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] [12/02/2025]

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). Persistence of two coronaviruses and efficacy of steam vapor disinfection on two types of carpet. Virology Journal. (In press)</li> <li>Ilic, S., Alwan, N., Redmond, E. C., & Evans, E. W. (2024). Dietetics student perceptions of food safety communication to vulnerable populations: An international study. Journal of Food Protection, 87(1), 100203.</li> <li>Ilic, S., Evans, E., Dickman, A., & Diekmann, F. (2024). Clinically vulnerable groups in foodborne disease prevalence and definitions across global food safety agencies. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8.</li> <li>Irakoze, Z., Nwadike, L., Bhullar, M. S., Byers, P., & Gragg, S. E. (2024). Peroxyacetic acid and chlorine reduce Escherichia coli in agricultural surface water for potential produce postharvest uses. Food Protection Trends, 44(5).</li> <li>Ivers, C., Kaya, E. C., Yucel, U., Boyle, D., & Trinetta, V. (2024). Evaluation of Salmonella biofilm attachment and hydrophobicity characteristics on food contact surfaces. BMC Microbiology. (Accepted for publication)</li> <li>Kassem, I. I., Wang, J., Ghorbani Tajani, A., Esseili, M. A., Hassan, J., Yassine, I., Osman, M., & Bisha, B. (2024). Draft genome sequences of antibiotic-resistant Serratia and Enterobacter species isolated from imported fresh produce in Georgia, USA. Microbiology Resource Announcements, 13(11), e01139-23. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01139-23">https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01139-23</a></li> <li>Khadka, D., Pliakoni, E. D., Abeli, P., Haley, O. C., Jenkins, T., Xu, X., Jaberi-Douraki, M., Britton, L., & Bhullar, M. S. (2024). CO₂ laser-labeling on fresh produce: Evaluating postharvest quality, microbial safety, and economic analysis. Journal of Food Protection, 87(9), 100329.</li> <li>Khadka, D., Talavera, M. J., Pliakoni, E. D., Britton, L. L., Nwadike, L., & Bhullar, M. S. (2024). Evaluating consumers' acceptability of laser-labeled apple fruit. Future Foods, 100401.</li> <li>Kharel, K., Krasniewska, K., Gniewosz, M., Prinyawiwatkul, W., Fontenot, K., & Adhikari, A. (2024). Antimicrobial screening of pecan shell extract and efficacy of pecan shell extract-pullulan coating against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus on blueberries. Heliyon, 10(3), e29610. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29610">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29610</a></li> <li>Kim, M., Barnett-Neefs, C., Chavez, R. A., Kealey, E., Wiedmann, M., & Stasiewicz, M. J. (2024). Risk assessment predicts most of the salmonellosis risk in raw chicken parts is concentrated in those few products with high levels of high-virulence serotypes of Salmonella. Journal of Food Protection, 100304. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100304">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100304</a></li> <li>Kimbrell, B., Huang, J., Fraser, A., & Jiang, X. (2024). 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. Journal of Food Protection. (In press)</li> <li>Li, X., Wang, H., Guo, C., & Wang, L. (2024). Profiling of microbial populations present in ground beef and plant-based meat analogues. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 115845.</li> <li>Little, A., Mendonca, A., Dickson, J., Fortes‐Da‐Silva, P., Boylston, T., Lewis, B., Coleman, S., & Thomas‐Popo, E. (2024). Acid adaptation enhances tolerance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to high voltage atmospheric cold plasma in raw pineapple juice. Preprints, 2024051381. <a href="https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202405.1381.v1">https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202405.1381.v1</a></li> <li>Losso, N. J., Phosanam, A., & Adhikari, A. (2023). Lysozyme—Antimicrobial agent and application. In Y. Mine (Ed.), Lysozyme.</li> <li>Losso, N. J., Thapaliya, M., & Adhikari, A. (2023). Egg bioactive and chronic disease. In Y. Mine (Ed.), Lysozyme.</li> <li>Low, M., & Feng, Y. (2024). Content analysis of food safety information in dried apple recipes on YouTube, blogs, cookbooks, and extension materials. Foods, 13(5), 778.</li> <li>Manjunatha, V. V., Nixon, J., Mathis, G., Lumpkins, B., Seydim, Z. B., Seydim, A. C., Greene, A. K., & Jiang, X. (2024). Combined effect of Nigella sativa and kefir on the live performance and health of broiler chickens affected with necrotic enteritis. Animals. (In press)</li> <li>Manjunatha, V., Justice-Alucho, C. H., Lumpkins, B. S., Yang, G., Greene, A. K., Wang, J., & Jiang, X. (Under review). Mitigation of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens through the actions of black cumin seeds and bacteriophage. The International Poultry Scientific Forum - 2025.</li> <li>Manjunatha, V., Shankar, V., Grim, C. J., Chen, Z., & Jiang, X. (Under review). Analysis of whole genome sequences of Clostridium perfringens strains CP4 and CP6 isolated from chickens affected by necrotic enteritis. Genome Biology and Evolution.</li> <li>McFarlane, J., Garenne, D., Noireaux, V., & Bowden, S. D. (2024). Cell-free synthesis of the Salmonella-specific broad host range bacteriophage, FelixO1. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 220, 106920. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106920">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106920</a></li> <li>McFarlane, J., Hansen, E., Ortega, E. C., Iskender, I., Noireaux, V., & Bowden, S. D. (2023). A ToxIN homolog from Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis impairs bacteriophage infection. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 134(12), lxad299. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad299">https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad299</a></li> <li>Méndez Acevedo, M., Rolon, M. L., Johnson, B. B., Burns, L. H., Stacy, J., Aurand-Cravens, A., LaBorde, L., & Kovac, J. (2024). Sanitizer resistance and persistence of Listeria monocytogenes isolates in tree fruit packing facilities. Journal of Food Protection, 87(10), 100354. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100354">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100354</a></li> <li>Mensah, A. A., Lewis Ivey, M. L., Moodispaw, M. R., & Ilic, S. (2024). Effectiveness of chemical sanitizers against Salmonella Typhimurium in nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic systems: Implications for food safety, crop quality, and nutrient content in leafy greens. Foods, 13(12), 1929.</li> <li>Moreira, J., McCarter, K., Benitez, J. A., Fontenot, K., King, J. M., & Adhikari, A. (2023). Effect of type of mulch on microbial food safety risk on cucumbers irrigated with contaminated water. Journal of Food Protection, 86(11), 100164.</li> <li>Moreira, J., Mera, E., Singh Chhetri, V., King, J. M., Gentimis, T., & Adhikari, A. (2023). Effect of storage temperature and produce type on the survival or growth of Listeria monocytogenes on peeled rinds and fresh-cut produce. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1151819.</li> <li>Mustapha, A., & Choo, K. W. (2023). Lytic phage with high specificity towards pathogenic Escherichia coli. US Provisional Patent Docket No. 143097.000111.</li> <li>Nakimera, E., Cancio, L. P. M., Sullivan, G., Sadat, R., & Chaves, B. D. (2024). Antimicrobial efficacy of a citric acid/hydrochloric acid blend, peroxyacetic acid, and sulfuric acid against Salmonella and background microbiota on chicken hearts and livers. Journal of Food Science, 89(9), 2933–2942.</li> <li>Northcutt, J. K., Buyukyavuz, A., & Dawson, P. L. (2022). Quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs after extended refrigerated storage. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 31(4), 100280. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2022.100280">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2022.100280</a></li> <li>Northcutt, J. K., Buyukyavuz, A., & Dawson, P. L. (2024). Kitchen hygiene: Let’s talk about that sponge. Home and Garden Information Center, SC Cooperative Extension, Factsheet HGIC 3619. <a href="https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/kitchen-hygiene-lets-talk-about-that-sponge/">https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/kitchen-hygiene-lets-talk-about-that-sponge/</a></li> <li>Peters, T. L., Song, Y., Bryan, D. W., Hudson, L. K., & Denes, T. G. (2020). Mutant and recombinant phages selected from in vitro coevolution conditions overcome phage-resistant Listeria monocytogenes. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 86(23), e02138-20. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02138-20">https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02138-20</a></li> <li>Phosanam, A., Moreira, J., Adhikari, B., Adhikari, A., & Losso, J. N. (2023). Stabilization of ginger essential oil Pickering emulsions by pineapple cellulose nanocrystals. Current Research in Food Science, 7, 100575.</li> <li>Polen, B., Pendyala, B., Patras, A., & D'Souza, D. H. (2024). Inactivation of hepatitis A virus and feline calicivirus on model food contact surfaces by ultraviolet light (UV-C) systems. Foods, 13(18), 2892. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182892">https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182892</a></li> <li>Rolon, M. L., Chandross-Cohen, T., Kaylegian, K. E., Roberts, R. F., & Kovac, J. (2024). Context matters: Environmental microbiota from ice cream processing facilities affected the inhibitory performance of two lactic acid bacteria strains against Listeria monocytogenes. Microbiology Spectrum. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01167-23">https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01167-23</a></li> <li>Rolon, M. L., Voloshchuk, O., Bartlett, K. V., LaBorde, L. F., & Kovac, J. (2024). Multi-species biofilms of environmental microbiota isolated from fruit packing facilities promoted tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to benzalkonium chloride. Biofilm, 4, 100177. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100177">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100177</a></li> <li>Sharma, D., Kraft, A. L., Owade, J. O., Milicevic, M., Yi, J., & Bergholz, T. M. (2024). Impact of biotic and abiotic factors on Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in agricultural soil extracts. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1498.</li> <li>Shen, X., Hang, M., Su, Y., Devila, J. M., Nikolich, G., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Evaluating chlorine sanitization at practical concentrations for controlling Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella on fresh peaches. Foods, 13(21), 3344.</li> <li>Shimwa Mykuvure, A. L., Moreira, R. G., & Taylor, T. M. (2023). Lethality validation for human pathogenic Salmonella enterica on chicken feathers and blood during simulated commercial low-temperature dry rendering. Microorganisms, 11(8), 2071. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082071">https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082071</a></li> <li>Shirani, K., & Mustapha, A. (2024, July 15). Antimicrobial potential of novel CAM-21 bacteriophage against coli O157:H7 in biodegradable films. Presented at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.</li> <li>Su, J., Chandross-Cohen, T., Qian, C., Carroll, L., Kimble, K., Yount, M., Wiedmann, M., & Kovac, J. (2024). Assessment of the exposure to cytotoxic Bacillus cereus group genotypes through HTST milk consumption. Journal of Dairy Science. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-24703">https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-24703</a></li> <li>Su, Y., Liu, A., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Mapping the landscape of listeriosis outbreaks (1998–2023): Trends, challenges, and regulatory responses in the United States. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 154, 104750.</li> <li>Su, Y., Shen, X., Liu, A., & Zhu, M. J. (2024). Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes during chlorine and peroxyacetic acid interventions in simulated apple dump tank water. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 414, 110613.</li> <li>Swinehart, M., Harris, L. J., Louvau, H., & Feng, Y. (2024). Food safety implications of online recipes for preparing soaked nuts and nut-based dairy analogs. Food Protection Trends, 44(1), 19–35.</li> <li>Thompson, A. R., Northcutt, J. K., & Dawson, P. L. (2024). Bacterial contamination and surface hygiene in the microbrewery environment. Journal of Brewing and Distilling, 13(1), 1–10. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5897/JBD2024.0060">https://doi.org/10.5897/JBD2024.0060</a></li> <li>Vice, Z., deFlorio, W., Masabni, J., Cisneros-Zevallos, L., Castillo, A., Kerth, C. R., Akbulut, M., & Taylor, T. M. (2024). Superhydrophobic coatings reduce human bacterial foodborne pathogen attachment to woods used in fresh produce harvest and post-harvest packing. Food Microbiology, 123, 104586. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2024.104586">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2024.104586</a></li> <li>Vitt, J. D., Garg, R., Hansen, E. G., & Bowden, S. D. (2023). Bacteria intrinsic to Medicago sativa (alfalfa) reduce Salmonella growth in planta. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 134(9), lxad204. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad204">https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad204</a></li> <li>Wang, J., et al. (In press). Whole-genome sequencing and metagenomics reveals diversity and prevalence of soil Listeria in the Nantahala National Forest. Microbiology Spectrum.</li> <li>Wei, X., Hassen, A., McWilliams, K., Pietrzen, K., Chung, T., Méndez Acevedo, M., Chandross-Cohen, T., Dudley, E. G., Vipham, J., Memo, H., Tessema, T. S., Zewdu, A., & Kovac, J. (2024). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua isolated from milk and dairy samples in Ethiopia. BMC Genomic Data, 24, 58. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-024-01195-0">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-024-01195-0</a></li> <li>Yan, R., Fraser, A., & Jiang, X. (2024, November 9). The removal and inactivation of coronavirus surrogates on fomites using disinfectant wipes. Presented at the South Carolina American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Fall Meeting, Spartanburg, SC.</li> <li>Yan, R., M'ikanatha, N. M., Nachamkin, I., Hudson, L. K., Denes, T. G., & Kovac, J. (2023). Prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance and associated genetic determinants differed among Campylobacter isolated from human and poultry meat sources in Pennsylvania. Food Microbiology, 110, 104349. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2023.104349">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2023.104349</a></li> <li>Zwally, K. M., Holda, E., Perez, I., Kaufman, P., Lyons, B., Athrey, G., & Taylor, M. (Submitted). Detection and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica recovered from house fly intestinal tracts captured on Texas broiler production farms. Letters in Applied Microbiology.</li> </ol>

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.

Date of Annual Report: 12/02/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/01/2025 - 10/02/2025
Period the Report Covers: 12/01/2025 - 12/31/2025

Participants

Amanda Philyaw Perez (Arkansas), Abhinav Mishra (Georgia), Pratik Banerjee (Illinois), Byron Chaves (Nebraska), Christina Allingham (Massachusetts), Clint Stevenson (North Carolina State), Doris D’Souza (Tennessee), Francine Giotto (New Mexico State), Juan Moreira Calix (Colorado State), Maria Plaza (Puerto Rico), Matheus Cezarotto (New Mexico State), Matthew Taylor (Texas A&M), Azlin Mustapha (Missouri), Nicole Richard (Rhode Island), Pamela Martinez (New Mexico State), Stephan Schmitz-Esser (South Dakota State), Shihyu Chuang (Massachusetts), Steven Bowden (Minnesota), Valentina Trinetta (Kansas State), Yaohua Feng (Purdue), Kristen Gibson (Arkansas), and Ahmed Abdelhamid (Michigan State)

Brief Summary of Minutes

A quorum was established, and the meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. The outgoing officer team was recognized, and leadership transitioned with Valentina Trinetta assuming the role of Chair and Nicole Richard becoming Vice Chair. A new Administrative Advisor was also welcomed. The group reviewed unfinished business related to creating a peer-reviewed repository for educational materials such as case studies and lab manuals. Potential hosting partners include IFPTI, NECAFS, and the Western Regional Center. Key considerations include peer review, accessibility requirements, and copyright. Nicole Richard and Clint Stevenson will follow up with NECAFS and IFPTI to evaluate platform options. In new business, members discussed upcoming reporting deadlines and clarified that only lead PIs should submit publications and grants to avoid duplication. Plans for future meetings included an offer to host the 2026 meeting at Texas A&M, featuring access to research and industry infrastructure. The group also emphasized integrating professional development sessions into future gatherings, with suggested topics including budgeting, mentorship frameworks, student recruitment, conflict management, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. The meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m., with the new Chair identifying expanded participation and resource-sharing as key objectives moving forward.

Accomplishments

1. PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS a. Short-Term Outcomes Across the S1077 project, partners achieved strong and measurable short-term benefits through training, research, technology development, and stakeholder engagement. HACCP, FSMA, and sector-specific food safety trainings delivered across multiple states produced substantial gains in participant knowledge and confidence. One member documented increases in understanding of HACCP principles from 62% to 87%, familiarity with plan development from 53% to 85%, and confidence from 53% to 83% (all p<0.01). Follow-up evaluations showed that 71% of participants improved sanitation, recordkeeping, and monitoring practices, while 80% passed regulatory audits and enhanced compliance and product quality. Approximately 29% of businesses accessed new markets, reporting economic gains of $500–$10,000, and many reduced consultant costs by roughly $3,000 per HACCP plan. Additional national training efforts in Produce Safety, Preventive Controls, and HACCP expanded certification capacity and supported a trained instructional workforce. 1 The report includes input from project members beyond those who attended the annual meeting. Project research also generated actionable data that strengthened food safety practices in commercial, on-farm, and community settings. Needs assessments identified food safety capacity gaps among donation stakeholders, while studies of pasteurized milk (n=192) demonstrated effects of brand and temperature on spoilage microbiota dominated by Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, and Yersinia. An educational intervention with food bank clients increased shelf-life and refrigeration knowledge (median scores from 33% to 67%). On-farm assessments led to procedural changes among 30 growers, and additional research produced risk-relevant data on STEC and Salmonella in pork, backyard poultry, Campylobacter depuration in oysters, and pathogen ecology in specialty mushrooms. S1077 researchers advanced multiple technologies that improved food safety intervention efficiency. UV-C LED and UV-sanitizer systems validated for postharvest processing were shared with more than 90 farmers, demonstrating potential to reduce sanitizer and water use. Additional technologies, including saturated steam treatments, UV-assisted produce washing, phage-based biosensors, antimicrobial packaging, PCR assays, and improved refrigerator water line cleaning, showed strong promise for practical adoption. Risk assessment activities delivered high-value datasets for regulatory and industry use, including work on SARS-CoV-2 spillover risk, microbial ecology in meat and poultry facilities, and effective chlorine concentrations for norovirus control in agricultural water. Modeling studies revealed that commercial salami fermentation cultures did not reduce Salmonella or STEC, identifying critical gaps in existing process assumptions. Risk management support directly benefited industry stakeholders. Predictive microbiology tools guided decisions for approximately 35 companies facing HACCP deviations, preventing unnecessary rework or product destruction. Additional support aided beef producers in managing AMR Salmonella risks from fly transmission and helped growers adopt rainwater harvesting and other on-farm mitigation practices. Technology transfer and instructional activities strengthened research capacity through graduate student training and dissemination of emerging topics via VR tours, social media analyses, consumer surveys, eye-tracking research, and digital platforms such as ProduceTRAINer and iTips. These resources reached thousands of users across formal and informal learning environments. Overall, the project’s short-term outcomes demonstrate substantial advances in food safety knowledge, regulatory compliance, technology adoption, and risk-based decision-making, delivering validated tools and evidence-driven education that improved public health protection and reduced economic losses. b.Outputs The project generated a diverse portfolio of research, educational, and extension products. Training-related outputs included multiple HACCP and seafood safety workshops delivered in online, hybrid, and in-person formats to more than 40 participants. These programs produced slide decks, case studies, hands-on exercises, participant manuals, updated templates, sanitation tools, verification forms, and microcredential modules aligned with FDA FSMA and Seafood HACCP Alliance guidance. Training datasets documented knowledge and confidence gains and were summarized in evaluation reports. Research outputs included peer-reviewed publications, theses, dissertations, abstracts, posters, and oral presentations covering topics such as Listeria stress responses, Salmonella ecology,biofilms, enteric virus inactivation, antimicrobial packaging, and environmental transmission of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. Several laboratories produced MS and PhD theses, honors projects, and conference contributions, as well as patent applications for Listeria control through photocatalytic and single-atom catalyst packaging films. The project produced multiple publicly accessible datasets, models, and analytical tools, including AI/ML code and labeled TikTok datasets for infant-feeding analysis; microbial kinetics and risk models for salami fermentation and preharvest water disinfection; microbial source-tracking datasets; and Zenodo-hosted chlorine inactivation and oyster cooking datasets. Additional datasets addressed powdered infant formula handling, consumer responses to food safety documentaries, chatbot performance, and 3D-printed food safety risks. Extension and digital communication products were extensive. Project teams developed websites such as LSU AgCenter’s “Freeze-Drying at Home,” iTips Food Safety, ProduceTRAINer, and the Market Set Go! farmers’ market game, many available in English and Spanish. These sites supplied decision tools, videos, FAQs, interactive modules, and educator resources. Additional outputs included fact sheets, seaweed safety guidance, VR modules, 2-D learning tools, eye-tracking datasets, Extension YouTube content, and the_food_guardian social media campaign. Members also produced USDA and NSF reports, regional guidance documents, commodity-specific safety manuals, and contributed leadership within produce safety coordination centers. c. Activities S1077 participants led a broad range of research, training, and extension activities across the food system. Teams delivered HACCP, Preventive Controls, produce safety, seafood safety, GMP, sanitation, environmental monitoring, retail validation, and entrepreneur-focused trainings in multiple states in partnership with AFDO, PSA, FSMA regional centers, and universities. These courses incorporated assessments, hands-on exercises, case studies, and updated tools that provided thousands of stakeholders with practical skills for regulatory compliance and risk-based process control. Laboratory and pilot-scale research activities applied microbiological, molecular, and materials science methods to advance knowledge of pathogen survival and control. Studies examined antimicrobial packaging, photocatalytic films, nanocellulose and phytocatalysts, nano-curcumin safety, UV-C/UV-LED virus inactivation, antimicrobial films for low-moisture foods, steam/UV sanitizer treatments, disinfectant wipes, phage-based interventions, and plant-derived antimicrobials. Additional experiments evaluated protective cultures, bacteriophages, and novel antimicrobials against multiple pathogens, as well as microbial outcomes for mushrooms, freeze-dried fruits, and poultry under varied stress conditions. Field and observational studies occurred across produce farms, packinghouses, meat and poultry facilities, seafood systems, and wildlife-associated environments. These included sampling in strawberry and blueberry production, soil and environmental microbiome characterization linked to Listeria persistence, supply-chain contamination studies, and evaluations of sanitation and peroxyacetic acid treatments in tree fruit and poultry. Social science and analytics activities included human coding of >3,400 TikTok videos, machine learning and NLP tool development, sentiment and network analysis, caregiver and client surveys, focus groups, eye-tracking studies, VR evaluations, systematic literature reviews, farm tour modules, and documentary impact assessments. Teams also tested AI chatbots for accuracy in consumer food safety communication. Members supervised students, coordinated multistate efforts, engaged industry partners, performed comparative genomics, developed kinetic models, conducted qualitative interviews, evaluated digital tools under IRB protocols, and led professional committees, workshops, and webinars at multiple scales. d.Milestones Training milestones included delivery of multiple HACCP, seafood safety, produce safety, GMP, sanitation, and environmental monitoring courses supported by new curricula, SOPs, templates, and evaluation tools. Pre- and post-assessment systems were standardized across states, enabling consistent measurement of knowledge gains and behavioral intent. Research milestones included completing laboratory experiments on antimicrobial packaging, UV-C/UV-LED inactivation, laminated films, phytocatalytic interventions, nanocellulose materials, disinfectant wipes, protective cultures, bacteriophages, and plant-derived antimicrobials. Method optimization, surrogate validation, pilot-scale transitions, model development, and initial data analyses were achieved. Field milestones included multi-site sampling across produce, meat, poultry, seafood, and wildlife systems, as well as environmental microbiome characterization. Social science milestones included completion of surveys, focus groups, eye-tracking studies, VR pilot tests, documentary evaluations, and coding of over 3,400 TikTok videos. Machine learning and NLP pipelines reached operational status. VR and interactive 2-D tools completed pilot testing and IRB evaluations, showing strong engagement. Collaborative milestones included multi-institutional systematic reviews, new industry partnerships, cross-state training networks, regulatory collaborations, USDA and NSF reporting, and contributions to regional and national guidance documents.

Publications

PUBLICATIONS 1. Abdelhamid, A.G., Ali, M.G., Ahmer, B.M. and Yousef, A.E. (2025). Sublethal shell egg processing increases virulence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in C57BL/6 mice. Food Bioscience, p.106883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.106883 2. Abedi-Firouzjah R, Tavassoli M, Khezerlou A, Mazaheri Y, Alizadeh-Sani M, Ehsani A, Moore MD. 2024. Recent advances in applications of aptasensors/nanomaterials platform for food and biomedical: A review. Food Analytical Methods. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12161-024-02693-8. 3. Admasie, A., Wei, X., Johnson, B., Burns, L., Pawar, P., Aurand-Cravens, A., Voloshchuk, O., Dudley, E.G, Sisay Tessema, T., Zewdu, A., & Kovac, J (2025). Genomic diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from the Ethiopian dairy supply chain. PLoS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305581. 4. Allingham C, Tanaguchi M, Kinchla A, Moore MD. 2024. The influence of simulated organic matter on the inactivation of viruses: A review. Viruses 16(7):1026. 5. Archila- Godínez, J. C., Kotanko, C., Wiatt, R., Marshall, M. I., & Feng, Y. (2025). Consumers’ food safety expectations and risk perceptions of produce from small and medium-sized farms. Journal of Food Science, 90(9), e70527. 5. Stoll, A., & Feng, Y. (2025). Bridging the gap by listening to the needs: A multi-state survey and interview study for military veteran farmers in the United States. Food Protection Trends, 45(5). 6. 6. Ashlyn Lake, Yusuf Nuradeen Garba, Mya Maybank, Sarah Johnson, Christopher K Mutch, Alexander Mueck, Simon Riley, Arie H Havelaar, Naim Montazeri. 2025. Effectiveness of chlorine against Tulane virus, a human norovirus surrogate, and Escherichia coli in agricultural water used for frost protection of produce. Journal of Food Protection, 88(6): 100524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100524. 7. Berglund, Z., Chen, H., Jacundino, S. B., Scharff, R., & Feng, Y. (2025). Predictive models of consumer flour-handling behaviors and recall awareness. Journal of Food Protection, 88(5), 100480. 8. Berglund, Z., Kontor-Manu, E., Jacundino, S. B., & Feng, Y. (2025). Random forest models of food safety behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 35(2), 357-369. 9. Brown, S.R., Gensler, C.A., Sun, L. and D’Amico, D.J., 2024. Evaluating the efficacy of Ɛ-poly-lysine, hydrogen peroxide, and lauric arginate to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation and inactivate mature biofilms. Journal of Food Protection, p.100399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100399 10. Brown, S.R., Sun, L., Gensler, C.A. and D’Amico, D.J., 2024. The impact of subinhibitory concentrations of Ɛ-polylysine, hydrogen peroxide, and lauric arginate on Listeria monocytogenes virulence. Journal of Food Protection, p.100385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100385 11. Bui, D.M, Prinyawiwatkul, W., Adhikari, A., & Xu, Z. 2025. Analysis of Bound Form Terpenes in Different Agricultural Byproducts. Molecules 2025, 30, 4077, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30204077. 12. Bulut, E., Murphy, S. I., Strawn, L. K., Danyluk, M. D., Wiedmann, M., & Ivanek, R. (2025). Risk assessment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 along the farm-to-fork fresh-cut romaine lettuce supply chain. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 17421. 13. Cezarotto, M., Kinchla, A., Coleman, S., Long, M., Boren, R., Muise, A., Castillo, R. Enhancing Food Safety Training For Small-Scale Processors: An Interactive Digital GMP Educational Module, Food Protection Trends journal (accepted Sep. 2025, in the editorial process) 14. Chandross-Cohen, T., Chung, T., Watson, S. C., Rolon, M. L., & Kovac, J. (2025). Precision food safety: Advances in omics-based surveillance for proactive detection and management of foodborne pathogens. Trends in Food Science and Technology. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105186. 15. Chen Z, Zheng J, Micallef SA, Meng J, 2025. Sequential combination of gaseous chlorine dioxide and ultraviolet-C: Tackling sub-lethally stressed Salmonella enterica on raw whole almonds and fresh-cut leafy greens. Food Research International, 221(3), 117412 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117412 16. Chen Z, Zheng J, Micallef SA, Meng J, 2025. Sub-lethal stress-induced cross-protection against ultraviolet-C in Salmonella enterica on raw whole almonds and fresh-cut leafy greens. Frontiers in Microbiology, 1599380. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1599380 17. Chenggeer, F. and A. Mustapha*. 2025. Development of a novel phage amplification-qPCR assay for detection of E. coli O157:H7. Presented at the International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, July 30, Cleveland, OH. P3-41. 18. Chris Stueber, Timothy Hanks, Paul Dawson, Julie Northcutt, William Pennington, Belinda Cochran and Rick Hodinka. 2025. Development of a colorimetric polydiacetylene, solid-substrate sensor for SARS-COV-2 detection in human saliva. Substrates. In preparation. 9/2025 19. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). *Freeze-drying at home*. LSU AgCenter. Available at: Freeze-Drying at Home 20. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). Apple: Importance of pretreatment in freeze-drying. LSU AgCenter. Available at: Apple 21. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). Chicken: Importance of pretreatment in freeze-drying. LSU AgCenter. Available at: Chicken 22. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). Okra: Importance of pretreatment in freeze-drying. LSU AgCenter. Available at: Okra 23. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). Strawberry: Importance of pretreatment in freeze-drying. LSU AgCenter. Available at: Strawberry 24. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). Sweet Potatoes: Importance of pretreatment in freeze-drying. LSU AgCenter. Available at: Sweet Potato 25. Coleman, S. M., Abi, N., Schwan, C. L., Mahida, M. A., & Danao, M.-G. (2025). Freeze-drying at home: Frequently asked questions. LSU AgCenter. Available at: FAQ Fact Sheet National Center for Home Food Preservation. (n.d.). Freeze-drying food at home. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Available at: Freeze-Drying Food at Home | National Center for Home Food Preservation 26. Connolly, C., M. Bucknavage, A. Chaudhary, L. LaBorde, and C. N. Cutter. 2024. An Exploratory Study of Food Donation Systems and Safety in Central Pennsylvania. 2024 Annual IAFP Meeting. July 2024; Long Beach, CA. 27. Cook, D., Northcutt, J.K. Dawson, P. 2024. Storage effects on the quality of animal- and plant-based sausage patties. European Journal of Agricultural and Food Science 6(3): 761 https://doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2024.6.3.761 28. Cook, D., Northcutt, J.K. Dawson, P. 2024. Thawing effects on the quality of animal- and plant-based sausage patties. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. 10: 174. 29. Corson E, Pendyala B, Patras A, D'Souza DH. 2025. Hepatitis A virus inactivation in phosphate buffered saline, apple juice and coconut water by 254 nm and 279 nm ultraviolet light systems. Food Microbiol. Aug;129:104756. doi:10.1016/j.fm.2025.104756. Epub 2025 Feb 20. PMID: 40086994. 30. Cullinan, S., Mahida, M., Critzer, F., Trinetta, V., Bastos, L., Hardeman, R., Moore, J., & Schwan, C. L. (2025). Determining critical food safety factors for safely homebrewing kombucha: A study on microbial survivability. Food Protection Trends. https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-24-009 31. Dankwa, AS, LB Perkins and JJ Perry. 2025. Repeated backslopped culture usage and prolonged beverage storage alter kombucha microbial composition and physico-chemical properties. Applied Food Research. 5(2):101058 32. Dann A, Singla P, McClements J, Kim M, Stoufer S, Crapnell RD, Banks CE, Seyedin S, Geoghegan M, Blanford CF, Moore MD, and Peeters M. 2025. Dual-strain detection of norovirus GI.1 and GII.4 in food samples using epitope-imprinted polymers. Analytica Chima Acta 1368:344331. 33. Dawson, P. Northcutt, J.K., Buyukavuz, A., Martinez-Dawson, R., and Naphade, C. 2025. Implications of multiple rinsing on recovery of bacteria from fresh produce. Journal of Food Research; Vol. 14, No. 2; 2025 34. Dawson, P., Northcutt, J., Buyukyavuz, A., Cochran, B., & McCollough, T. (2024). Assessment and Mitigation of Bacterial and Fungal Contamination in Refrigerator Waterlines. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 6(1), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2024.6.1.747 35. Dawson, P., Northcutt, J.K., and Buyukyavuz, A. 2024. Recovery of microorganisms from various locations occupied by college students. Journal of Food Research. Vol. 13, No. 2; 2024. 36. Deng W, Gibson KE*. 2025. Virus association with bacteria and bacterial cell components enhance virus infectivity. Food and Environmental Virology. 17(1), 15. doi: 10.1007/s12560-025-09633-7 37. Dhakal A, Stasiak-Różańska L, Adhikari A. 2025. Novel Approaches in Production and Application of Bacterial Cellulose in Food Industries. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol. 2025 Apr 8. doi: 10.1007/10_2025_285. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40195143. (Corresponding Author) 38. Dhakal, A., Aryal, J., Aita, G., Adhikari, A. 2025. Effects of Drying Conditions on the Structural, Functional and Biodegradability Properties of Bacterial Cellulose. Food Bioprocess Technol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-025-04014-1. (Corresponding Author) Jin, Y., & Adhikari, A. 2025. 39. Dhakal, J*., L.P.M. Cancio, A. Deliephan, B.D. Chaves, and S. Tubene. 2024. Salmonella presence and risk mitigation in pet foods - a growing challenge with implications for human health. Comp. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf. 23:e70060. 51 pages. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70060, 40. Dittoe#, D. K., K. M. Feye, M. J. Rothrock Jr., and S. C. Ricke#. 2025. Influence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on the microbiota response of chicken thighs treated with different antimicrobials. (In Review, Journal of Applied Microbiology). 41. Dittoe#, D. K., O'Bryan, C. A., Legako, J. F., Olson, E. G. & Ricke, S. C. 2025. Developments and advances in materials for meats: active packaging, edible coatings, and smart packaging. Meat and Muscle Biology 9(1): 20111, 1-17. doi: 10.13039/100000199 42. Dittoe#, D. K., O'Bryan, C. A., Legako, J. F., Olson, E. G. & Ricke, S. C. 2025. Packaging of meats and shelf life: microbial and physiochemical considerations. Meat and Muscle Biology 9(1): 20111, 1-17. doi: 10.22175/mmb.20111 43. Emerging and Innovative Technologies for the Sanitization of Fresh Produce: Advances, Mechanisms, and Applications for Enhancing Food Safety and Quality. Foods, 14(11), 1924. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111924. (Corresponding Author) 44. Etaka, C. A., Silva, E. M., Hamilton, A. M., Murphy, C. M., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Survival of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on food contact surfaces in produce packinghouses. Foods, 14, 3247. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14183247 45. Etaka, C. A., Weller, D. L., Hamilton, A. M., Critzer, F. J., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Sanitation interventions for reducing Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella on canvas and Cordura® harvest bags. Journal of Food Protection, 88(5), 100472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100472 46. Etaka, C. A., Weller, D. L., Le, T., Hamilton, A. M., Critzer, F. J., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Impact of material type and relative humidity on the survival of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica on harvest bags. Journal of Food Protection, 88(5), 100471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100471 47. Everhart, E., Carson, S., Atkinson, K. and D’Amico, D.J.*, 2025. Commercial bacteriophage preparations for the control of Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in raw and pasteurized milk. Food Microbiology, p.104652. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2024.104652 48. Everhart, E., Worth, A. and D’Amico, D.J.*, 2025. Control of Salmonella enterica spp. enterica in milk and raw milk cheese using commercial bacteriophage preparations. Food Microbiology, p.104725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2025.104725 49. Evrendilek GA 2025. Addressing Food Safety Needs in Maine's Seafood Industry: Insights from a Stakeholder Needs Assessment. Poster Presentation. NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting January 21 – 23, 2025, Pittsburgh, PA 50. Evrendilek GA, Evrendilek F. 2025. Data-driven insights into seafood HACCP training effectiveness: a dual-cohort predictive modeling and contingency analysis. Journal of Food Safety (in press). 51. Fashenpour E, Vargas DA, Betancourt-Barszcz GK, Blandon S, Sanchez-Plata MX, Brashears MM, Miller MF, Kang Q, Trinetta V, Vipham V, Phebus RK, Gragg S. 2024. Salmonella Prevalence and Quantification in Market Hog Lymph Nodes and Tonsils in Several Regions and Seasons of the United States. Journal of Food Protection, Volume 87, Issue 10, 100357, ISSN 0362-028X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100357. 52. G Akdemir Evrendilek, F Evrendilek. 2025. Data-Driven Insights Into Seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Training Effectiveness: A Dual-Cohort Contingency Analysis and Predictive Modeling. Journal of Food Safety 45 (5), e70038 53. G Akdemir Evrendilek. 2025. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Seafood Systems: Challenges, Health Impacts, and Remediation Strategies. Shrine Journal of Research and Sciences (SJRS) 1 (1), 1-9 54. Ghorbani Tajani A, Sharma A, Ruehling K, Collins S, Bisha# B. 2025. Molecular characterization of Escherichia coli isolate from the Greys-Hoback Watershed, Wyoming. Microbiology Resource Announcements e01187-24. 55. Gozzi F., Low M., Feng Y. (2025). Influence of demographics, risk perception and information sources on consumer food safety behaviours: A case study of home apple drying practices. British Food Journal, 127(13), 606–624. 56. Guan B, Hong H, Kim M, Lu J, Moore MD. 2024. Evaluating the potential of ozone microbubbles for inactivation of Tulane virus, a human norovirus surrogate. ACS Omega 9(22):23184-23192. 57. Hamilton AN, Chandran S, Gibson KE, Moreira J*. 2025. Thematic Analysis of Produce Packinghouse Sanitation: Challenges and Recommendations based on Operator and Educator Insights. Journal of Food Protection, 88(9):100587. doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100587 58. Hamilton AN, Gibson KE*. 2025. Impact of Storage Conditions on Risk of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in Pre-and Post-Printed 3D Food Ink. Journal of Food Protection. 88(1): 100409. doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100409 59. Hamilton AN, Jones SL, Baker CA, Liang X, Siepielski A, Dhulappanavar GR, Robinson A, Gibson KE*. 2025. Efficacy of chemical agents for the removal of bacterial biofilms on food processing surfaces: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Journal of Food Protection, 88(5), 100495. doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100495 60. Hamilton AN, Maes F, Chávez Reyes GY, Almeida G, Li D, Uyttendaele M, and Gibson KE*. 2024. Machine Learning and Imputation to Characterize Human Norovirus Genotype Susceptibility to Sodium Hypochlorite. Food and Environmental Virology. 16: 492-505. doi: 10.1007/s12560-024-09613-3 61. Hamilton, A. M., Rock, C. M., Melendez, M., Critzer, F., Danyluk, M. D., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Industry reaction and perceived barriers to implementation of the preharvest water requirements (Subpart E) from the U.S. FDA Produce Safety Rule. Food Protection Trends, 45(6), 378-388. 62. Hang, M., E. L. Afari, X. Shen, Y. Su, M. Mendoza, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu.2025. Dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes and yeast and mold populations across pear varieties during simulated storage. Foods, 14: 1701. 63. Hay V, Vipham J, Bello NM, Boyle DL, 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 market. Food Protection Trends, 44,6, p 420-428. https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-24-020. 64. Hoover, A., P. L. Dawson, D. P. Smith and J. K. Northcutt. 2025. Effect of various processing factors on the pH, water activity and microbiological characteristics of pickled Japanese quail (Coturnix, c, japonica) eggs. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 34:100531. doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2025.100531. 65. Hua, Z., F. Younce, D. Ryu, J. Tang, B. Rasco, and M. J. Zhu. 2025. Enhanced steam-, sanitizer strategies for eliminating Listeria biofilms on food-contact surfaces. Food Control, 169: 111020. 66. Hudson CL, Micallef SA, 2026. Differential phenolic metabolite and ROS responses in lettuce after infiltration with Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 accompanied bacterial log reductions. Food Microbiology 133 (2026) 104896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2025.104896 67. Ivers C, Chalamalasetti S, Ruiz-Llacsahuanga B, Critzer F, Bhullar M, Nwadike L, Yucel U, Trinetta V, 2024. Evaluation of Commercially Available Sanitizers Efficacy to Control Salmonella (Sessile and Biofilm Forms) on Harvesting Bins and Picking Bags. Journal of Food Protection, Volume 87, Issue 12, 100394, ISSN 0362-028X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100394. 68. Ivers C, Kaya E, Yucel U, Boyle D, Trinetta V, 2024. Evaluation of Salmonella biofilm attachment and hydrophobicity characteristics on food contact surfaces. BMC Microbiology 24, 387 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-024-03556- 69. Jashari B, Capitane K, Bisha# B, Stessl B, Blagoevska K, Cana A, Jankulovski D, Félix B. 2024. Molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in the food chain of the Republic of Kosovo from 2026 to 2022. Foods 13 (8): 2883. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182883. 70. Jin, Y., & Adhikari, A. 2025. Recent Developments and Applications of Food-Based Emulsifiers from Plant and Animal Sources. Colloids and Interfaces, 9(5), 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9050061. (Corresponding Author) 71. K.R. Schneider, M. Schroederg, A. GutierrezG, K. KharelP, R. Goodrich Schneider, A. Harder, A. Philyaw Perez, K. Woods, L.L. Dunn, P. Priyesh, C. Gunter, E. Rogers, C. Simmons, L. Johnston, C. Carter, T.M. Taylor, A. Castillo, J. Anciso, J. Masabni, L.K. Strawn, A. Vallotton, K. Stull, T. O’Bannon and M.D. Danyluk. 2024. Southern Region Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training: Using Pre- and Post-Training Knowledge Assessments to Understand Training Effectiveness. J Food Protect. 87(5):100266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100266 72. Kamarasu P, Kim M, McClements DJ, Kinchla AJ, Moore MD. 2025. Inactivation of Viruses by Charged Cinnamaldehyde Nanoemulsions. Foods 14(6):931. 73. Kamarasu P, McLandsborough L, Moore MD, Kinchla A. 2025. Evaluating the potential for contamination of leafy greens with Listeria when using retrofitted washing machines. Npj Science of Food 9:126. 74. Kharel, K., Bardsley, C. A., Appolon, C. B., Dunn, L. L., Kumar, G. D., Prabha, K., Sharma, M., Danyluk, M.D., & Schneider, K. R. (2025). The Effect of Heat-treated Poultry Pellets and Composted Poultry Litter on E. coli Survival in Southeastern US Soils: Florida and Georgia. Journal of Food Protection, 100439. 75. Kharel, K.P, Bardsley, C.A.P, Appolon, C.B.G, Dunn, L.L., Kumar, G.D., Prabha, K.g, Sharma, M., Danyluk, M.D., Schneider, K.R. 2025. The Effect of Heat-treated Poultry Pellets and Composted Poultry Litter on E. coli Survival in Southeastern US Soils: Florida and Georgia. J Food Protect. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100439 2. 76. Koreen, N., Baldwin, W. C., & Schaffner, D. W. (2024). Cooling Uncovered Foods at a Depth of &sim; 5.1 cm (2 Inches) or Less Poses Little Risk of Pathogen Growth. Journal of Food Protection, 100356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100356 77. Kraśniewska, K. M. Gniewosz, Adhikari, A. 2025. Nanoemulsion enhances antimicrobial efficacy of Spanish marjoram essential oil against Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 on spinach leaves. International Journal of Food Microbiology (444). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111466. 78. Kunadu, A.P.-H., Y. Arcot, L. Cisneros-Zevallos, J. Barouei, M. Akbulut, and T.M. Taylor. 2025. Nano-encapsulation of curcumin and quercetin in zein-chitosan shells for enhanced broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy and shelf-life extension of strawberries. Journal of Food Protection. 88:100517. Doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100517 79. Larsen, K.M., §Blackwell, H., §Patch, C., §Herren, C., ǂBears, J., Armstrong, C.M., Kanrar, S., Harper, K., Devlin, V., Martin, L., ǂNoyes, O., Michaelides, A., ǂHood, K., ǂLunna, A., ǂPenny, A., Nguyen, Sarah C., &dagger;Etter, A. J. Prevalence and Human Health Risks of Salmonella enterica in Baby Poultry Sold at Agricultural Supply Stores. Under Review at Zoonoses and Public Health. 80. Lituma, I., Valle, F., Ham, J. H., & Adhikari, A. 2025. Pecan Shell Extract Effectively Inhibits Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas spp. on Contaminated Lettuce Seeds. Agronomy, 15(8), 1865. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081865. (Corresponding Author) 81. Mao, L. and A. Mustapha*. 2025. A novel lateral flow assay based on graphene quantum dot-phage probe for detection of E. coli O1576:H7. Presented at the International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, July 28, Cleveland, OH. P1-45. 82. Martinez, P. N. (Principal), Chamberlin, B. A. (Co-Principal), Sponsored Research, "TRAIN: Targeted Resources Addressing Identified Needs in Worker Training and Food Safety Culture in Maryland through the Development and On-Farm Evaluation of a Mixed Media Toolkit", September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2025. 83. Meem, F.C., Smith, K., Omar, A.N., Kniel, K.E. and Tan, J., 2025. Effects of Cold Plasma Fumigation (CPF) Treatments on the Inactivation of Escherichia coli on Food Contact Surfaces and Fresh Produce. Journal of Food Science, 90(11), p.e70639. 84. Mendoza, J., I. Lituma, K. Fontenot, Adhikari, A. 2025. Effect of pH, nutrient composition, and UV-C light treatment on Listeria monocytogenes in hydroponic nutrient solutions. Journal of Food Protection. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100632. (Corresponding Author) 85. Moon, L.R., Han, I.Y., Northcutt, J.K. and Dawson, P.L. 2025. Inhibitory effects of Bifidobacterium infantis 15697 filtrates on the growth of Salmonella Choleraesuis and Escherichia coli. Food and Nutrition Sciences. accepted 9/2025 86. Moreira, J., Aryal, J., Guidry, L., Adhikari, A., Chen, Y., Sriwattana, S. & Prinyawiwatkul, W. 2025. Tea quality: an overview of the most recent studies using analytical methods and sensory analysis. Foods. DOI: 10.3390/foods13223580 87. Murphy, C. M., Friedrich, L. M., Strawn, L. K., & Danyluk, M. D. (2025). Mitigating Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella populations on field-packed cantaloupe contact surfaces. Food Control, 171, 111123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.111123 88. Murphy, C. M., Ganser, C., Danyluk, M. D., Havelaar, A. H., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Describing the die-off of generic Escherichia coli on field-grown tomatoes in Virginia using nonlinear inactivation models. Journal of Food Protection, 88(5), 100489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100489 89. Murphy, C. M., K. H. Jeong, L. Walter, M. Mendoza, T. Green, A. Liao, K. Killinger, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2025. Survival of generic Escherichia coli on in-field mature and immature gala and golden delicious apples with or without overhead evaporative cooling treatment. Journal of Food Protection, 88: 100410. 90. Murphy, C. M., M. Mendoza, L. Walter, K. H. Jeong, A. Liao, T. Green, K. Killinger, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2024. Impact of overhead evaporative cooling, canopy location, sunlight exposure, inoculation level, region, and growing season on the survival of generic Escherichia coli on in-field Fuji apples. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 135: lxae195. 91. Murphy, C. M., Weller, D. L., Love, T. M. T., Danyluk, M. D., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). The probability of detecting host-specific microbial source tracking markers in surface waters was strongly associated with method and season. Microbiology Spectrum, 13(2), e01972-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01972-24 92. Murphy, S. I., Bulut, E., Strawn, L. K., Danyluk, M. D., & Wiedmann, M., Ivanek, R. (2025). Farm-to-consumer quantitative microbial risk assessment model for Listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut cantaloupe. Journal of Food Protection, 88(11), 100626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100626 93. Mustapha, A. and K. W. Choo. 2024. Lytic phage with high specificity towards pathogenic Escherichia coli. US Non-Provisional Patent application No. 18951339. 94. Navarre, A., Quintana-Pérez, F. M., & Kovac, J. (2026). Peroxyacetic acid treatment significantly reduced Campylobacter jejuni culturability but not viability on chicken breasts. Food Control. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111652. 95. Navarre, A., Rupert, K., Chandross-Cohen, T., & Kovac, J. (2025). Low Prevalence and Concentrations of Campylobacter Detected on Retail Chicken Breasts. Journal of Food Protection. DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100635 96. Nerney, A., S. Reitz, J. Kovacevic, and J. Waite-Cusic. 2025. Cross-contamination risks in dry produce packinghouses: Efficacy of alcohol-based sanitizers to reduce Salmonella and potential surrogates on relevant surface materials. Journal of Food Protection 88(2):100443. DOI: j.jfp.2024.100443. 97. Northcutt, J.K., Buyukyavuz, A. and Dawson, P.L. 2024. Kitchen Hygiene: Let’s talk about that sponge. Home and Garden Information Center. SC Cooperative Extension. Factsheet HGIC 3619. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/kitchen-hygiene-lets-talk-about-that-sponge/ 98. Pabst, C.R.G, J. DeP, C.A. BardsleyP, B. BertoldiG, and K.R. Schneider. 2024. Evaluating the Efficacy of Peroxyacetic Acid in Preventing Salmonella Cross-Contamination on Tomatoes in a Model Flume System. Heliyon. 10(2024):e31521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31521 99. Patch, C.A., §Larsen, K.M., Armstrong, C.M., Kanrar, S., §Michaelides, A.M., Chakraborty, P., Harper, K., Devlin, V., Martin, L., ǂLunna, A., §Blackwell, H.L., Nguyen, S., ǂPenny, A., &dagger;Etter, A.J. 100. Polen B, Patras A, Pendyala B, D'Souza DH. 2025. Inactivation of Aerosolized Hepatitis A Viral Droplets on Food Contact Surfaces by Ultraviolet-Light-Emitting Diodes at 255 nm and 279 nm. Foods May 27;14(11):1899. doi:10.3390/foods14111899. PMID: 40509428. 101. Prevalence, risk factors, and human health implications of Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter spp. in Vermont backyard poultry. Zoonoses and Public Health. July 29, 2025:72:654–668 https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.70004 102. Qiao D#, Gu G, Luo Y, Xiangwu N, Micallef SA, 2025. Transcriptomic response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Romaine lettuce from harvest to storage during the pre-processing interval. Post-harvest Biology and Technology, 227 (2025) 113594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.113594 103. Razieh Sadat Mirmahdi and Naim Montazeri. 2025. Progress and challenges in thermal inactivation of norovirus in oysters. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2025.2467209 104. Razieh Sadat Mirmahdi, Razieh Farzad, Andrew J. MacIntosh, Arie H. Havelaar, Amarat H. Simonne, Naim Montazeri. 2025. Oyster cooking practices in the United States-based restaurants - A survey. PLoS One, 20(7): e0327330. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327330 105. Razieh Sadat Mirmahdi, Samantha Dicker, Nuradeen Yusuf Garba, and Naim Montazeri. 2025. Navigating uncertainties in RT-qPCR and infectivity assessment of norovirus. Food and Environmental Virology, 17(22). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12560-024-09632-0. 106. Rodriguez, G., Thapaliya, M., Bui, D., Malekian, F., Adhikari, A., & Xu, Z. 2025. Free- and Bound-Form Terpenes in Sweet Potato Peel and Their Antifungal Activity Against Aspergillus flavus-Induced Tomato Spoilage. Agronomy, 15(10), 2270. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102270 107. Rolon, M. L., Mendez Acevedo, M., Sinclair, P., Macarisin, D., LaBorde, L. F., & Kovac, J. (2025). Impact of improved sanitation standard operating procedures on microbial populations at three tree fruit packing facilities. Journal of Food Protection. DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100436. 108. Rosenbaum, A., Murphy, C. M., Hamilton, A. M., Rideout, S. L., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Survival of generic Escherichia coli on plastic mulch in open-field, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments. Journal of Food Protection, 88, 100572. 109. Rosenbaum, A., Murphy, C. M., Wszelaki, A. L., Hamilton, A. M., Rideout, S. L., & Strawn, L. K. (2025). Survival of Salmonella on biodegradable mulch, landscape fabric, and plastic mulch. Journal of Food Protection, 88(2), 100444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100444 110. Salazar, A., Sreng, N., Peng, C., Fu, Y., Nawrocki, E. M., Chung, T., Vipham, J., Dudley, E., & Kovac, J. (2025). Genomic diversity and potential transmission and persistence of Salmonella in the Cambodian vegetable supply chain. Journal of food protection. DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024. 111. Shen, X., Y. S, Z. Hu, T. Chiu, Y. Wang, M. Mendoza, I. Hanrahan, and M. J. Zhu. 2025. Evaluating serotype-specific survival of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua on wax-coated Granny Smith apples during storage. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 427: 110964. 112. Shirani, K. and A. Mustapha*. 2025. Development of carbohydrate-based packaging films incorporated with CAM-21 bacteriophage for biocontrol of E. coli O157:H7 on baby spinach. Presented at the International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, July 28, Cleveland, OH. P1-161. 113. Stewart, S., Chalamalasetti, S., Ruiz-Llacsahuanga, B., Critzer, F., Bhullar, M., Nwadike, L., Yucel, U., & Trinetta, V. (2025). The effect of commercial sanitizers on Listeria monocytogenes (planktonic and biofilm forms) experimentally inoculated materials commonly used during tree-fruit harvesting. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 78(4), ovaf056. https://doi.org/10.1093/lambio/ovaf056. 114. Stoll, A., Low, M., Kinchla, A. J., Richard, N., DiCaprio, E., & Feng, Y. (2025). Conversations with state and local inspectors reveal ambiguity in the application of food safety regulations on small-scale produce drying operations. Journal of Food Protection, 100561. 115. Stoll, A., Marshall, M. I., Wiatt, R., & Feng, Y. (2025). Exploring consumer willingness to pay for food safety in produce: A focus on small vs. large farms. Journal of Food Protection, 100564. 116. Stoufer S, Dugan MB, Anderson JL, Brehm-Stecher BF, Moore MD. 2025. Single-tube capture, concentration, and genomic extraction of a human norovirus surrogate using magnetic ionic liquids. Analytical Chemistry 97(40):22051-22060. 117. Stoufer S, Kim M, Anderson J, De Silva S, Brehm-Stecher BF, Moore MD#*. 2025. Evaluating the capacity of magnetic ionic liquids for separation and concentration of non-enveloped viral particles and free viral genomic RNA. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 417(2):435-445. 118. Strawn, L. K., & McEntire, J. C. (2025). Evaluating and managing potential risks associated with top-iced produce. Food Protection Trends, 45(1), 66-71. https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-24-033 119. Su, Y., M. Hang, X. Shen, J. M. Deavila, and M. J. Zhu. 2025. Evaluation of chlorine and peroxyacetic acid efficacy in controlling Listeria innocua in a pilot-scale apple dump tank system. Food Control, 169: 110985. 120. Su, Y., X. Shen, J. Cong, and M. J. Zhu. 2025. Evaluation of Cecure as a postharvest sanitizer for controlling Listeria monocytogenes on fresh apples. Food Microbiology, 134: 104936. 121. Swinehart, M., Rojas Oropel, S. F., Berglund, Z., DiCaprio, E., & Feng, Y. (2025). Bridging barriers in food safety education: An evaluation of current food safety training programs and recommendations for future opportunities among small-scale processors. Journal of Food Protection, in press. 122. Thapaliya, M. M. Rajasekaran, A. F. Vatta, J. N. Losso, Adhikari, A. 2025. Seasonal Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts in Soil and Manure Microenvironments Using the LSTM-based Environmental Model. Journal of Food Protection. 88(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100617. (Corresponding Author) 123. Thomas, M. S., Kontor-Manu, E., & Feng, Y. (2025). The Yearlong Effect of COVID-19 on Food Safety: Consumer Practices and Perceptions Using Longitudinal Consumer Surveys and Focus Groups. Foods, 14(4), 551. 124. Tibbs-Cortes BW, Strathman JL, Schmitz-Esser S. 2025. Investigating the role of the Listeria monocytogenes noncoding RNA Rli47 during the response to environmental stressors. FEMS Microbes xtaf012, https://doi.org/10.1093/femsmc/xtaf012 . 125. Topalcengiz Z, Gibson KE*. 2025. Recovery of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes from non-porous surfaces based on surface sampler type. Journal of Food Protection, 88(10):100599. doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100599 126. Torko F, Gibson KE*. 2025. In Vitro Efficacy of Foam Hand Sanitizers Against Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses. Food and Environmental Virology, 17(2), 24. doi: 10.1007/s12560-025-09640-8 127. Torko F, Gibson KE*. 2025. Product Formulation and Rubbing Time Impact the Inactivation of Enveloped and Non-enveloped Viruses by Foam-Based Hand Sanitizers. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 91, e02474-24. doi: 10.1128/aem.02474-24 128. Tu, T., Liu, Z., Li, X., Guo, C., Chen, Z., Wang, H., and Wang, L. 2025. Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on growing and harvested Trumpet Royale (Pleurotuseryngii), Alba Clamshell (Hypsizygus tessellatus), and Brown Clamshell (Hypsizygus tessellatus) mushrooms. Food Microbiology. 130, 104778. 129. Voloshchuk, O., Rolon, M. L., Bartlett, K. V., Mendez Acevedo, M., LaBorde, L. F., & Kovac, J. (2025). Pseudomonadaceae increased the tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to sanitizers in multi-species biofilms. Food Microbiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104687. 130. Watson, S. C#., A.C. Neujahr#, B.D. Chaves, S.C. Fernando, and G.A. Sullivan*. 2024. Environmental monitoring of Nebraska ready-to-eat meat processing establishments resulted in the isolation of Listeria alongside Pseudomonas highly resistant to quaternary ammonia sanitizer, J. Food Prot. 87, 100391. 12 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100391 131. Watson, S.C.#, N.D. Aluthge^, R.A. Furbeck#, S.C. Fernando, B.D. Chaves, and G.A. Sullivan*. 2025. Impact of organic acid treatment on the microbial community composition of raw beef during extended refrigerated storage. Food Microbiol. 131, 104787. 10 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2025.104787. 132. Xu, Zhiyuan., Li, Yillin., He, Z., Shen, H., Kim, Young-Tek.-T., Shuai, Danmeng., Yin, Yun., Huang, Haibo. and Ponder, Monica., 2025. Rapid reductions of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica on foods using novel photocatalytic films. Food Control, [Accepted]. 133. Yan, R., A. Fraser, and X. Jiang. 2024. The Removal and Inactivation of Coronavirus Surrogates on Fomites Using Disinfectant Wipes. South Carolina American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Fall meeting, Spartanburg, SC, Nov. 9 134. Yan, Runan, Angela Fraser, and Xiuping Jiang. 2025. Removal and inactivation of human coronavirus surrogates from hard and soft surfaces using disinfectant wipes. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 0:e01337-25.https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01337-25 135. Zhu, M. J., X. Shen, Y. Su, Q. Luo, Z. Hua, T. Chiu, Y. Wang, M. Mendoza, and I. Hanrahan. 2025. Validation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Listeria on apples during cold storage gaseous ozone treatments. Journal of Food Protection, 88 (2025): 100615 136. Zhujun Gao Z, Jha A, Hudson CL, Hopper A, Critzer F, Micallef SA, Schaffner DW, Tikekar RV, 2025. Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid in reducing cross-contamination during washing of baby spinach at different water quality levels. Journal of Food Science 2025;90:e17657. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.17657 137. Zhujun Gao Z, Jha A, Hudson CL, Hopper A, Micallef SA, Rock C, Tikekar RV, 2025. Evaluation of calcium hypochlorite and peroxyacetic acid to inactivate E. coli and Salmonella in irrigation water in Maryland. Journal of Food Safety, 2025; 45:e70018. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfs.70018 138. Zwally, K.M., E. Holda, I. Perez, P. Kaufman, B. Lyons, G. Athrey, and M. Taylor. 2025. Detection and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica recovered from house fly intestinal tracts and environments of selected broiler farms in Texas. Letters in Applied Microbiology. 78(2), ovaf007. DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovaf007

Impact Statements

PROJECT IMPACTS Project activities generated substantial economic, social, and public health benefits. HACCP and food safety trainings increased regulatory compliance across processors, farmers, and distributors; 80% of participating seafood businesses passed audits, 71% improved sanitation and monitoring, and 29% accessed new markets generating $500–$10,000 in additional revenue. Reduced reliance on consultants saved roughly $3,000 per HACCP plan and decreased product loss by 20%. Research on microbial ecology, materials science, virus inactivation, packaging, and pathogen control improved risk management for milk, cheese, poultry, produce, nuts, mushrooms, seafood, and low-moisture foods. Social science work strengthened communication with caregivers, consumers, and food donation stakeholders. Digital and VR tools improved workforce training and supported modern risk communication strategies. The project attracted substantial new funding through USDA Hatch, NIFA AFRI, Sea Grant, Board of Regents, federal cooperative agreements, and industry-supported research. Awards ranged from $20,000 to more than $800,000 and supported work on pathogen control, UV-photonic interventions, antimicrobial coatings, seafood safety, oyster depuration, sanitizer optimization, consumer training, cottage food safety, and environmental microbial risk reduction. Multiple laboratories received multistate Hatch support (2024–2028) for microbial risk reduction and emerging pathogen work. Additional federal and commodity funding from USDA FSIS, NSF, AMS, the National Pork Board, the Hughes Center, and the Kansas Sorghum Commission advanced applied microbiology and materials science. These impacts demonstrate the project’s ability to improve food safety systems and catalyze external investment in high-priority risk assessment, management, and communication. In the next reporting period, the committee will continue coordinated research, training, and extension activities with a focus on completing ongoing laboratory studies, expanding predictive microbiology and risk modeling resources, and strengthening technology transfer through digital platforms, VR modules, and training tools. Additional plans include refining assessment systems across states, completing multi-site field sampling efforts, and generating new risk-relevant datasets to support regulatory and industry decision-making. The committee also plans to expand cross-institutional collaborations, strengthen engagement with industry partners and regulatory agencies, and support graduate student development through coordinated mentorship, research exchanges, and involvement in multistate project activities.