Foodborne Pathogens
Development and Validation of an Evaporative, Low-Flammability, and Low-Moisture Antimicrobial Liquid for Dry Cleaning and Sanitization of Food Processing Equipment
Journal of Food Protection, 2026
Supported by IAFNS Food Microbiology Committee
IAFNS Event Highlight
2026 Food Classification Research Roundtable: Processing, Formulation and Nutrition
March 11-12, 2026
This event will provide attendees with an updated view of the scientific landscape related to food processing, formulation and the intersection with nutrition. To support broad engagement, remote attendance options are available.
Risk Assessment
Risk-Benefit Analysis of Sampling Plans in Food Processing Facilities Using the Risk Assessment Framework
International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2026
This study presents a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) model to evaluate the public health, economic, and environmental implications of microbiological sampling plans for Salmonella spp. in chicken patties.
IAFNS Event Highlight
Gut Feeling: Toward Development of an AI Tool for Precision Dietary Carbohydrate Recommendations
March 19, 2026
This webinar will provide evidence for individual response to carbohydrates and describe the effort to develop an AI tool for more precise prediction of this response.
IAFNS Event Highlight
Should I Recommend Foods with Unsaturated Fats?
Part 1: The Scientific Basis for Eating Foods Rich in Unsaturated Fats
April 1, 2026
In the United States, attention and confusion about the role of unsaturated fat-containing foods in the diet is being fueled by debate among some prominent health decision-makers, along with a proliferation of misinformation from media influencers, particularly about polyunsaturated fats. This webinar aimed at practitioners will explore the issues underlying these conversations.
Chemical Contaminants
The Neurotoxic Impact of Food Chemical Contaminants: A Growing Concern?
Current Opinion in Food Science, 2026
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, pose significant global health challenges, with rising prevalence and socioeconomic burdens. While genetic factors play a role, environmental and dietary exposure to toxicants, including food chemical contaminants (FCCs), are modifiable risk factors to disease progression.
Caffeine
Coffee and Tea Intake, Dementia Risk, and Cognitive Function
JAMA, 2026
Evidence linking coffee and tea to cognitive health remains inconclusive, and most studies fail to differentiate caffeinated from decaffeinated coffee. Greater consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with lower risk of dementia.
Foodborne Illness
Point-of-Use Colorimetric Detection of Escherichia coli in Food Matrices with DNAzyme Crosslinked Hydrogels
Science of Food, 2026
Due to the significant healthcare burden associated with foodborne illness, developing platforms suitable for the on-site detection of food pathogens is of critical importance to public health. Low-cost, equipment-free approaches are desired to allow for point-of-use contamination monitoring along the food supply chain.
Heavy Metals
Heavy Metal Contamination in Foods: Advances in Detection Technologies, Regulatory Challenges, and Health Risks
Sciety, 2026
Heavy metal contamination of foods remains a persistent global challenge for food safety and public health, driven by industrialization, mining activities, intensive agriculture, and ongoing environmental degradation.
IAFNS Event Highlight
Should I Recommend Foods with Unsaturated Fats?
Part 2: Practical Application of Unsaturated Fats in Health-Promoting Dietary Patterns
April 2, 2026
There is an abundance of conflicting messages about the health impact of unsaturated fats and which foods to eat as well as limit. This webinar series is targeted to health professionals addressing patient and client questions.
Food Classification
Effect Ultraprocessed Foods Taxation on Overweight Prevalence and Noncommunicable Diseases in Brazil
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2026
Modeling studies have shown that taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages and other unhealthy foods can reduce obesity and noncommunicable diseases, yet no previous study has specifically evaluated the potential health effects of taxing the entire group of ultraprocessed foods. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential impact of ultra-processed foods taxation on overweight prevalence and noncommunicable disease incident cases and deaths among Brazilian adults.
Emerging Science -- Consumer Microbiome Testing
Evaluating the Analytical Performance of Direct-to-Consumer Gut Microbiome Testing Services
Communications Biology, 2026
Based on research supported by IAFNS Nutrition for Gut Health Committee
Consumer interest in personal microbiome health has given rise to numerous direct-to-consumer (DTC) microbiome testing services despite questions regarding their analytical and clinical validity, and consumer safety. These tests straddle the line between more strictly regulated medical devices and minimally regulated general health and wellness products.