Category Archives: Clostridium botulinum

Research – Foodborne Botulism, Canada, 2006–2021

cdc

kswfoodworld

Abstract

During 2006–2021, Canada had 55 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of foodborne botulism, involving 67 cases. The mean annual incidence was 0.01 case/100,000 population. Foodborne botulism in Indigenous communities accounted for 46% of all cases, which is down from 85% of all cases during 1990–2005. Among all cases, 52% were caused by botulinum neurotoxin type E, but types A (24%), B (16%), F (3%), and AB (1%) also occurred; 3% were caused by undetermined serotypes. Four outbreaks resulted from commercial products, including a 2006 international outbreak caused by carrot juice. Hospital data indicated that 78% of patients were transferred to special care units and 70% required mechanical ventilation; 7 deaths were reported. Botulinum neurotoxin type A was associated with much longer hospital stays and more time spent in special care than types B or E. Foodborne botulism often is misdiagnosed. Increased clinician awareness can improve diagnosis, which can aid epidemiologic investigations and patient treatment.

Research – Foodborne Botulism, Canada, 2006–2021

CDC

Abstract

During 2006–2021, Canada had 55 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of foodborne botulism, involving 67 cases. The mean annual incidence was 0.01 case/100,000 population. Foodborne botulism in Indigenous communities accounted for 46% of all cases, which is down from 85% of all cases during 1990–2005. Among all cases, 52% were caused by botulinum neurotoxin type E, but types A (24%), B (16%), F (3%), and AB (1%) also occurred; 3% were caused by undetermined serotypes. Four outbreaks resulted from commercial products, including a 2006 international outbreak caused by carrot juice. Hospital data indicated that 78% of patients were transferred to special care units and 70% required mechanical ventilation; 7 deaths were reported. Botulinum neurotoxin type A was associated with much longer hospital stays and more time spent in special care than types B or E. Foodborne botulism often is misdiagnosed. Increased clinician awareness can improve diagnosis, which can aid epidemiologic investigations and patient treatment.

ECDC -Botulism – Annual Epidemiological Report for 2021

ECDC

In 2021, 82 confirmed cases of botulism were reported in the EU/EEA. Among 30 reporting countries, 19 countries notified zero cases. The overall notification rate was 0.02 cases per 100 000 population. Denmark reported the highest notification rate (0.10 cases per 100 000 population), followed by Romania (0.06 cases per 100 000 population) and Italy (0.05 cases per 100 000 population).

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Norway has two sick in Spanish botulism outbreak

Food Safety News

kswfoodworld

Norway has reported two cases that are part of a botulism outbreak in Spain, bringing the number of people affected to 11.

There is a link between patients and different packaged brands of Spanish omelet (tortilla de patata), which is made with potatoes and eggs, purchased in various supermarkets in different regions.

The Norwegian cases stayed in Barcelona between July 10 and 23.

France – TORTILLAS -Clostridium botulinum

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Others
  • Product brand name PALACIOS / TE GUSTA
  • Model names or references Fresh potato tortillas, all flavors (with, without onions, chorizo…etc)
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    All lots Use-by date 07/24/2023
    All lots Use-by date 07/31/2023
    All lots Use-by date 08/08/2023
    All lots Use-by date 08/11/2023
  • Packaging 500g
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark 26.03635/SG
  • Further information Only fresh tortillas from the factory in Mudrian, Spain (approval number 26.03635/SG), are concerned. Vacuum-packed tortillas are not affected.
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Carrefour, Cora, Intermarché, Netto

France – TORTILLAS – Clostridium botulinum

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Others
  • Product brand name PALACIOS / TE GUSTA
  • Model names or references Plain potato tortillas Potato and onion tortillas Potato and bacon tortillas Potato and pepper tortillas Potato and chorizo ​​tortillas Halal potato tortillas
  • Identification of products
    Batch
    All lots
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Further information There is a range of PALACIOS frozen tortillas concerned as well.
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Carrefour, Cora, intermarket

RASFF Alert – Suspected botulism due to fresh potato tortilla from Spain

RASFF

Suspected botulism due to fresh potato tortilla from Spain in Andorra, France , Italy and Portugal

Spain: Botulism outbreak linked to packaged potato omelette

Outbreak News Today

On July 11, Italy notified through the Early Warning and Response System of the Union Union (EWRS) two cases of botulism whose only food in common had been an omelet of packaged potato consumed in Spain.

On July 14, the Community of Madrid and the Community Valenciana notified the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE) of two cases with symptoms compatible with botulism, with ingestion of the same food, for which reason the immediately alerts the Autonomous Communities and Cities (CC.AA.).

Also, it contacted the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) as responsible for analyzing traceability and coordinating pertinent investigations regarding the food product.

Up to now, 7 cases have been reported with a history of consumption of packaged potato in the days prior to the onset of the symptoms: 5 laboratory-confirmed cases with symptom onset date between June 24 and July 10 and 2 probable cases (with compatible clinic and epidemiological link), whose dates of onset of symptoms have been 21 June and July 1 respectively.

France – Onion Tortilla – Clostridium botulinum

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Prepared meals and snacks
  • Product brand name Itinerary of Flavors
  • Model names or references Onion Tortilla – Itinerary of Flavors – 500g
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Date
    3250392934200 Use-by date 06/19/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 06/27/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 05/07/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 07/10/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 07/17/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 07/24/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 07/31/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 08/08/2023
    3250392934200 Use-by date 08/11/2023
  • Marketing start/end date From 05/19/2023 to 07/21/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Intermarché

USA – Conagra recalled 2M pounds of canned meat due to Botulism Risk

Food Poison Journal

Jan. 31, 2023 – Conagra Brands, Inc., a Fort Madison, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect that may cause the products to become contaminated without showing any outward signs of contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The meat and poultry products were produced between December 12, 2022, and January 13, 2023. The following products are subject to recall: [view spreadsheet] [view labels].

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P4247” on the product cans. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS after observing spoiled and/or leaking cans from multiple production dates at the establishment’s warehouse.

Subsequent investigation by the establishment determined that the cans subject to recall may have been damaged in a manner that is not readily apparent to consumers, which may allow foodborne pathogens to enter the cans.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be on retail shelves or in consumers’ pantries. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.