Monthly Archives: August 2016

RASFF – Salmonella Colindale (presence /25g) in betel leaves from Malaysia in the UK

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in tahini from Syria in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in betel leaves from India in the UK

Food Safety News

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the country’s Ministry of Health say that tehina and hummus products sold to the army by Shamir Salads were contaminated with Salmonella. After finding “health anomalies” in samples from the salads, IDF returned the products to the company.

Two other salad producers, Tsabar (Sabra) and Achla, also reported their products were contaminated with Salmonella, but the problem products were caught and destroyed before the salads reached the market.

RASFF – Salmonella Senftenberg (presence /25g) in fish meal from Morocco in Greece

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in dog chews from Thailand in Belgium

RASFF – Salmonella Mbandaka (presence /25g) and Salmonella Senftenberg (presence /25g) in organic soya from Italy in Sweden

Food Safety News

Canadian public health officials are investigating an outbreak of “locally acquired” Cyclospora infections. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), there are currently 51 confirmed cases in four provinces, and one person has been hospitalized.

FDA

Rabbit Creek Products of Louisburg, KS is recalling certain flavors of Bread mixes, Muffin mixes and Brownie mixes under the Rabbit Creek Products and other Private label brand names due to the potential presence of Escherichia coli O121 (E. coli O121). People usually get sick from E. coli O121, also referred to as STEC O121, 2-8 days (average of 3-4 days) after swallowing the bacteria. Most people develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps. Most people recover within a week. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe, resulting in a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can occur in people of any age, but is most common in young children under 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of HUS can include fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, and decreased urination. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

The recalled dry mixes were distributed nationwide in retail stores and online sales December 2015 through February 2016.  Please see the list below for the mixes involved and the best by dates for those affected mixes.  For representative labeling, please see our website, www.rabbitcreekgourmet.com.

No illnesses have been reported to date to Rabbit Creek.  No other products sold by Rabbit Creek Products are involved in this recall

This recall was initiated after our suppliers notified us that we received General Mills flour which was recalled due to the potential presence of E. coli O121.

Please destroy anyaffected productand return the label to Rabbit Creek, PO Box 1059, Louisburg, KS 66053 for a refund.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-837-3073 Monday through Thursday between 8am and 4pm CT.

Food Poisoning Journal

As of Wednesday, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) has identified 33 new cases of Hepatitis A, bringing the total to 168.

All cases have been adults with 46 requiring hospitalization.

Findings of the investigation suggest that the source of the outbreak is focused on Oahu.

Food Poisoning Journal

So far 168 people have been sickened, with over 1/3 hospitalized with Hepatitis A – “The indications are that whatever it is, this is not a fresh product its probably something that keeps for a while so frozen or dried or something,” State epidemiologist, Dr. Sarah Park said.  But so far there has been no confirmed source.

There has also been an even wider impact on the businesses that employed some of those ill people.

Food Poisoning Journal

Oakland County Health Division and Wayne County Wellness Services Division, in coordination with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, have identified Hepatitis A infection in a food service worker at the Social Kitchen and Bar located at 225 E Maple Road, Birmingham, in Oakland County. The food service worker is a resident of Wayne County.

Food In Canada

A new study is showing that rising temperatures around the planet are clearly linked to increasing waterborne food poisoning, particularly from eating raw oysters.

Birmingham Mail

Almost 150 UK holidaymakers have been struck down with crippling food poisoning after going on holiday in Mexico

New figures from Public Health England (PHE) show there have been 204 cases reported in the UK since June 1, with 148 involving holidaymakers who stayed in hotels and resorts on the Riviera Maya coast

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Grassfields Cheese of Coopersville MI has issued a nationwide recall for cheeses that may be contaminated with E. coli. The cheeses have been linked to an E. coli outbreak that includes seven illnesses. People who have purchased these cheeses should not eat them as  E. coli can cause serious illness and death.

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Oscar’s Taco Bar in Breckenridge, Colorado. At least 16 people have been sickened. The restaurant was closed from July 15 through the 22, 2016, for inspection and cleaning.