Ensuring Food Safety and Public Health

Foodborne outbreaks over the past decades have highlighted the critical need for preventive measures to ensure food safety from farm to fork. The emergence of novel foodborne pathogens poses significant challenges to food processors, handlers, and manufacturers. These pathogens, even at low levels of contamination, can cause severe illness and lead to economic losses, underscoring the importance of rigorous testing and hygiene protocols.

Why Food Pathogen Testing is Essential

Pathogen testing ensures food safety by detecting and mitigating the risk of foodborne illnesses. Advanced methods such as DNA-based testing, laser diagnostics, and PCR have replaced conventional time-consuming techniques, offering:

• Greater accuracy and sensitivity
• Faster turnaround times
• Compliance with AOAC international standards

Eurofins provides testing across various matrices, including

• General food
• Drinking water
• Animal feed
• Poultry products
• Fruits, vegetables, and herbs
• Packaging materials

Understanding the Risks of Foodborne Pathogens

The rise in foodborne illnesses can be attributed to several factors:

• International trade introducing pathogens to new areas
• Microbial adaptation
• Changes in food production systems
• Population growth and modern lifestyle choices
• Weak immune systems in specific population groups
• Aging demographics

A Closer Look at Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

• United States: Approximately 1 in 6 Americans are affected by foodborne illnesses annually, with 48 million reported cases, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 fatalities.
• Canada: In 2007, yersiniosis and listeriosis cases were linked to contaminated dairy products.
• Czech Republic: A listeriosis outbreak in 2007 caused 13 fatalities due to contaminated soft cheese and non-dairy foods.

Emerging pathogens include

• Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)
• Arcobacter butzleri
• Cronobacter sakazakii
• Norovirus
• Toxoplasma gondii
• Yersinia enterocolitica

Complications from Emerging Pathogens

• Arcobacter butzleri: Causes gastroenteric disorders, renal failure, and prolonged exposure risks.
• Cronobacter sakazakii: Fatal bloodstream infections, especially in premature infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Norovirus: Highly contagious, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
• Trichinella spiralis: Leads to trichinosis from consuming undercooked meat, causing symptoms like fever, abdominal discomfort, and muscle pain.

Pathogens and Toxins Tested

Eurofins conducts testing for a variety of pathogens and toxins, including:

• Salmonella
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Escherichia coli (e.g., coli O157:H7)
• Campylobacter
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Mycotoxins, yeast, and molds
• Hepatitis A virus

Eurofins - Your Partner in Food Safety

Eurofins offers comprehensive testing services with:

• Advanced methods like ELISA, PCR, and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
• HACCP training and site audits
• Shelf-life studies and equipment validations

The Eurofins Advantage

• State-of-the-art laboratories
• Experienced analysts
• Dedicated customer support
• Trusted by leading brands

Take Action Today

Ensure the safety and quality of your food products with Eurofins' reliable and comprehensive food pathogen testing services. Contact us now to learn more and schedule your testing.