Even as legislative efforts to improve the safety of the nation’s food supply remain stalled in 
Congress, scientists are seeking better detection methods for 
deadly pathogens that could help restaurant operators better 
ensure the safety of their menu items.


Researchers from Purdue 
University in West Lafayette, Ind., in August said infrared spectroscopy can detect E. coli faster than current testing methods and can reduce the length of investigations into outbreaks by days.