Monthly Archives: November 2020

Spain – Alert for the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Brie cheese from France

Posted on November 3, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFSA

Brie cheese

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has notified us through the SCIRI of the presence of the bacterium Escherichia coli producing Shiga toxins in the cheese product Brie 100 g, made in France, marketed from Germany by the JERMI company and sold in supermarkets of the Lidl chain.

The German company JERMI, which packs and markets the product, has detected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in the course of its self-checks and has informed the competent authorities and its customers.

The company Lidl has communicated the information to consumers requesting the return of the product.

The affected product is:

  • Brie cheese 100 g
  • Packed by JERMI KÄSEWERK GMBH
  • Expiry date: 10.2020
  • Lot name: 402

The product has been distributed in Andalusia, Catalonia , the Basque Country, Madrid, Murcia and the Valencian Community.

The AESAN became aware of this through the RASFF alert and reported the same in all regions through the SCIRI in order to continue the withdrawal of the affected product marketing channels.

The presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in food can pose health risks to people who consume it.

With the information available, no case associated with this alert has been confirmed in Spain.

People who have products affected by this alert at home are advised to refrain from consuming them and return them to the point of purchase.

 

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, STEC, STEC E.coli

Spain – Presence of Listeria monocytogenes in Goat’s Roll Cheese from the Netherlands

Posted on November 3, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFSA

Goat roll cheese

The Catalan Public Health Agency was informed, on 16 October 2020, by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) through the Coordinated System for the Rapid Exchange of Information (SCIRI) of the presence of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes in the product Goat’s Roll Cheese , made in the Netherlands and marketed from Germany.

The German company JERMI, which packages and markets the product, has detected Listeria monocytogenes in the course of its self-checks on the goat cheese product, which has been sold exclusively to Lidl.

This alert is extended to all batches and all expiration dates.

With the information available, no case associated with this alert has been confirmed in Spain.

People who have products affected by this alert at home are advised to refrain from consuming it and return it to the point of purchase.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Uncategorized

Austria – GOOD Choice Wrap Thai Couscous, 170 g – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 3, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AGES

GOOD Choice Wrap Thai Couscous, 170 g
Recall reason Listeria
Marketed by Hofer KG
Manufacturer Wojnar’s Viennese treat. GmbH
Expiry Date 04/11/2020

The article GOOD Choice Wrap Thai Couscous from Wojnar’s Wiener Leckerb. GmbH, with a best before date of November 4th, 2020, will be used by Wojnar’s Wiener Leckerb. GmbH and HOFER KG recalled.

Listeria were detected in a sample of the article mentioned. Listeria can cause stomach / intestinal diseases and flu-like symptoms. In particular, pregnant women, small children and people with a weakened immune system can cause serious illnesses as a result of consumption.

The product was available in all HOFER KG branches in Austria. The sale of the product was stopped immediately. The product must not be consumed and can be returned in all HOFER branches. The purchase price will of course be reimbursed to customers even without proof of purchase. This warning does not mean that the hazard was caused by the producer, manufacturer or distributor.

If you have any questions, the HOFER customer service center can be reached by phone on (+43) 5 70 30 355 00 (Mon-Fri 7:15 am-8: 00 pm and Sat 7:15 am-6: 00 pm).

Original recall

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Posted in AGES, Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Hong Kong – Not to consume a kind of cheese from Italy with possible Shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination

Posted on November 3, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFS

Issue Date 2.11.2020
Source of Information Centre for Food Safety
Food Product Cheese
Product Name and Description Product name: FONTINA D.O.P.

Place of origin: Italy

Producer: COOPERATIVA PRODUTTORI LATTE E FONTINA SOC. COOP.A.R.L.

Importer: Bravo Fine Foods Limitedand New Food Project Limited

Lot: LOTTO C261

Best-before date: November 19, 2020
Reason For Issuing Alert
  • The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and is being recalled.
  • Preliminary investigation found that two local importers, Bravo Fine Foods Limited and New Food Project Limited, had imported some of the affected product into Hong Kong.
  • People will contract STEC-causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome may also develop in some people.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety
  • The CFS immediately contacted local major importers and retailers for follow-up.
  • The importers have initiated a recall according to the CFS’ instructions.
Advice to the Trade
  • The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
Advice to Consumers
  • Consumers should not consume the affected batches of the product if they have bought any.
  • Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotlines of Bravo Fine Foods Limited and New Food Project Limited at 3528 0348 and 5248 8527 respectively during office hours.
Further Information The CFS press release

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, CFS, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research – Microbiological Quality of Cooked Chicken: Results of Monitoring in England (2013 to 2017)

Posted on November 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection

Results from monitoring of the microbiological quality of 2,721 samples of ready-to-eat cooked chicken collected between 2013 to 2017 in England were reviewed: 70% of samples were from retail, catering, or manufacture and 30% were imported and collected at English ports. Samples were tested for a range of bacterial pathogens and indicator organisms. Six samples (<1%) had unsatisfactory levels of pathogens that were potentially injurious to health. Neither Salmonella nor Campylobacter were recovered from any samples. Two samples from catering settings contained either an unsatisfactory level of Bacillus cereus (5 × 106 CFU/g) or an unsatisfactory level of coagulase-positive staphylococci (1.6 × 104 CFU/g). Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 36 samples (1 at manufacture, 26 at catering, and 9 at retail) and in 4 samples, unsatisfactory levels (≥102 CFU/g) were detected (3 samples collected at catering and 1 sample at retail). For L. monocytogenes, there were no significant differences between the rates of contamination for the samples collected from ports, manufacture, retail supermarkets, and other retailers (P = 0.288). There were no differences between the rates of contamination for other potential pathogens detected between samples from different settings. The prevalence of hygiene indicators (Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and aerobic colony counts) at import was significantly lower than in samples collected from manufacturers, retail, or catering (P < 0.01). Samples collected from catering gave poorer results than those from all other settings. Regardless of the stage in the food chain, samples from Thailand and from other non–European Union countries were of significantly better microbiological quality with respect to indicator organisms than those from the United Kingdom or from other European Union countries (P = <0.001).

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Routine microbiological monitoring of 2,721 samples was reviewed.
  • Six samples (<1%) were unsatisfactory due to the levels of bacterial pathogens.
  • Hygiene indicator bacteria were significantly higher in samples from catering.
  • Port samples had significantly lower levels of hygiene indicators.

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Posted in Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter, E.coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Food Microbiology Research, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Research, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken, Staphylococcus aureus

Iceland – Listeria guidelines for companies producing ready-to-eat foods

Posted on November 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

MAST

The Food Administration has published new guidelines for the analysis of Listeria monocytogenes (listeria) in ready-to-eat foods .

Companies that produce “ready-to-eat food” need to submit a sampling plan based on the manufacturer’s risk assessment for listeria. The risk assessment is an assessment of how likely listeria is to enter the food and then what the growth conditions of the bacterium are during the shelf life of the product. The information should be used by companies to classify the food they produce under the correct food safety criteria in terms of listeria. They are roughly divided into three main risk categories and several sub-categories.

The guidelines are intended to assist food companies in classifying their products according to the correct food safety criteria, estimating the frequency and number of samples and how to react if listeria is detected in products or processing environments.

Related material

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Research

Austria – „Meine Käserei“ Brie de Nangis, ca. 100 g – STEC E.coli

Posted on November 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AGES

Recall reason Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli
Marketed by Lidl Austria
Manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH
Expiry Date 01/11/2020
Batch number 403

Product recall: “My cheese dairy” Brie de Nangis, approx. 100 g from the manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH

Salzburg (OTS) – The manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH is currently calling out the product “MY CHEESERY, BRIE DE NANGIS, CA. 100 G “with the best before date 11/01/2020, lot number 403 and the identification number DE BW 331 EG.

Verotoxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli (VTEC) were detected in the affected product. VTEC bacteria can cause diarrhea. Certain groups of people (infants, toddlers, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system) can develop severe disease. Because of this health risk, customers should pay attention to the recall and avoid consuming the cheese. This warning does not mean that the endangerment was caused by Lidl Austria.

The affected product “My Käserei, Brie de Nangis, approx. 100g” with the best before date 01.11.2020, the lot number 403 and the ID number DE BW 331 EG from the manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH was sold at Lidl Austria.

For reasons of consistent consumer protection, Lidl Austria reacted immediately and removed the affected product from sale. The product can be returned in all Lidl branches. The purchase price will of course be reimbursed, even without presenting the receipt.
Other products sold at Lidl Austria, in particular other “Meine Käserei” products, are not affected by the recall.
The manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH apologizes to all concerned for the inconvenience.

Customer service

If you have any questions on the subject, Lidl Austria customer service is available on the toll-free number 0800/500 810 from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Original recall

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, STEC, STEC E.coli, VTEC

Austria – “Meine Käserei” goat cheese roll, approx. 100g – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AGES

“Meine Käserei” goat cheese roll, approx. 100g
Recall reason Listeria
Marketed by Lidl Austria
Manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH
Batch number all best-before dates

Product recall: “Meine Käserei” goat cheese roll, approx. 100g from the manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH

The manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH is currently recalling the product “My cheese dairy, goat cheese roll, approx. 100g” with the identity code DE BW 331 EG and all best-before dates.

It cannot be ruled out that the above product is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses and symptoms similar to those of a flu-like infection. In certain groups of people (infants, young children, pregnant women, as well as the elderly and sick), the disease can develop seriously. Because of this health risk, customers should pay attention to the recall and not consume the affected product. This warning does not mean that the endangerment was caused by Lidl Austria.

The affected product “My cheese dairy, goat cheese roll, approx. 100g” with the identity code DE BW 331 EG and all best-before dates were sold at Lidl Austria. For reasons of preventive consumer protection, Lidl Austria responded immediately and removed the affected product from sale.

The product can be returned in all Lidl branches. The purchase price will of course be reimbursed, even without presenting the receipt.
The manufacturer JERMI Käsewerk GmbH apologizes to all concerned for the inconvenience.

Customer Service:
If you have any questions on the subject, Lidl Austria customer service is available on the toll-free number 0800/500 810 from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Original recall

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Posted in bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Austria – Hola Serrano Ham, 100 g: – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AGES

Hola Serrano ham, 100 g
Recall reason Listeria
Marketed by HOFER
Manufacturer Principe di San Daniele Spa
Expiry Date 02.12.2020
Batch number G203641300

Product recall: Hola Serrano ham, 100 g

HOFER and its supplier Principe di San Daniele Spa are recalling the item “Hola Serrano ham, 100 g” with a best before date of 02.12.2020.

(Sattledt, October 29, 2020; HOFER) The article “Hola Serrano ham, 100 g” with the batch number G203641300 and the best before date 02.12.2020 from the supplier Principe di San Daniele Spa is sold for reasons of precautionary consumer protection by Principe di San Daniele Spa and the HOFER KG called back.

Listeria were detected in a sample of the article mentioned. Listeria can cause stomach / intestinal diseases and flu-like symptoms. In particular, pregnant women, small children and people with a weakened immune system can cause serious illnesses as a result of consumption.

The product was available in all HOFER KG branches in Austria. The sale of the product was stopped immediately. The product must not be consumed and can be returned in all HOFER branches. The purchase price will of course be reimbursed to customers even without proof of purchase. This warning does not mean that the hazard was caused by the producer, manufacturer or distributor.

If you have any questions, the HOFER customer service center can be reached by phone at (+43) 5 70 30 355 00 (Mon-Fri 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sat 7:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Original recall

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Research – Risk of Foodborne Illness from Pet Food: Assessing Pet Owners’ Knowledge, Behavior, and Risk Perception

Posted on November 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection

Pet food has been identified as a source of pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli. A recent outbreak linked to Salmonella-contaminated pet treats infected >150 people in the United States. The mechanism by which contaminated pet food leads to human illness has not been explicated, and pet owners’ food safety knowledge and their pet food handling practices have not been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate pet owners’ food safety knowledge and pet food handling practices through an online consumer survey. The survey consisted of 62 questions and assessed (i) owners’ food safety knowledge and pet food handling practices; (ii) owners’ interaction with pets; and (iii) owners’ risk perception related to their own health, their children’s health, and their pets’ health. The survey was pilot tested among 59 pet owners before distribution to a national consumer panel managed by Qualtrics XM (Provo, UT). All participants (n = 1,040) were dog and/or cat owners in the United States. Almost all pet owners (93%) interacted with their pets, and most cuddled, allowed their pets to lick them, and slept with their pets. Less than one-third of pet owners washed their hands with soap after interacting with their pets. Over half (58%) of the owners reported washing their hands after feeding their pets. Most pet owners fed their pets dry pet food and dry pet treats. Some fed their pets raw meat or raw animal product diets because they believed these diets to be beneficial to the pet’s overall health. Many owners (78%) were unaware of pet food recalls or outbreaks associated with foodborne pathogens. Less than 25% considered dry pet foods and treats as a potential source of foodborne pathogens. Pet owners were more concerned when seeing news about pets becoming ill from pet food and less concerned when seeing news about people becoming ill from pet food. The findings of this study indicated the need for consumer education about handling pet food. These results can help researchers develop more accurate risk assessment models and consumer education messages related to pet food handling.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Most surveyed pet owners were unaware of pet food recalls or outbreaks due to pathogens.
  • Pet owners may lack knowledge of safe pet food handling practices.
  • Most pet owners perceived raw meat and animal parts to pose a microbial risk.
  • Owners were more concerned about pets than people becoming ill from pet food.
  • Many pet owners got pet food safety information from television and social media.

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Posted in Animal Feed, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pet Food, Pet Food Testing, Salmonella