Category Archives: bacterial contamination

Netherlands – Important safety warning AH burgers, bratwurst and beef finches – STEC E.coli

NVWA

Albert Heijn warns against a number of beef products with an expiry date of 24 or 25 September 2020. The E.coli bacteria was found in the products.

It concerns the following products:

  • AH mini hamburger 10 pieces, TGT 24-09-2020
  • AH hamburger 8 pieces, use-by-date 9/24/2020 and 9/25/2020
  • AH beef bratwurst 4 pieces, TGT 24-09-2020
  • AH hamburger 2 pieces, TGT 25-09-2020
  • AH hamburger 4 pieces, TGT 25-09-2020
  • AH beef finch 2 pieces, TGT 25-09-2020

The beef products are no longer in Albert Heijn stores, but customers can have these products in the freezer. Albert Heijn asks customers not to eat the beef products and to return them to an Albert Heijn store where they will be reimbursed for the purchase price upon return.

See also the Albert Heijn website

Download ‘Important safety warning for AH burgers, bratwurst and beef finches’

PDF document | 1 page | 166 KB

Warning | 05-10-2020

E.coli

Eating a product with an E.coli bacteria (faeces bacteria, STEC, EHEC) can, if not thoroughly cooked, cause nausea, vomiting and (bloody) diarrhea within a week. Especially for young children, the elderly, people with low immunity and pregnant women. Consult your doctor or general practitioner for more information if you have health complaints after eating the said product.

6 packs of Albert Heijn beef products

Research – Recovery Rate of Cells of the Seven Regulated Serogroups of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Raw Veal Cutlets, Ground Veal, and Ground Beef from Retail Stores in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States

Journal of Food Protection

A total of 482 veal cutlet, 555 ground veal, and 540 ground beef samples were purchased from retail establishments in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. over a non-contiguous, two-year period between 2014 and 2017. Samples (325 g each) were individually enriched and screened via real-time PCR for all seven regulated serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Presumptive STEC positive samples were subjected to serogroup-specific immunomagnetic separation and plated onto selective media. Up to five isolates typical for STEC from each sample were analyzed via multiplex PCR for both the virulence genes (i.e., eae , stx 1 and/or stx 2 , and ehxA ) and serogroup-specific gene(s) for the seven regulated STEC serogroups. The recovery rates of non-O157 STEC from veal cutlets (3.94%, 19 of 482 samples) and ground veal (7.03%, 39 of 555 samples) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that from ground beef (0.93%, 5 of 540 samples). In contrast, only a single isolate of STEC O157:H7 was recovered; this isolate originated from one (0.18%) of 555 samples of ground veal. Recovery rates for STEC were not associated with state, season, packaging type, or store type (P > 0.05), but were associated with brand and fat content (P < 0.05). Pulsed-field subtyping of the 270 viable/confirmed STEC isolates from the 64 total samples testing positive revealed 78 pulsotypes (50 to 80% similarity) belonging to 39 pulsogroups, with ≥90% similarity among pulsotypes within pulsogroups. Also, multiple isolates from the same sample displayed an indistinguishable pulsotype for 43 of 64 (67.7%) samples testing positive.  These findings support related data from regulatory sampling exercises over the past decade and confirm that recovery rates for the regulated STEC serogroups are appreciably higher for raw veal compared to raw beef samples as was also observed herein for meat purchased at food retailers in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.

Research – Thermal Resistance of Single Strains of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O121:H19 and O157:H7 Based on Culture Preparation Method and Osmolyte-Reduced Water Activity

Journal of Food Protection

Pathogen thermal resistance studies on low-water activity foods (LWAF) use a variety of methods to inoculate food, as well as strategies to reduce water activity, which can influence thermal resistance observations. This study investigated effects of culture preparation method and osmolyte-induced water activity on thermal resistance of two Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC; O121:H19, O157:H7) challenged with isothermal conditions, determining D – and z -values for each isolate (56, 59, and 62 ° C). Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) and Agar (lawn cultures) were compared. D -values of broth cultures were significantly and consistently larger than those of lawn cultures, and O121 was significantly more resistant than O157, but only at 56 ° C ( p < 0.05). To compare potential effects of water activity on STEC thermal resistance, cells were suspended in osmolyte solutions with varying water activity: high (TSB, a w 0.99), intermediate (61% glycerol or 26% NaCl, a w 0.75), and low (82% glycerol, a w 0.5). In most instances, STEC in high-water activity broth exhibited greater heat resistance compared to reduced-water activity solutions, except the glycerol intermediate-water activity solution (a w 0.75). Magnitudes varied with strain and temperature. The z -values of lawn cultures were significantly lower than those of broth cultures ( p < 0.05), but there were only some differences between high-a w and reduced-a w samples. There were no significant differences of z -values based on strain type. These results highlight that thermal resistance can be affected by culture preparation and that osmolyte-induced changes to water activity influence thermal inactivation of STEC by varying magnitudes. These results emphasize the challenges between extrapolating results from lab inactivation kinetic experiments to determine the inactivation of low water activity foods, especially those considered dry in nature.

Belgium – Sequoia – Organic free-range chicken thighs from Le Picoreur. – Salmonella

AFSCA

In agreement with the AFSCA, Sequoia is withdrawing from sale the product Le Picoreur organic free-range chicken thighs and is recalling it to consumers because of the presence of Salmonella.

Sequoia asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased, with proof of purchase for reimbursement.

Product description
– Product name: BLC organic free-range chicken thigh
– Brand: Le picoreur
– Use-by date (DLC) (“To be consumed until”) and batch number:
         – 27, 28 and 30/09 / 20 with batch number 25801101
– 5/10/2020 with batch number 26501501 (update)
– Health stamp: FR 85.223.001 CE
– Sale period: from 09/15/20 to 09/29/20
– Type of packaging: plastic

The product was sold via:
Sequoia Stockel – 101, rue de l’Eglise, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Sequoia Jourdan – 2, rue Gray, 1040 Etterbeek

For any further information , contact:
Sequoia
info@sequoia.bio

USA – Country Fresh Voluntary Product Recall – Watermelon Chunks – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Country Fresh is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of watermelon chunks from select stores as a precautionary measure due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes detected on equipment used in packing this product. FDA made these findings during a recent inspection.

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, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recall affects product codes of watermelon items shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers stores in select stores located in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. The product was packaged in a variety of clam shell containers (see photos). The best-if-used by dates of October 2, 3, and 4, 2020 and the SKUs are as follows:

Walmart – Freshness Guaranteed
Watermelon 4 x 10 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672
Watermelon 2 x 32 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672 Watermelon Chunks 2 x 42 oz – UPC Code: 681131180658 Watermelon Spears 4 x 16 oz – UPC Code: 681131180665 Summer Blend FTC 4 x 5 oz – UPC Code: 681131355094

RaceTrac
Watermelon 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641000644 Melon Trio 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641031945

Country Fresh has not received any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items. The recalled products were distributed from 9/23/2020 – 9/25/2020. RaceTrac and Walmart retail stores are removing the recalled product from store shelves and inventories immediately. Customers with recalled watermelon should discard it immediately and not consume it.

This recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Country Fresh is working in close coordination with FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at: 1-877-251-8300 Monday – Friday, 8-5pm CST

Watermelon 32oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 32oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 42oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 42oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 16oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 16oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/2
Watermelon 5.5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/4/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/20
Melon Trio 5.5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/4/20

Expanded Press Release


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Country Fresh Customer Service
 1-877-251-8300

Product Photos

Germany – Dulano Delikatess Lyoner, cut into strips 2 x 200 g – Listeria monocytogenes

LMB

Warning type:

Food

Date of first publication:

02.10.2020

Product name:

Dulano Delikatess Lyoner, cut into strips 2 x 200 g

Product pictures:

Image Filialplakat.PNG

Branch poster

Manufacturer (distributor):

Manufacturer Hans Adler OHG Distributed by Lidl in the federal states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland

Reason for warning:

Listeria monocytogenes was detected in the affected product. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms similar to flu-like infections. In certain groups of people (infants, young children, pregnant women, as well as old and sick people) the disease can develop seriously.

Packaging Unit:

2 x 200 g

Durability:

09/23/20 (already expired)

Production date:

Packing period 08:40:00 to 13:00:00

Lot identification:

Lot number 230920LYG M: 2 246; Identity label DE EV 143 EG

Additional Information:

Reference is made to the company’s customer information sheet attached.

Contact to the responsible authorities:

Baden-Württemberg:

poststelle@mlr.bwl.de

Bavaria:

poststelle@lgl.bayern.de

Rhineland-Palatinate:

Poststelle.Referat22@lua.rlp.de

Saarland:

poststelle-luv@lav.saarland.de

Press releases and information
title Attachment or web link
Branch poster

Germany – Good & cheap salad mix leaf salad mix – STEC E.coli

Warning type:

Food

Date of first publication:

02.10.2020

Product name:

Good & cheap salad mix leaf salad mix

Product pictures:

Product photo.jpg
Manufacturer (distributor):

GARTENFRISCH Jung GmbH

Reason for warning:

E. Coli producing shiga toxin

Packaging Unit:

150 g pack

Durability:

05/10/2020

Additional Information:

Reference is made to the attached press release from the food business operator.

Contact to the responsible authorities:

Baden-Württemberg:

poststelle@mlr.bwl.de

Bavaria:

poststelle@lgl.bayern.de

Hesse:

Schnellwarnung@rpda.hessen.de

Lower Saxony:

poststelle@ml.niedersachsen.de

Saxony:

poststelle@sms.sachsen.de

Thuringia:

LM-Ueberektiven@tlv.thueringen.de

Press releases and information
title Attachment or web link
Press release

Research – Magnetic ‘T-Budbots’ made from tea plants kill and clean biofilm

Science Daily

kswfoodworld biofilm

Biofilms — microbial communities that form slimy layers on surfaces — are difficult to treat and remove, often because the microbes release molecules that block the entry of antibiotics and other therapies. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces have made magnetically propelled microbots derived from tea buds, which they call “T-Budbots,” that can dislodge biofilms, release an antibiotic to kill bacteria, and clean away the debris. Watch a video of the T-Budbots here.

Many hospital-acquired infections involve bacterial biofilms that form on catheters, joint prostheses, pacemakers and other implanted devices. These microbial communities, which are often resistant to antibiotics, can slow healing and cause serious medical complications. Current treatment includes repeated high doses of antibiotics, which can have side effects, or in some cases, surgical replacement of the infected device, which is painful and costly. Dipankar Bandyopadhyay and colleagues wanted to develop biocompatible microbots that could be controlled with magnets to destroy biofilms and then scrub away the mess. The team chose Camellia sinensis tea buds as the raw material for their microbots because the buds are porous, non-toxic, inexpensive and biodegradable. Tea buds also contain polyphenols, which have antimicrobial properties.

The researchers ground some tea buds and isolated porous microparticles. Then, they coated the microparticles’ surfaces with magnetite nanoparticles so that they could be controlled by a magnet. Finally, the antibiotic ciprofloxacin was embedded within the porous structures. The researchers showed that the T-Budbots released the antibiotic primarily under acidic conditions, which occur in bacterial infections. The team then added the T-Budbots to bacterial biofilms in dishes and magnetically steered them. The microbots penetrated the biofilm, killed the bacteria and cleaned the debris away, leaving a clear path in their wake. Degraded remnants of the biofilm adhered to the microbots’ surfaces. The researchers note that this was a proof-of-concept study, and further optimization is needed before the T-Budbots could be deployed to destroy biofilms in the human body.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_GxUTO0qGI&pp=QAA%3D

Belgium – Update – Sola / Deliflanders recall- Fuet Extra from the Sola brand (different varieties). -Salmonella.

AFSCA

In agreement with the AFSCA, Deliflanders is withdrawing “Fuet Extra” from the Sola brand (various varieties) from sale and is recalling them to consumers following a possible presence of Salmonella.

Deliflanders asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased.

Product Description

Fuet extra 150 gr

Lots

DLC

 

201901

10/16/2020

 

202003

23/10/2020

 

202105

10/30/2020

 

202402

11/14/2020

 

202701

04/12/2020

 

203005

12/28/2020

 

 

 

Fuet extra pimienta negra 150 gr

Lots

DLC

 

201301

10/16/2020

 

201401

23/10/2020

 

201801

04/12/2020

 

203043

12/28/2020

 

 

 

 

 

Fuet extra pimenton 150 gr

Lots

DLC

 

201301

10/16/2020

 

201401

23/10/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuet extra fine herbs 150 gr

Lots

DLC

 

201301

10/16/2020

 

201401

23/10/2020

 

203043

12/28/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuet extra ajo 150 gr

Lots

DLC

 

201301

10/16/2020

 

The product has been distributed by:
LVV bvba – Heistlaan 313a, 8300 Heist aan zee
Painture – Bruggestraat 27, 8730 Oedelem

For further information , contact:
Dhr Cedric Maes via 0477 27 30 15 or cedric@deliflanders.be

 

Netherlands – Important safety warning AH beef burger – E.coli

NVWA

2 beef burgers in plastic packaging

Albert Heijn warns against AH beef burger 2 pieces with an expiration date 25 September 2020. The E.coli bacteria has been found in the product. The product is no longer in Albert Heijn stores, but customers may have this product in the freezer. Albert Heijn asks customers not to eat the beef burgers and to return them to an Albert Heijn store where they will be reimbursed for the purchase price upon return of the product.

See also the Albert Heijn website

Download ‘Important safety warning AH beef burger 2 pieces’

PDF document | 1 page | 45 kB

Warning | 02-10-2020