Featured Post from University of Delaware

Food safety expert available to discuss emerging health risks

Jul 17, 2026

1 min

The University of Delaware’s Kalmia Kniel can discuss foodborne parasites and food safety risks, including the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak spreading across the United States.

Kniel, a professor of microbial food safety, can explain how foodborne parasites spread, why outbreaks (particularly those involving the Cyclospora parasite) can be challenging to investigate and what consumers should know about reducing their risk of illness.

She co-authored a study published in December 2025 that examined challenges researchers face in detecting, studying and controlling Cyclospora cayetanensis, including gaps in understanding the parasite and improving prevention strategies.

Kniel can also discuss why fresh produce and water are often a focus during investigations and the steps consumers can take to improve food safety.

Kniel’s expertise includes:

• Foodborne parasites and illness outbreaks

• Produce and microbial food safety

• Food contamination and prevention

• Food safety research

Kniel discussed the biology of this specific pathogen in detail at a recent presentation on cyclospora.

To arrange an interview with Kniel, visit her profile page and click the contact button. Interested journalists can else email MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Connect with:

Kali Kniel

Professor, Microbial Food Safety

Prof. Kniel’s laboratory explores issues of food safety and public health that involve transmission of viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

Microbial Food SafetyFoodborne parasitesProduce SafetyCyclosporaFood Systems

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