Hygiene

Background/Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette or vape) use is increasing, especially among young adults. Since there is no data on e-cigarette use among dental students in Costa Rica, this observational study aimed to evaluate the awareness and use of vapes in students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Costa Rica, and identify factors that influence their use. Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was administered to a sample of dental students, and their responses were assessed. A total of 244 students, with a mean age of 21.38 ± 3.29 years, were recruited between October 2024 and May 2025. Multivariate binary logistic regression was employed to analyze factors influencing ever use of e-cigarettes. Results: Of the participants, 99.17% were aware of e-cigarettes, and 60.66% had used them at least once in their lifetime, with 8.61% being current users. Sixth-year students were more likely than first-year students to believe that e-cigarettes contain carcinogenic substances (p < 0.001). Participants that were unsure if vapes are more addictive than traditional tobacco cigarettes had lower odds of ever using them (OR = 0.092, 95% CI: 0.009–0.491, p = 0.004). Fourth-year dental students had higher odds of e-cigarette use compared to first-year students (AOR = 3.050, 95% CI: 1.102–8.804, p = 0.032). The survey showed that 23.84% of the participants learned about e-cigarettes from parents, friends, or classmates, and 19.94% learned about them from social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Conclusions: Most of the dental students demonstrated awareness of the health impacts of vaping. While more than half of the respondents had tried e-cigarettes, current use was low. Vaping behavior was influenced by academic level and perceptions of risk and addictiveness, with social networks and peers serving as primary information sources. These findings highlight the importance of integrating targeted educational interventions into dental curricula to strengthen awareness and promote evidence-based attitudes toward vaping. Full article

The present study proposes a narrative synthesis with an original translational approach to analyze the consequence of the global increase in waterborne microbial diseases. The focal point of this research is the relevance of these diseases for infection prevention and control (IPC) in dental settings and for public health. In order to analyze the main issues, the text focuses on studies published between January 2021 and September 2025. Over the past fifteen years, a small number of outbreaks and cases have been reported in dental settings. Nevertheless, the water utilized for dental care is frequently heavily contaminated with microbes, primarily opportunistic ones, which have the potential to cause pandemics of pseudo-infections. These include mainly Legionella, Pseudomonas, and nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM), antibiotic-resistant species, and other opportunistic pathogens with relative abundance exceeding 1%. This study focuses on five areas of research: (a) iatrogenic outbreaks and cases, and causes of underestimated waterborne infections; (b) the prevalence, complexity, and relevance of the dental unit water line contamination; (c) factors influencing water contamination in dental settings, (d) issues relating to products used for dental unit water line (DUWL) treatment, (e) main guidelines on water quality and European Union (EU) legislative acts and issues related to water testing. The text highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and preparedness in dental settings, as well as updated guidelines and rules to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Full article

Enterococci are found not only in warm-blooded animals but also as a resident population of water and an indicator of fecal pollution. The species Enterococcus haemoperoxidus and E. moraviensis are relatively new, having been detected in water. Strains with genes for biofilm formation can serve as reservoirs for gene transfer. The aim and novelty of this study were to determine whether the postbiotic substance (PS) of proteinaceous character (Durancin-like) produced by our strain Enterococcus durans ED26E/7 can inhibit in vitro the growth of biofilm-forming E. haemoperoxidus and E. moraviensis isolated from water sources. E. haemoperoxidus and E. moraviensis lacked the biofilm-forming genes ica, bap, ace, and fsrA. The bopD gene was found only in three strains of E. haemoperoxidus. The srtA gene was present in two strains of E. haemoperoxidus and E. moraviensis. Using the quantitative test, three strains showed low-grade biofilm-forming ability. They exhibited ɤ-hemolysis, and they were mostly susceptible to antibiotics. However, they were susceptible to PS Durancin-like ED26E/7. E. haemoperoxidus, the strains EHae466 and EMo494, showed the highest susceptibility to Durancin-like ED26E/7. Full article

Foodborne diseases represent a major public health concern, particularly those associated with dairy products contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen capable of producing heat-stable enterotoxins. This study evaluated the potential of native lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from artisanal kefir grains as natural biocontrol agents in fermented dairy foods. Kefir grains obtained from three artisanal producers were microbiologically characterized, revealing LAB as the dominant group and the absence of Enterobacteriaceae. Strains belonging mainly to the genera Lactobacillus sensu lato, Leuconostoc, and Pediococcus were isolated and exhibited differentiated metabolic profiles. Safety assessment showed no hemolytic activity and an overall susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics, although genus-dependent intrinsic resistance patterns were observed. Several strains displayed enzymatic activities related to carbohydrate digestion and high tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, with survival rates exceeding 90% during both gastric and intestinal phases. Neutralized cell-free supernatant (CFS) demonstrated differential inhibitory activity, with significant antagonism of S. aureus and E. coli, comparable to those of commercial reference strains. In a yogurt model system stored at 4 °C, selected Lactobacillus and Pediococcus strains induced a progressive and significant reduction in S. aureus populations, achieving complete elimination to undetectable levels in shorter times than commercial probiotic strains. Overall, these results demonstrate that native LAB from artisanal kefir grains exhibit an adequate safety and functional profile, together with strong antagonistic activity, supporting their potential application as natural protective cultures to improve the food hygiene of fermented dairy products. Full article

Nurses are healthcare professionals who can play a leading role in preventing antimicrobial resistance, given their direct assistance to patients. For this reason, in-depth university training is desirable. This study was conducted to detect possible weak points in the university training about an important public health topic represented by general knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. We carried out a survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of students attending the Nursing Sciences course at the University of Messina, Italy, by administering an online standardised questionnaire that included general and specific questions about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. General and specific scores were calculated. Some gaps were found about the knowledge of antibiotics (mean score: 3.6/4) and, especially, antibiotic resistance (mean score: 3.2/5). As expected, most of the incorrect answers to both antibiotic and antibiotic-resistance knowledge were given by students in the first year, but some gaps were also found among students in the last year. Given the growing role nurses can play in combating antibiotic resistance, these findings point to a possible information gap in the study course and highlight the need to enhance the current university training programmes with activities designed to increase knowledge on these important public health issues. Full article

Background: The emergence of alternative methods of obtaining groceries since the COVID-19 pandemic has raised new concerns regarding food safety. In this study, we sought to evaluate these concerns by evaluating how the procurement method of ground beef impacts the microbial load in the beef, as this has not been thoroughly studied. Methods: Specifically, we compared beef samples obtained from in-store shopping, grocery delivery, and meal kit delivery services to determine if these new, more convenient methods of grocery shopping impact the total microbial load or Escherichia coli present in the beef. We homogenized a total of 65 beef samples and plated dilutions on trypticase soy agar, MacConkey agar, and CHROMagar. Results: We found that in-store samples had the highest microbial load with an average of 5.06 log CFU/g, while grocery delivery samples resulted in an average of 4.76 log CFU/g and meal kit samples had an average of 4.23 log CFU/g when plated on TSA. This represents a 6.7-fold change between in-store samples and meal kit samples. These differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.1, ANOVA). When plated on MacConkey agar, in-store samples had a bacterial count at 3.0 log CFU/g, while grocery delivery samples had 2.99 log CFU/g and meal kit delivered samples had 3.05 log CFU/g. Suspected E. coli O157 colonies were detected using CHROMagar plates, as these plates function to change the coloration of positive E. coli O157 colonies to pink. Suspected E. coli O157 colonies were observed in three in-store samples, two grocery delivery samples, and one meal kit sample. After confirmatory agglutination testing, one meal kit sample was confirmed as E. coli O157. Conclusions: While trends suggest possible lower microbial contamination in delivery methods versus in-store shopping procurement, no statistical significance between methods was found. These findings indicate no significant changes in microbial loads in delivered ground beef, and the high variance suggests that all procurement methods still pose some level of risk. Full article

Conventional antimicrobial air filters often conflate physical interception with true biochemical inactivation, posing secondary aerosolization risks during maintenance. This study developed a lactoferricin B-functionalized polypropylene (LfCF) filter to provide a dual-action mechanism: electrostatic capture and robust contact-killing against bioaerosols. To rigorously decouple these mechanisms, a polyallylamine binder-only (PP+PAA) control was incorporated. Dynamic penetration assays at 10 cm/s revealed that the 2.0 mg LfCF achieved significantly lower viable penetration rates for Escherichia coli (41.2%) and λ phage (46.0%) compared to the PP+PAA control (75.1% and 76.3%). This substantial gap demonstrates instantaneous sublethal injury upon aerodynamic impaction, defined here as “dynamic inactivation.” Crucially, time-dependent elution assays confirmed a >2 log reduction in viable counts for both retained E. coli and λ phage on LfCFs within 60 min, definitively validating its genuine contact-killing capability. Furthermore, the amphipathic lactoferricin B peptide maintained exceptional biocidal efficacy even under high-humidity conditions (70% RH), overcoming the electrostatic shielding typical of traditional biopolymers, without increasing aerodynamic pressure drop. Finally, field validation in a dental clinic demonstrated an 83.3% reduction in airborne viable bioaerosols. As a passive, self-sterilizing engineering control, the LfCF offers a highly reliable intervention for mitigating occupational bioaerosol exposures. Full article

Infection prevention and control remains an essential component of effective healthcare delivery and disease prevention. This study aimed to explore healthcare workers’ perspectives on factors influencing compliance with infection prevention and control practices in Katavi Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. With a qualitative approach, we aimed to enable a broader narrative, gain a more detailed understanding of IPC practices, and identify experiences that may be overlooked in a forced-choice questionnaire. A cross-sectional design using a phenomenological approach was employed. An interview guide was used to collect data from 19 participants (five doctors, four nurses, four laboratory practitioners, and six from administration positions; ward in-charges, quality improvement officers and administrative officers) between 24 July 2025, and 23 August 2025. Among participants, nine were the key informants, and 10 were involved in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that the availability of IPC supplies, desire for personal and patient protection, high patient volume, awareness of IPC protocols, institutional support, supportive supervision, and HCWs’ attitudes towards IPC activities were factors influencing IPC compliance. Strengthening structured supervision, ensuring a constant supply of IPC materials, and investing in continuous IPC capacity building may be an important approach in enhancing compliance with IPC practices and reducing hospital-associated infection risk in Katavi Regional Referral Hospital and similar resource-limited healthcare settings. Full article

2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) is a redox dye and colorimetric reagent previously shown to enable rapid quantification of laboratory cultures of oral microorganisms. DCIP is reduced by viable microbial cells, resulting in loss of its blue color that can be measured spectrophotometrically. Previous studies demonstrated that several strains of oral bacteria and yeasts grown in culture reduce DCIP, with significant correlations observed between increasing viable plate counts and DCIP reduction. The present investigation expanded upon these studies by evaluating DCIP as a method for assessing heterogeneous mixtures of oral microorganisms collected from human subjects. Oral rinse samples were obtained from 184 adults aged 18–70 years and analyzed for DCIP reduction and viable bacterial counts. DCIP reduction was observed in all oral samples, and viable bacterial counts spanning an approximately two-log range (~100-fold difference) demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with DCIP reduction (r = 0.74; p < 0.001). Nonviable organisms did not reduce DCIP, and no DCIP reduction occurred in the absence of bacteria. These results support DCIP reduction as a practical, low-cost platform for estimating viable oral microbial burden, with the additional advantage of a visually interpretable colorimetric readout. Full article

Background: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dietary landscapes of young adults have been profoundly reshaped. As social restrictions ease, the resurgence of dining out presents new behavioral shifts regarding health and safety. Objective: This study investigates the post-pandemic experiences of young adults in Hong Kong, focusing on the burgeoning phenomenon of eating out of home and its complex influence on eating habits and food hygiene consciousness. Methods: This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to explore participants’ lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 young adults in Hong Kong to gather narratives regarding their dining practices. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns associated with their return to public dining spaces. Results: Three core themes emerged: (i) confined palates: the remaking of the Hong Kong meal in the shadow of a pandemic; (ii) shared screen: mediating hunger from the home-as-hub; and (iii) watchful guard: the moralization of the meal amidst viral uncertainty. Conclusions: These findings dissect the critical, evolving relationship between contemporary consumption patterns and health maintenance. While the small size limits statistical generalizability, the study suggests that post-pandemic dining involves a modified reality of sustained hypervigilance. These insights offer a basis for developing sensitive and targeted public health strategies that resonate with the altered dietary realities of young adults in a post-pandemic world. Full article

To map and describe the scientific evidence on germicidal ultraviolet C (UV-C) light for hospital surface disinfection, this scoping review examined device types, reported operational parameters, microbiological and clinical outcomes, and implementation aspects. Primary studies conducted in hospital settings and evaluating UV-C or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on environmental surfaces were searched in four databases without date restrictions. Data were synthesized descriptively in tables and narrative form following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidance. Eleven studies (2007–2025) met the inclusion criteria. Reported microbial reductions ranged from 1 to ≥5 log₁₀. Higher and more consistent reductions were predominantly observed under laboratory or controlled experimental conditions, whereas reductions in real-world hospital surface sampling were more variable and influenced by pathogen type, surface material, room geometry, and shadowing. Integration of UV-C with manual cleaning and multi-position irradiation cycles was associated with greater effectiveness. Reporting of key radiometric parameters (dose, exposure time, and distance) was frequently incomplete, limiting reproducibility and cross-study comparability. Clinical findings were heterogeneous: some interrupted time-series analyses suggested reductions in healthcare-associated infections, although effects were not uniform across microorganisms. Implementation reports described room-level cycle times compatible with turnover, variable staffing requirements, and limited economic evaluation. Overall, UV-C appears to be a promising adjunct to standard cleaning practices in hospital environments. However, standardized radiometric reporting, multicenter studies, and robust clinical and economic evaluations are necessary to support safe, reproducible, and sustainable large-scale implementation. Full article

Background: Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic (CMR) substances are among the most significant occupational health hazards in healthcare and research laboratories. Despite preventive measures and regulations, exposure assessment and risk management remain complex due to varied working practices, mixed exposures, and the lack of harmonized monitoring protocols. This systematic review investigates occupational exposure to CMR substances in laboratory and healthcare environments. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to February 2025 using tailored keyword strategies. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 reporting exposure assessment, monitoring, and/or risk management of CMR chemicals were included; non-English papers and irrelevant studies were excluded. Titles/abstracts and full texts were screened independently by two reviewers with arbitration by a third. Risk of bias was assessed by three authors who independently evaluated each study. A narrative synthesis with frequency tables was performed; no meta-analysis was conducted. Results: Of 446 screened records, 50 studies were included. Formaldehyde (25 studies) and antineoplastic drugs (18 studies) were most frequently examined. Healthcare settings—e.g., hospital pharmacies, oncology wards, and pathology laboratories—were predominant, while research laboratories were underrepresented. Inhalation was the main exposure route for formaldehyde, whereas dermal uptake and surface contamination predominated for antineoplastic drugs. Monitoring methods included air sampling, surface wipe testing, and biological assays; preventive strategies varied and were inconsistently applied. Most included studies involved environmental monitoring and did not report participant numbers, so a total number of participants cannot be aggregated; for the main outcomes, participant counts were often not available. Limitations of the evidence include marked heterogeneity across settings, matrices, analytical methods, and reporting units, which precluded meta-analysis, as well as imprecision and incomplete reporting in several studies. Conclusions: Findings reveal persistent gaps in harmonized exposure limits, monitoring standards, and long-term health surveillance, underscoring the need for comprehensive prevention strategies. This review was not registered and did not receive any external funding. Full article

The process of ensuring the safety of the food supply is dynamic. Both the possibility of contamination and the effectiveness of safety precautions are impacted by changes in the kinds of food consumed, the geographical origins of food products, and the methods by which these foods are processed. For instance, compared to earlier generations, consumers’ general understanding of safe food preparation and handling techniques has decreased due to a higher reliance on prepackaged convenience foods. Nowadays, consumers depend increasingly on other people to make sure the food they eat is safe. Growing consumption of minimally processed foods and growing imports of fresh products from other nations have resulted from changes in consumer tastes and food processing technologies. This review aims to critically synthesize existing knowledge on microbial risks in food, focusing on their sources, mechanisms of contamination, risk evaluation methodologies, and implementation of food safety measures. Major foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Norovirus, are discussed alongside factors influencing their survival and transmission. Today Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. remain among the major foodborne pathogens, but during the last two decades food-borne diseases such as shigellosis, listeriosis, campylobacteriosis, and diseases caused by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli have become increasingly salient. These new concerns necessitate continued investment in research and technology development to improve the safety of the food supply. The review highlights current approaches to microbiological risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, and control strategies, while also addressing emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, biofilms, and ready-to-eat foods. By integrating risk evaluation with practical implementation strategies, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, regulators, and food industry stakeholders seeking to strengthen food safety systems and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases. Full article

Health and hygiene are critical components of sustainable travel and tourism development, particularly in the post-emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when traveler confidence is closely tied to the resilience of the destination. This paper examines global health and hygiene conditions using data from the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, with a focus on disparities across regions and income groups. Five key indicators—physician density, basic sanitation, basic drinking water, hospital bed density, and communicable disease incidence—are analyzed to assess healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and public health resilience. By comparing data from 2021 and 2024, the study evaluates changes during and after the peak period of the COVID-19 crisis, highlighting progress and persistent inequalities relevant to sustainable travel and tourism development. Using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, the study also investigates the associations between key health and hygiene indicators, specifically (i) basic sanitation and basic drinking water coverage and (ii) physician density and hospital bed density, at the global, regional, and income group levels. The results reveal pronounced regional and income-related disparities. Europe and Eurasia consistently outperform other regions, with high healthcare capacity and near-universal sanitation and water access, while Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face systemic deficits in all indicators. High-income countries have well-developed healthcare systems, whereas low-income countries struggle with limited physician availability, poor sanitation coverage, and high communicable disease incidence. Associations between key indicators are also evident: countries with strong sanitation infrastructure almost always achieve high drinking water coverage, and those with higher physician density typically maintain higher hospital bed capacity. These findings highlight the uneven pace of global recovery and emphasize that health and hygiene are not only public health priorities but also fundamental drivers of tourism competitiveness. Full article

The human microbiome has emerged as a critical factor influencing surgical outcomes across a broad number of specialties. This paper explores the evolving interactions between the body’s microbiome and surgical practice, especially focusing on wound healing, post-operative recovery, and infection risk. We analyze current evidence from multiple surgical disciplines, including transplantation, reconstructive, bariatric, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, and oral surgery. Recognizing different microbial communities and their influence on surgical success opens doors to personalized medicine and targeted preventions. The studies discussed in this review provide valuable interdisciplinary insights that could ultimately uncover the microbiome’s fullest potential in optimizing future surgical protocols. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens poses a major public health risk in Benin. Table eggs and poultry sausages have been identified as potential reservoirs of resistant bacteria. Nevertheless, the lack of integrated AMR data from food and clinical sources limits the ability to assess public health risks and design evidence-based interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in table eggs and poultry sausages and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of isolates from these foods and clinical samples alongside clinical isolates. A total of 135 table egg pools, 90 poultry sausages, and 81 clinical isolates of E. coli (56) and Salmonella (25) were collected between August and December 2023. Table eggs and poultry sausages were analysed for Escherichia coli and Salmonella using conventional methods. Antibiotic resistance (n = 99 isolates) was tested using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion. Clinical isolates (n = 77) were included for comparison. High Escherichia coli prevalence (eggs: 59.3%, 95% CI: 50.9–67.3%; sausages: 14.4%, 95% CI: 8.6–23.2%) and lower Salmonella prevalence (eggs: 2.2%, 95% CI: 0.8–6.3%; sausages: 5.6%, 95% CI: 2.4–12.4%) were observed. According to antibiotic resistance data, predominant multidrug resistance to tetracyclines, streptomycin, and fluoroquinolones, followed by preserved sensitivity to nitrofurans and chloramphenicol, was noticed. These findings highlight the urgent need to regulate antibiotic use in Benin’s poultry and medical sectors. Full article

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and a major cause of several cancers. HPV vaccination is the most effective measure of preventing HPV infection, but knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination are inconsistent. Methods: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination status related to HPV among university students in both healthcare and non-healthcare fields. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 769 full-time students, including 362 healthcare and 407 non-healthcare students. Validated questionnaires assessed HPV knowledge, vaccination attitudes, sociodemographic characteristics, and vaccination status. Results: Healthcare students scored significantly higher on HPV knowledge and had more positive attitudes towards vaccination compared to non-healthcare students. Vaccination rates were similar in both groups. Higher HPV knowledge was significantly correlated with reduced vaccine hesitancy and more positive vaccination attitudes. Binary logistic regression indicated that being younger, having more positive attitudes toward vaccination, and possessing greater knowledge about HPV were each associated with a significantly higher likelihood of HPV vaccination. Conclusions: In conclusion, targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance HPV vaccination acceptance, especially among non-healthcare students. Universities represent crucial settings for promoting health literacy and increasing HPV vaccination coverage to effectively prevent HPV-related cancers among young adults. Full article

Verapamil (VER) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, some studies also suggest its antimicrobial potential. Changes in calcium abundance in yeasts can lead to decreased expression of transcription factors for genes related to morphology, resistance, and biofilm. Hyphal growth in Candida albicans is necessary for biofilm formation, especially in mixed biofilms with Staphylococcus aureus. This research studied the antibiofilm activity of VER in mixed biofilms of C. albicans SC5314 and S. aureus CCM3953. First, the minimal inhibitory concentration of VER was determined for single-species biofilms. Subsequently, a subinhibitory concentration of VER (1 mM) was tested on mixed biofilms. Biomass was reduced by 20% for C. albicans and 30% for S. aureus. The morphology of C. albicans was altered, and a decrease in S. aureus cells was also observed. qPCR was used to determine changes in HWP1 and ALS3 gene expression in biofilms formed w/wo VER. A decrease in the expression of both genes was observed. In vivo experiments with Galleria mellonella confirmed the antibiofilm activity of VER against mixed infections of C. albicans and S. aureus. These results suggest that VER regulates the morphology of C. albicans, resulting in changes in biofilm composition and the adhesion of S. aureus. Full article

Seafood processing environments represent some of the most demanding hygienic settings in the global food sector. High humidity, variable temperatures, and heavy organic residues promote the persistence of Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio spp., and Salmonella spp., making sanitation both critical and inherently complex. This review synthesizes recent advances in hygienic design, sanitation technologies, and workforce safety as interconnected elements of a single “hygiene continuum.” Building upon Codex, FDA, and European hygiene frameworks (2020–2024), the review examines how engineering design, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) systems, and occupational hygiene jointly determine microbial control, sustainability, and workforce well-being. Particular focus is given to biofilm dynamics, emerging disinfection technologies, and automation through cleaning-in-place (CIP) and cleaning-out-of-place (COP) systems. Recent trends—including digital monitoring, eco-efficient cleaning, and human-centered facility design—are discussed as drivers of next-generation hygiene management. Collectively, these insights demonstrate that hygienic performance in seafood processing is not a fixed endpoint but a living system linking design, management, and human behavior toward safe, sustainable, and resilient seafood production. Full article