Monthly Archives: February 2016

PLOS ONE

Poultry and poultry products are commonly considered as the major vehicle of Campylobacter infection in humans worldwide. To reduce the number of human cases, the epidemiology of Campylobacter in poultry must be better understood. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the distribution and genetic relatedness of Campylobacter in the Thai chicken production industry. During June to October 2012, entire broiler production processes (i.e., breeder flock, hatchery, broiler farm and slaughterhouse) of five broiler production chains were investigated chronologically. Representative isolates of C. jejuni from each production stage were characterized by flaA SVR sequencing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Amongst 311 selected isolates, 29 flaA SVR alleles and 17 sequence types (STs) were identified. The common clonal complexes (CCs) found in this study were CC-45, CC-353, CC-354 and CC-574. C. jejuni isolated from breeders were distantly related to those isolated from broilers and chicken carcasses, while C. jejuni isolates from the slaughterhouse environment and meat products were similar to those isolated from broiler flocks. Genotypic identification of C. jejuni in slaughterhouses indicated that broilers were the main source of Campylobacter contamination of chicken meat during processing. To effectively reduce Campylobacter in poultry meat products, control and prevention strategies should be aimed at both farm and slaughterhouse levels.

CTV News 

EDMONTON — An Alberta court has approved a $4-million settlement of a class-action lawsuit filed after an E. coli outbreak that sparked the largest meat recall in Canadian history.

The lawsuit was against XL Foods Inc., which operated a meat-packing plant in southern Alberta during the tainted beef recall in the fall of 2012.

People who became sick after eating the beef or people who purchased the beef can apply for compensation.

KREM2

GRANT COUNTY, Wash. – Canned food may be behind the recent deaths of two people in Grant County.

Heath officials are investigating the death of two people that was likely caused by botulism. Leaders at the Grant County Health District (GCHD) said it is still early in the investigation but the suspected source is home-canned food, though it has not been confirmed yet.

Asia One

More people have reported falling sick after eating food from a caterer being investigated for a suspected case of mass food poisoning.

Close to a hundred more people said they became unwell after consuming food from Kuisine Catering last weekend, bringing the total number affected to about 130.

Meat Info

Times of Israel

More than 93 percent of fresh Israeli poultry reportedly is infected with a bacteria known to cause food poisoning

CFIA

Advisory details

Ottawa, February 19, 2016 – The Updated Food Recall warning issued on February 18, 2016 has been amended to correctly identify the distribution dates for products recalled by Dashing Dishes. The correction for the distribution dates is marked by an asterisk (*) below.

Dashing Dishes is recalling various pork-containing prepared meals from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

The following products have been sold by Dashing Dishes, located at unit 9, 2820 Centre Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, up to and including February 11*, 2016.

FDA

Health Matters America of Cheektowaga, NY, is recalling specific lots of Organic traditions SPROUTED FLAX SEED POWDER and Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Organic traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder and Organic traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder were distributed nationwide in flexible plastic bags.

Here is a list of the recalled products and lots:

• Organic traditions SPROUTED FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 8 oz./227g, UPC barcode 854260006261; Lots AHM626151103 Exp. 09/2017, AHM626151229 Exp.10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag);
• Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 8 oz./227g; UPC barcode 854260006216; Lots AHM621151217 Exp. 10/2017; AHM621151229 Exp. 10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag);
• Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 16oz./454g bag, UPC barcode 854260005479; Lot AHM547151217 Exp. 10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag).

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Random samples taken by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) from retail stores in Canada tested positive for Salmonella. CFIA then notified the supplier. Health Matters America Inc. had received the affected lots. As soon as Health Matters America was made aware of this situation by their supplier, the company ceased packaging and distribution of the lots.  The FDA, CFIA and Health Matters America continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who purchased the affected products/lots should return them to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by phone at 1(888) 343-3278, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or by e-mail at: orders@healthmattersamerica.com.

FDA

NEWTON, IA – Maytag Dairy Farms is voluntarily recalling 5 lots of “Maytag Blue” blue cheese wedges and wheels and 15 batches of blue cheese crumbles because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled product was distributed through retail stores, restaurants, and direct mail orders nationwide between December 11, 2015, and February 11, 2016. Affected products are packaged as follows:

The lot number or batch number appears on the side or the bottom of the product.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.

The potential for contamination was discovered after testing by the State of Iowa revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in two lots of product. Maytag Dairy Farms has voluntarily suspended production and distribution while the company collaborates with FDA and the State of Iowa to determine the cause of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to discard them immediately and not consume them. Customers can call Maytag Dairy Farms at 800-247-2458 or 641-791-2010 Monday – Friday 9AM-5PM CST to arrange for a refund and return of the product.

We apologize for any temporary inconvenience or concern that our voluntary recall is causing our customers and the families who have enjoyed our products for generations. To learn more and for updates, please visit www.maytagdairyfarms.com.

FDA

Country Life Natural Foods of Pullman, MI is recalling shelled raw pistachios, sold in 2 lb bags and 30 lb boxes, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The shelled raw pistachios were distributed in AR, CA, FL, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OK, SC, SD, TN, and WI through retail stores, mail order, and direct delivery.

The 2 pound bags will bear the batch number 1357 in the lower left corner of the Country Life Natural Foods Label.

The 30 lb boxes will bear the name “SAM International” lot number 102914, and best by date of April 29, 2016.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was initiated when FDA contract testing laboratory analysis revealed the presence of Salmonella in one of the 19 samples obtained from SAM International. As a precaution, additional products are being recalled as they may be contaminated since they were packed from the master lot that came to our facility. We are working closely with FDA to determine the cause of this situation.

Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should not consume it. They should return it to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions should call Country Life Natural Foods at 800-456-7694, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm EST Friday.