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News & Events

Is There Still Room for Innovation in Enrichment Broths?

Is There Still Room for Innovation in Enrichment Broths?

In this edition of our Blog, we would like to focus on a key but often under-recognized aspect of microbiological control in the food industry: enrichment broths. Although traditionally associated with classical microbiology, their use is still essential even in many of the most modern alternative techniques, since pre-enrichment is a critical phase to ensure the recovery and detection of pathogens. It is well established that the enrichment step is especially critical in food safety, even more …
Aug 7th 2025 Alpha Biosciences
This Summer Beware of an Old Enemy of Microbiology

This Summer Beware of an Old Enemy of Microbiology

With the arrival of summer and the increase of tourism on our coasts, it is important to remember an old enemy in the field of microbiological safety:  Vibrio spp.   These gram-negative, halophilic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria are naturally present in salty and brackish coastal waters.  The genus Vibrio includes at least 12 species pathogenic to humans, eight of which are associated with foodborne infections. These include V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, Vibrio …
Jun 27th 2025 Alpha Biosciences
STEC: The Pathogen You Can't Afford to Miss

STEC: The Pathogen You Can't Afford to Miss

Although the U.S. food supply is generally considered safe, tens of millions of Americans get sick from foodborne illness every year, and some die, according to estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One bacterium that is part of this group of foodborne pathogens, and perhaps the best known by the public, is E. coli, in its serotype O157:H7 also known as STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli)  What is STEC and …
May 29th 2025 Alpha Biosciences
Our New Weapon to Stop Salmonella Outbreaks

Our New Weapon to Stop Salmonella Outbreaks

Imagine a single contaminated batch of processed chicken generating hundreds of cases of salmonellosis across the country. This is not an isolated story: it happens every year in the U.S. and costs the food industry millions of dollars. Behind these outbreaks, Salmonella is the repeated name. Detecting it quickly, accurately, and inexpensively is more than an advantage: it is a necessity.  What should we know about Salmonella?  If we talk about food contamination, it is impossible to …
Apr 23rd 2025 Alpha Biosciences
Less Time, More Safety: The Chromogenic Revolution in the Control of Listeria Monocytogenes

Less Time, More Safety: The Chromogenic Revolution in the Control of Listeria Monocytogenes

When evaluating foodborne pathogens, focusing solely on disease incidence risks overlooking one of the most dangerous: Listeria monocytogenes. Despite affecting only about 1,600 people a year in the U.S., more than 94% require hospitalization. Even with proper treatment, its high mortality rate (20%-30%) makes Listeria monocytogenes the deadliest foodborne pathogen.    Given it's severity, Listeria spp is a major cause of food safety concern, often resulting in batch reca …
Mar 27th 2025 Alpha Biosciences
The Challenges of Food Safety and Our Solutions

The Challenges of Food Safety and Our Solutions

The simplest and most direct answer is that food provides an ideal environment for microorganisms to thrive. It contains the necessary nutrients and conditions for their development, and as we all know, their presence can pose serious health risks to consumers. According to the U.S. federal government, foodborne illnesses affect 48 million people annually in the U.S.—equivalent to 1 in 6 Americans—sometimes leading to severe, life-threatening conditions.  Microbiological Cont …
Mar 4th 2025 Alpha Biosciences
Foodborne Pathogens Contributing to Biofilm Formation

Foodborne Pathogens Contributing to Biofilm Formation

In the food industry, one of the main challenges lies in the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that can arise from inadequate cleaning and disinfection protocols. These microorganisms, as part of microbial structures known as biofilms, pose a significant threat to the contamination of end products and the production environment.  Within these biofilms, certain bacteria play a crucial role in food safety. Species such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudom …
Jul 4th 2024 Alpha Biosciences
Alpha Biosciences to Attend IAFP Conference from July 14-17, 2024

Alpha Biosciences to Attend IAFP Conference from July 14-17, 2024

Alpha Biosciences is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Annual Meeting of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), which will take place from July 14-17, 2024. This prestigious event will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center and will bring together thousands of food safety professionals from around the world. The IAFP Annual Meeting is the foremost global conference in the field of food safety, renowned for its extensive and diverse program that addres …
Jul 3rd 2024 Alpha Biosciences
Do Not Forget This Pathogen to Test Drinking Qater

Do Not Forget This Pathogen to Test Drinking Qater

It is really important that the population has access to contaminant-free drinking water to avoid gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. Pathogens analyzed in drinking water The main pathogens associated with water are bacteria such as Legionella, Salmonella, and E. coli, as well as some viruses and protozoa. Most of these contaminants are fecal in origin, but some are specific to their source or environment. Because a wide variety of microorganisms may be present, it is complex to analyze each …
Jan 9th 2024 Alpha Biosciences
Reusing Treated Water: Benefits and Risks

Reusing Treated Water: Benefits and Risks

The collection and treatment of wastewater have played a vital role in safeguarding public health by preventing the emergence of infectious outbreaks. However, as urban populations continue to grow, natural water bodies are being pushed beyond their limits when it comes to organic waste and pathogens. To address this issue, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have become essential in processing wastewater to protect our communities.   How is wastewater treated? Wastewater treatment involves …
Nov 3rd 2023 Alpha Biosciences