Monthly Archives: July 2015

Barf Blog 

Botulinum toxin F was found in industrially canned tomatoes linked to a case of botulism. It was registered in the republic of Mariy El, the branch of Rospotrebnadzor reported (Federal agency for protection of consumer rights and human wellbeing).

ProMed Mail

Published Date: 2015-07-26 20:27:13
Subject: PRO/EDR> Botulism, commercially canned tomatoes – Russia: (Mari El) serotype F
Archive Number: 20150726.3537693

BOTULISM, COMMERICALLY CANNED TOMATOES – RUSSIA: (MARI EL) SEROTYPE F
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Date: Wed 15 Jul 2015
Source: News agency “Sobutya” [edited]
http://sntat.ru/reportages/8426-v_kazani_izymayut_iz_prodazhi_konservirovannye_pomidory

Botulinum toxin F was found in industrially canned tomatoes linked to a case of botulism. It was registered in the republic of Mariy El, the branch of Rospotrebnadzor reported (Federal agency for protection of consumer rights and human wellbeing). The man had eaten tomatoes “Pomidorka” produced by LLC “Agro-Invest” (Kabardino-Balkaria) series 055N 5 N from 17/09/14. The staff of the Rospotrebnadzor have withdrawn this product from the store “Pyaterochka” [network stores which located in the many regions of Russia – Mod.NP]. Samples from other products of this manufacturer were taken for laboratory analysis.

—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Although not alluded to in the posting above, it has been recognized that many cases of type F botulism including many of the infant cases are related to _Clostridium baratii_ and not _C. botulinum_. Microbiologically, _C. baratii_, if cultured from the stool of the infant or from a food source, is clearly differentiable from _C. botulinum_. The 2 type F toxins are similar but not identical. – Mod.LL

Map showing Mari El Republic, Russia: http://healthmap.org/promed/p/47148]

Barf Blog

At least 100 people in and around Plzeň came down with symptoms of salmonella poisoning after eating spaghetti carbonara made by a catering company called Zrtas, according to media reports.

Some 50 people have been hospitalized and a similar number is being treated for food poisoning on an outpatient basis.

Outbreak News Today 

Health officials with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) continues their investigation into a cluster of six cases of an unusual skin infection that appears to be associated with handling raw shrimp in the Campbellford area.

Preliminary lab reports suggest the infections are caused by the slow growing bacterium, Mycobacterium marinum.

The HKPR District Health Unit has investigated five of six cases of the infection with people from the Campbellford area, and all seem to be associated with handling shrimp grown at a local shrimp farm.

Daily Pakistan

LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) raided two five-star hotels in Lahore the other day, as part of its campaign against adulterated food, poor cleanliness and hygiene parameters.

Food Safety News 

The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling Kroger Ground Cinnamon, Kroger Garlic Powder, Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Kroger Bac’n Buds sold in its retail stores due to possible contamination from Salmonella.

A sample of Kroger Garlic Powder from a store in North Augusta, South Carolina was tested by the FDA and found to be contaminated with Salmonella. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.

Food Safety News

In order to track food poisoning cases that might otherwise never get reported, Toronto Public Health has set up an anonymous, voluntary and confidential website called GastroBusters.

Health officials said many Canadians with foodborne illnesses just stay home and don’t report it to anyone, making it harder to get an accurate picture of the problem.

“In a report we did five or six years ago, we found that less than 0.5 percent of food poisoning is reported to public health,” said Toronto Board of Health Chair Joe Mihevc. “That’s not really good. Because if it is reported, we can catch the next wave.”

7News Fox 28

Officials on the Canadian side of the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that they say could affect “dozens” of community members.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Department of Health and the tribe’s Community Health Program  advised community members of the outbreak on the Council’s Facebook page.

BBC News 

Sixteen shellfish farming beds have been closed down after tests showed high levels of pollution.

Sewage bacteria, thought to be E. coli, was found in the Camel Estuary, St Austell and Falmouth Bays, said the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The Shellfish Association of Great Britain contests the move, claiming the test results are “inconceivable”.

The FSA said it was “monitoring the situation” but the shellfish beds would remain closed.

FDA

Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of their Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with a “Best By” date of 04/27/16 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.  Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.  If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has the symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected products are limited to the Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Frozen Diets packaged in the following forms:

• UPC# 769949611431 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites for Dogs 4 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
• UPC# 769949611448 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites for Dogs 7 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
• UPC# 769949611486 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Patties for Dogs 6 lb.; Best By 04/27/16

The “Best By” date is located on the back of the package below the seal. The affected product was distributed through retail stores in the United States and limited distribution in Canada. No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Simple Handling Tips published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product.

FSA

Brindisa Spanish Foods has extended its recall of its La Chinata Smoked Paprika to batch codes 322 and 324. This is because salmonella has been detected in the product. If you have bought one of these, do not eat it.

Food Poisoning Journal 

Brown Packing Company of South Holland, IL, is recalling an undetermined amount of beef (veal) trimmings that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Thursday, July 23, 2015.

The raw, boneless beef (veal) trimmings were produced from Feb. 21, 2014, through July 17, 2015.