Researchers at the University of Arizona are exploring natural methods for improving the safety of organic leafy greens with common ingredients such as oregano, cinnamon and vinegar. The team led by Sadhana Ravishankar, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, has found that by washing the vegetables with water containing plant extracts and essential oils can kill any bacteria contaminating them. The plant antimicrobials and organic sanitizers are natural, environmentally friendly, and effective at both room and cold temperatures. They have the potential to reduce and prevent contamination of the leafy greens at the production and harvesting levels. Ravishankar told the USDA Blog that her team is now testing combinations of plant antimicrobials and their effectiveness in recycled wash water. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funds the research. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
Microbial contamination was the leading cause of Finnish recalls in 2025.
There were 299 recalls in Finland this past year, down slightly from 305 in 2024.
More than 6,200 consumer complaints about food safety were submitted to a dedicated service in Belgium in 2025.
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)
An increase in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England has been attributed to multiple factors.
It is estimated that there are 300,000 cases of foodborne Campylobacter a year with
Scottish food sampling has revealed overall good compliance but a high failure rate for milk in dairy-alternative lattes.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) funds annual food sampling, which is done by
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets sold at Walmart stores because they may be contaminated
Gear Isle is voluntarily recalling chocolate products because they have been found to contain undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients, sildenafil and tadalafil.
The recalled products are: Gold Lion Aphrodisiac Chocolate Sachet,
Schreiber Foods Inc. of Green Bay, WI, is recalling 144 Cases of Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread, because it may contain undeclared almonds. People who have an allergy or severe
Falcon Trading Company Inc. is recalling organic black bean products because they contain pesticide residue.
The Royal Oaks, CA, company is recalling the three items listed below. Because these items
