Improving the utility of surrogates intended for foodborne pathogen preventive control validations

Since the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, surrogate microorganisms have become increasingly important tools in the modern U.S. food system. Food processors may implement surrogate-based validations of preventive controls, but they often rely on independent research to quantify the surrogate–pathogen relationship. A systematic review of 59 2018–2023 surrogate–pathogen comparison studies revealed common pitfalls, such as inconsistent determination of the appropriate relative resistance of the surrogate and the pathogen to a reduction treatment. While surrogate research is diversifying with novel applications, the utility of recent research is limited, as studies lack robust statistical characterization of the surrogate–pathogen relationship needed for fully informed application in industry validations. Standard surrogate characterization and implementation practices would improve utility and food control validation success.