Canadian researchers, writing in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, show how their fluorescent test system – DNAzymes – designed to track the DNA trails of pathogens does not require the time consuming steps and specialized equipment typically used in standard microbial tests.
"Current methods of foodborne bacterial detection take time. The five days it takes to detect listeria, for example, can translate into an outbreak that costs lives.
We have developed a universal test that uses less complex procedures but still generates precise and accurate results," said lead researcher, biochemist Yingfu Li.
Bacteria have their own spoor, leaving behind DNA trails of bacterial 'droppings'. So Li explained that, based on this fact, his team developed a testing method that works by tracking these metabolic by-products with molecular beacons that light up when they detect the DNA sequence left behind.
He said the DNAzymes method can be used to set up a simple ‘mix-and-read’ bacterial detection assay.
"More importantly, we have demonstrated that our method has the capability to detect a single live cell,” said the authors, who stressed that the ability to to do so is a hallmark of a method to detect food-borne pathogens.
Furthermore, the Canadian researchers report that although their method was demonstrated using a nonpathogenic strain of E. coli, it can “easily be implemented for pathogenic bacteria and viruses.”
They added that while the demonstrated assay used fluorescence as the reporting mechanism, the same DNAzyme probe could be used for the design of a colorimetric assay using a rolling circle amplification/organic dye strategy.
USDA testing call
There have been notable outbreaks of foodborne illnesses arising out of E.coli contamination of foods such as beef, spinach and dough in the
Last week saw the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) claim that 44 of the most serious food recalls in the US from 2007 to 2009 could have been prevented if the agency had had a ‘test and hold’ procedure in place for meat and poultry products during that period.
In light of this, the department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, which inspects “billions of pounds of meat, poultry and processed egg products annually” has proposed that companies should hold meat and poultry products until inspectors have received foodborne pathogen test results, in an effort to reduce illness.
The American Meat Institute, which represents most of the meat processing sector in the
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
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