A Systematic Review on Preharvest Interventions Used to Control Salmonella in Poultry Rearing in the United States.

Preharvest interventions can play an important role in reducing Salmonella prevalence and levels entering poultry slaughter and processing establishments. Currently, there is no systematic literature review of preharvest interventions that control Salmonella in poultry in the United States (U.S.

Dietary, socioeconomic, and maize handling practices associated with aflatoxin and fumonisin exposure among women tortilla makers in 5 departments in Guatemala.

Previous research has demonstrated human exposure to mycotoxins among Guatemalans, with high levels of mycotoxins being found in blood and urine samples as well as in maize for human consumption. Mishandling of crops such as maize during pre- and post-harvest has been associated with mycotoxin contamination. The overarching goal of this study was to identify risk factors for aflatoxin and fumonisin exposure in Guatemala.

Ranking Food Safety Priorities of the Fresh Produce Industry in the United States.

A broad understanding of community member food safety priorities in the fresh produce supply chain does not currently exist. This information is essential to improve food safety knowledge and practices effectively and efficiently throughout the fresh produce industry; therefore, the goal of this study was to identify and rank community produce safety priorities in the United States. Survey questions were designed and approved by food safety experts for participants to rank 24 fresh produce safety priorities.

Dietary and socioeconomic risk factors for fumonisin exposure among women of reproductive age in 18 municipalities in Guatemala from 2013 to 2014.

Fumonisin exposure is common in populations where maize is a dietary staple, such as in Guatemala, and has been associated with negative health outcomes including neural tube defects. The objective of this study was to estimate fumonisin B1 (FB1) exposure among Guatemalan reproductive-age women and develop a better understanding of the dietary and sociodemographic risk factors for exposure. A cross-sectional study in 18 municipalities in Guatemala was conducted.

Comparison of Statistical Methods for Identifying Risk Factors for Salmonella Contamination of Whole Chicken Carcasses.

Abstract: The complexity of the food system makes analyzing microbiological data from food studies challenging because many of the assumptions (e.g., linear relationship between independent and dependent variable and independence of observations) associated with common analytical approaches (e.

Risk Factors for Salmonella Contamination of Whole Chicken Carcasses following Changes in U.S. Regulatory Oversight.

Abstract: Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness in the United States and often is linked to chicken products. Salmonella contamination has been associated with meat processing facility characteristics, such as the number of employees (i.e.

Food Safety Challenges in Refugee Camps: What Do We Know?

Abstract: Refugee camps provide basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical treatment for displaced persons. Unsanitary conditions in refugee camps due to overcrowding, poor sanitation systems, lack of clean water, and minimal ways to cook and store food can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illness. This article reviews the limited literature on the epidemiology of foodborne illness in refugee camps, effective risk mitigation strategies, and opportunities for future research.

The Public Health Impact of Implementing a Concentration-Based Microbiological Criterion for Controlling Salmonella in Ground Turkey.

Despite initiatives to improve the safety of poultry products in the United States, progress has stalled, and salmonellosis incidence is still above Healthy People 2020's goal. One strategy to manage Salmonella and verify process control in poultry establishments is to implement microbiological criteria (MC) linked to public health outcomes. Concentration-based MC have been used by the food industry; however, the public health impact of such approaches is only starting to be assessed.

Facilitating Evaluation of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Long-Term Health Outcomes Through Social Media Support Groups.

Individual burden and cost of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)-a medical condition characterized by acute kidney failure-can be substantial when accounting for long-term health outcomes (LTHOs). Because of the low incidence of HUS, evaluation of associated LTHOs is often restricted to physician and outbreak cohorts, both of which may not be representative of all HUS cases. This exploratory study recruited participants from private social media support groups for families of HUS cases to identify potential LTHOs and costs of HUS that are not currently measured.

Evaluation of U.S. Poison Center Data for Surveillance of Foodborne Disease.

Introduction: Enhancing foodborne disease (FBD) surveillance and improving the timeliness of outbreak detection have been identified as public health priorities. Consumer complaint data have become increasingly useful for FBD surveillance and the detection of outbreaks. Calls to poison centers are a potential source of consumer complaint data.