Drashti Bamaniya, Varchita Chetan and Sarita Sharma*

Department of Life and Health Science – Microbiology, IISHLS, Indus University, Ahmedabad- Gujarat, India

*Corresponding Author: Sarita Sharma, Department of Life and Health Science – Microbiology, IISHLS, Indus University, Ahmedabad- Gujarat, India.

Received: April 17, 2026; Published: May 31, 2026

Abstract

Food safety is still a major global public health concern because microbial contamination frequently occurs throughout the food supply chain, from manufacturing to consumption. Contamination can occur during production, processing, storage, and distribution from a variety of sources, including raw materials, water, environmental exposure, food handlers, and improper storage and transit conditions. Globally, foodborne infections brought on by pathogenic microorganisms such bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi result in significant morbidity, mortality, and financial losses. Common foodborne pathogens like Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently linked to outbreaks caused by contaminated food and water. Globalization, changing consumer behaviour, and the complexity of food supply chains have all increased the risk of contamination. In developing countries like India, issues including poor sanitation, poor hygiene practices, limited awareness, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate food safety issues. The development of antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens poses a severe challenge to effective illness management. Because of their accuracy and reliability, classic culture-based methods are still the gold standard for pathogen detection despite taking a long time. Rapid detection techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunological assays, and biosensors require complex infrastructure and technological know-how even if they provide quicker and more sensitive possibilities. For food safety management to be effective, integrated strategies are required. These tactics include norms upheld by agencies like the Food Safety and norms Authority of India, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories, and regulatory frameworks like HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Increasing awareness, putting cutting-edge technologies into practice, and strengthening surveillance are all necessary to ensure food safety and public health.

Keywords: HACCP; Foodborne Diseases; Food Safety Regulations; Rapid Detection Techniques; Antimicrobial Resistance

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Citation

Citation: Sarita Sharma., et al. “Food Safety and Microbial Contamination: Implications for Public Health". Acta Scientific Microbiology 9.6 (2026): 48-60.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Sarita Sharma., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.