Monthly Archives: November 2016

Food Safety News

State and federal officials are investigating the Asian Food Center in Bellevue, WA, after a woman was diagnosed with a rare and sometimes fatal bacterial infection after handling raw fish from the grocery store.

The woman was diagnosed Nov. 10 with Vibrio vulnificus and required hospitalization, but has since returned to her home where her recovery continues, according to a news release from Public Health – Seattle & King County. The “likely source of infection was tilapia fish purchased from the Asian Food Center,” officials reported.

FSAI

Message:

Sheridans Cheesemongers is recalling all batches of fresh cut cheese following the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a cut Roquefort cheese. The recalled cheeses were produced in a number of different countries and then cut at Sheridans Cheesemongers. The implicated packs, therefore, carry the above approval number. Point of sale notices will be displayed in stores that were supplied with the implicated batches.

Food Safety News

An Iowa company is recalling almost half a ton of dried pork loin after a federal inspector noticed an “off-odor.” The dried pork was not properly dehydrated, which could lead to dangerous bacteria growth.

Food Safety News

California ice cream manufacturer Dr. Bob’s has reportedly closed down operations after federal inspectors found Listeria monocytogenes in the production facility and finished product, spurring secondary recalls of five brands of high-dollar ice cream shipped across the country.

Repeated attempts to reach the company and its owner, Robert Small, have been unsuccessful since the operation was named in a Nov. 2 recall by AC Creamery of Anaheim, CA. Listed phone numbers for Dr. Bob’s have been disconnected.

Caerphilly Observer

An investigation has been launched after children in 45 schools in Caerphilly County Borough were served chicken potentially contaminated with the harmful Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Concerns were first raised on Wednesday, November 9, after some kitchen staff reported an unpleasant odour when the cooked chicken slices were opened from their packaging.

According to a letter sent home to parents, the chicken was served at some schools after “quality checks” found no issues.

However, according to the Food Standards Agency the chicken which had the smell was not served and was tested by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department.

The samples tested were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes – the bacteria which causes listeria food poisoning

Pattaya Mail

Rescue workers were rushed to the school which is operated by border patrol policemen in Tambon Pateng-ngor in response to call for help from the school management to bring the sick students to Hua Hin and Pran Buri hospitals.

Doctors and nurses at Hua Hin hospital were mobilized to help treat the sick students.

Several of them were discharged after given first aid treatment but the very sick ones were hospitalized for observation.

FSANZ

Ballyhigh Pty Ltd has recalled Paunch (lamb stomach) from Logan Halal Butcher, Fresha Meats and Yes Halal Butcher in QLD due to Potential for microbial contamination. Food products contaminated with pathogens may cause illness if consumed. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

RASFF – Bacillus cereus (3.5 X 10*3 CFU/g) in organic cinnamon powder from Sri Lanka in Slovenia

RASFF – histamine (>500 mg/kg – ppm) in frozen sardines (Sardinella aurita) from Morocco in Spain

RASFF – ochratoxin A (16.4 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Turkey in Germany