Hello Friend,

As the holiday season approaches, food safety becomes more important than ever in kitchens nationwide. Whether you're preparing your first Thanksgiving feast or your fiftieth, our food safety tips below will help ensure your celebrations are both delicious and safe.

This month, we're proud to launch Kevin's Annual Appeal. Your contributions directly support student research, conference travel, and IFSAN's community outreach initiatives. You'll find donation links and a QR code later in this newsletter—every gift makes a meaningful difference.

We're also recognizing Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Week (November 18–24), a WHO-led campaign that addresses one of public health's most pressing challenges. Antibiotic resistance has deep connections to our food systems, and so we are featuring Dr. Lance Price, whose research continues to illuminate the critical links between food safety and antimicrobial resistance.

Thank you for your continued commitment to this essential work. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season with those you love.

Best,

Barb Kowalcyk

Director of IFSAN

Antibiotics have revolutionized the field of medicine, yet excessive use, particularly in livestock, is leading to an alarming increase in drug-resistant “superbugs” that pose a significant threat to human health. In the U.S., approximately 70-80% of antibiotics deemed important for medical use are administered to farm animals, often not for treating illness but rather for promoting growth or preventing disease in crowded conditions. This has contributed to the spread of resistant bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter to humans through various channels, including meat, dairy products, produce, and environmental sources like soil and water.

Due to the interchange of resistant germs among humans, animals, and their surroundings, experts advocate for a One Health approach. This strategy emphasizes the need to address the issue collaboratively across different sectors by minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use, enhancing farming practices, improving infection control in healthcare settings, and preventing environmental contamination.

Public health experts stress that stronger action is needed to curb overuse, improve transparency, and safeguard these life-saving drugs. Consumers can help by choosing meat raised without routine antibiotics and practicing safe food handling. Addressing antibiotic resistance requires a united effort to preserve the effectiveness of these vital medications for now and for the future.

Submitted by Kendra Shea, MPH student

Enjoy your holiday feast safely by following these safe food handling practices;

CHILL

- Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator (allow 3 days for small-to-medium birds)  If you are cooking your turkey on Thursday, November 27, it needs to be in the refrigerator by this weekend- November 22 or 23, depending on the size.

- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving

CLEAN

- Wash hands for 20 seconds, especially when switching between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods

- Clean countertops and sinks after handling raw poultry

- Use clean cutting boards for raw produce

COOK

- Cook poultry, stuffing, and casseroles to 165°F minimum

- Use a food thermometer — don't rely on color

SEPARATE

- Keep raw meat and vegetables apart during storage and prep

- Use separate cutting boards when possible

SAFE SOURCES

- Purchase your Thanksgiving faire from safe sources.

REPORT

- If you do experience the symptoms of foodborne illness, please see your physician for confirmation and report the illness to your health department.

- For more information: Don't Forget Your Thanksgiving Food Safety Steps | FoodSafety.gov

Lance Price has built his career at the intersection of microbiology, food safety, and public health policy. A core faculty member of IFSAN, Professor, and the director of George Washington University's Antibiotic Resistance Action Center, Dr. Price works to translate cutting-edge science into evidence-based policy solutions addressing antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Price's latest research, published in October 2025 in mBio, challenges conventional understanding of urinary tract infections. The study estimates that nearly one in five UTIs in Southern California may be caused by E. coli strains transmitted through contaminated meat. Notably, people living in low-income areas of Southern California were found to be at greater risk for foodborne UTIs than those in wealthier communities.  "Your risk of infection should not depend on your ZIP code," Price emphasizes, highlighting the social justice dimensions of food safety research. His team plans to extend this work to bloodstream infections and other serious E. coli diseases while developing targeted interventions for vulnerable communities.

The published manuscript is titled: Zoonotic Escherichia coli and urinary tract infections in Southern California

On October 22, 2025, IFSAN co-hosted a workshop on "Transforming Food Safety & Fraud Prevention with AI" with Agroknow, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and technology to explore how AI is advancing food safety and transparency.

Speakers Balaji Padmanabhan, Maria Velissariou, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, Panos Kostopoulos, and Nikos Manouselis shared insights on the growing role of AI in strengthening food integrity systems. Their presentations highlighted the power of cross-sector collaboration in building more resilient and transparent food systems. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Barbara Kowalcyk offered reflections, with Melody Ge and Maria Velissariou emphasizing that responsible AI adoption requires strong governance, transparency, and human-centered leadership. Technology alone is not enough: partnerships and shared vision remain critical.

The workshop closed with one central takeaway: collaboration is essential. Advancing food safety through AI depends on open dialogue and unified efforts across science, technology, and policy.

These Easy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, making them the perfect cozy bake for November mornings. Whether you’re gluten-free or just love classic comfort food, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers bakery-style results at home. No one will guess they’re gluten-free!

Food-Safe Tip: When baking gluten-free, always double-check ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten sources (like certain flavorings or thickeners) and prevent cross-contact by using clean utensils and surfaces.

Recipe and image from:  Mama Knows Gluten Free

Kowalcyk - Senators launch inquiry on food safety amid concerns of possible radioactive shrimp contamination

Kowalcyk - Experts Explain How Botulism Toxin Can End Up in Baby Formula

We want you to stay informed about the latest recalls, market withdrawals, and outbreaks. Click on the FDA and USDA links for the most up-to-date information.

FDA: Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA

USDA: Recalls & Public Health Alerts | Food Safety and Inspection Service

Byheart Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula due to Clostridium botulinum

Face Rock Creamery LLC Recalls 6oz. Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar due to Listeria monocytpgenes

Brazilian Taste Recalls Frozen Chicken and Beef Croquette Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Moringa Leaf Powder

FSIS  | Job Opportunities | Consumer Safety Inspector throughout the US

Monogram Foods | Assistant Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance in Bristol, IN

Smithfield | Food Safety & QA Technologist in Mason City, IA

Mom's Meals | Food Safety & Quality Intern in Ankeny, IA

US-ASEAN Business Council | Spring 2026 Myanmar Agricultural Fellowship in Washington, DC

Tufts University Policy Researcher - Friedman School of Nutrition | Hybrid in Boston, MA

Allegheny County |Environmental Health Supervisor - Food Safety in Allegany County, PA

EMCOR | Environmental, Occupational Safety & Health (ESOH) Manager in Springfield, VA

If you have ideas you would like to see in the newsletter, please submit them to: ifsangwu [dot] edu (ifsan[at]gwu[dot]edu)