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Category Archives: Cronobacter sakazakii
Research – Cronobacter Species in the Built Food Production Environment: A Review on Persistence, Pathogenicity, Regulation and Detection Methods
The powdered formula market is large and growing, with sales and manufacturing increasing by 120% between 2012 and 2021. With this growing market, there must come an increasing emphasis on maintaining a high standard of hygiene to ensure a safe product. In particular, Cronobacter species pose a risk to public health through their potential to cause severe illness in susceptible infants who consume contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF). Assessment of this risk is dependent on determining prevalence in PIF-producing factories, which can be challenging to measure with the heterogeneity observed in the design of built process facilities. There is also a potential risk of bacterial growth occurring during rehydration, given the observed persistence of Cronobacter in desiccated conditions. In addition, novel detection methods are emerging to effectively track and monitor Cronobacter species across the food chain. This review will explore the different vehicles that lead to Cronobacter species’ environmental persistence in the food production environment, as well as their pathogenicity, detection methods and the regulatory framework surrounding PIF manufacturing that ensures a safe product for the global consumer.
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk
USA – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. is Releasing this Notice Due to Recalled Infant Formula Being Distributed to its Nashville Division Retailers after the Initial Recall Notice was Published – Cronobacter
Company Announcement
On March 17, 2023, the Perrigo Company issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product was recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is releasing this additional notice due to one of the recalled products being distributed to its Nashville Division retailers after the initial recall notice was published.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria commonly found in the environment. In most people, it causes no symptoms but in some, particularly premature infants, infants under 2 months of age or infants with weakened immune systems, fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms can occur.
AWG is a cooperative food wholesaler distributing to independently owned supermarkets. This recalled product was distributed from its Nashville Division only to independent retailers located in AL, GA, IN, KY, OH, TN, VA, and WV under the following retail banners: Belle Foods, Bellview Price Cutter, Booneville Shopwise, Brown County IGA, Buehler’s, Buehler’s Cash Saver, Buehler’s IGA, Camridge City Market, Campbell’s Market, Camron’s Foodliner, Cash Saver, Cash Saver Harlan, Chappell’s Hometown, Country Mart, Crossroads IGA, Food City, Food Giant, Food World, Foodland, Frabergs Foods, Fresh N Low, Gallion’s Market, Gregerson’s Cash Saver, Hilltop Cee Bee, Hometown IGA, Houchen’s, Howard’s IGA, Laurel Grocery Company, Liberty IGA, Market Place, Noble’s IGA, Parkview IGA, Noble’s IGA, Parkview IGA, Piggly Wiggly, Piggly Wiggly Warrior, Price Cutter, Price Less Foods, Price Less IGA, Quality Foods, Riesbeck’s, Rivertown IGA, Simpson’s Supermarket, Spencer Cash Saver, Stop to Save, Sureway, Sureway Henderson, Swafford and Sons IGA, Tietgens Mt. Pleasant IGA, Valu Market, Versailles IGA, Vevay IGA, Village Market & Café, Walnut Creek Country Market, Winburn Fruit Market, and Woodruff’s Supermarket.
Consumers who purchased this product through these retail locations in these states are urged to check any product they may have at home. Consumers who purchased the product should look for the following Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package.
Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 12.4 oz:
300357651Z – USE BY 04JUL2024
300457651Z – USE BY 05JUL2024
300557651Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300557652Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300757651Z – USE BY 08JUL2024
300857651Z – USE BY 09JUL2024
301057651Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301057652Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301157651Z – USE BY 12JUL2024
Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product. Consumers can request refunds for impacted products and find more information about Gerber® Good Start® by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo at 1-800-777-7690 anytime 24/7. Consumers with any health-related questions should contact their healthcare provider.
For additional information, including photos of the recalled product, please visit the following FDA site: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-gerberr-good-startr-sootheprotm-powdered-infant
Media Contact:
Lori Turner
Director of Communications
913.288.1211
corporate.communications@awginc.com
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, food safety training, Food Testing
Research – Demystifying Cronobacter and Actions FDA is Taking to Keep the Food Supply Safe
Last year, following the February Abbott recall and subsequent shortage of infant formula, many households across the U.S. heard about a pathogen (bacterium) for the first time called Cronobacter sakazakii. This pathogen isn’t new to the food industry but is not well-known among the general public, so I thought I would catch up with you on some basics about Cronobacter.
What We Know about Cronobacter
Cronobacter is found naturally in the environment – for example, in our yards, kitchens, and living rooms. It can live on surfaces like kitchen counters, sinks, or also on food facility manufacturing equipment. While Cronobacter is harmless for most people, it can cause life threatening infections in infants, particularly those who are younger than two months old, premature, immunocompromised, or of low birth weight.
Evidence has pointed to Cronobacter contamination occurring both in the food facility manufacturing environment and in the home, as demonstrated in the CDC’s recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Because this pathogen is so ubiquitous in the environment, public health officials stress the importance of safe preparation and storage of powdered infant formula to avoid contamination at home, and the FDA sets certain requirements to help control for it in the manufacturing environment. As part of our work here at the agency to continue to enhance safety in the infant formula manufacturing environment, the FDA recently sent a letter to industry with recommendations for improvements that can be made industry wide.
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Decontamination Microbial, food bourne outbreak, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak
Research – Cronobacter sakazakii Infections in Two Infants Linked to Powdered Infant Formula and Breast Pump Equipment — United States, 2021 and 2022
Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii are rare but can cause severe illness and death in infants.
What is added by this report?
Whole genome sequencing analysis was used to link one case of Cronobacter sakazakii infection in a full-term infant to an opened can of powdered infant formula, and another unrelated fatal case in a premature infant to contaminated breast pump equipment.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Increased awareness of the widespread presence of Cronobacter in the environment, along with promotion of safe preparation and storage of powdered infant formula, and careful cleaning and sanitization of breast pump equipment, could prevent potentially devastating infections.
Cronobacter sakazakii, a species of gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, is known to cause severe and often fatal meningitis and sepsis in young infants. C. sakazakii is ubiquitous in the environment, and most reported infant cases have been attributed to contaminated powdered infant formula (powdered formula) or breast milk that was expressed using contaminated breast pump equipment (1–3). Previous investigations of cases and outbreaks have identified C. sakazakii in opened powdered formula, breast pump parts, environmental surfaces in the home, and, rarely, in unopened powdered formula and formula manufacturing facilities (2,4–6). This report describes two infants with C. sakazakii meningitis reported to CDC in September 2021 and February 2022. CDC used whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis to link one case to contaminated opened powdered formula from the patient’s home and the other to contaminated breast pump equipment. These cases highlight the importance of expanding awareness about C. sakazakii infections in infants, safe preparation and storage of powdered formula, proper cleaning and sanitizing of breast pump equipment, and using WGS as a tool for C. sakazakii investigations.
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk
Research – Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the prospection of biological ha-zards of interest in food safety in Spain (2)
This report addresses the prospection of biological hazards for some types of food that may pose a risk to the population and that are not currently included in the official control programs in Spain.
It completes and updates the 2018 report by the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN, 2018). A number of bacteria that are significant contributors to nosocomial infections due to the increase in the number of multi-resistant strains of Acinetobacter spp. ,Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are listed first.
It is also addressed the study of the prevalence and possible control of Bacillus cereus and Cronobacter spp. presence in cereal flours and others, the revision of Campylobacter jejuni and/or Campylobacter coli in meats other than poultry, as well as the study of Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli. These latter two biological agents are much better known from the food control perspective, although there are control measures for Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat and not in other types of meat such as beef or pork and in the case of E. coli, producers of Shiga toxins, the control of this particular type of pathogenic strains in food has not been specifically addressed either.
Finally, tick-borne viral encephalitis, which can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw milk or raw dairy products, has been indicated as a viral hazard. The prospective study shows the need to determine the prevalence of multi-resistant bacteria of Acinetobacter baumannii, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in foods in Spain, especially in ready-to-eat foods such as salads and fresh plant-based foods. This is especially important due to the lack of data on the prevalence of these bacteria in foods in Spain. However, food research is carried out in neighbouring countries.
It is also necessary to include C. jejuni and/or C. coli in the investigations of beef and pork, since the incidence of these foodborne pathogens in humans is not explained solely by the presence of these agents in poultry meat, being their presence in other animals for slaughter also evident. Similarly, outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli have been reported in Spain over the last 25 years, which makes it advisable to control them in beef, raw milk and leafy vegetables.
With regard to Cronobacter spp. and B. cereus, the importance of these agents can be demonstrated given their survival in powdery materials such as flours of different origins, including cereals, although the reported outbreaks do not seem to indicate a high prevalence. As regards the only viral hazard mentioned, it should be noted that the wide dispersion of the ticks that can transmit this virus, together with the potential consumption of raw milk, makes it advisable to investigate it in raw milk products.
However, the study of the actual infective capacity of this virus is not easy to establish with simple analytical methods. With this last exception, research for controlling all these biological hazards in food is possible, with classical or advanced methodologies that are robust enough, available for each case.
Posted in Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Cronobacter sakazakii, Decontamination Microbial, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Klebsiella, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Pseudomonas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigatoxin, STEC, STEC E.coli
Canada – Nestlé Good Start – Soothe (infant formula) recalled due to possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii
Summary
Product
Nestlé Good Start Soothe (infant formula)
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – Other
What to do
Do not consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute recalled products
Affected products
Issue
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.
The recalled product has been sold nationally.
What you should do
- If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor
- Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment
- Do not consume the recalled products
- Do not serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products
- Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
Food contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Although Cronobacter sakazakii is not commonly linked to human illness, in rare cases it can cause serious or fatal infections. Cronobacter sakazakii can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns.
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing
USA – Perrigo Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula – Cronobacter?
Company Announcement
Dublin, Ireland – March 17, 2023 – Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii
Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of this bacteria, no adverse events have been reported and no other products manufactured at this facility or any other of Perrigo’s facilities are affected by this recall.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria commonly found in the environment. In most people it causes no symptoms but in some, particularly premature infants, infants under 2 months of age or infants with weakened immune systems fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms can occur.
This product is sold at retailers across the U.S. Consumers who purchased the product after March 5, 2023 should look for the following Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package. No other lot codes are impacted by this recall. Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product.
Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 12.4 oz:
300357651Z – USE BY 04JUL2024
300457651Z – USE BY 05JUL2024
300557651Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300557652Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300757651Z – USE BY 08JUL2024
300857651Z – USE BY 09JUL2024
301057651Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301057652Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301157651Z – USE BY 12JUL2024
Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 30.6 oz:
301357652Z – USE BY 14JUL2024
301457652Z – USE BY 15JUL2024
301557651Z – USE BY 16JUL2024
Gerber Good® Start® SootheProTM 19.4 oz:
301557652Z – USE BY 16JUL2024I
Consumers can request refunds for impacted products and find more information about Gerber® Good Start® by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo at 1-800-777-7690 anytime 24/7. Consumers with any health-related questions should contact their healthcare provider.
This recall is being conducted in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Spoilage, Food Testing
USA – FDA wants infant formula manufacturers to step up work to prevent contamination
Top FDA officials are calling on manufacturers of infant formula to clean up their act.
In a letter this week Robert M. Califf, FDA Commissioner, and Susan T. Mayne, Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, addressed concerns about infant formula along the food chain, speaking to manufacturers, packers, distributors, exporters, importers and retailers.
“FDA is sharing this information with you with the expectation that you will act to mitigate potential food safety risks in powdered infant formula in accordance with FDA regulations while further striving to improve operations, especially given the critical nature of these products,” a letter from the FDA leaders states.
“. . . The FDA has reviewed conditions during recent inspections of powdered infant formula manufacturers, including routine surveillance inspections, for-cause inspections to follow up on consumer complaints and other interactions with manufacturers.”
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, food safety training, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak
USA – Reckitt Recalls Two Batches of Prosobee 12.9 oz Simply Plant Based Infant Formula Because of Possible Health Risk – Cronobacter
Company Announcement
‘The company has issued a correction to the previous announcement’.
Product tested and confirmed negative for contaminants.
No reported adverse consumer reactions to date.
Reckitt, a producer of nutrition products, announced today that, out of an abundance of caution, it has chosen to voluntarily recall two (2) select batches of ProSobee 12.9 oz. Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possibility of cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. All product distributed went through extensive testing and tested negative for the bacteria.
ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz containers was manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. The batches in question can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can. Recalled product batches are ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ both with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Mar 2024.” The recall involves approximately 145,000 cans.
No other ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula batches or other Reckitt products are impacted.
No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. If parents have any questions, they should consult with their pediatrician or contact us at 1-800-479-0551 24/7 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com
We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety and it is for this reason that we have taken this extraordinary measure. The batches in question tested negative for Cronobacter and other bacteria and this is an isolated situation. After a thorough investigation, we have identified the root cause, which was linked to a material from a third party. We have taken all appropriate corrective actions, including no longer sourcing this material from the supplier.
The health and safety of infants is our highest priority. All of our products undergo rigorous and industry leading quality tests and checks to ensure that they meet or exceed all standards set by regulatory bodies, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is for this reason that we have the highest level of confidence in the safety and quality of every infant formula we make.
What Consumers Should Do if They Purchased This Product
Consumers who purchased ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected. Product with batch codes ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ both with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Mar 2024” should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a total refund. You can also contact us at 800-479-0551 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com and we will help verify if this product was impacted.
If you have any concerns, contact your health care provider. For more information please visit us at www.enfamil.com
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, 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 Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing
USA – FDA – Enforcement Report – Fiber Powder, Dietary Supplement – Raw material tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii.
Product Description:
Fiber Powder, Dietary Supplement, Apple Cinnamon Flavored, packaged under the following brands and sizes. 1. Ortho Molecular Products Fiber Plus, Product #608445, Net Wt. 15.9 oz (450 Grams) UPC 6 15033-00608 2. Ortho Molecular Products, Inc., 3017 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. 2. Utzy Naturals, Daily Fiber Drink Mix. Net Wt 5.95 oz (168.75 Grams), UPC 8 56420-00632 6. Manufactured for Utzy Naturals, 623 West Main St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147. 3. Ortho Molecular Products Fiber Plus, Product #608445CAN, 450 g, UPC 6 15033-04608 8. Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. 54482 United States. Product is sold in Canada. 4. Ortho Molecular Products Fiber Plus, Product #608445C, Net Wt. 15.9 oz (450 Grams) UPC 6 15033-01608 1. . Ortho Molecular Products, Inc., 3017 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Contains CA Prop 65. 5. Unbranded bottled product in 1000cc bottle to be given out by healthcare provider. 608.008J UPC 6 15033 60608 4. 6. Unbranded bottled product in 1000cc bottle to be given out by healthcare provider. 608C.009H UPC 6 15033 61608 3. Contains CA Prop 65.
Raw material tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii.
Recalling Firm:
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
3017 Business Park Dr
Stevens Point, WI 54482-8835
United States
Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, Decontamination Microbial, FDA, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk