Small RNAs in major foodborne pathogens: from novel regulatory activities to future applications.

•sRNAs regulate gene expression in major foodborne pathogens, also during infection.•Base pairing sRNAs control mRNA expression via diverse mechanisms of action.•Activity of sRNAs may be controlled by RNA-binding proteins or other RNA molecules.•Sibling sRNAs may have redundant and/or unique regulatory roles.•Knowledge on sRNAs can be exploited for biotechnological applications.