Quick, Accurate E. Coli Detection Test Would Benefit Cattle Industry, Beef Consumers

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a molecular assay that can detect and quantify major genes specific for the deadly bacteria E. coli in cattle feed. If widely adopted, the test would identify pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 before it had a chance to contaminate beef. That would not only benefit the cattle industry by preventing costly recalls, it would benefit consumers by ensuring the safety of the beef supply.  The new test is rapid and less labor-intensive than current detection methods, and can be automated to allow testing many samples in a short period of time.

"Better methods to detect E coli developed", News release, Kansas State University, June 16, 2014

New Device Detects Deadly Pathogen On Ready-To-Eat Food Surfaces

Scientists in France and the U.K. have developed a device that detects foodborne pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, on food industry surfaces that could be used to prevent contaminated products from reaching the market. Listeria is transmitted by foods such as milk, cheese, vegetables, raw and smoked fish, meat and cold cuts. It has a 92 percent hospitalization rate and a mortality rate of 18 percent, making it the deadliest of all foodborne pathogens. The new device samples single cells and biofilms on food surfaces, then removes cells before they are introduced to an antibody. If Listeria monocytogenes is present, a camera detects a fluorescent signal when cells react with the antibody.

"New sensor to detect harmful bacteria on food industry surfaces", News release, University of Southampton, June 11, 2014

Some Nutritional Sports Supplements Contain Banned Substances Not Listed On Label

A study by Australian scientists shows that some sports-related nutritional supplements sold in that country contain banned substances – specifically androgens – not listed on labels. The undisclosed contents put the general public at risk along with athletes who would test positive for illegal substances. The researchers tested 79 nutritional supplements purchased randomly from Sydney-based stores. They included protein powders, amino acids, creatines, fat metabolizers, "testosterone-boosters”, carbohydrates and stimulant/nitric oxide "pre-workout"-based supplements. Six of the tested products were androgen-positive but androgen was not listed on the label.

"Nutritional sports supplements sold in Australia test positive for banned androgens", News release, study presented at the joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, June 23, 2014

Physicians Group Says Diet Supplements Can Be Harmful To The Liver

New guidelines on diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury warn of the impact of herbal and dietary supplements. Most of the products on the market are not well-regulated, the American College of Gastroenterology said, sometimes containing traces of heavy metals and prescription drugs. Drug-induced liver injury has been on the rise over the last decade along with the explosive growth in the use of supplements. The authors of the guidelines cited the example of catechins, a generally safe polyphenol found in green tea, an average cup of which contains 50-150 mg. But some green tea extract pills sold to help with weight loss contain more than 700 mg – particularly dangerous when taken several times a day.

"ACG Clinical Guideline: The Diagnosis and Management of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury. ", The American Journal of Gastroenterology, June 17, 2014