Researchers at University of California, Santa Barbara, have devised methods to detect and discriminate more harmful forms of Salmonella bacteria, a development which may help prevent food poisoning outbreaks.
According to researchers, these 'hypervirulent bugs' can prevail over vaccines and cause food safety risk. They are up to 100 times more capable of causing disease.
Currently, the researchers are developing methods to distinguish them from less powerful bacteria. This is considered to be the first step in combating the powerful bacteria.
Salmonella is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the US. According to the researchers, the emergence of more powerful strains could eventually overtax the current public health system. Salmonella control efforts are estimated to cost up to $14.6bn annually in the US.
Salmonella food poisoning is caused from eating contaminated beef, chicken, eggs, fruits, or vegetables. The risk increases when these foods are not cooked.