A recent study assessed the effectiveness of peroxyacetic acid and chlorine dioxide as disinfectants for reducing bacterial and viral contamination on potatoes. Results showed that PAA significantly reduced Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and murine norovirus even at low concentrations (40 ppm) and short exposure times (1 min), while ClO2 required higher concentrations (≥80 ppm) to achieve comparable reductions. Both disinfectants outperformed tap water, which achieved only modest reductions in pathogen levels. The findings suggest that PAA and ClO2 are effective options for enhancing microbial safety during potato washing, with PAA demonstrating greater efficacy at lower concentrations.

A recent episode of the Food Safety Five Podcast explores the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorine and peracetic acid against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms, highlighting the genetic adaptations of the bacteria. Notably, it discusses the use of experimental evolution to unravel the genetic and phenotypic changes that allow Listeria strains to develop into strong biofilm formers, offering new insights for leafy greens production sanitation.

The USDA has opened a sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Mexico, to combat the New World screwworm. The facility will allow for aerial dispersal of sterile flies across northeastern Mexico, including Nuevo Leon, where the northernmost detection of the pest was found. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the facility is a crucial tool in preventing the spread of screwworm. The USDA is also investing in the renovation of a fruit fly facility in Metapa and constructing a sterile fly dispersal facility in Texas.

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The future of agricultural labor will be shaped by technology that supports rather than replaces workers, says Peter O'Driscoll of the Equitable Food Initiative. The labor shortage, driven by an aging workforce and reliance on the H-2A visa program, highlights the need for a workforce skilled in technology, industry leaders say. Tim Bucher of Agtonomy and Tyler Niday of Bonsai Robotics emphasize the need for training in areas such as robotics and AI.

Fresh All Green anticipates a highly successful Egyptian strawberry season, with the campaign running from mid-November through April. The company expects both good volumes and excellent fruit quality, characterized by high color and firmness, aligning with international client expectations. To support rising demand and uphold food safety standards, Fresh All Green is investing in additional cold storage capacity and advanced traceability software, upgrades designed to ensure product quality and enhance shipment monitoring.

J&J Snack Foods has several goals through its Project Apollo transformation initiative, including generating cost savings and creating sustainable efficiencies. The program includes manufacturing consolidation and infrastructure modernization, with expected savings of $20 million annually starting next year.

Two River Mushrooms is scaling up its organic mushroom operation to meet rising demand for specialty mushrooms, driven by trends including plant-based diets and growing demand for functional foods. Founder K.C. Sullivan, an environmental science teacher, started the business by growing mushrooms in his apartment and now produces up to 3,000 pounds per week on a purpose-built New Jersey farm, supplying over 100 restaurants and local markets. The farm recently introduced a functional mushroom broth that has won several awards and is sold nationwide.

Hershey has expressed strong approval for the US government's decision to exempt cocoa from import tariffs, which had previously burdened the company with up to $180 million in annual costs. Hershey, supported by Pennsylvania's congressional representatives, had actively lobbied for the exemption, citing the negative impact on its manufacturing operations and the broader state economy. The exemption is anticipated to strengthen Hershey's supply chain and support its continued investment in US manufacturing.