Food Safety Garners Increased Attention With Mounting Contamination Cases

NEW YORK, June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Foodborne illnesses have become a major concern within the food industry due to the number of outbreaks every year. In 2018, the most common foodborne illnesses were salmonella, E. coli, shigella and vibrio. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention reported that each year roughly 1 in every 6 Americans (48 million people) get sick from foodborne illnesses. Moreover, in serious cases, 128,000 are hospitalized, while 3,000 ultimately die due to the severity of the illness.

However, companies within the food pathogen testing market have been developing new technology and safety methods in order to ensure quality for consumers. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures quality checks for produce being imported into the country. Last year, the agency conducted a test on basil, parsley, cilantro, guacamole, and avocado for contaminants. As of early 2018, the FDA gathered 35 domestic samples and 104 import samples. Out of the domestic samples, none tested positive, but out of the import samples, certain ones tested positive for salmonella and E. coli., according to the FDA.

While meats and vegetables are recipients of particular focus within the food safety marketspace, the dairy industry is one of the major causes of foodborne illnesses. Primarily, the dairy industry is expected to witness the largest expansion due to the totaling number of illnesses caused by spoiled or unpasteurized products. Government agencies have continuously stressed the importance of food safety to prevent illnesses as every single illness cannot be prevented, however, advanced technologies and safety measures have been able to curb the spread of pathogens before an outbreak occurs.

According to data compiled by MarketsandMarkets research, the global food safety testing market was valued at USD 17.0 Billion in 2018. By 2023, the market is expected to reach USD 24.6 Billion while accelerating at a CAGR of 7.7%. Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (OTC: PBIO), Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX), Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), Owens & Minor, Inc. (NYSE: OMI), Cerus Corporation (NASDAQ: CERS).

E. coli is one of the most common foodborne illnesses because it can be found within meats and vegetables, according to the CDC. Typically, E. coli is found in the intestines of people and animals and can occur naturally in the environment. E. coli is mainly spread through contaminated food and contact with humans or animals. Most types are harmless and are actually part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, some cases can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and bloodstream infections. While E. coli predominantly occurs within animals or the environment, it can affect other food sources such as raw milk or dairy products through direct contamination.

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