Monthly Archives: February 2021

New Zealand – Yersiniosis in New Zealand

MDPI

The rate of yersiniosis in New Zealand (NZ) is high compared with other developed countries, and rates have been increasing over recent years. Typically, >99% of human cases in NZ are attributed to Yersinia enterocolitica (YE), although in 2014, a large outbreak of 220 cases was caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Up until 2012, the most common NZ strain was YE biotype 4. The emergent strain since this time is YE biotype 2/3 serotype O:9. The pathogenic potential of some YE biotypes remains unclear. Most human cases of yersiniosis are considered sporadic without an identifiable source. Key restrictions in previous investigations included insufficient sensitivity for the isolation of Yersinia spp. from foods, although foodborne transmission is the most likely route of infection. In NZ, YE has been isolated from a variety of sick and healthy domestic and farm animals but the pathways from zoonotic reservoir to human remain unproven. Whole-genome sequencing provides unprecedented discriminatory power for typing Yersinia and is now being applied to NZ epidemiological investigations. A “One-Health” approach is necessary to elucidate the routes of transmission of Yersinia and consequently inform targeted interventions for the prevention and management of yersiniosis in NZ View Full-Text

Mozambique – Aflatoxins in Mozambican Online Mainstream Press

Intech Open

Aflatoxin

Image CDC

Aflatoxins gained increased recognition in Mozambique due to their negative impact on health, food security, and trade. Most contamination occurs in peanuts, maize, and their products. Nevertheless, there is little awareness, probably because the press and mass media do not disseminate enough information. This study analyzed the quantity and quality of information on aflatoxins in Mozambique’s leading online newspapers between 2009 and 2018. After analyzing articles using Atlas.ti, the information was synthesized and compared to scholarly sources. Mozambique requires more press and media coverage of aflatoxin research and development activities. Awareness campaigns should be reinforced, distribute information to multiple organizations, and use multiple means, including online mainstream press, spreading information to reach a broad range of people, given the diversity of cultures and villages’ remoteness. Organizations providing information, including universities, need to translate the highly technical information published in scientific journals to help reporters understand the research’s implications. Furthermore, there is a need to identify groups that do not receive messages from current campaigns and appropriate methods for reaching those populations.

France – Product recall: Organic Plain Lardons (2x75g) from Carrefour Bio brand – Microbiological Risk

Oulah

Product recall: Organic Plain Lardons (2x75g) from Carrefour Bio brand

ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM

Manufacturing defect causing a change in the color of the product (greenish gray color) and an impact on its conservation (microbiological risk) which makes the product unfit for consumption.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Do not consume and return to the point of sale for reimbursement

FURTHER INFORMATION

▸ Barcode
3263850640414

▸ Lot
04923

▸ DLC
03/08/2021

▸ Health
stamp FR.22.093.001 CE

▸ Consumer service contact
Cristal N °: 09 69 39 70 00 – Non-surcharged call

▸ Source
https://www.carrefour.fr/

USA – Shenandoah Growers, Inc Issues a Limited, Voluntary Recall of Specific Imported Organic Basil Because of Potential Health Risk – Cyclosporiasis

FDA

Company Announcement

Shenandoah Growers, Inc (Harrisonburg, VA) out of an abundance of caution, has issued a limited, voluntary recall of approximately 3240 units of branded fresh cut, packaged organic basil clamshells packed at its Indianapolis, Indiana location due to a possible health risk from Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite. A person may become infected after ingesting contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, body aches and fatigue. The infection is treated with antibiotics and most people respond quickly to treatment.

Only the following specific lot codes are affected:

PV40515 1034     PV40515 3034     PV40515 4034     PV40515 3035

The affected product has a country of origin of Colombia and was harvested entirely from Puerto Vallarta Herbs SAS (Farm) and imported by Vallarta Organics LLC dba Organic Destiny (Importer).

Affected lot codes shipped:

Lot Code: Pack Date: Brand: Size: Location UPC:
PV40515 1034 2/3/2021 Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty 0.75 oz Indianapolis Fruit 7-68573-00101-4
PV40515 1034 2/3/2021 Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty 2.0 oz Indianapolis Fruit 7-68573-02143-2
PV40515 1034 2/3/2021 Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty 4.0 oz Indianapolis Fruit 7-68573-00141-0
PV40515 3034 2/3/2021 That’s Tasty (Pasta Blend) 0.5 oz Vine Line Produce 7-68573-52008-9
PV40515 3034 2/3/2021 That’s Tasty 0.5 oz Vine Line Produce 7-68573-50502-4
PV40515 3034 2/3/2021 Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty 4 oz Vine Line Produce Bulk N/A
PV40515 3034 2/3/2021 Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty 1 lb. Vine Line Produce Bulk N/A
PV40515 4034 2/3/2021 Simple Truth 3.0 oz Kroger 0-11110-00876-3
PV40515 1034 2/3/2021 That’s Tasty 0.25 oz J&J Distributing 7-68573-02515-7
PV40515 1034 2/3/2021 Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty 0.75 oz J&J Distributing 7-68573-00101-4
PV40515 3035 2/4/2021 That’s Tasty 3.0 oz Schnucks 7-68573-53001-9

Recalled products were distributed to select retail stores between 2/3/2021 to 2/4/2021 in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

This recall notification is being issued due to a single instance in which a sample of bulk product was pulled at the port of entry in Miami and tested by the FDA as part of routine surveillance and indicated the potential presence of Cyclospora.

Affected Shenandoah Growers customers have been notified of the recall and instructed to immediately remove and discard recalled products from all store shelves, distribution and other inventories to ensure they are no longer available for sale or consumption.

The Shenandoah Growers recall includes only those clamshells of certified organic basil clearly marked with the affected lot codes listed above. The lot code can be found printed on each clamshell.

No other Shenandoah Growers products are subject to recall, and the company has no knowledge of any illness reported or related to this product to date.

Consumers who may have a recalled basil product should discard it immediately and not eat it. Consumers with questions, or to obtain refunds, may contact the Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center at 844-896-6939 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST.

Shenandoah Growers takes food safety matters very seriously, and stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Shenandoah Growers is working in close coordination with regulatory officials, including the FDA, on this matter.

Company Contact Information

Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center
844-896-6939


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center
 844-896-6939

Research – Food Safety for Expectant Mothers to Prevent Listeria

Food Poisoning News

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared that pregnant women are approximately 10 times more likely to become infected with listeriosis than other healthy individuals. It is also estimated that 1 out of 6 of all Listeria cases occur in expectant mothers.

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium most often found in pre-prepared refrigerated foods such as dairy, poultry, seafood, meat, and unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized milk products. The symptoms experienced by adults from Listeriosis often include diarrhea or an upset stomach, chills, fever, stiff neck, confusion, and dizziness, and can take a couple days or even weeks to appear. Listeria can also be fatal at times for the mother. Most commonly however, infected pregnant women do not experience symptoms and unknowingly give it to their child. Listeriosis can lead to premature birth, delivery or a low-weight infant, or even death. Babies whom become infected with Listeriosis later are known to develop many serious conditions such as impairments of the brain, heart or kidney, paralysis, seizures, intellectual disability, and blindness. Listeria Monocytogenes can also cause meningitis and blood infections in newborns.

Italy – Foods of Scotland srl – Smoked Salmon – Listeria monocytogenes

SAP

Brand : Foods of Scotland srl

Name : Smoked Salmon

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 8 February 2021

Documentation

Documentation

Germany – Figs from Calabria 250g (dried figs, white) – Moulds

LMW

Warning type: Food
Date of first publication: 02/08/2021
Product name: Figs from Calabria 250g (dried figs, white) – Fichi di Calabria EAN: 8031969000178 Best before: 09.06.2021 Batch: P.253 / 20 N real, – GmbH
 
Product pictures:
10 806 Customer information figs from Calabria.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturer (distributor): Le Antiche Bonta ‘di Calabria srl ​​Via della pace 38, S. Cosmo Albanese (CS), Italy Sales: real, – GmbH

Reason for warning: Mold residues
Packaging Unit:250 g
Durability:06/09/2021
Lot identification: P. 253/20 N
Further information:

Reference is made to the enclosed customer information.

The product was sold regionally in some real markets in Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.

Contact to the responsible authorities:
Berlin:poststelle@senjustva.berlin.de
Brandenburg:Konsumenterschutz@Msgiv.Brandenburg.de
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania:poststelle@lm.mv-regierung.de
North Rhine-Westphalia:poststelle@mulnv.nrw.de
Saxony:poststelle@sms.sachsen.de
Saxony-Anhalt:poststelle@ms.sachsen-anhalt.de
Thuringia:LM-Ueberendung@tlv.thueringen.de
 
Press releases and information
title Attachment or web link
Customer information

Sweden – Sweden reports increase in Yersinia cases

Outbreak News Today

Yersinia p

The Swedish Public Health Agency, or Folkhälsomyndigheten reports an increase in cases of Yersinia infections since the second week of January, according to a February 3 release.

They say more than twice as many people have contracted Yersinia infection as during the same period in the immediately preceding years.

An increased number of patients has mainly been observed in the regions of Stockholm, Västra Götaland and Halland, which together account for 33 of the total of 48 disease cases reported since 11 January.

Research – From Cheese-Making to Consumption: Exploring the Microbial Safety of Cheeses through Predictive Microbiology Models

MDPI

Cheeses are traditional products widely consumed throughout the world that have been frequently implicated in foodborne outbreaks. Predictive microbiology models are relevant tools to estimate microbial behavior in these products. The objective of this study was to conduct a review on the available modeling approaches developed in cheeses, and to identify the main microbial targets of concern and the factors affecting microbial behavior in these products. Listeria monocytogenes has been identified as the main hazard evaluated in modelling studies. The pH, aw, lactic acid concentration and temperature have been the main factors contemplated as independent variables in models. Other aspects such as the use of raw or pasteurized milk, starter cultures, and factors inherent to the contaminating pathogen have also been evaluated. In general, depending on the production process, storage conditions, and physicochemical characteristics, microorganisms can grow or die-off in cheeses. The classical two-step modeling has been the most common approach performed to develop predictive models. Other modeling approaches, including microbial interaction, growth boundary, response surface methodology, and neural networks, have also been performed. Validated models have been integrated into user-friendly software tools to be used to obtain estimates of microbial behavior in a quick and easy manner. Future studies should investigate the fate of other target bacterial pathogens, such as spore-forming bacteria, and the dynamic character of the production process of cheeses, among other aspects. The information compiled in this study helps to deepen the knowledge on the predictive microbiology field in the context of cheese production and storage. View Full-Text

France – Sante Publique – Campylobacter

Sante Publique

Campylobacter kswfoodworld

Image CDC

Transmitted to humans primarily through contaminated undercooked meat, Campylobacter infections are a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in developed countries.

Our missions

  • Monitor the epidemiological evolution of Campylobacter infections
  • Inform the general public about prevention measures

Videos, infographics, key figures, interviews with experts … find here the latest news and key information on Campylobacter infections