June 13 FDA Grand Rounds showcases research on major food-borne pathogen causing worldwide outbreaks. CE credit available

FDA unveils validated method to detect major foodborne pathogen linked to consuming imported fresh produce 

Cyclospora cayetanensis: The crossroads between scientific advances and knowledge gaps

Thursday, June 13, 2019

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST

Register here for webcast (public attendees and FDA staff)

CE Credit Available

Presented by: 

Alexandre da Silva, PhD

Senior Biomedical Research Microbiologist

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Parasitology Laboratory

About the Presentation:

Cyclospora cayetanensis, a significant foodborne pathogen causing the diarrheal illness cyclosporiasis, has emerged worldwide.  In the U.S., C. cayetanensis has caused large and complex outbreaks, mainly linked to consuming imported fresh produce like cilantro.

Dr. Alexandre da Silva presents recent scientific advances and their impact on the results of the 2018 cyclosporiasis outbreak investigations as well as the scientific gaps that continue to be major FDA public health and regulatory challenges.

What you’ll learn from this FDA scientist:

1. The main foodborne parasites of regulatory significance for FDA’s food safety mission
2. Research areas that FDA is prioritizing to tackle the regulatory and public health issues linked to Cyclospora cayetanensis.
3. The scientific advances in Cyclospora cayetanensis research relevant to FDA’s food safety mission.
4. Hurdles to overcome in advancing Cyclospora cayetanensis research.