Monthly Archives: March 2021

East Africa – Food Safety – Aflatoxin

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All Africa

The recent decision by Kenya to suspend maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania has stirred public concern over the safety of some food that is produced in the region, particularly grains.

Last week, Kenya banned the importation of maize from both countries, saying the products contained high levels of aflatoxins.

Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority said that the products were not fit for human consumption.

“The recommended levels of aflatoxin are ten parts per billion but the imports indicate that the levels are at 2,000 parts per billion, which is lethal,” Kello Harsama, the Acting Director-General of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), told the media last week.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), aflatoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain kinds of fungi (moulds) that are found naturally all over the world; they can contaminate food crops and pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock.

WHO estimates that aflatoxins pose a significant economic burden, causing an estimated 25 per cent or more of the world’s food crops to be destroyed annually.

The decision by Kenya comes at the time some local agro-processing firms have been resorting to importing some grains, saying that the ones produced in the country contain high levels of aflatoxins.

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Posted in Aflatoxin, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mold Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin

Israel – Ground Beef and Chicken Recall – Listeria monocytogenes

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Click to access RCL_08032021.pdf

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, 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

Switzerland – Early detection for food safety

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FSVO

In order to ensure long-term food safety and prevent fraud, the FSVO identifies emerging health hazards for Swiss consumers. Recognizing these dangers early enough allows you to take the right action at the right time.

Early detection for food safety

Current

FSVO compiles the most important food safety information every month

Monitoring developments in the field of food safety is an indispensable task of early detection. This is why the FSVO summarizes and evaluates the essentials in the Seismo Info. The publication is communicated via newsletter.

Seismo Info 03/2021 (PDF, 538 kB, 10.03.2021)

Subscribe to the newsletter “Food safety and nutrition”

Seismo Info 2021 archive (PDF, 693 kB, 10.03.2021)

Archive of Seismo Info 2020 (PDF, 3 MB, 20.01.2021)

Seismo Info 2019 archive (PDF, 1 MB, 12.12.2019)

Early detection for food safety aims to identify and assess the potential dangers that food and utility articles could represent for the health of consumers.

FSVO considers different types of dangers:

  • microbiological hazards, fraud and deception in foods
  • chemical hazards in food and utility articles
  • the dangers of nutrition

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Water Safety

Ireland – Hepatitis A – Outbreaks

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Food Safety News

Two outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) with 17 infections are under investigation in Ireland.

A total of 21 patients have been identified during a three-month period in Dublin, with 17 linked to the outbreaks that began in November 2020. One of the outbreak strains has genotype IA.

Some cases are associated with food premises

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Virus, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, outbreak, Virus

USA – No Public Recall of Pet Food with Salmonella and Listeria.

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FDA

Product Details

Product Description: Visionary Keto Pet Foods, Enlightened Choice; Beef RecipeBeef and Beef Heart, Veggies, Seeds & Coconut Oil, Beef Liver, Added vitamins and minerals.Raw Frozen 1 oz. Keto Patties.Net Wt. 4 lbs. (1.81 kg)UPC 59381 00723 4Manufactured for Visionary Pet Foods by OCPP, Santa Margarita, CAPackage storage statement: “This product is made more…

Reason for Recall:Testing by Virginia Department of Agriculture found Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

Product Quantity:682 x 4 lb. bags

Recall Number:

Code Information:

Lot 6626, Use by 09/01/21

Classification:Not Yet Classified

Event Details

Event ID:87420

Voluntary / Mandated:

Voluntary: Firm initiated

Product Type:Veterinary

Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:

Telephone

Status:Ongoing

Distribution Pattern:One customer Chewy.com

Recalling Firm:

Visionary Pet Food
2355 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064-2109
United States

Recall Initiation Date:2/26/2021

Center Classification Date:

Date Terminated:

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Testing, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, food recall, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pet Food, Pet Food Testing, Recall, Salmonella

USA – MG Foods Recalls Various Turkey Sandwiches Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

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FDA

MG Foods of Charlotte, NC is recalling various Turkey Sandwiches due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The products were distributed between March 3, 2021 and March 5, 2021 and packaged in clear plastic wedges & paper bags. The products were sold at distributors located at the Charlotte Douglas Airport and via vending machines and micro markets located in business locations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. The company reacted swiftly and as of end-of-day March 5, 2021 affected products were removed from sale at all locations.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

On March 2, 2021 during routine environmental testing the company detected the presence of Listeria on surface areas where the recalled products were produced. Out of an abundance of caution, MG Foods is recalling the products due to the potential that some product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Products recalled at the Charlotte Douglas Airport are:

PRODUCT SIZE UPC CONTAINER USE BY DATES
MG Foods Combo Half & Half 6.82 oz 1 00000 50069 9 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Cheddar BLT 6.9 oz 1 00000 50068 2 Plastic Wedge 3/7/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Swiss Croissant 7.5 oz 1 00000 50011 8 Brown Bag 3/7/2021

Products recalled in vending machines and micro markets located in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia are:

PRODUCT SIZE UPC CONTAINER USE BY DATES
Fresh to You Club on Toast 10.3 oz MGF0930 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Club Panini 8.50 oz MGF9844 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Club Sub 9.14 oz C0932 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Club Sub 9.14 oz MGF9100 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Deluxe Triple Decker Club 12.17 oz MGF9719 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Ham & Turkey Combo 5.85 oz MGF3054 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Ham & Turkey Combo on 12 Grain 7.20 oz MGF6011 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Jumbo Turkey & Cheese Sub 6.74 oz MGF1002 Plastic Wrap 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Market Club 11.85 oz MGF9800 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Market Ham & Turkey Combo 5.85 oz MGF23054 Plastic Wrap 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Market Shaved Turkey & Cheese 4.55 oz MGF25571 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Shaved Turkey & Cheese 4.55 oz MGF5571 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Baby Swiss on a Honey Brown Roll 9.42 oz MGF9703 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Cheddar Club 10.02 oz MGF9710 Plastic Wedge 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Cheese Cut 6.56 oz MGF0596 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Cheese Hoagie 6.35 oz MGF0597 Plastic Wrap 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli on Pita 8.29 oz MGF9806 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Swiss on a Kaiser Roll 8.1 oz MGF9712 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Swiss on a Wheat Roll 5.22 oz MGF0854 Plastic Wrap 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Turkey & Swiss on Whole Wheat 3.9 oz MGF0283 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Turkey Club Croissant 7.94 oz MGF9103 Plastic Square 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Turkey Cranberry Pita 9.0 oz MGF9804 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
Fresh to You Turkey Melt Croissant 6.7 oz MGF3032 Plastic Wrap 3/9/2021
Fresh to You Tuscan Turkey Ciabatta 9.18 oz MGF9810 Plastic Wrap 3/7/2021
MG Foods Combo Half & Half 6.82 oz 1 00000 50069 9 Plastic Wedge 3/9/2021
MG Foods The Club Sub 8.5 oz 1 00000 50002 6 Brown Bag 3/9/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Cheddar BLT 6.9 oz 1 00000 50068 2 Plastic Wedge 3/7/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Pepperjack Sub 7.9 oz 1 00000 50055 2 Brown Bag 3/7/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Provolone BLT 8.1 oz 1 00000 50065 1 Plastic Wedge 3/7/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Provolone on 12 Grain 8.9 oz 1 00000 50066 8 Plastic Wedge 3/7/2021
MG Foods Turkey & Swiss Croissant 7.5 oz 1 00000 50011 8 Brown Bag 3/7/2021

Product labels are attached for identification of products.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to discard any remaining product. Consumers may contact MG Foods at 1-855-424-8390 Monday thru Friday 7:00am – 7:00 pm EST for any questions related to this recall or to request a full refund.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
MG Foods
 1-855-424-8390
Media:
Kristin Elder, Hill+Knowlton Strategies for MG Foods
 Kristin.Elder@hkstrategies.com

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hazard, 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

UK – Update 3 – SFC recalls SFC Chicken products because of the presence of Salmonella

Posted on March 11, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FSA

SFC are recalling SFC Chicken Poppets and Take-Home Boneless Bucket because Salmonella has been found in the products. Batch codes starting with an L are displayed on the inner packaging inside the box. This update extends the recall of SFC Chicken Poppets to include all batch codes for the products with best before dates of 24 September and 31 October 2021.

Further investigations are ongoing for this brand, should more product be identified, a further update will be provided. We have also issued advice to consumers on cooking and good hygiene to avoid cross contamination and reduce the risk of food poisoning. If followed correctly, the cooking instruction on the label is enough to kill any salmonella present.

Product details

SFC Take-Home Boneless Bucket
Pack size 650g
Batch code All codes
Best before 28 November 2021
SFC Chicken Poppets
Pack size 190g
Batch code All codes
Best before 24 September 2021 31 October 2021
SFC Chicken Poppets
Pack size 190g
Batch code L:25820
Best before 28 February 2022

Risk statement

The presence of Salmonella in the products listed above.

Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Action taken by the company

SFC is recalling the above products. Further investigations are ongoing at SFC to identify if further products are affected. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.
Customer notice: SFC chicken products(Opens in a new window)

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund or alternatively, email a photo of the product packaging clearly showing the best before date and the batch code information printed on the inner bag of the products to customerservices@sfcwholesale.co.uk for a refund and then safely dispose of the product at home.

We are encouraging consumers to follow cooking instructions and practise good hygiene to avoid cross contamination and contracting salmonellosis, to protect themselves and their families. If followed correctly, the cooking instruction on the label is enough to kill any salmonella present. Please see above for a link to this advice.

Related alerts

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, fsa, microbial contamination, Microbiology, outbreak, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken

Germany – “Fuet Extra – Original Spanish raw sausage with noble mold, air-dried” -Salmonella

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LMW

Warning type:Food
Date of first publication:03/09/2021
Product name:“Fuet Extra – Original Spanish raw sausage with noble mold, air-dried”
Product pictures:

Spanish raw sausage.jpg

Manufacturer (distributor):Konecke company

The manufacturer of the goods is: Koenecke Fleischwarenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG Nordenhamer Strasse 141 D-27751 Delmenhorst The distributor of the goods is: Aldi-Süd

Reason for warning:

Salmonella was found in the product as part of the self-inspection.

Packaging Unit:150 g packs
Durability:07.03.2021 to 04.04.2021
Further information:Salmonella

Salmonella disease manifests itself within a few days after infection with diarrhea, abdominal pain and occasionally vomiting and a slight fever. The symptoms usually subside on their own after several days. Infants, toddlers, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system in particular can develop more severe disease courses. People who have eaten this food and develop severe or persistent symptoms should seek medical attention and advise them of a possible salmonella infection. Seeking preventive medical treatment without symptoms does not make sense.

Homepage of the manufacturer:

http://www.zurmuehlengruppe.de
Contact to the responsible authorities:
Bavaria:poststelle@lgl.bayern.de
Lower Saxony:poststelle@ml.niedersachsen.de
North Rhine-Westphalia:poststelle@mulnv.nrw.de
Press releases and information
title Attachment or web link
Customer information Aldi Süd
Poster_PP_Orig._Fuet_ZMG_Aldi Sued.pdf

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Salmonella, Uncategorized

India – Evolution of Organic Food Safety Standards in India

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FNB News

Food safety is the key to achieve better public health. The high incidence of foodborne illness is a burden on public health and contributes significantly to the cost of health care. Though most of the foodborne illnesses are rare and often not reported in India, however, a nationwide study reported an alarming 13.2 per cent prevalence at the household level. Therefore there is a need for a comprehensive approach for safer and nutritious food for Indian citizens. Safer food promises a healthier lifestyle, longer lives, less costly healthcare and more resilient food industry.
The Indian food industry is regulated by the number of legislations covering licensing, sanitation, and permits. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, established by the Government of India, was a vital step in the direction of developing the standards for food and regulating and monitoring the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food to ensure the availability of safe and nutritious food for human consumption.

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Posted in food contamination, food death, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Research

Research – Moving Forward to the Future: A Review of Microbial Food Safety Education in China

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Liebert Pub

Millions of foodborne illness cases occur in China annually, causing significant social and economic burdens. Improper food handling has been observed not only among commercial food handlers but also among residential food handlers. It is critical to conduct a comprehensive scoping review of previous efforts to identify food safety knowledge gaps, explore the factors impacting knowledge levels, and synthesize the effectiveness of all types of food safety educational interventions for commercial and residential food handlers in China. This review aims to analyze food safety education studies published over the past 20 years and provide foundations for developing more effective food safety educational interventions in China. A total of 35 studies were included in this review. Most studies reported that Chinese commercial and residential food handlers had insufficient food safety knowledge, especially in the areas of foodborne pathogens and safe food-handling practices. The factors impacting food handlers’ knowledge levels included education level, gender, income level, residency (rural vs. urban), the use of WeMedia, college students’ major, and food safety training experiences. Food handlers in the following demographic groups tend to have lower levels of food safety knowledge: lower education levels, the elderly, males, lower-income levels, rural residents, those who do not use WeMedia, those without food safety training experience, or college students in nonbiology-focused majors. Many food handlers did not always follow recommended food safety practices, such as proper meat handling practices, handwashing practices, and cleaning and sanitation practices. Thirteen studies evaluated the effectiveness of educational interventions, and knowledge increases were reported after all interventions. The findings of this review provide guidance to researchers, educators, and government agencies in their future efforts to develop education programs emphasizing the importance of microbial food-safety content and behavior change regarding food safety and hygiene practices.

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Posted in Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Research, Water Safety