Occasionally, it is nice to find creative scientists who have explained complex science in entertaining or more dynamic formats. (As with everything found on the internet, it’s important to check accuracy against known sources). Here are a few good examples I have found describing specific foodborne pathogens over the years. …
Food Microbiology approaches to combat Cronobacter sakazakii
In 2022, the US experienced an infant formula shortage that was partially caused by contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. This situation might lead you to wonder what food microbiologists are doing to prevent future contamination events and outbreaks. Looking at the recently published literature, it is clear that food microbiologists are …
Infant formula shortage
In 2022, there was a prolonged infant formula shortage in the US. The reasons behind this shortage were complex, and were thought to include supply chain limitations and regulations restricting import of baby formula from other countries (read more here and here). One of the initial events that led to …
Norovirus on the Pacific Coast Trail
For several of the pathogens we will discuss (such as Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Norovirus), transmission from other humans through poor sanitary practices is an important risk factor. Surface transmission seems to be the major factor behind an outbreak of Norovirus that occurred among hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. …
Trichinella outbreaks
In class, I mentioned that Trichinella had been largely eradicated from swine herds and was not as much of a concern for food microbiologists. However, outbreaks caused by Trichinella still happen. These outbreaks are usually linked to consumption of wild game, such as an outbreak in Spain linked to consumption …
Vibrio vulnificus infection from fish
Vibrio vulnificus is another foodborne pathogen that can cause severe disease and death, but is thankfully quite rare. Unfortunately, foodborne infections do occur, including this recent case of V. vulnificus infection following consumption of improperly cooked fish. While this individual did survive the infection, her injuries were very severe. Just another story to …
Clostridium botulinum outbreak
Clostridium botulinum causes one of the most severe foodborne intoxications, with a 50% mortality rate if not treated. Fortunately, outbreaks with C. botulinum are quite rare and the number of cases reported in the US are typically low. However, there was a recent outbreak that originated in France that is worth …
Nanotechnology to detect and eliminate foodborne pathogens
This week in class we will be talking about traditional and rapid methods to detect microbes in food. While some of the techniques we will discuss are relatively new and innovative, new technology continues to emerge as scientific advances in other fields are made. One interesting approach is the use …
Climate change and foodborne pathogens
As we briefly discussed in the first lecture, global climate change is likely to change our understanding of the dynamics of foodborne infections. A recent study from Germany focused on how climate change was likely to affect transmission of Campylobacter, non-typhoidal Salmonella, and Vibrio in that country. In Germany, rates …
Listeria in ice cream (again)
Each year I update this post with a new description of an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in ice cream. This year, it’s L. monocytogenes in milk shake machines that has killed 3 people as of this writing, and L. monocytogenes in soft serve to go ice cream cups that I …
Food safety in restaurants
A couple recent outbreaks points to the importance of adequate food safety training and practices in restaurants. In late 2022, more than 300 people were sickened with Norovirus that came from an infected restaurant employee. Another investigation traced a Campylobacter outbreak to a restaurant in Kansas. Shigella outbreaks were also …