The Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, in partnership with the Food Research Institute, is organizing the 6th edition of the “Food You Trust” Symposium, a leading event in the field of food safety, held as part of BIOFEST 2026. On April 23 and 24, at the POLITEHNICA Bucharest National University of Science and Technology, experts in research, medicine, and industry will bring to the forefront one of the most pressing issues of the moment: the strict “Zero Tolerance” policy for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and concrete solutions for long-term health protection.
While today’s consumers are seeking cleaner and safer foods, invisible risks persist; the discussions at the symposium propose a comprehensive approach: from prevention and control to scientific innovations that could radically change the way we view bacteria.
On April 24, experts from the Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania will host a panel discussion titled “Listeria monocytogenes from a public health risk perspective,” an event that will explore the latest scientific insights regarding this bacteria. New studies highlight not only innovative methods of combating the bacteria, including advanced antimicrobial combinations, but also a surprising potential: transforming the bacteria from a major threat into a useful tool in the development of innovative therapies. Basically, medicine is beginning to rewrite Listeria’s role, shifting from the “enemy” paradigm to that of a potential ally in certain controlled contexts.
This same area is also being explored by Dr. Gheorghița Isvoranu, a researcher at the “Victor Babeș” National Institute for Research and Development in Pathology and Biomedical Sciences in Bucharest, who will lead the panel discussion “How can bacteria become a treatment?”. Her presentation will kick off a crucial discussion on how modern biology and personalized medicine can harness bacterial mechanisms for therapeutic purposes.
Considered one of the most dangerous bacteria in food, Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis - a severe infection with a high risk of mortality among vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women, the elderly, or immunocompromised people. The bacteria can affect the central nervous system and the bloodstream, and is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly unpasteurized dairy products, as well as raw fruits or vegetables.
One of the most challenging aspects of combating this bacteria is its ability to form biofilms - complex structures that allow it to adhere to surfaces and become extremely resistant to disinfectants and conventional treatments. Furthermore, Listeria can survive and multiply even at low temperatures, including under refrigerated conditions, making it a major challenge for the food industry.
However, recent research is opening up unexpected possibilities: certain modified strains of Listeria are already being studied in immunotherapy, particularly in experimental cancer treatments, due to their ability to stimulate the immune system’s response. This dual nature - a major risk and therapeutic potential - makes Listeria monocytogenes a central focus of contemporary research.
The “Food You Trust” symposium thus serves as a vital platform for dialogue between science, industry, and the public, where food safety is viewed not merely as an obligation, but as a direct investment in the health and longevity of the population.
The scientific partner of BIOFEST 2026 is the Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania - a long-standing partner that consistently supports initiatives dedicated to applied research, education, and the promotion of high standards in fields essential to society, ranging from health and nutrition, to longevity and scientific innovation.
