Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), the cause of Johne’s disease in animals, may be a causative agent ofCrohn’s disease (CD) in humans, but the evidence supporting this claim is controversial. Milk, meat, and water could bepotential sources of MAP transmission to humans. Thus, if the link between MAP and Crohn’s disease is substantiated, thefact that MAP has been detected in retail foods could be a public health concern. The purpose of the present study was toreview the link between MAP and CD, the prevalence of MAP in foods, heat inactivation, control of MAP during food pro-cessing, and detection methods for MAP. Although MAP positive rates in retail milk in nine countries ranged from 0 to 2.9%by the culture method and from 4.5 to 15.5% by PCR, high temperature short time pasteurization can effectively controlMAP. The effectiveness of pasteurization to inactivate MAP depends on the initial concentration of the MAP in raw milk.Development of highly sensitive and specific rapid detection methods for MAP may enhance investigation into the relation-ship between MAP and CD, the prevention of the spread of MAP, and problem-solving related to food safety. Collaborationand efforts by government agencies, the dairy industry, farmers, veterinarians, and scientists will be required to reduce andprevent MAP in food.Key words: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, dairy products, food safety, Crohn’s disease