The latest source of a potentially sweeping change in almond quality and safety is getting its start at a fundamental level: DNA.
(Photo credit: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
For hundreds of years, scientists have sought to crack this genetic code to life. From the earliest theories to the newest discoveries, DNA research has fueled a seemingly endless supply of possibilities and innovations. During recent decades, scientists have refined methods to map out entire genetic codes, or genomes, of organisms. Work that used to take years can now be done in days.
The ability to sequence whole genomes opens doors for industries from healthcare to agriculture. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expanding its own genomic research to include almonds.
The FDA uses whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a tool to identify food contamination and inform regulation. They are embarking on a project focused on nut industries—including almonds—to better understand specific bacteria that may be associated with nuts. Ultimately, such understanding will make it easier to trace foodborne illness outbreaks and uphold food quality and safety, as well as develop and monitor plant programs to address contamination.
“The precision of whole genome sequencing gives the industry more finite detail than we’ve had before to help detect outbreaks and maintain nut integrity,” said Tim Birmingham, director of quality assurance and industry services for Almond Board of California.
Along with the incredible benefits of swift and effective response to foodborne outbreaks come additional questions about industry scrutiny. With the FDA’s nut sequencing research still in its early stages, the impact on the almond industry is all but defined.
At The Almond Conference in December, Birmingham will be moderating a panel that aims to answer these questions. Panel participants including Dr. Maria Hoffman, a genomics research microbiologist with the FDA, will discuss WGS technology as a practical tool and its impact on the future of almond processing.
“Whole genome sequencing is here to stay,” said Birmingham. “The goal is to find the balance between high-grade food safety and efficient business for almond processors.”
In a regulatory environment equipped with WGS technology, handlers’ maintenance of good manufacturing practices becomes even more important. Programs like pasteurization and environmental monitoring are excellent ways to ensure effective control of pathogens. And in the future, as sequencing costs get lower and lower, handlers may even find WGS a viable self-monitoring tool and extension of their own food safety programs.
To learn more about the FDA’s research, WGS and its impact on the almond industry, visit Birminghams’ upcoming session at The Almond Conference. The session, titled “Technology in the Food Safety World: Tools such as Whole Genome Sequencing – Friend or Foe?”, will take place 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5 in room 314. For a full list of The Almond Conference sessions and to register, visit AlmondConference.com.
