Author Archives: KSW

USA – AB World Foods US, Inc. Recalls Al’Fez Natural Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was distributed nationwide in retail stores beginning 05/26/23. The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was sold in 5.6oz glass jars, UPC 711464506778, and with a “BEST BEFORE” of “2024 JL 11” or later. The specific codes being recalled are: Lot Numbers “3031”, “3080”, “3270”, “3297” with corresponding BEST BEFORE: “2024 JL 31”; “2024 SE 09”; “2025 MR 27”; “2025 AL 04”. The recall only applies to these codes, the codes are located on the back of the jar as depicted in the pictures below.

To date, AB World Foods US, Inc. has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product from consumers in the United States.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella. The company has ceased distribution of the product as the company continues their investigation.

Consumers who have purchased Al’Fez Natural Tahini 5.6oz with the affected lot codes are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. If a consumer experiences the symptoms listed above and believes they may have been exposed to Salmonella, they are urged to contact a medical provider.

The wellbeing of its customers is paramount to AB World Foods US, Inc. Consumers who have questions may contact Adifi Burman, info@alfez.us, 647 218 0081. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Italy- MONTE VERONESE WHOLE MILK DOP CHEESE 1/4 SHAPE IN ATM – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Brand : DOP

Name : MONTE VERONESE WHOLE MILK DOP CHEESE 1/4 SHAPE IN ATM

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 15 July 2024

Documentation

Documentation

Italy – MONTE VERONESE WHOLE MILK DOP CHEESE 1/2 FORM IN ATM – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Brand : DOP

Name : MONTE VERONESE WHOLE MILK DOP CHEESE 1/2 FORM IN ATM

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 15 July 2024

Documentation

Documentation

Italy – FORMAGGIO MONTE VERONESE LATTE INTERO DOP 1/2ATM – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Marchio: MONTE VEROMESE

Denominazione: FORMAGGIO MONTE VERONESE LATTE INTERO DOP 1/2ATM

Motivo della segnalazione: Richiamo per rischio microbiologico

Data pubblicazione: 13 luglio 2024

Documentazione

Documentazione

Italy -MONTE VERONESE CHEESE INTERNAL MILK DOP 1/4 ATM – Listeria monocytogenes

Salute

Brand : MONTE VERONESE

Name : MONTE VERONESE CHEESE INTERNAL MILK DOP 1/4 ATM

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 13 July 2024

Documentation

Documentation

Research – EFSA – Scientific Committee guidance on appraising and integrating evidence from epidemiological studies for use in EFSA’s scientific assessments

EFSA

Abstract

EFSA requested its Scientific Committee to prepare a guidance document on ap-praising and integrating evidence from epidemiological studies for use in EFSA’s scientific assessments. The guidance document provides an introduction to epidemiological studies and illustrates the typical biases, which may be present in different epidemiological study designs. It then describes key epidemiological concepts relevant for evidence appraisal. This includes brief explanations for measures of association, exposure assessment, statistical inference, systematic error and effect modification. The guidance then describes the concept of external validity and the principles of appraising epidemiological studies. The customisation of the study appraisal process is explained including tailoring of tools for assessing the risk of bias (RoB). Several examples of appraising experimental and observational studies using a RoB tool are annexed to the document to illustrate the application of the approach. The latter part of this guidance focuses on different steps of evidence integration, first within and then across different streams of evidence. With respect to risk characterisation, the guidance considers how evidence from human epidemiological studies can be used in dose–response modelling with several different options being presented. Finally, the guidance addresses the application of uncertainty factors in risk characterisation when using evidence from human epidemiological studies.

USA- Research – Reported Incidence of Infections Caused by Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food: Impact of Increased Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests —Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 1996–2023

CDC

Reducing foodborne disease incidence is a public health priority. This report summarizes preliminary 2023 Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) data and highlights efforts to increase the representativeness of FoodNet. During 2023, inci-
dences of domestically acquired campylobacteriosis, Shiga toxin- producing Escherichia coli infection, yersiniosis, vibriosis, and cyclosporiasis increased, whereas those of listeriosis, salmonellosis, and shigellosis remained stable compared with incidences during 2016–2018, the baseline used for tracking progress towards federal disease reduction goals. During 2023, the incidence and percent- age of infections diagnosed by culture-independent diagnostic
tests (CIDTs) reported to FoodNet continued to increase, and the percentage of cases that yielded an isolate decreased, affecting observed trends in incidence. Because CIDTs allow for diagnosis of infections that previously would have gone undetected, lack of progress toward disease reduction goals might reflect changing diagnostic practices rather than an actual increase in incidence. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor the impact of chang-
ing diagnostic practices on disease trends, and targeted prevention efforts are needed to meet disease reduction goals. During 2023, FoodNet expanded its catchment area for the first time since 2004. This expansion improved the representativeness of the FoodNet
catchment area, the ability of FoodNet to monitor trends in disease incidence, and the generalizability of FoodNet data.

Research – Positive Legionella Water Tests Understanding Detection Thresholds & Corrective Actions

Legionella Control

This water safety guide examines how the Responsible Person and others tasked with ensuring workplace water safety deal with positive legionella test results.
The guide looks in detail at the UK’s detection thresholds used for Legionella bacteria in water, what these mean in practice and what you need to do if your water samples return a positive result. The article also considers the different types of Legionella bacteria, water sampling strategies and corrective actions to take if a problem is identified.

Legionella Controls

Warren Bruce Court
Warren Bruce Road
Manchester M17 1LB
United Kingdom
t: 0330 223 36 86
e: info@legionellacontrol.com
w: legionellacontrol.com

Research – Microbial Contamination and Disease Outbreaks Associated with Rockmelons (Cucumis melo): Implications for Public Health Protection

MDPI

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses caused by consuming contaminated fresh produce not only pose serious public health risks but also lead to huge economic losses. Rockmelons (cantaloupes) have emerged as a recurrent source of disease outbreaks caused by foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. The most common factor of the outbreaks was the microbial contamination of rockmelons at the farm, and subsequently, the pathogenic bacteria were transferred to the flesh during cutting and processing. One of the deadliest outbreaks occurred in the USA due to L. monocytogenes contamination of rockmelons which caused 33 deaths in 2011. Since then, several guidelines and recommendations have been developed for food safety management to reduce the microbial contamination of melons on farms and post-harvest operations. This article explicitly provides an updated overview of microbiological contamination, disease outbreaks, pathogens prevalence, and mitigation strategies to reduce public health risks due to the consumption of rockmelons.

USA – Queen Subs Patrons at risk for Hepatitis A

Food Poison Journal

The Cortland County Health Department (CCHD) confirms a local restaurant worker has tested positive for hepatitis A. The individual is a food handler at Queen Subs. Health officials say the risk of infection is low, but if you ate or drank anything at the shop between June 20 and July 3, you may need to be vaccinated or monitor for symptoms. Vaccines are effective within two weeks of exposure.