FDA: DNA Key to Tracking Foodborne Pathogens

DNA is becoming the key to tracking down foodborne pathogens.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Federal scientists are now using the same technology to track foodborne pathogens as we use to trace our ancestry.

In the case of last year's outbreaks of E. coli illness that sickened people in at least 16 states and Canada, scientists were able to track the pathogen back to fields in Salinas Valley using genome mapping.

A new report by the Food and Drug Administration now shows cows may have been a contributing factor to the outbreak.

The Food and Drug Administration's guide to tracking down pathogens.

Gina Hagler, a biotech writer, breaks down the technology that made it possible with 104.7 WONK FM's Jen Richer.

Listen to the full interview here:

Gina Hagler

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