Category Archives: Cronobacter sakazakii

Canada – Certain Abbott brand powdered infant formula products recalled due to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella

Posted on February 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Summary

Product
Certain powdered infant formula products
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – Salmonella
Food – Microbial Contamination – Other
What to do

Do not consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute the recalled products.

Issue

Abbott is recalling certain Abbott brand powdered infant formula products from the marketplace due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella contamination.

The recalled products have 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.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, 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, Salmonella

Information – Preventive Controls – A novel approach to kill pathogens utilizing non-flammable alcohol spraying technology:

Posted on September 23, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety Tech

It is a common misconception that low numbers of Salmonella, Cronobacter and other pathogens are not a problem in low moisture foods because these products do not support growth. Certain organisms can persist for prolonged periods of time in low-moisture products, and heat resistance of Salmonella is greatly increased at reduced water activities in food matrices.

The low water activity level found in most dry ingredients and finished products usually results in severely dehydrated bacteria. It is only when there is adequate moisture, temperature and growing conditions that these stressed bacteria recover and multiply.

Physical cleaning should be followed by chemical or equivalent disinfection procedures and all contact surfaces should be dry before use. If disinfection measures are inadequate, bacteria may adapt to the stress conditions and become more resistant to control efforts. Clean breaks for in-shift sanitizing are becoming more common, so speed of application and drying time must be considered when evaluating new interventions.

Newer technology used in food and medical applications include concentrated alcohol products applied through inert gases to eliminate flammability. Biomist, Inc. has developed new high-grade sanitizing systems and automation for food manufacturers to bolster their sanitation programs by safely applying alcohol-based sanitizers to processing equipment, pneumatic pipes, electronics and other vectors of contamination.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Pathogen, pathogenic, Salmonella

Research – Microbiological Quality of Nuts, Dried and Candied Fruits, Including the Prevalence of Cronobacter spp.

Posted on July 17, 2021 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Cronobacter genus bacteria are food-borne pathogens. Foods contaminated with Cronobacter spp. may pose a risk to infants or immunocompromised adults. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological quality of nuts, seeds and dried fruits with special emphasis on the occurrence of Cronobacter spp. Analyses were carried out on 64 samples of commercial nuts (20 samples), dried fruits (24), candied fruits (8), seeds (4), and mixes of seeds, dried fruits and nuts (8). The samples were tested for the total plate count of bacteria (TPC), counts of yeasts and molds, and the occurrence of Cronobacter spp. Cronobacter isolates were identified and differentiated by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragments Length Polymorphism) and RAPD-PCR (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA by PCR) analysis. TPC, and yeasts and molds were not detected in 0.1 g of 23.4%, 89.1%, and 32.8% of the analyzed samples. In the remaining samples, TPC were in the range of 1.2–5.3 log CFU g−1. The presence/absence of Cronobacter species was detected in 12 (18.8%) samples of: nuts (10 samples), and mixes (2 samples). The 12 strains of Cronobacter spp. included: C. sakazakii (3 strains), C. malonaticus (5), and C. turicensis (4). The results of this study contribute to the determination of the presence and species identification of Cronobacter spp. in products of plant origin intended for direct consumption. View Full-Text

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research

Belgium – “Pirinc unu” rice flour from the Ipek brand – Cronobacter.

Posted on July 16, 2021 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

07/16/2021 (update 07/12/2021) Product
recall from the AFSCA
Product: “Pirinc unu” rice flour from the Ipek brand.
Problem: presence of Cronobacter.

In agreement with the AFSCA, Said supermarkt is withdrawing from sale the “Pirinc unu” rice flour (200g) of the Ipek brand and is recalling this product to consumers following the presence of the Cronobacter bacteria.
Said supermarkt asks its customers not to consume this product and to bring it back to the point of sale where it was purchased, where it will be refunded to them.

Product description Product

category: rice flour Product
name: Pirinc unu
Brand: Ipek
Date of minimum durability (DDM): 30/05/2022
Lot number: 1001
Sales period: from 05/05/2021 to 08 / 07/2021
Packaging: box
Weight: 200 g

The product was sold in Belgium via:

Said Supermarkt (Statiestraat, 8-10, 2600 Antwerpen)
ASSIMA MARKET – RUE KERAMIS 56, 7100 LA LOUVIERE
AY MARKT BVBA – TURNHOUTSEBAAN 10, 2400 MOL
AYEM BVBA – DUMONTLAAN 180 BUS 11, 3600 GENK
BARAN BV – HAZEWINDSTRAAT 28, 9100 SINT NIKLAAS
FR BVBA – WONDELGEMSTRAAT 31A, 9000 GAND
GLE TICARET – ROUTE DE MONS 47, 6030 CHAREROI
OZFIRAT BV – HERENTALSEBAAN 287, 2100 DEURNE
RABOT SUPERMARKET BVAND 9000 GAND GLE TICARET – ROUTE DE MONS 47, 6030 CHAREROI OZFIRAT BV – HERENTALSEBAAN 287, 2100 DEURNE RABOT SUPERMARKET BVAND – SPLEAT HUB 58,
SONDELGEMBA 9000 BVANDUS-588, HUBSTRAAT Bv 46, 3500 HASSELT
TADU – RUE DE LA REINE 215, 1000 BRUSSELS

For any further information , contact:

Said supermarkt via said.bvba11@gmail.com

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Temperature Abuse, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Uncategorized

RASFF Alert – Cronobacter – Rice Flour

Posted on July 16, 2021 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Cronobacter spp in rice flour from Germany in Belgium

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, 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, microbial contamination, Microbiology, RASFF

Belgium – Ipek brand “Pirinc unu” rice flour – Cronobacter

Posted on July 12, 2021 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Recall of Said supermarkt
Product: Ipek brand “Pirinc unu” rice flour.
Problem: presence of Cronobacter.

In agreement with the AFSCA, Said supermarkt is withdrawing from sale the “Pirinc unu” rice flour (200g) of the Ipek brand and is recalling this product to consumers following the presence of the Cronobacter bacteria.
Said supermarkt asks its customers not to consume this product and to bring it back to the point of sale where it was purchased, where they will be reimbursed.

Product description Product

category: rice flour Product
name: Pirinc unu
Brand: Ipek
Date of minimum durability (DDM): 30/05/2022
Lot number: 1001
Sales period: from 05/05/2021 to 08 / 07/2021
Packaging: box
Weight: 200 g

The product was sold in Belgium via Said Supermarkt (Statiestraat, 8-10, 2600 Antwerpen)

For further information , contact:

Said supermarkt via said.bvba11@gmail.com

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Temperature Abuse, Food Testing

USA – WishGarden Herbs Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Cord Care and Goldenseal Powder Due to Bacterial Contamination – Cronobacter sakazakii

Posted on December 10, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

WishGarden Herbs, Inc. is voluntarily recalling, to the consumer level, 14 lots of Cord Care and Goldenseal Powder products produced after 7/26/18 with expiration dates between 7/26/18 and 9/1/20. After receiving notice of a supply chain issue, WishGarden has determined these products were manufactured using ingredients potentially contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.

Use of these products, when contaminated with this bacteria, may cause serious infections with severe outcomes, including death, especially in vulnerable patients with compromised immune systems and infants.

Catherine Hunziker, WishGarden President, stated, “As a leading herbal product company for more than 40 years, we take the safety of our products seriously and we feel it is important to recall this product out of an abundance of caution. Consumer safety is our highest priority.”

Cord Care Powder is marketed to dry umbilical cords and is applied externally to skin. It is packaged in 1oz containers and labeled with UPC 6-56490-24730-4. The affected product lots are P227-P235. The lot and expiration date can be found below the label barcode.

Goldenseal Powder is marketed as a drying powder applied externally to skin. It is packaged in 1oz containers and labeled with UPC 6-56490-64137-9. Affected product lots are P116-P120. The lot and expiration date can be found below the label barcode.

These products were distributed nationwide in the USA through select practitioners.

WishGarden Herbs has notified its distributors and customers by phone, mail and email. Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should discontinue use immediately and not open any sealed packages. The product should be mailed directly to WishGarden Herbs corporate headquarters at 321 South Taylor Ave. Suite 100 Louisville, CO 80027 for a full refund.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact WishGarden Herbs by calling the company’s recall hotline at 720-889-9878 (M-F, 9am – 5pm MST) or Email: recall@wishgardenherbs.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using this product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

  • Complete and submit the report Online
  • Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

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

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
WishGarden Herbs
 720-889-9878
 recall@wishgardenherbs.com

Product Photos

  • Photo 1- Labeling, WishGarden Cord Care Powder
  • Photo 2- Labeling, WishGarden Goldenseal Powder

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Testing

Research – Antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamaldehyde, chitosan and high pressure processing against Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula

Posted on August 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of trans‐cinnamaldehyde (TC) and chitosan (CH) along with high pressure processing (HPP) against Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula. HPP, with or without TC, and CH, was applied to reconstituted powdered infant formula with C. sakazakii . Microbiological and sensory analyses, pH, protein oxidation, and emulsion stability of each sample were determined. C. sakazakii was totally inactivated by HPP (600 MPa for 5 min), TC (0.05%) and CH (1%) combination after 4, 6, and 2 weeks of storage at 7, 23, and 45°C, respectively. All HPP treatments exhibited a minimum of 5.5 log CFU/ml reduction while the highest reductions with non‐HPP treatments were 2.1, 1.1, and 3.7 log CFU/ml at 7, 23, and 45°C storage, respectively. Although TC exhibited a cinnamon‐like taste, overall sensory attributes were not significantly different from the control samples. Remarkable deformation and damage in C. sakazakii cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy after the application of HPP and bioactive compounds.

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Posted in Chronobacter sakazakii, Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Microbiology Research, Food Technology, Research, Technology, Uncategorized

Research – Increased thermal tolerance in Cronobacter sakazakii strains in reconstituted milk powder due to cross protection by physiological stresses

Posted on May 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online 

Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) is an opportunistic, neonatal, and food borne pathogen primarily associated with the contamination of powdered infant formula (PIF). The pathogen is reported to overcome the food safety barriers such as increased acidity, heat treatment, and so on. This study evaluates the thermal tolerance of C. sakazakii strains independently at 52, 55, and 58°C in reconstituted PIF after exposure to physiological stresses: refrigeration (4°C for 24 hr), starvation (37°C for 48 hr), and desiccation (25°C for 4 days). The Log10 CFU/ml and D‐values indicated that survival rate of all the strains decreased significantly (p < .05) after desiccation as compared to those of the control condition (without stress exposure). However, cold stress increased the thermal tolerance of all strains at all temperatures (52, 55, and 58°C) as indicated by increased D‐values. Among the tested strains, C. sakazakii strain N15 was found to be the most resistant to thermal treatment after each stress exposure as depicted by principal component analysis (PCA). No apparent correlation between thermal tolerance and starvation stress was observed. The findings indicate that prior exposure to stress conditions may induce cross protection to thermal treatment in C. sakazakii.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Research, Uncategorized

Research – Food Safety and Invasive Cronobacter Infections during Early Infancy, 1961–2018

Posted on April 28, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CDC

Abstract

Invasive Cronobacter infections among infants are associated with severe neurologic disabilities and death. Early Cronobacter reports typically featured hospitalized and preterm infants and recognized contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF) as a transmission vehicle. To clarify recent epidemiology, we reviewed all cases of bloodstream infection or meningitis among infants that were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in the literature (1961–2018; n = 183). Most infants were neonates (100/150 [67%]); 38% (42/112) died, and 79% (81/102) had reported recent PIF consumption. In the final quarter of the study period (2004–2018), case counts were significantly higher (global average 8.7 cases/year); among US cases, significantly higher proportions occurred among full-term (56% [27/48]) and nonhospitalized (78% [42/54]) infants. PIF contamination, most commonly from opened containers, was identified in 30% (21/71) of investigations. Our findings reaffirm the need to promote safer alternatives for infant feeding, particularly among neonates.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Research, Uncategorized