Journal of food protection最新文献

{"title":"Human Pathogenic Microorganisms in Fresh Produce Production: Lessons Learned When Plant Science Meets Food Safety","authors":"Xingchen Zhao ,&nbsp;Leo Van Overbeek ,&nbsp;Catherine M. Burgess ,&nbsp;Nicola Holden ,&nbsp;Fiona Brennan ,&nbsp;Gro S. Johannessen ,&nbsp;Ana Allende ,&nbsp;Monica Höfte ,&nbsp;Bart Cottyn ,&nbsp;Joël F. Pothier ,&nbsp;Adam Schikora ,&nbsp;Mieke Uyttendaele","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100551","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100551","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To enhance control of human pathogenic microorganisms in plant production systems, an EU COST Action (HUPLANTcontrol CA16110) was initiated, bringing together microbiologists in food, environmental, and plant microbial ecology. This article summarizes the outcomes of multiple workshops and the four main lessons learned: (i) many terminologies need further explanation to facilitate multidisciplinary communication on the behavior of human pathogens from preharvest plant production to postharvest food storage, (ii) the complexity of bacterial taxonomy pushes microbial hazard identification for greater resolution of characterization (to subspecies, or even strain level) needing a multimethod approach, (iii) hazard characterization should consider a range of factors to evaluate the weight of evidence for adverse health effects in humans, including strain pathogenicity, host susceptibility, and the impact of the plant, food, or human gut microbiome, (iv) a wide diversity of microorganisms in varying numbers and behaviors coexist in the plant microbiome, including good (beneficial for plant or human health), bad (established human or plant pathogens), or ugly (causing spoilage or opportunistic disease). In conclusion, active listening in communication and a multiperspective approach are the foundation for every successful conversation when plant science meets food safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100551"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogen Sulfide Negative Salmonella and their Implication for Standard Culture-based Identification","authors":"Kingsley E. Bentum ,&nbsp;Rejoice Nyarku ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Kuufire ,&nbsp;Temesgen Samuel ,&nbsp;Charlene R. Jackson ,&nbsp;Woubit Abebe","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Salmonella</em> typically produces hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas, which appears as a black precipitate on most selective culture media and serves as a key diagnostic feature in many laboratories. However, the emergence of H₂S-negative <em>Salmonella</em> serovars raises concerns about their potential to evade conventional isolation protocols. This review explores the phenotypic variability in H₂S production among <em>Salmonella</em> and summarizes recent global reports of H₂S-negative serovars. Additionally, it discusses the limitations of current H₂S-dependent isolation methods and proposes improved strategies for effectively detecting these atypical strains.</div><div>We identified several factors, including media composition and incubation duration, that can influence H₂S production in <em>Salmonella</em>. By analyzing various methods employed in recent years to isolate H₂S-negative strains, we advocate for the early integration of non-H₂S-dependent detection techniques to guide isolation workflows and prevent the unintentional exclusion of viable H₂S-negative serovars. Specifically, we recommend parallel plating of suspect <em>Salmonella</em> cultures on both H₂S-indicating media and non-H₂S-based media, such as chromogenic agars, followed by the confirmation of both black and nonblack colonies.</div><div>In conclusion, this review underscores the continued occurrence of H₂S-negative <em>Salmonella</em> serovars and offers practical recommendations to enhance their detection, thereby supporting more comprehensive and accurate pathogen identification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100549"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated Hygiene Control Strategies in Food Manufacturing: Technologies, Regulations, and Socioeconomic Impacts","authors":"Nisansala Chandimali ,&nbsp;Jaehoon Bae ,&nbsp;Ji Young Hwang ,&nbsp;Seon Gyeong Bak ,&nbsp;Sun Hee Cheong ,&nbsp;Seung Jae Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the food manufacturing sector, maintaining industry standards and ensuring consumer health rely fundamentally on the quality and safety of the products. To achieve these objectives, hygiene and environmental control procedures are essential for preserving product integrity and minimizing the risk of contamination. Hygiene practices encompass strict sanitation guidelines, such as regular and thorough hand washing, meticulous equipment sterilization, and stringent requirements for the personal cleanliness of food handlers. Similarly, environmental control measures, such as effective pest management and precise regulation of temperature and air quality, are critical in creating and maintaining optimal conditions for the production of safe food. This article underscores the pivotal role of both hygiene and environmental control in the food manufacturing process for ensuring quality and safety. Drawing from extensive research and industry insights, it explores the best practices and recommended procedures for managing environmental factors and maintaining high hygiene standards. Furthermore, it delves into the impact of technological advancements on the food production landscape, examining how innovations have enhanced the ability to control and improve hygiene and environmental conditions. By addressing these key aspects, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of hygiene and environmental control in modern food manufacturing, highlighting their significance in safeguarding public health and maintaining industry standards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100547"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144142701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal, Seasonal, and Patient Demographic Trends Among Culture-Confirmed Human Salmonellosis Cases Identify Regional Differences in Salmonella Serotypes Reported in Virginia, USA From 2012 through 2022","authors":"Caroline R. Yates ,&nbsp;Daniel L. Weller ,&nbsp;Monica A. Ponder ,&nbsp;Jingqiu Liao ,&nbsp;Kelsey Holloman ,&nbsp;Rachel A. Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The U.S. federal government established a national goal of reducing the salmonellosis incidence to ≤11.5 cases/100,000 persons by 2030. To assess progress toward this goal in Virginia, we used data from culture-confirmed salmonellosis cases reported to the Virginia Department of Health during 2012–2022 (<em>N</em> = 11,411). A Bayesian negative binomial splines model was implemented to estimate changes in incidence/100,000 persons during 2012–2022 statewide and for specific localities (for example: county or independent city). Incidence varied substantially by locality and over time. Output from modeled incidence suggests limited progress toward federal salmonellosis reduction goals in Virginia. During 2012–2022, statewide modeled incidence ranged between 11.6 (in 2022) and 12.9 (in 2018). From 2018 to 2022, there was a consistent decrease in the modeled incidence of culture-confirmed salmonellosis in Virginia. In contrast to FoodNet trends, the inclusion of culture-independent diagnostic tests in the case definition did not significantly reduce the number of culture-confirmed cases, suggesting a high rate of reflex culturing among patients in Virginia. Among 187 <em>Salmonella</em> serotypes reported, 64.2% of culture-confirmed infections were attributed to six serotypes: Typhimurium (including the monophasic variant, I 4,[5],12:i:-; 20.3%), Enteritidis (18.0%), Newport (10.7%), Javiana (7.7%), Bareilly (3.9%), and Braenderup (3.6%). Trends in salmonellosis attributable to specific serotypes varied substantially; modeled incidence of infections caused by some serotypes decreased substantially (e.g., <em>S.</em> Typhimurium/I 4,[5],12:i:-) and others increased (e.g., <em>S.</em> Braenderup). This may indicate that serotype-specific trends may be masking changes in salmonellosis epidemiology and contributing to the apparent overall stability in salmonellosis incidence in Virginia; efforts to meet federal goals may need to be tailored to reduce the incidence of specific serotypes that are increasing in incidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100548"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144142704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploration of Antibacterial Compounds From Bacillus velezensis BP1 Against Foodborne Pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium Using Metabolomic and Genomic Approaches","authors":"Tsania Taskia Nabila ,&nbsp;Ema Damayanti ,&nbsp;Jaka Widada","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Food contamination by pathogenic microorganisms has become a significant issue. This study investigated the antibacterial compounds of a <em>Bacillus</em> isolate from stingless bee bread, <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> BP1, against foodborne pathogens <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> ATCC 25923 and <em>Salmonella enterica</em> Typhimurium ATCC 14028 using the one strain many compounds (OSMAC), metabolomic, and genomic approaches. The culture media used were Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB), TSB with Chitosan (TSB-Chi), several synthetic broths composed of Mineral Salts with Glucose (MG) and Glucose-Fructose (MGF), Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), and Starch Nitrate (SNB), to analyze diverse antibacterial compounds. Twelve extracts from the supernatant (S) and pellet (P) were screened using the microdilution method. P-TSB and S-TSB-Chi demonstrated the highest antibacterial effects, with inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 253.5 ppm and 740.28 ppm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified an amide I group contributing to extract clustering. Untargeted liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) revealed six compounds significantly contributing to extract clustering. Enrichment analysis showed that chitosan was associated with the metabolic processes of pyrimidine and nucleotide metabolisms. Growth curve assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the extracts’ efficacy. The <em>Bacillus</em> isolate showed an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 98.08% to <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> NRRL B-41580. Genome mining revealed twelve biosynthetic gene clusters, six 100% similar to known clusters. Molecular docking demonstrated that genome mining-derived bacillibactin and LC-HRMS-derived bis(4-ethylbenzylidene)sorbitol and cyclo(phenylalanyl-prolyl) exhibited the strongest binding affinities against four pathogen-associated proteins, outperforming ampicillin. This study highlights <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> BP1’s potential as a source of diverse antibacterial compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100546"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Overview of Farm Investigation Findings Associated with Outbreaks of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections Linked to Leafy Greens: 2009–2021","authors":"Stelios Viazis ,&nbsp;Michael C. Bazaco ,&nbsp;Tyann Blessington ,&nbsp;Sharon L. Seelman Federman ,&nbsp;Meredith Lindsay ,&nbsp;Travis Minor ,&nbsp;Brittany Nork ,&nbsp;Mia C. Mattioli ,&nbsp;Katherine E. Marshall ,&nbsp;Matthew E. Wise ,&nbsp;Brett Weed ,&nbsp;Julie Haendiges ,&nbsp;Laura Gieraltowski ,&nbsp;Kurt Nolte","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leafy greens are a reoccurring source of Shiga toxin-producing <em>Escherichia coli</em> (STEC) outbreaks. We summarize data from farm investigations following STEC outbreaks linked to leafy greens conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, during 2009–2021. Investigational and laboratory data on multistate STEC outbreaks linked to leafy greens were collected during 2009–2021 from CDC’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System and FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response &amp; Evaluation Network. Farm investigation information was retrieved from the FDA Farm Investigation Questionnaires and Investigation Memos. During 2009–2021, there were 49 leafy greens STEC outbreaks; 37 were linked to a specific type of leafy green. Traceback investigations were conducted for 25, and farm investigations for 17. Seven outbreaks were traced back to a single farm, and 10 were traced back to multiple farms. Environmental samples collected per investigation increased over time, and farm investigations since 2018 included a more diverse collection of environmental sample types. This overview includes a summary of the results obtained from the samples collected, including leafy greens, air, water, sediment, animal feces, and soil. The outbreak strain was identified in 6 of 17 investigations by genomic analysis, though sample and testing methods changed over time, increasing the sensitivity for pathogen detection. Collaboration between investigative partners improved the collection of samples and data through contributions from a diverse set of experts and identified possible contamination sources. Improved traceability in the supply chain can help identify single farms for investigations and focused product actions; continued grower outreach and education and adoption of regulations and best practices can help improve leafy green safety; and research to address food safety gaps can help minimize the impact of future outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100542"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella in Raw Chicken Eggs Sourced from Commercial Poultry Farms and Retail Shops and In-contact Humans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","authors":"Paulos Adane ,&nbsp;Tekalign Tadesse ,&nbsp;Haile Alemayehu ,&nbsp;Tadesse Eguale","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite the wide availability of poultry farms in Addis Ababa, limited information is available on the status of <em>Salmonella</em> in poultry eggs from both farms and retail stores, as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of <em>Salmonella</em> in raw chicken eggs and stool samples from humans in contact with poultry in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect 392 pooled egg samples (two eggs per sample) and 48 stool samples from humans in contact with poultry, across 55 farms and 44 retail shops. Standard bacteriological methods were employed to isolate and identify <em>Salmonella</em>, and presumptive isolates were confirmed by PCR. The susceptibility of the isolates to 12 antimicrobials was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The overall prevalence of <em>Salmonella</em> in eggs was 7.1% (28/392), with the highest prevalence observed in egg shells 21.4% (21/196). Most <em>Salmonella</em> isolates were recovered from eggs sampled at farms 8.2% (16/196). No <em>Salmonella</em> was detected in stool samples from humans in contact with poultry. Farms that did not clean dirty eggs, those with poor handwashing practices before handling eggs, or that did not separate cracked eggs were significantly associated with <em>Salmonella</em> positivity (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Among the 28 <em>Salmonella</em> isolates, 53.6% (15/28) and 46.6% (13/28) were resistant to streptomycin and tetracycline, respectively, and multidrug resistance to 3 or more antimicrobials was recorded in 8 (28.6%) of <em>Salmonella</em> isolates. The presence of antimicrobial-resistant <em>Salmonella</em> in chicken eggs is indicative of a significant public health concern. Raising public awareness about antimicrobial-resistant <em>Salmonella</em> and implementing appropriate food safety measures are essential to reduce the risk of zoonotic salmonellosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100544"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occurrence and Genotypic Characterization of Selected Multidrug-resistant ESKAPE-E Pathogens Isolated from Integrated Smallholder Fresh Produce Farms","authors":"Sheldon Viviers ,&nbsp;Loandi Richter-Mouton ,&nbsp;Jonathan Featherston ,&nbsp;Lise Korsten","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ranks among the top ten global public health threats, with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> emerging as multidrug-resistant (MDR) priority pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and characteristics (phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles) of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacterales and <em>P. aeruginosa</em> isolates obtained from the water-soil-plant nexus on smallholder fresh produce farms in South Africa. Samples of irrigation water (<em>n</em> = 44), soil (<em>n</em> = 85), and fresh produce (<em>n</em> = 95) were collected from six smallholder farms. Potential MDR bacteria were isolated using selective enrichment, chromogenic media, and identified with MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed via double-disk diffusion against 13 different antibiotic classes, while 20 selected isolates were genotypically characterized using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) (Illumina MiSeq). ESBL/AmpC-producing isolates were detected in 17% of samples (38/224), primarily from fresh produce (54%), followed by soil (31%) and water (15%). The dominant Enterobacterales species identified from all three matrices included <em>Enterobacter</em> spp. (26%), <em>Klebsiella</em> spp. (26%), <em>Serratia</em> spp. (17%), and <em>Escherichia coli</em> (9%). Phenotypically, 47% and 43% of the isolates were classified as ESBL and AmpC-producers, respectively, with resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and glycylcyclines. Notably, WGS analysis indicated the presence of clinically significant AMR and virulence genes among isolates from the environment, particularly those associated with mobile genetic elements. The results from the study add to the limited national and international knowledge of AMR prevalence in the smallholder agricultural landscape, needed for the introduction of appropriate intervention strategies and future risk assessment of the informal supply chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100543"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of Antifungal and Biopreservative Potential of Orange Peel-derived Lactobacillus fermentum O1.1 in Cherry Tomatoes","authors":"Mehmood Azhar ,&nbsp;Anita Chaudhary ,&nbsp;Swati Gaba ,&nbsp;Latief Bashir ,&nbsp;Anil Kumar Pinaka ,&nbsp;Anju Kamra ,&nbsp;Soora Naresh Kumar ,&nbsp;Praveen Kumar Singh ,&nbsp;Neeraj Panwar ,&nbsp;Mohammad Irfan ,&nbsp;Abdel‑Halim I. Ghazy ,&nbsp;Abdullah A. Al-Doss","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cherry tomatoes, consumed worldwide, have a short shelf life and are highly susceptible to significant pre- and postharvest losses, largely due to fungal pathogens like <em>Alternaria alternata</em> and <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em>. With the growing demand for nutritious food products free from synthetic preservatives, biopreservation has emerged as a safe and reliable method for controlling fungal growth in food. Biopreservation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), known for producing antimicrobial metabolites, presents a promising approach at both the farm and industrial scales. This study investigates the antifungal potential of <em>Lactobacillus fermentum</em> O1.1, an isolate obtained from orange peel, against <em>A. alternata</em> and <em>F. oxysporum</em>. The growth performance of this isolate was assessed in various plant-based media, including watermelon rind (WMR), banana peel, and orange peel, in addition to MRS medium. Among these, WMR was found to be the most supportive medium for its growth. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of <em>Lb. fermentum</em> O1.1 grown in WMR medium exhibited maximum inhibition of <em>F. oxysporum</em> (79.1%) and <em>A. alternata</em> (68%). Furthermore, cherry tomatoes infected with <em>A. alternata</em> and treated with the WMR-based CFS showed a reduced disease incidence (DI) of 16.78 ± 0.05%, compared to 40.17 ± 4.53% DI with the MRS-based CFS. Similarly, tomatoes infected with <em>F. oxysporum</em> and treated with the WMR-based CFS demonstrated a DI of 10.34 ± 4.86%, in contrast to 45.67 ± 4.53% DI with the MRS-based CFS. At room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), the WMR-based CFS extended the shelf life of cherry tomatoes from 2 to 5 days and decreased fungal susceptibility, with a reduction in DI by 16.78 ± 0.05% and 10.34 ± 4.86%, respectively. These findings suggest that <em>Lb. fermentum</em> O1.1 has significant potential as a biopreservative agent against fungal spoilage in cherry tomatoes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100541"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Food Allergy Labeling and Disclosure Practices on Restaurants’ Online Menus in Toronto, Canada","authors":"Rawan Nahle,&nbsp;Abhinand Thaivalappil,&nbsp;Ian Young","doi":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Restaurants have a responsibility to mitigate food-allergic reactions by nonverbally disclosing allergens on their menus and websites. In Canada, there are no laws requiring allergen labeling on non–pre-packaged food, leaving it up to restaurant managers to decide how to accommodate allergic customers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess allergen disclosure and labeling on online menus in Toronto, Canada. A random sample of 1,000 nonchain restaurants was sourced from DineSafe, Toronto’s food inspection system. The online menus of each restaurant were accessed and assessed using a checklist in 2023–2024 to determine the presence of allergen menus, statements, or symbols. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were developed to assess the relationship between restaurant characteristics (cuisine type, Google review rating, cost indicator, and number of locations) and two outcomes: (1) presence of at least one allergen symbol on the menu, and (2) presence of an allergen statement on the menu. Only 16% (<em>n</em> = 159) of restaurants included allergen statements, and only 10% (<em>n</em> = 100) used allergen symbols. Regression models predicted that vegan and vegetarian restaurants were the most likely cuisine type to have at least one allergen symbol on their menu (19%, 95% CI: 13–24%), and Southeast Asian restaurants were the most likely to have an allergen statement (28%, 95% CI: 20–36%). Additionally, higher restaurant costs and multiple locations were linked to more allergen disclosures. This study highlights the need for improved allergen labeling in nonchain restaurants. Policies requiring allergen disclosures can improve menu transparency and encourage proactive customer-waiter interactions, preventing allergic reactions in restaurants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of food protection","volume":"88 7","pages":"Article 100533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144072242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}