Monthly Archives: February 2022

Canada – Public Health Notice: Outbreak of E. coli infections linked to Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi – Update –

Posted on February 8, 2022 by | Leave a comment

PHAC

Kimchi

February 7, 2022: Updated Notice

This notice has been updated to reflect an additional food recall warning issued on February 6 for Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi with a best before date of January 23, 2022.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157 infections involving 2 provinces: Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Based on the investigation findings to date, the outbreak is linked to Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi. Many of the individuals who were sick reported having eaten Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi before their illnesses occurred.

As of February 7, there have been 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of E.coli O157 illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: Alberta (13) and Saskatchewan (1).

Individuals became sick between early December 2021 and early January 2022. No deaths or hospitalizations have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 and 61 years of age. The majority of cases (64%) are female.

The CFIA issued food recall warnings on January 28, 2022 and February 6, 2022 for Hankook (Korean characters only) brand Original Kimchi products. The recalled products were distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

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Posted in E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, 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 Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

Quebec – Notice not to consume chiktay (smoked herring seasoned in oil) sold by the company La Fraîcheur Tropicale

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MAPAQ

WARNING TO THE POPULATION

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 8, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal and the company La Fraîcheur Tropicale, located in 6700, boulevard Joseph-Renaud, in Montreal, warns the public not to consume the product indicated in the table below, because it has not been packaged in such a way as to ensure its harmlessness.

Product name

Format

Affected batch

“CHIKTAY”

Unitary

Units sold until February 3, 2022

The product that is the subject of this warning was offered for sale until February 3, 2022, and only at the establishment mentioned above. The product was packaged in transparent plastic jars and was offered refrigerated. The product does not have a label.

The operator is voluntarily recalling the product in question. It has agreed with MAPAQ and the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal to distribute this warning as a precautionary measure. In addition, people who have this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they bought it or throw it away. Even if the affected product shows no signs of tampering or suspicious odors, its consumption may represent a health risk. It should be noted that no case of illness associated with the consumption of this food has been reported to MAPAQ to date.

Additional information

The Ministry publishes various information documents concerning food safety. Interested persons can consult them in the “Food Consumption” section of the MAPAQ website: www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/consommation . They also have the possibility of registering online by visiting www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/rappelsfoods to receive, by e-mail, the food recall press releases published by the Ministry. Finally, it is possible to follow “MAPAQfoods” on Twitter at the following address: www.twitter.com/MAPAQfoods .

Chiktay (CNW Group/Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) 

Hazard Classification:  Class 1
Reference Number:  4496

Source:
Media relations
Direction des communications
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food
Tel. : 418 380-2100, extension 3512
www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

QuoteView original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2022/07/c6852.html

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

Argentina – So far in January, Salta registers about 500 cases of Salmonellosis

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Salta

The highest percentage was located in the Capital department. 52% of affected individuals are children up to 9 years of age. Prevention lies in the safe handling of food.

In the first 25 days of January, 571 suspected cases of salmonella infection were reported in the province, of which 482 were confirmed, which represents 84% ​​positivity.

Of this amount, the largest proportion of affected individuals corresponds to the age range of 5 to 9 years, with a total of 130. In second place, with 122 cases, are children aged 0 to 4 years. These data show that 52% of the cases correspond to children between 0 and 9 years of age.

Regarding the location of cases, the department with the highest number is Capital, with 366, which means 76% of the total.

Of 23 departments in which the province of Salta is divided, in the period from January 1 to 25, cases of salmonellosis were registered in 19 of them. There were no cases in La Candelaria, Rosario de la Frontera, San Carlos and Los Andes.

According to records of the Epidemiological Surveillance program of the Ministry of Public Health, in 2021 there were 1,930 suspected cases, with 1,748 confirmed (91% positivity).

Prevention Guidelines

The Ministry of Public Health recommends taking precautions when handling food, since salmonellosis occurs through the ingestion of food contaminated with bacteria of the salmonella genus.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, outbreak, Salmonella, salmonellosis

USA – Golden Medal Mushroom Inc. Recalls Enoki Mushrooms Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

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FDA

Enoki mushroom, 200g/7.05ounces

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria Monocytogenes
Company Name:
Golden Medal Mushroom Inc.
Brand Name:
Golden Medal Mushroom Inc.
Product Description:
Enoki Mushrooms

Company Announcement

Golden Medal Mushroom Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling all cases of its 200g/7.05-ounce packages of Enoki Mushrooms, lot # 300511, product of China, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled Enoki Mushroom has the lot # 300511. Product was distributed directly in Chicago, IL in January 2022, and it has been further distributed to retail stores nationwide.

The Enoki mushroom was packaged in a 200g/7.05ounces and has the UPC 6 953150 100684. Product is packaged in a vacuum sealed plastic package with upper transparent and lower portion has a black background. The product is “Product of China” and there is no English translation on label. There are no business name & address printed on packages.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The potential for contamination was discovered after routine testing by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 200gram package of Enoki mushroom.

The distribution of the product has been suspended.

Consumers who have purchased Enoki mushroom are urged to discard of or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at (323) 720-9126, Monday- Friday 6:30AM to 1:00PM PST.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Golden Medal Mushroom INC.
 323-720-9126
Media:
Golden Medal Mushroom INC.
 323-720-9126
 lizhao8989@aat.net

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, 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

New Zealand – Organic Chlorella Powder purchased from GoodFor Ltd – Salmonella

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MPI

8 February 2022: GoodFor Ltd is recalling Organic Chlorella Powder sold at their stores from June 2021 up to January 2022 due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Product type

Algae powder

Name of product (size)

Organic Chlorella Powder (sold in bulk bins and various sized packs)

Purchase date

Products sold from June 2021 up to January 2022.

Package size and description

The product is sold in bulk bins and various sized packs.

Distribution

The product is imported from Taiwan.

The product is sold online at GoodFor 

The product is sold at the following GoodFor stores throughout New Zealand:

  • GoodFor Parnell, 4/79 St George’s Bay Rd, Parnell
  • GoodFor Ponsonby, 2 Williamson Ave, Grey Lynn
  • GoodFor Stonefields, Tenancy 12, Stoneridge on Lunn
  • GoodFor Takapuna, 360 Lake Road, Takapuna
  • GoodFor Wellington, 21 Jessie St, Te Aro
  • GoodFor Nelson, 151 McShane Rd, Appleby
  • GoodFor Christchurch, 20 Welles St, Christchurch Central

Notes

This recall does not affect any other GoodFor products.

This recall is associated with the recent recall of Natava SuperFoods brand Organic Chlorella Powder and Organic Clean Greens Wholefood Powder

 

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to check the date of purchase of the product.

Affected products should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated illness, however if you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the products to their retailer for a full refund.

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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, MPI, Salmonella

Research – Boy, 4, Paralyzed Over a Matter of Hours Diagnosed With Rare Disorder – Campylobacter

Posted on February 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Newsweek

4-year-old boy from Sydney who went to bed happy and healthy woke up unable to move his legs, telling his mom: “Mummy I can’t feel my legs.”

Oliver Davis’ mother, Bel, took her son to a local doctor who called him an ambulance, beginning the search for the cause of the boy’s sudden and mysterious paralysis, Australia’s 7News reported.

As the next 48 hours progressed, Oliver Davis’ condition worsened, leaving him unable to move from the shoulders down. Five days later he lost his ability to speak and swallow, lost control of his bladder, and had to begin being fed via a feeding tube.

Following a barrage of tests, including an MRI and a lumbar puncture, the 4-year-old was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs when a person’s own immune system damages their nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.

The CDC says that several things are known to trigger GBS, two-thirds of people who suffer from the condition have had diarrhea caused by a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni several weeks before developing symptoms. Infection with this bacteria seems to be one of the most common risk factors of GBS.

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Posted in Campylobacter, Campylobacter jejuni, Decontamination Microbial, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations

ALS Microbiology Training Course

Posted on February 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Hi All

I am delivering a Microbiology Course (3 Parts) later in February.

Basic Microbiology Awareness
Series of Webinars delivering technical and practical
information on the main microbiological issues affecting the
food industry.

Course Objectives:
» Develop a greater understanding of Food Microbiology
» Being confident with Environmental Monitoring processes and requirements
and how to assess the microbial risks in food products.
» How the laboratory undertakes testing and interpreting the results.
Who Should Attend:
This course can be used as a refresher for those with some previous training in
Microbiology and / or as an introduction for those working within Technical and
Quality roles in food manufacturing / handling environment.

Part 1 – Introduction to Micro-organisms – 17th February 2022
This part will first of all introduce micro-organisms, their growth and
development requirements before establishing the main micro-organisms that
can affect food production and the difference between foodborne illness and
food poisoning, which could affect the decision-making process within the
production environment.

Part 2 – Factory Testing for Micro-organisms – 24th February 2022
This second part will focus on the best practice in food production environment
to identify and control micro-organisms and how a product microbial risk
assessment approach should be considered.

Part 3 – The Microbiology Laboratory – 3rd March 2022
The third part will cover microbiology laboratory testing, how to interpret the
testing results and the new technologies that will enhance current traditional
microbiology testing.

Flyer and Booking Form

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, food safety training, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations

Research – Death by duck paste: Centenary of the Loch Maree botulism tragedy

Posted on February 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Press and Journal

kswfoodworld

There were 13 fishermen, two wives, 17 ghillies and three mountain climbers in the party, and they set out that morning with packed lunches prepared by the hotel staff.

The picnic included duck paste sandwiches, the paste coming from the firm of Lazenby & Sons of London.

Little did the diners know that they were carrying a ticking time bomb between slices of bread in their hampers, and that eight of their number would be dead within days.

Read the story at the Link Above

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Posted in Clostridium, Clostridium botulinum, Death, food death, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning Death, Foodborne Illness, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research

Research – Binational outbreak of Guillain–Barré syndrome associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection, Mexico and USA, 2011

Posted on February 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Org

In June 2011, a cluster of suspected cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), which can follow Campylobacter jejuni infection, was identified in San Luis Río Colorado (SLRC), Sonora, Mexico and Yuma County, Arizona, USA. An outbreak investigation identified 26 patients (18 from Sonora, eight from Arizona) with onset of GBS 4 May–21 July 2011, exceeding the expected number of cases (n = 1–2). Twenty-one (81%) patients reported antecedent diarrhoea, and 61% of 18 patients tested were seropositive for C. jejuni IgM antibodies. In a case-control study matched on age group, sex, ethnicity, and neighbourhood of residence, all Arizona GBS patients travelled to SLRC during the exposure period vs. 45% of matched controls (matched odds ratio 8·1, 95% confidence interval 1·5–∞). Exposure information and an environmental assessment suggested that GBS cases resulted from a large outbreak of C. jejuni infection from inadequately disinfected tap water in SLRC. Binational collaboration was essential in investigating this cross-border GBS outbreak, the first in mainland North America since 1976.

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Posted in Campylobacter, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research

USA – Ice Cream recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on February 7, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

The Royal Ice Cream Company Inc. is recalling specific lots of Batch Ice Cream brand vanilla, ginger and mocha chip ice cream after it found Listeria monocytogenes on processing equipment.

The ice cream products were distributed in Massachusetts.

The company said testing by the Food and Drug Administration revealed the presence of the Listeria monocytogenes.

The products were packaged in paper 16-ounce pints with the “Batch Ice Cream” name and flavors printed on the front.

The products have a date of manufacture of 1/19/22 and best-by date of 7/19/23, located on the bottom of the cup, according to the recall announcement.

There is concern that consumers may have the products in their homes because of the long shelf life of the ice cream.

Consumers can use the following label information to determine whether they have the ice cream in their home freezers.

The products have the following UPC numbers:

  • Vanilla — 837654968505
  • Ginger — 83765496856
  • Mocha chip — 83765496853

As of the posting of the recall notice the company said no illnesses have been linked to the recalled products.

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, 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