Using Technology to Track Foodborne Illnesses

Following a recent cyclospora outbreak and recalls of imported beef, public confidence in food safety has reached a record low. Consumers are understandably concerned about how foodborne illnesses are tracked and mitigated. Experts from Penn State, specifically Jasna Kovac and Edward Dudley, have discussed how modern technology can identify pathogens and improve food safety. The researchers explain that scientists routinely track bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. These bacteria are often cultured from clinical or environmental samples. However, viruses such as norovirus are more difficult to track because they cannot be easily cultured. One of the primary technologies used in this field is whole genome sequencing. This process determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism, which allows researchers to identify bacteria down to the specific strain level. By comparing the DNA of a sample from a patient with a sample from a food product, investigators can determine if they are the same strain. If they match, it is possible the patient became ill from that specific product. In addition to this, the Penn State team has been involved in a federal program called GenomeTrackr for about a decade. They have sequenced many common foodborne pathogens and made this genomic data publicly available for health labs worldwide. Currently, the team is also investigating whether monitoring wastewater could be an effective way to track outbreaks. Just as researchers monitored wastewater for the virus that causes COVID-19, they hope to see if this method can detect salmonella in a community. Looking ahead, the experts suggest that moving sequencing technology into smaller labs or directly into food companies could shorten the time between detection and action. This would allow for faster responses to potential risks, ultimately keeping the food supply safer for everyone.