Monthly Archives: January 2020

Research -Extension of shelf life of pasteurized trim milk using ultraviolet treatment

Wiley Online

The demand for minimally processed foods has increased in the last few years and gains high acceptability among consumers as it has better nutritional value than highly processed foods. Pasteurized milk is minimally processed and consumed largely for its fresh taste and higher nutritional value compared to ultrahigh temperature (UHT) and powdered milk. However, one of the constraints is its limited shelf life under refrigeration, as it cannot retain quality and safety for more than 14 days. Nonthermal technologies can extend the shelf life of milk while using low energy. Ultraviolet (UV‐C) is well known to inactivate spores as well as vegetative cells. In this study, it was shown that 2.64 J/ml of UV‐C treatment applied on pasteurized trim milk can extend shelf life up to 53 days under refrigeration. This finding was also supported by the inactivation of 3.40 ± 0.14 log of thermoresistant Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (ATCC 7953) in UHT (or sterilized) trim milk with similar UV‐C operating conditions. Therefore, microbial study together with physicochemical properties demonstrated that pasteurization followed by UV‐C can enhance the shelf life of trim milk considerably.

Research -Iran’s ministry talks contaminated milk, polluted corn rumors

Trend News Agency

All the food products in Iran are under control of the country’s Ministry of Health and there’s no production outside of the set standards, said the Head of Agricultural Jihad Ministry of Iran Abbas Keshavarz, Trend reports via ISNA.

Keshavarz was commenting on rumors that milk in Iran is contaminated with aflatoxin.

Aflatoxicosis is the disease caused by the consumption of high levels of aflatoxins. At low levels of intake, usually there are no visual symptoms of aflatoxicosis, and as such the problem is often unnoticed. However, high concentrations of aflatoxins, or prolonged exposure at low levels, cause visual symptoms in cattle, and especially in young calves.

The diagnosis of aflatoxicosis is often difficult because of the variation in clinical signs, gross pathological conditions, and the presence of secondary infectious diseases due to the suppression of the immune system. In addition, under commercial conditions, more than one mycotoxin may be present in any contaminated feed, and this makes definitive diagnosis of aflatoxicosis quite difficult.

The carry over rate of aflatoxins from contaminated feed into milk in dairy cows is considered to average 1–2%. However, in high yielding cows, which consume significant amounts of concentrated feeds, the carry over rate of aflatoxin M1 into milk can reach 6.2%.

Keshavarz pointed out that the level of standards in the country are strict.

“Not one kilogram of polluted corn has entered the country, so there’s nothing to worry about,” he said, referring to more rumors about Iran importing polluted corn.

Also, Keshavarz pointed to the per capita consumption of agricultural inputs in the country and stated that on average

He also pointed to the per capita consumption of agricultural inputs in the country and stated that on average Iran has the pessticide consumption at around 30,000 tons and more than 80 percent of pesticides are produced domestically.

“Fertilizer consumption is also about 3 million tons, more than 2.6 million of which produced domestically,” he said.

USA -Savannah Classics Cornbread Dressing Recalled For Possible Listeria

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Savannah Food Company is voluntarily recalling some of their Savannah Classics Cornbread Dressing, Savannah Classics Bread Stuffing, Morrison’s Cornbread Dressing, and Piccadilly Cornbread Dressing for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. These products were made with frozen diced eggs supplied by Almark Foods.

There is a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that is linked to Almark Foods Eggs, but no Savannah Food Company products have been associated with any illnesses to date. No other Savannah Classics Products are included in this voluntary recall.

These products were distributed through wholesale distributors to restaurants, delis, cafeterias, and foodservice establishments in these states: Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas. The recalled products were packaged in either plastic or aluminum trays.

The recalled product Use By dates range from USE BY 04/2021 to USE BY 12/2021. This date is stamped on the package label and the side of the corrugated case.

Savannah Classics Cornbread Dressing Recalled For Possible Listeria

USA – Public Health Alert Concerning Nopalina Flax Seed Powder and Nopalina Flax Seed Capsules and Salmonella Contamination

FDA

Audience

Consumers who have purchased Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder) and Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (capsules) manufactured by Salud Natural Entrepreneur, Inc. with the specific lot numbers listed below.

Products

Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder) and Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (capsules) with lot numbers (Product Image):

Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder, 1 lb. bags)

  • Lot # 62.19/9#52.1 Best if used by 10/7/21
  • Lot # 62.19/2#52.1 Best if used by 10/7/21

Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder, 1 lb. bags)

  • Lot # 64.19/3#52.1 Best if used by 10/21/21

Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder, 2 lb. bags)

  • Lot # 64.19/2#52.1 Best if used by 10/21/21
  • Lot # 64.19/2*2Lb#52.1  Best if used by 10/21/21

Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder, 1 lb. bags)

  • Lot # 65.19/1#52.1 Best if used by 10/24/21
  • Lot # 65.19/2#52.1 Best if used by 10/24/21

Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (capsules, 120 count)

  • Lot # 23.19 1C120#07 Best if used by 10/7/21
  • Lot # 23.192C120#02 Best if used by 10/7/21
  • Lot # 23.19/2C120#02 Best if used by 10/7/21
  • Lot # 23.19.2C120#02 Best if used by 10/7/21
  • Lot # 23.19.3C120#02 Best if used by 10/7/21

The lot numbers can be found on the bottom back of the product label.

Purpose

The FDA is advising consumers to stop using Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder) and Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (capsules) identified by the lot numbers above due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their health care provider. To date, there are no reports of illnesses associated with the products.

Symptoms of salmonellosis

Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people infected with Salmonella begin developing symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.

Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.
Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections.

Summary of Problem and Scope

The FDA collected a product sample of senna leaves powder, an ingredient used to manufacture the Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (powder) and Nopalina Flax Seed Fiber (capsules), that tested positive for three types of Salmonella including Salmonella Gaminara, Salmonella Kentucky, and Salmonella Oranienburg. The FDA notified the firm of the results. To date, we are not aware of illnesses linked to these products.

FDA Actions

The FDA intends to use all available tools to remove contaminated product from the market.

Recommendations for Consumers

Consumers who have these products should no longer use them. Consumers who have symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can:

Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.

Additional Information


Nopalina Flax Seed Label Image
Nopalina Flax Seed Label and Ingredients Image

Bulgaria – Salmonella-infected chicken from Poland banned on the Bulgarian market

It does seem that there is rather a lot if Salmonella in Polish Chicken products at the moment.

Poultry Med Campylobacter kswfoodworld

he Bulgarian Food Safety Agency had blocked the import of three consignments of poultry meat from Poland contaminated with salmonella. The total quantity was 37,150kg of whole chicken and 12,900kg chicken leg.
The meat produced in Poland has been banned from distribution and is not allowed to be traded on the Bulgarian market. It has been identified as part of the enhanced controls undertaken by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency after 100 tonnes of chicken infected with salmonella was imported from Poland to the Bulgarian market in December 2019.
The salmonella found is from a strain that is not pathogenic to the human body, the food safety agency said.

Australia -Wintulichs Metwursts – Food products with the potential for microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.

FSANZ

Product information

Wintulichs Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Metwurst Garlic 300g, 375g, 500g, 700g, Metwurst Plain 700g and Metwurst Pepperoni 375g. The products have been available for sale at Woolworths, IGA and independent stores in SA.

Date markings

Use By 080420

Problem

The recall is due to other (incorrect ph and water activity levels leading to potential microbial contamination).

Food safety hazard

Food products with the potential for microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.

Country of origin

Australia

What to do​

Consumers should not eat these products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact:

Wintulichs Pty Ltd

​08 8522 2100

www.wintulichs.com

Related links:

RASFF Alerts – Aflatoxin – Dried Figs – Pistachios – Hazlenuts – Groundnuts

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RASFF – aflatoxins (Tot. = 13.7 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Turkey in France

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 16.3; Tot. = 56 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Turkey in France

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 15.0; Tot. = 15.8 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Turkey in France

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 225; Tot. = 309 µg/kg – ppb) in pistachios from Turkey in Belgium

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 46; Tot. = 51 µg/kg – ppb) in hazelnut from Turkey in France

RASFF – aflatoxins (Tot. = 5.8 µg/kg – ppb) in groundnuts from the United States in France

RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Chicken Leg – Whole Chicken – Chicken Cuts – Chicken Breast – Black Pepper – Grilled Chicken – Cumin Seeds – Poultry Meat – Basil – Chicken Liver

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RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (phagetype 6D /25g) in frozen chicken leg meat from Poland in Croatia

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in chilled whole chicken and chilled chicken cuts from Poland in Bulgaria

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (presence /25g) in frozen chicken breast fillets from Germany in Italy

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Kiambu (present /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Newport (present /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in chilled whole chicken from Poland in Bulgaria

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (present /25g) in chilled grilled chicken from Poland in Bulgaria

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in cumin seeds from Syria in Spain

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Kottbus (presence /25g) in chilled poultry meat from Poland in Bulgaria

RASFF – Salmonella (1 out of 5 samples /25g) in basil from Egypt in Poland

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in chicken livers from Romania in Italy

RASFF Alert – STEC E.coli – Chilled Bovine Carcass

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RASFF – shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (stx1+, stx2+, eae+ /25g) in chilled bovine carcass from Belgium in Belgium

RASFF Alert – Cronobacter – galacto oligosaccharide powder

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RASFF – Cronobacter (presence /600 g) in galacto oligosaccharide powder from China in the Netherlands