li>Haley, O.C.*, Nwadike, L., Pliakoni, E., Rivard, C., & Bhullar, M.S. 2023. Not 'berry' fruitful. The attenuation of UV-LED microbial reduction efficacy in blueberry fruit despite 360º treatment. Journal of Food Protection</li> <li>Choi, J. M., and D. H. D'Souza.   Inactivation of Tulane virus and feline calicivirus by aqueous ozone.  Journal of Food Science, J Food Sci. 2023 Sep 7. Doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.16755.</li> <li>Joshi, S., S. Ailavadi, L. Dice, and D. H. D'Souza.   Antiviral Effects of Quillaja saponaria Extracts Against Human Noroviral Surrogates.  Food Environ Virol. Mar 15. doi: 10.1007/s12560-023-09550-7.</li> <li>Dhital, R. & Mustapha, A. DNA concentration by solid phase reversible immobilization improves its yield and purity, and detection time of E. coli O157:H7 in foods by high resolution melt curve qPCR. Food Control 145 (2023):109456.</li> <li>Dhowlaghar, N. and T. G. Denes. 2023. Control of residual phage in the evaluation of phage-based food safety applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1-7.</li> <li>Yan, R., Mikanatha, N., Nachamkin, I., Hudson, L. K., Denes, T. G., and J. Kovac. 2023. Prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance and associated genetic determinants differed among Campylobacter isolated from human and poultry meat sources in Pennsylvania. Food Microbiology, 116:104349.</li> <li>Chaggar, H.K., Hudson, L.K., Kuster, R., Garman, K.N., Dunn, J.R. and T.G. Denes.2023. ClustFinder: A tool for threshold-delineated clustering of microbial isolates by pairwise genomic distance. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 211:106788.</li> <li>Bryan, D.W., Hudson, L.K., Wang, J. and T.G. Denes. 2023. Characterization of a diverse collection of Salmonella phages isolated from Tennessee wastewater. PHAGE, 4(2):90-98.</li> <li>G. Denes. 2023. Bacteria can shed a layer when phages turn up the heat. Nature Microbiology, 8(3):367-368..</li> <li>Hudson, L.K., Andershock, W.E., Qian, X., Gibbs, P.L., Orejuela, K., Garman, K.N., Dunn, J.R. and T.G. Denes. 2023. Phylogeny and genomic characterization of clinical Salmonella enterica serovar Newport collected in Tennessee. Microbiology Spectrum,11(1):e03876-22.</li> <li>Murray, A.F., Bryan, D., Garfinkel, D.A., Jogensen, C.S., Tang, N., Liyanage, W.L.N.C., Lass, E.A., Yang, Y., Rack, P.D., Denes, T.G. and D.A. Gilbert*. 2022. Antimicrobialproperties of a multi-component alloy. Scientific Reports, 12(1):21427.</li> <li>Claxton, M.L., Hudson, L.K., Bryan, D.W. and T.G. Denes*. 2022. Soil collected from asingle Great Smoky Mountains trail contains a diversity of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. Microbiology Spectrum.</li> <li>Waldron, C., Eifert, J., O’Keefe, S., Williams, R. and Le, T. 2023. Delmopinol hydrochloride inhibits Campylobacter jejuni on skinless poultry meat, stainless steel and high-density polyethylene food contact surfaces. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 76, 1–6. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/lambio/ovad042">https://doi.org/10.1093/lambio/ovad042</a></li> <li>Acuff, J. C., Waterman, K., Wu, J. Murphy, C., Gallagher, D. and Ponder, MA. 2023. Inactivation kinetics of a surrogate yield conservative predictions of foodborne pathogen reductions from low water activity foods of varying size and composition during low-temperature steam processing. Heliyon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17893</li> <li>Bywater A, Alexander KA, Eifert J., Strawn L. and Ponder MA.   Survival of inoculated Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on kale during refrigerated storage.  Journal of Food Protection.  86 (3): 100042.  doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100042</li> <li>Brooks M, Alexander KA, Medley, S. and M. Ponder. 2023. Campylobacter in aquatic and terrestrial mammals is driven by life traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11: 57.</li> <li>Devarajan, N., Weller, D.L., Jones, M., Adell, A.D., Adhikari, A., Allende, A., Arnold, N.L., Baur, P., Beno, S.M., Clements, D., Olimpi, E.M., Critzer, F., Green, H., Gorski, L., Ferelli Gruber, A., Kovac, J., McGarvey, J., Murphy, C.M., Murphy, S.I., Navarro-Gonzalez, N., Owen, J.P., Pires, A.F.A., Richard, N., Samaddar, S., Schmidt, R., Scow, K., Shariat, N.W., Smith, O.M., Spence, A.R., Stoeckel, D., Tran, T.D.H., Wall, G., Karp, D.S. 2023. Evidence for the efficacy of pre-harvest agricultural practices in mitigating food-safety risks to fresh produce in North America. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1101435">3389/fsufs.2023.1101435</a></li> <li>Rolon M.L., Tan, X., Chung, T., Gonzalez-Escalona, N., Chen, Y., Macarisin, D., LaBorde, L., Kovac, J. 2023. The composition of environmental microbiota in three tree fruit packing facilities changed over seasons and contained taxa indicative of monocytogenes contamination. Microbiome. DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01544-8.</li> <li>Chung, T., Yan, R., Weller, D.L., Kovac, J. 2023. Conditional forest models built using metagenomic data accurately predicted Salmonella contamination in Northeastern streams. Microbiology Spectrum. DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00381-23.</li> <li>Bedassa, A., Nahusenay, H., Asefa, Z., Sisay, T., Girmay, G., Kovac, J., Vipham, J.L., Zewdu, A. 2023. Prevalence and associated risk factors for Salmonella enterica contamination of cow milk and cottage cheese in Ethiopia. International Journal of Food Contamination. DOI: 10.1186/s40550-023-00101-3.</li> <li>Mengstu, B., Tola, A., Nahusenay, H., Sisay, T., Kovac, J., Vipham, J., Zewdu, A. 2023. Evaluation of microbial hygiene indicators in raw milk, pasteurized milk and cottage cheese collected across the dairy value chain in Ethiopia. International Dairy Journal. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2022.105487">DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2022.105487</a></li> <li>Admasie, A., Eshetu, A., Tessema, T.S., Vipham, J., Kovac, J., Zewdu, A. 2023. Prevalence of Campylobacter species and associated risk factors for contamination of dairy products collected in a dry season from major milk sheds in Ethiopia. Food Microbiology. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2022.104145">DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104145</a>.</li> <li>Mu, M., J.-K. Oh, Perez, W. Zhou, X. Wang, A. Castillo, M. Taylor, Y. Min, L. Cisneros-Zevallos, and M. Akbulut. 2024. Effect of wax chain length on the adhesion dynamics and interfacial rigidity of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2. Surfaces and Interfaces. 44:103745. Doi: 10.1016/j.surfin.2023.103745</li> <li>Nickodem, C.A., A.N. Arnold, M.R. Beck, J.J. Bush, K.B. Gehring, J.J. Gill, T. Le, J.A. Procter, J.T. Richeson, H.M. Scott, J.K. Smith, M. Taylor, J. Vinasco, and K.N. Norman. 2023. An experimental field trial investigating the use of bacteriophage and manure slurry applications in beef cattle feedlot pens for Salmonella mitigation. Animals. 13:1370. Doi: 10.3390/ani13203170.</li> <li>Arcot, Y., M. Mu, Taylor, A. Castillo, L. Cisneros-Zevallos, and M.E.S. Akbulut. 2023. Essential oil vapors-assisted plasma for rapid, enhanced sanitization of food-associated pathogenic bacteria. Food and Bioprocess Technology. Doi: 10.1007/s11947-023-03203-0.</li> <li>Shimwa Mykuvure, A.L., R.G. Moreira, and M. Taylor. 2023. Lethality validation for human pathogenic Salmonella enterica on chicken feathers and blood during simulated commercial low-temperature dry rendering. Microorganisms. 11:2071. Doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11082071.</li> <li>Mu, M., X. Wang, Taylor, A. Castillo, L. Cisneros-Zevallos, M. Akbulut, and Y. Min. 2023. Multifunctional coatings for mitigating bacterial fouling and contamination. Colloid and Interface Science Communications. 55:100717. Doi: 10.1016/j.colcom.2023.100717.</li> <li>Nickodem, C., A. Arnold, K. Gehring, J. Gill, J. Richeson, K. Samuelson, H. Scott, J. Smith, Taylor, J. Vinasco, and K. Norman. 2023. A longitudinal study on the dynamics of Salmonella enterica prevalence and serovar composition in beef cattle feces and lymph nodes and potential contributing sources from the feedlot environment. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 89:e0003323. Doi: 10.1128/aem.00033-23</li> <li>Mu, M., S. Liu, DeFlorio, L. Hao, X. Wang, K.S. Salazar, M. Taylor, A. Castillo, L. Cisneros-Zevallos, J.K. Oh, Y. Min, and M. Akbulut. 2023. Influence of surface roughness on nanostructure, and wetting on bacterial adhesion. Langmuir. 39:5426-5439. Doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00091.</li> <li>Annor, S.D., K.S. Salazar, S.D. Pillai, C.R. Kerth, J. Gill and T.M. Taylor. 2023. Melibiose-X-Gal-MacConkey agar for presumptive differentiation of Escherichia albertii from E. coli and Salmonella from poultry meat. Applied Microbiology. 3:119-130. Doi: 10.3390/applimicro3010010.</li> <li>Li K, Yucel U, Trinetta V. The Effects of Different Types of Sorghum varieties on the microbial fermentation dynamics of Huangjiu (Chinese-wine-rice) 2023. Journal of Food Technology and Preservation. 7(6): 201.</li> <li>Harrison O, Jones C, Trinetta V. Understanding the environmental presence of Salmonella spp. in finishing pigs at commercial swine farms in Kansas. Letters of Applied Microbiology. 1;76 (6):ovad065</li> <li>Manville E., Nwadike L, Trinetta V. 2023. The Combined Effect of Sanitizers and UV-C Light on Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms Growth and Survivability on Produce Harvesting Materials. Food Protection Trends. 43 (5), 376-382</li> <li>Pozuelo Bonilla K., Vega D., Maher J., Najar-Villareal F., Kang Q., Trinetta V., O’Quinn T.G., Phebus R.K., Gragg S.E. 2023. Validation of commercial antimicrobial intervention technologies to control Salmonella on skin-on market hog carcasses and chilled pork wholesale cuts. Food Control Journal. 151, 109829.</li> <li>Kiprotich SS, Altom E, Mason R, Trinetta V, Aldrich G. 2023 Application of encapsulated and dry-plated food acidulants to control Salmonella enterica in raw meat-based diets for dogs. Accepted Journal of Food Protection. 86 (5), 10077</li> <li>Shen, X., J. Zhu. 2023. Enhancing the efficacy of peracetic acid against L. monocytogenes and L. innocua on fresh apples using commercial cleaners. Food Microbiology, 116, 104358.</li> <li>Shen, X., Y. Su, Z. Hua, H. Zhu, G. Unlu, C. Ross, M. Mendoza, I. Hanrahan, J. Tang, J. Zhu. 2023. Listeria monocytogenes cross-contamination during apple waxing and subsequent survival under different storage conditions. Food Microbiology, 110: 104166.</li> <li>Su, Y., X. Shen, Z. Hua, H. Zhu, T. Chiu, Y. Wang, M. Mendoza, I. Hanrahan, J. Zhu. 2023. Fate of Listeria innocua on wax-coated Fuji apple surfaces under commercial refrigerated air storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 198: 112236.</li> <li>Wang, R., X. Shen, Y. Su, F. Critzer, J. Zhu. 2023. Chlorine and peroxyacetic acid inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in simulated apple dump tank water. Food Control, 144: 109314</li> <li>Charles, V.A., W.C. Baldwin, and W. Schaffner. 2023. Growth models for Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes give different predictions for pathogen growth in cut leafy greens transportation but are consistent in identifying higher risk conditions. Food Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2023.104338.</li> <li>Dolan, K.D., Miranda, R. and Schaffner, D.W. Estimation of bacteriophage MS2 inactivation parameters during microwave heating of frozen strawberries. Journal of Food Protection, 86, 100032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2022.100032</li> <li>Charles, V.A. and Schaffner, D. W. Curli production influences cross-contamination by Escherichia coli O157:H7 when washing fresh-cut romaine lettuce. Journal of Food Protection, 100023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2022.100023</li> <li>Jung, J. and W. Schaffner. 2022. Thermal inactivation of Salmonella enterica and nonpathogenic bacterial surrogates in wheat flour by baking in a household oven. J Food Prot; 85 (10): 1431–1438. https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-22-107</li> <li>Jung, J. and W. Schaffner. 2022. Enterobacter aerogenes B199A may be an effective surrogate for quantifying transfer of Salmonella Newport 96E01152C-TX from cucumber peel to edible flesh and peeler during peeling. J Food Prot. 85(10): 1452–1457. https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-22-110</li> <li>Jung, J. and W. Schaffner. 2022. Role of Salmonella Newport cell surface structures on bacterial attachment and transfer during cucumber peeling. Lett Appl Microbiol. 75: 1246-1253. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.13792">https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.13792</a></li> <li>Kimbrell, B., J. Huang, A. Fraser, and X. Jiang. Efficacy of ready-to-use spray disinfectants against SARS-COV-2 surrogates, bovine coronavirus and human coronavirus OC43, in suspension and on surfaces. IAFP Annual Meeting 2023, Jul 16-19, Toronto, Canada.</li> <li>Kimbrell, B., J. Huang, A. Fraser, and X. Jiang. Efficacy testing of three disinfectants against two SARS-COV-2 surrogates, bovine coronavirus and human coronavirus OC43, on materials commonly used in the “front-of-house” of foodservice establishments. Will submit to J. Food Prot.</li> <li>Huang, J., Fraser, and X. Jiang. Persistence of and steam vapor efficacy against two SARS-CoV-2 surrogates on two types of carpet.  Will submit to Viruses.</li> <li>Vishal Manjunatha and Xiuping Jiang. Nigella sativa and kefir as antibiotic alternatives in sustainable broiler production”, Southeastern Institute of Food Technologists (SEIFT) Annual Spring meeting, University of Alabama, Huntsville, AL, 21 April 2023. Placed 3rd in the poster competition.</li> <li>Manjunatha, V., Nixon, J. E., Mathis, G. F., Lumpkins, B. S., Güzel-Seydim, Z. B., Seydim, A. C., Greene, A.K. Jiang, X. 2023. Nigella sativa as an antibiotic alternative to promote growth and enhance health of broilers challenged with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens. Poultry Science, 102831.</li> <li>Vishal Manjunatha, V., J. Nixon, G. Mathis, B. Lumpkins, Z. B. Seydim, A. C. Seydim, A.K. Greene, and X. Jiang. Effect of combined action of Nigella sativa and kefir on the growth performance and health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis. Appl. Microbiol. (under review)</li> <li>Vishal Manjunatha, Vijay Shankar, Christopher J. Grim, Zhao Chen, and Xiuping Jiang. Analysis of whole genome sequences of Clostridium perfringens strains CP4 and CP6 isolated from chickens affected by necrotic enteritis. Genome report according to Genome Biology and Evolution. (in preparation)</li> <li>Dawson, P., and Richardson, J. (2023). Storage Temperature Effects on the Quality of Chicken Breast and Beef Sirloin. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 5(2), 85-91.</li> <li>Buyukyavuz, A, Northcutt, J.K. and Dawson, P. Bacterial pathogens carried by insects on and around poultry farms. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. In review. submitted 5-2023.</li> <li>Hopkins, D. Z., M. A. Parisi, P. L. Dawson and K. Northcutt. 2021. Surface decontamination of fresh whole peaches (Prunus persica) using sodium hypochlorite or acidified electrolyzed water solutions. International Journal of Fruit Science 21(1):1-11. <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1080%2F15538362.2020.1822269&data=05%7C01%7Cpdawson%40clemson.edu%7C5dcf8328d0744979382d08dbcc0096bd%7C0c9bf8f6ccad4b87818d49026938aa97%7C0%7C0%7C638328075121042314%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=U9S6mFJmcEpp5S%2FZYExNKErMM%2Fkn6zpGKGYM1sV6Z0Q%3D&reserved=0">https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15538362.2020.1822269</a></li> <li>Thompson, A., Northcutt, J.K., and Dawson, P. 2023. Surface hygiene in the microbrewery environment. Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists. In review. submitted 11/2023.</li> <li>Dawson, P.L., Northcutt, J.K., Buyukyavuz, A., Cochran, B. and McCollough, T. 2023. Assessment and mitigation of bacterial and fungal contamination of refrigerator waterlines. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Science. Submitted 9-29-23.</li> <li>Ghorbani Tajani, A. and Bisha, B. Effect of food matrix and treatment time on the effectiveness of grape seed extract as an antilisterial treatment in fresh produce. Microorganisms 11: 1029. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11041029">https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11041029</a></li> <li>Moore, M.D., Bisha, B., Anderson, J., and Brehm-Stecher, B. 2023. Sample preparation for detection of microbiological and chemical analytes. Elsevier.</li> <li>Bisha, B. and Brehm-Stecher, B. 2023. Disposable devices for microbial and chemical detection. Elsevier.</li> <li>Bodie, A.R., Dittoe, D.K., Applegate, S.F., Stephens, T.P., and Ricke, S.C. 2023. Adaptation of a commercial qualitative BAX® Real-Time PCR assay to quantify Campylobacter in whole bird carcass rinses. Foods 13,56. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/foods13010056</li> <li>Dittoe, D.K., Olson, E.G., Wythe, L.A., Lawless, Z.G., Thompson, D.R., Perry, L.M., and Ricke, S.C. 2023. Mitigating the attachment of Salmonella Infantis on isolated poultry skin with cetylpyridinium chloride. PLoS ONE 18(12): e0293549. https://doi.org/ 10.1371/journal.pone.0293549</li> <li>Dann A, Kaur S, Stoufer S, Kim M, Kaur I, Moore MD, Peeters M, McClements J. 2023. Imprinted Polymers for Detection of Chemical and Microbial Contaminants in Foods. Textbook Chapter. Encyclopedia of Food Safety, 2nd Edition, Ed. Byron Brehm-Stecher.</li> <li>Soorneedi A, Stoufer S, Kim M, Moore MD. 2023. Sample concentration and processing methods for viruses from foods and the environment prior to detection. Annual Reviews in Food Science and Technology. (In Press).</li> <li>Gensler C, Harper K, Stoufer S, Moore MD, Kinchla A. 2023. Exploring washing procedures for produce brush washers. Journal of Food Protection. 86(9): 100126.</li> <li>Kim M, Foster J, Moore MD, Chen M. 2023. Improving Single-Molecule Antibody Detection Selectivity through Optimization of Peptide Epitope Presentation in OmpG Nanopore. ACS Sensors. 8(7): 2673–2680.</li> <li>Dilpreet S, Soorneedi A, Vaze N, Domitrovic R, Sharp F, Lindsey D, Rohr A, Moore MD, Koutrakis P, Nardell E, Demokritou P. 2023. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 surrogate inactivation on surfaces and in air using UV and blue light-based intervention technologies. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association 73(3):200-211.</li> <li>Stoufer S, Demokritou M, Buckley D, Teska P, Moore MD. 2023. Evaluation of Commercial Disinfectants’ Ability to Degrade Free Nucleic Acids Commonly Targeted using Molecular Diagnostics. Journal of Hospital Infection 133:28-37.</li> <li>Foster JC, Pham B, Pham R, Kim M, Moore MD, Chen M. 2023. An engineered OmpG nanopore with displayed peptide motifs for single-molecule multiplex protein detection. Angewandte Chemie 62(7): e202214566.</li> <li>Safavizadeh V, Moggadam MRA, Farajzadeh MA, Mojkar M, Moore MD, Nokhodchi A, Naebi M, Nemati M. 2023. Descriptions in toxicology, interactions, extraction, and analytical methods of Aflatoxins; a 10-year study performed in Iranian foodstuffs. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 103(3):701-711.</li> <li>Soorneedi A, Moore MD. 2022. Recent developments in noroviruses interactions with bacteria. Current Opinion in Food Science 48:100926.</li> <li>Rafieepoor M, Mohebbi SR, Hosseini SM, Tanhaei M, Niasar MS, Kazemian SK, Aghdaei HA, Moore MD, Zali MR. 2022. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in farms, markets, and fresh leafy green vegetables from Tehran, Iran. 2022. Frontiers in Public Health 10:823061.</li> <li>Alavia M, Kamarasu P, McClements DJ, Moore MD. 2022. Metal and metal oxide-based antiviral nanoparticles: Properties, mechanisms of action, and applications. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science 306: 102726.</li> <li>Vaze N, Soorneedi A, Moore MD, Demokritou P. 2022. Inactivating SARS-CoV-2 surrogates on surfaces using Engineered Water Nanostructures incorporated with nature derived antimicrobials. Nanomaterials 12(10):1735.</li> <li>Mertens BS, Moore MD, Jaykus L-A, Velev OD. 2022. Efficacy and mechanisms of copper ion-catalyzed inactivation of human norovirus. American Chemical Society Infectious Diseases 8(4):855-864.</li> <li>Suther C, Stoufer S, Zhou Y, Moore MD. 2022. Recent Developments in Isothermal Amplification Methods for the Detection of Foodborne Viruses. “Rising Stars in Virology: 2022” Special Issue, Frontiers in Microbiology 13:841875.</li> <li>Söderlund-Venermo M; Varma A; Guo D; Gladue DP; Poole E; Pujol FH; Pappu H; Romalde J; Kramer L; Baz M; Venter V; Moore MD; Nevels MM; Ezzikouri S; Vakharia VN; Wilson WC; Malik Y; Shi Z; Abdel-Moneim A. 2022. World Society for Virology First International Conference: Tackling Global Virus Epidemics. Virology. 566:114-12</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

New Extension funds will allow researchers to improve food safety knowledge and practices by providing learning materials and experiences for both the food industry and consumers. USDA NIFA: Food Safety Outreach Program. “Sanitation Control Practitioner Program (SCPP)- the development of an education sanitation program for small processors”.Amanda J. Kinchla, Clint Stevenson. Collaborating team: Lynette Johnston, Robeson Machado, Christina Wormald-Allingham, Stephanie Cotter, Kate Nicholas. 09/1/21-08/31-2024. $396,800. USDA NIFA: Food Safety Outreach Program. iTIPS: Interactive Tools to Improve the Practice of Food Safety. Nancy Flores, Barbara Chamberlin, Amanda Kinchla, Shannon Coleman. 9/1/21-8/31/24. $545,593.00. USDA NIFA: Food Safety Outreach Program. iTIPS: Interactive Tools to Improve the Practice of Food Safety. Betty Feng, Erin DiCaprio, Amanda Kinchla, Nicole Richard. 9/1/21-8/31/24. ~$400,000.

Date of Annual Report: 11/04/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/01/2024 - 10/02/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/15/2023 - 10/15/2024

Participants

Attendees to the 2024 business meeting
1. Amanda Kinchla - University of Massachusetts Amherst
2. Amy Grunden – North Carolina State University
3. Ann Vegdahl – Cornell University
4. Barbara Chamberlin, New Mexico State University
5. Byron Chaves, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
6. Don Schaffner, Rutgers University
7. Doris D’Souza, University of Tennessee
8. Gulnihal Ozbay – Delaware State University
9. Gülsün Akdemir Evrendilek – University of Maine
10. Julie Goddard – Cornell University
11. Jung-lim Lee – Delaware State University
12. Karuna Kharel – Louisiana State University
13. Kristen Gibson, University of Arkansas
14. Maria Plaza, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez
15. Matheus Cezarotto - New Mexico State University
16. Matthew Moore – University of Massachusetts Amherst
17. Matthew Stasiewicz – University of Illinois
18. Matthew Taylor, Texas A&M University
19. Steven Bowden – University of Minnesota

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

The short-term outcomes of this project focus on advancing food safety by reducing the prevalence of foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, through innovative research and technology applications. A central objective of this project has been determining the precise UV-C dosage required to effectively inactivate foodborne viruses. This work has directly supported the development of next-generation UV-C systems designed to maintain the microbial safety of liquid foods while reducing reliance on mercury-based UV-C lamps, known for their environmental hazards. Researchers at Texas A&M University, collaborating with engineering experts and industry partners, have made significant strides in designing mercury-free UV-C systems optimized for modern food safety practices. One of the most impactful short-term outcomes is the successful recruitment of two graduate students at Texas A&M University, whose work was supported through project-aligned grants. These students played a pivotal role in advancing research and gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. For example, one student co-authored a study demonstrating that UV-C treatment reduced the attachment of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes cells on treated food-contact surfaces, including wood and fresh produce, by 65–70%. Another student was a key contributor to a groundbreaking publication on nano-diamond technology, which enhanced PVC surface properties. Published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, this study highlighted a remarkable 99% reduction in the adherence of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus on nano-diamond-treated surfaces compared to untreated controls. These findings not only underscore the transformative potential of advanced materials but have also been disseminated widely through presentations at prestigious venues like the Annual International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) conference. The project has also delivered a diverse and impactful array of outputs that have significantly advanced the understanding of foodborne pathogen transmission, detection, and mitigation. Peer-reviewed publications have been instrumental in ensuring that the project’s findings contribute to the global scientific knowledge base. A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology explored antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Salmonella recovered from houseflies in poultry production facilities in Texas. This research, conducted in collaboration with Texas Tech University, revealed that the microbiomes of houseflies may actively suppress Salmonella populations, suggesting that mechanical vectoring, rather than biological amplification, is the primary mode of transmission. These findings were presented at the Texas ASM Fall meeting, where researchers expanded on environmental factors influencing the spread of pathogens by flies, such as weather conditions, topography, and infrastructure. Rapid detection methods for Salmonella also represented a major research focus, resulting in a highly cited publication by Schmidt et al. (2024) in Food Microbiology. This study introduced an innovative approach to rapidly quantify Salmonella in poultry, reducing processing times and improving detection accuracy. John Schmidt presented these findings at the 2024 IAFP conference, demonstrating their practical application in real-world settings. Another impactful study, developed in collaboration with Cornell University and funded by the USDA, applied machine learning to validate pathogen control strategies for Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and L. monocytogenes in fermented and dried salamis. This research examined critical factors such as casing diameter and commercial starter cultures, providing actionable insights into acidification and pathogen inhibition during sausage production. The findings have directly informed industry practices, improving both safety and efficiency. Extensive research activities have been conducted to address pathogen control across diverse contexts. A USDA-funded Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) led by the University of California, Davis, tackled pathogen risks specific to specialty crop production. The project developed tailored solutions for improving the safety of crops like leafy greens and berries without compromising quality. Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, meanwhile, explored the use of houseflies as surveillance sentinels for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their findings, which assessed patterns of AMR dissemination from livestock environments, provided new insights into how pathogens spread in agricultural ecosystems, informing future monitoring strategies. Outreach activities have been integral to the project, ensuring that its findings reach stakeholders and the broader community. Presentations at conferences, including the IAFP and Texas ASM Fall meetings, provided opportunities to share critical insights into food safety technologies and strategies. These events included detailed sessions on UV-C disinfection, nano-diamond-enhanced surface treatments, and rapid pathogen detection methods. Workshops hosted in collaboration with Michigan State University and the USDA translated complex scientific discoveries into user-friendly guidance for food safety practitioners. Additionally, the project team developed teaching materials for educators, industry stakeholders, and extension professionals, ensuring the broader adoption of best practices. For example, these materials have been distributed through food safety coalitions in Texas and Michigan, with specific focus on improving safety in small-scale food processing operations. Over the past year, the project has achieved several critical milestones that represent significant progress toward its overall objectives. One major milestone was the successful evaluation of nitrite-embedded films, a novel material designed to improve the safety and quality of processed meats. Developed at Texas A&M University, these films demonstrated a strong potential for enhancing microbial control while maintaining sensory attributes of the products. Another milestone was the determination of dose-response relationships for foodborne viruses, which will inform the design of small-scale UV-C systems for pilot testing. This work, expected to conclude by June 2025, aims to optimize virus inactivation and improve the safety of food-contact surfaces in both liquid and solid food production environments. In the area of fermented meat products, researchers completed the characterization of candidate commercial starter cultures, a critical step for validating sausage safety models. Scheduled for full publication by February 2025, this work provides a strong foundation for improving fermentation practices in meat production. The team also advanced research on antimicrobial resistance by evaluating insects, particularly houseflies, as pathogen sentinels. Livestock site samplings were conducted to assess the role of flies in AMR dissemination, with findings prepared for submission to Applied and Environmental Microbiology. In another USDA-funded project, researchers at Cornell University completed characterizations of sprayable antimicrobial coatings for food-contact surfaces. These coatings, expected to be available for industry testing by June 2025, offer practical solutions for reducing contamination risks in food processing facilities. The investigation of rapid Salmonella quantification methods in poultry has already been successfully completed, leading to published findings and the submission of two additional proposals for extending this research. Each milestone underscores the project’s comprehensive approach to addressing food safety challenges through innovative research, application of advanced technologies, and meaningful collaborations. By achieving these intermediate targets, the project has ensured continued progress toward its overarching goals. The collaborative nature of this work has amplified its impact. Institutions across the country have contributed expertise in microbiology, engineering, and computational modeling. This multidisciplinary approach has yielded practical solutions to some of the most pressing food safety challenges, ensuring that the project’s findings benefit stakeholders across academia, industry, and public health sectors. By integrating high-impact research with education and outreach, the project represents a robust and lasting contribution to food safety science and practice.

Publications

<ol> <li>Admasie, A., Wei, X., Johnson, B., Burns, L., Pawar, P., Aurand-Cravens, A., Voloshchuk, O., Dudley, E. G., Tessema, T. S., Zewdu, A., & Kovac, J. (2023). Genomic diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from the Ethiopian dairy supply chain. PLOS ONE, 18(9), e0305581. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305581">https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305581</a></li> <li>Ahmed, B., Gwon, J., Thapaliya, M., Adhikari, A., Ren, S., & Wu, Q. (2023). Combined effects of deep eutectic solvent and microwave energy treatments on cellulose fiber extraction from hemp bast. Cellulose, 30(5), 2895–2911.</li> <li>Alsammarraie, F. K., Lin, M., & Mustapha, A. (2023). Biosynthesis of silver nanomaterials and evaluation of their antibacterial and antioxidant effectiveness in chicken meat. Food Bioscience, 56, 103332.</li> <li>Archila, J., Chen, H., Cheng, G., Manjrekar, S., & Feng, Y. (2024). Content analysis of food safety implications in online recipes using dried wood ear mushrooms on YouTube. British Food Journal, 126(4), 1654–1681.</li> <li>Aryal, J., Chhetri, S. V., & Adhikari, A. (2024). Evaluating wet and dry contact time of contaminated produce with chlorine solution against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 193, 115748. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2024.115748">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2024.115748</a></li> <li>Bardsley, C., Acuff, J. C., Kane, S. P., Arnold, N. L., Hamilton, A., & Dunn, L. L. (2024). Food safety needs assessment for North American pecan shellers. Food Protection Trends, 44(5), 336–343.</li> <li>Bedford, B., Stefanick, V., Godshall, R., & Cutter, C. (2023, August). The effect of xanthan gum on the efficacy of laminated antimicrobial films to inhibit foodborne pathogens associated with beef products. Presented at the International Congress of Meat Science and Technology Annual Meeting, Padua, Italy.</li> <li>Bedford, B., Stefanick, V., Godshall, R., & Cutter, C. (2023, July). The effect of xanthan gum on the efficacy of laminated antimicrobial films to inhibit foodborne pathogens associated with beef products. Presented at the International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting.</li> <li>Benitez, J. A., Aryal, J., Lituma, I., Moreira, J., & Adhikari, A. (2024). Evaluation of the effectiveness of aeration and chlorination during washing to reduce coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and L. innocua on cucumbers and bell peppers. Foods, 13(1), 146. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13010146">https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13010146</a></li> <li>Berglund, Z., Kontor-Manu, E., Jacundino, S. B., & Feng, Y. (2024). Random forest models of food safety behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 1–13.</li> <li>Berglund, Z., Simsek, S., & Feng, Y. (2024). Effectiveness of online food safety educational programs: A systematic review, random-effects meta-analysis, and thematic synthesis. Foods, 13(5), 794.</li> <li>Brandao Delgado, J. L., Fuentes, J., Parraga, K., Fontenot, K., Adhikari, A., & Janes, M. E. (2024). Controlling foodborne pathogens in irrigation water: The effectiveness of zeolite modified with cetrimonium bromide. Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín, 77(1), 10527–10540. <a href="https://doi.org/10.15446/rfnam.v77n1.107310">https://doi.org/10.15446/rfnam.v77n1.107310</a></li> <li>Buyukyavuz, A., Northcutt, J. K., & Dawson, P. L. (2024). Incidence of bacterial pathogens in flying insects collected near poultry farms. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 33(4), 100462. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2024.100462">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2024.100462</a></li> <li>Bywater, A. A., Dintwe, G., Alexander, K. A., & Ponder, M. A. (2024). Characterization of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica from produce in the Chobe District of Botswana. Journal of Food Protection, 87(10), 100351. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100351">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100351</a></li> <li>Cano, C., Gatima Mahoro, G., & Chaves, B. D. (2024). Evaluation of the sanitizing capacity of a 2-ppm ozonated water bottle applied to simulated food contact surfaces. Food Protection Trends, 44(1), 36–40.</li> <li>Carter, C. T., & Northcutt, J. K. (2023). Quality attributes of sugar snap cookies containing mixtures of wheat flour and roasted or unroasted Brosimum alicastrum seed powder. Cereal Chemistry, 100(4), 1–12. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/cche.10666">https://doi.org/10.1002/cche.10666</a></li> <li>Carter, C. T., & Northcutt, J. K. (2023). Raw or roasted Brosimum alicastrum seed powder as a nutritional ingredient in composite sugar snap cookies. Cereal Chemistry, 100(4), 1–11. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/cche.10661">https://doi.org/10.1002/cche.10661</a></li> <li>Chen, H., Anderson, N. M., Grasso-Kelley, E. M., Harris, L. J., Marks, B. P., McGowen, L., ... & Feng, Y. (2024). Food safety research and extension needs for the US low-moisture food industry. Journal of Food Protection, 87(10), 100358.</li> <li>Chen, H., Kontor-Manu, E., Zhu, H., Cheng, G., & Feng, Y. (2024). Evaluation of the handling practices and risk perceptions of dried wood ear mushrooms in Asian restaurants in the United States. Journal of Food Protection, 100198.</li> <li>Choi, J., & D'Souza, D. H. (2023). Inactivation of Tulane virus and feline calicivirus by aqueous ozone. Journal of Food Science, 88(10), 4218–4229. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16755">https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16755</a></li> <li>Choo, K., Mao, L., & Mustapha, A. (2024). Novel soy protein isolate films incorporated with phage CAM-21 show antimicrobial effects against coli O157:H7. Food Control, 164, 110588. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110588">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110588</a></li> <li>Chung, T., Salazar, A., Harm, G., Johler, S., Carroll, L. M., & Kovac, J. (2024). Comparison of the performance of multiple whole-genome sequence-based tools for the identification of Bacillus cereus sensu stricto biovar Thuringiensis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01778-23">https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01778-23</a></li> <li>Corea, P., Reyes, G. A., Pinto, G., Peterson, B., Prescot, M. P., Dolan, K., & Stasiewicz, M. J. (2024). Milk spoilage model predicts that share tables would not meaningfully increase spoilage and improved storage systems can reduce spoilage. Journal of Dairy Science. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25189">https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25189</a></li> <li>Corson, E., Pendyala, B., Patras, A., & D'Souza, D. H. (2024). Inactivation of hepatitis A virus, feline calicivirus, and Tulane virus on Formica coupons using ultraviolet light technologies. Heliyon, 10(3), e25201. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25201">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25201</a></li> <li>Cropp, M. S., Sebranek, J. G., Dickson, J. S., Shaw, A. M., Houser, T. A., Prusa, K. J., Unruh, D. A., & Tarté, R. (2024). Effect of nitrite-embedded packaging film on growth of Listeria monocytogenes in nitrite-free and conventionally cured bologna sausage. Journal of Food Protection. (Accepted on September 11, 2024).</li> <li>Dawson, P., Northcutt, J. K., & Buyukyavuz, A. (2024). Recovery of microorganisms from various locations occupied by college students. Journal of Food Research, 13(2), 8.</li> <li>Dawson, P., Northcutt, J. K., Buyukyavuz, A., Martinez-Dawson, R., & Naphade, C. (2024). Implications of multiple rinsing on recovery of bacteria from fresh produce. Food Research International. (Under review)</li> <li>Dhital, R., Bosilevac, J. M., Schmidt, J. W., & Mustapha, A. (2023). Multiplex high-resolution melt curve real-time PCR assay for detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactam-resistant Shiga toxin-producing coli. Food Control, 157, 110173.</li> <li>Dittoe, D. K., Feye, K. M., Ovall, C., Thompson, H. A., & Ricke, S. C. (2024). Exploiting the microbiota of organic and inorganic acid-treated raw poultry products to improve shelf-life. Frontiers in Microbiology, 15, 1348159. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1348159">https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1348159</a></li> <li>Evans, E. W., & Ilic, S. (2024). Working with people affected by cancer in food safety research: Recruitment considerations from a transatlantic collaboration. Food Protection Trends, 44(2).</li> <li>Evans, E., Dickman, A., Diekmann, F., & Ilic, S. (2024). Defining vulnerability: Physiological susceptibility, global definitions, and foodborne disease prevalence among clinically vulnerable populations. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 124(10), A93.</li> <li>Fitzgerald, A. S., Gilbert-Eckman, A., Demmings, E. M., Fitzsimmons, J., Kinchla, A. J., Richard, N. L., Seddon, D., LaBorde, L. F., & Newbold, E. (2024). Understanding the food safety needs of small and very small processors in the Northeast United States: Food safety communicator and regulator perspectives. Food Protection Trends, 44(3), 160–181.</li> <li>Gathman, R. J., Quintanilla Portillo, J., Reyes, G. A., Sullivan, G., & Stasiewicz, M. J. (2024). Aggregative swab sampling method for romaine lettuce shows similar quality and safety indicators and microbial profiles compared to composite produce leaf samples in a pilot study. Foods, 13(19), 3080. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193080">https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193080</a></li> <li>Ghorbani Tajani, A., Sharma, A., Blouin, N., & Bisha, B. (2024). Genome sequence, antibiotic resistance genes, and plasmids in a monophasic variant of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from retail pork. Microbiology Resource Announcements, 13(10), e00754-23. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00754-23">https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00754-23</a></li> <li>Haley, O. C., Xu, X., Jaberi-Douraki, M., Bhullar, M. S., Pliakoni, E. D., Rivard, C., & Nwadike, L. (2024). Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of UV-C light technologies for agricultural surface water decontamination by produce growers in Kansas and Missouri. Food Protection Trends, 44(1).</li> <li>Haque, M., Wang, B., Leandre Mvuyekure, A., & Chaves, B. D. (2024). Modeling the growth of Salmonella in raw ground pork under dynamic conditions of temperature abuse. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 422, 110808.</li> <li>Haque, M., Wang, B., Leandre Mvuyekure, A., & Chaves, B. D. (2024). Validation of competition and dynamic models for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) growth in raw ground pork during temperature abuse. Food Microbiology, 117, 104400.</li> <li>Hay, V., Vipham, J., Bello, N. M., Boyle, D. L., Gragg, S., & Trinetta, V. (2024). Efficacy of cleaning and sanitizing methods in reducing Salmonella on banana leaves and bamboo baskets, common surfaces found in Cambodian fresh food markets. Food Protection Trends, 44(6), 420–428. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-24-020">https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-24-020</a></li> <li>Hoover, C. A., Dawson, P. L., Smith, D. P., & Northcutt, J. K. (Submitted September 2024). Effect of hard cooking and pickling on the pH, water activity, and recovery of microorganisms from inoculated Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. Journal of Applied Poultry Research.</li> <li>Hua, Z., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Comprehensive strategies for controlling Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on food-contact surfaces. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 23(5), e13348.</li> <li>Hua, Z., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Innovative hurdle strategies for Listeria control on food-contact surfaces: A peroxyacetic acid-steam approach. Foods, 13(15), 2481.</li> <li>Hua, Z., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Unlocking the hidden threat: Impacts of surface defects on the efficacy of sanitizers against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on food-contact surfaces in tree fruit packing. Journal of Food Protection, 87(8), 100213.</li> <li>Hua, Z., Thapa, B. H., Younce, F., Tang, J., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Impacts of water activity on survival of Listeria innocua and Enterococcus faecium NRRL 2354 in almonds during steam treatments. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 413, 110592.</li> <li>Huang, J., Fraser, A., & Jiang, X. (2024). 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Impact Statements

The project has achieved substantial impacts across multiple domains, including economic, social, health, and environmental spheres. These successes have been driven by numerous grants, contracts, and collaborations that demonstrate the project's ability to address critical challenges in food safety, sustainability, and public health. Industry Partnerships and Applications The project team collaborated with industry partners to conduct several targeted studies. Two process validation projects were completed for dairy and meat/poultry processors, focusing on enhancing operational safety and efficiency. Additionally, an environmental monitoring project was undertaken in a ready-to-eat processing operation. This initiative involved revising and updating the facility's environmental monitoring program to mitigate contamination risks and align with modern food safety standards. These industry-focused efforts underscore the direct application of the project’s research to real-world challenges. Major Grants and Research Advancements Several high-profile grants were secured during the reporting period, fueling groundbreaking research: 1. USDA NIFA: High Power UV-C Light Emitting Diodes for Surface and Aerial Decontamination of Food Environments (01/2024–12/2025). With funding totaling approximately $200,000, this project explores the use of UV-C LED systems for decontaminating food-contact surfaces and reducing microbial cross-contamination. The research is led by PI Patras A from TSU, with D’Souza DH (co-PI from UT) and other collaborators contributing to the development of sustainable, low-energy technologies that align with the industry’s push toward environmentally friendly solutions. 2. USDA NIFA: Production and Valorization of Hemicellulosic Biorefining Streams as Functional Feed Ingredients for the Poultry Industry (08/2023–07/2026). This $650,000 grant is led by PI Labbe N and supported by co-PIs from UT and Texas Tech. The research focuses on transforming biorefining by-products into functional feed ingredients, contributing to a circular economy in the agricultural sector. The project’s outcomes are expected to enhance feed sustainability while reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional feed production. Sustainability and Innovation A key theme across the projects has been the integration of sustainable technologies. The UV-C LED system research exemplifies this by offering an energy-efficient alternative for decontaminating food-contact surfaces. Similarly, the valorization of biorefining streams provides a pathway for reducing waste and creating high-value products, addressing both economic and environmental goals. Publications and Dissemination The research team has actively disseminated findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and outreach initiatives. These efforts have ensured that project results reach a broad audience, including academic researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. Publications derived from the projects highlight advancements in microbial decontamination, process validation, and sustainable feed development, further solidifying the project's influence in the field. Broad Impacts The project’s outcomes are poised to deliver widespread benefits: • Economic Impact: By developing cost-effective and sustainable technologies, the research supports industries in reducing operational costs and enhancing competitiveness. • Social and Health Impact: Improved food safety practices and innovations in pathogen control directly contribute to public health by reducing contamination risks and improving the safety of food systems. • Environmental Impact: Sustainable solutions such as UV-C LED systems and biorefining valorization reduce energy use, waste, and environmental footprints, aligning with global sustainability goals.