Non-typhoidal Salmonella is the leading cause of bacterial
foodborne illness (CDC, 2014). It is responsible for 35% of hospitalizations
and 28% deaths attributed to the known agents of
foodborne illness in the US (Scallan et al., 2011). It is also one of the
few foodborne pathogens that has not significantly declined over
the past 10 years (Batz, Hoffmann, & Morris, 2011). Salmonella is
especially difficult to control due to the bacterium's high tolerance
to environmental stress, widespread distribution, multiple drug
resistance and adaptability to low water activity (aw) environment