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
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.
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