Category Archives: food contamination

Research – Attributing Human Foodborne Diseases to Food Sources and Water in Japan Using Analysis of Outbreak Surveillance Data

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

In Japan, strategies for ensuring food safety have been developed without reliable scientific evidence on the relationship between foodborne diseases and food sources. This study aimed to provide information on the proportions of foodborne diseases caused by seven major causative pathogens (Campylobacter spp., Salmonella, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli [EHEC], Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and norovirus) attributed to foods and to explore factors affecting changes in these source attribution proportions over time using analysis of outbreak surveillance data. For the calculation of the number of outbreaks attributed to each source, simple-food outbreaks were assigned to the single-food category in question, and complex-food outbreaks were classified under each category proportional to the estimated probability. During 2007 to 2018, 8,730 outbreaks of foodborne diseases caused by seven pathogens were reported, of which 6,690 (76.6%) were of unknown source. We estimated the following source attribution proportions of foodborne diseases: chicken products (80.3%, 95% uncertainty interval [UI] 80.1 to 80.4) for Campylobacter spp.; beef products (50.1%, UI 47.0 to 51.5) and vegetables (42.3%, UI 40.9 to 45.5) for EHEC; eggs (34.6%, UI 27.8 to 41.4) and vegetables (34.4%, UI 27.8 to 40.8) for Salmonella; finfish (50.3%, UI 33.3 to 66.7) and shellfish (49.7%, UI 33.3 to 66.7) for V. parahaemolyticus; grains and beans (57.8%, UI 49.7 to 64.9) for S. aureus; vegetables (63.6%, UI 48.5 to 74.6), chicken products (12.7%, UI 4.6 to 21.5), and beef products (11.1%, UI 8.5 to 13.1) for C. perfringens; and shellfish (75.5%, UI 74.7 to 76.2) for norovirus. In this study, we provide the best available evidence-based information to evaluate the link between foodborne diseases and foods. Our results on source attribution for Campylobacter spp. and EHEC suggest that the strict health regulations for raw beef were reflected in the proportions of these diseases attributed to this food.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Source attribution proportions of foodborne diseases in Japan were estimated.
  • Source attribution was useful to guide interventions and evaluate their effect.
  • Strict health regulations for raw beef affected source attribution proportions.

Research – Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins in the Feed and Food Chain

Frontiers in Microbiology

kswfoodworld

Image CDC

Aspergillus-produced mycotoxins can enter the feed and food chain at many points in both pre-harvest and post-harvest. Although current climate changes seem to speed up the world-wide spread of mycotoxigenic fungi including the Aspergilli and also facilitate the production of these harmful secondary metabolites the factors governing these disadvantageous global processes are only partly understood or even have remained completely hidden until now. This Research Topic summarizes our knowledge on Aspergillus-derived mycotoxins especially focusing on three major areas of on-going research: (i) toxicological, medical, veterinary aspects, prevalence, detection, risk assessment, control strategies, (ii) ecology and biological control of mycotoxigenic Aspergilli in the fields, and (iii) pre-harvest and post-harvest management of mycotoxigenic Aspergilli and their mycotoxin production. We hope that the wealth of information generously provided by the Aspergillus mycotoxin research community will help the hard work of all those experts, who are active in this important field, and the papers collected here will be instructive and illuminating readings for students and the public as well.

Research – Quantification of survival and transfer of Salmonella on fresh cucumbers during waxing

Journal of Food Protection

Cucumbers found in retail markets are often waxed to improve visual appeal and retard moisture loss. This waxing may affect bacterial survival and the waxing process may facilitate cross-contamination between cucumbers. This study assessed survival of Salmonella on waxed and un-waxed cucumbers and the potential for Salmonella cross-contamination during the waxing process. Fresh waxed or un-waxed cucumbers were spot-inoculated with a Salmonella enterica cocktail. Three different wax coatings (mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum wax) were manually applied to un-waxed cucumbers using polyethylene brushes. Salmonella transfer from inoculated cucumbers to brush or to un-inoculated cucumbers was quantified. Higher Salmonella concentrations were observed on waxed cucumbers during the first 3 days of storage but the final concentration on un-waxed cucumbers was higher than on waxed cucumbers at the end of storage, regardless of storage temperature. Wax formulation did affect survival of Salmonella inoculated directly into waxes, with the significant decline in Salmonella populations observed in vegetable-based wax coating, but with populations unchanged over 7 days at 7 or 21 °C in mineral oil-based and petroleum-based waxes. Salmonella cells could transfer from inoculated un-waxed cucumbers to brushes used for waxing and then to un-inoculated cucumbers during waxing. Significantly higher log percent transfer to brushes was observed when cucumbers were waxed with vegetable oil (0.71 log percent, P = 0.00441) vs. mineral oil (0.06 log percent) or petroleum (0.05 log percent). Transfer to un-inoculated cucumbers via brushes was also quantified (0.18 to 0.35 log percent transfer). Salmonella remaining on contaminated cucumbers after waxing could be detected for up to 7 days, and Salmonella survived better on cucumbers treated with a petroleum-based wax. These findings should be useful in managing risk of Salmonella contamination in cucumbers during post-harvest handling.

Research – Quantification of cross-contamination of Campylobacter jejuni during food preparation in a model kitchen in China

Journal of Food Protection

campy2

Image CDC

Numerous outbreak investigations and case-control studies of campylobacteriosis have provided evidence that handling Campylobacter -contaminated chicken products is a high risk factor for infection and illness. In this study, the cross-contamination and transfer rates of Campylobacter jejuni from chicken to ready-to-eat foods were determined in various food-handling scenarios. Skinless raw chicken breasts were artificially contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni and diced on three kinds of texture cutting boards. Whether cold water or cold water with detergent or hot water was used, statistically significant differences were found between the transfer rate of Campylobacter jejuni to unwashed and washed cutting boards or hands, respectively. When both kitchen knife and cutting board were reused after dicing the artificially contaminated chicken, the transfer rates of Campylobacter jejuni to cucumber cut on bamboo, wooden and plastic cutting board were 16.28%, 12.82% and 5.32%, respectively. The transfer rates from chicken to bread, a large lift-up water faucet handle and a small twist faucet handle via unwashed hands were 0.49%, 4.64% and 3.14%, respectively. This research provides scientific evidence that various types of contaminated kitchen-ware and cook’s hand are vital potential vehicles for the cross-contamination of Campylobacter from raw chicken to ready-to-eat food, and emphasizes the importance of timely and properly cleaning to prevent cross-contamination during food handling, therefore a high quality consumer education to reduce the risk of foodborne infection is urgent and necessary.

New Zealand – Further recall to manage Listeria risk in ready-to-eat meat products at Pak’n Save Blenheim -Listeria monocytogenes

MPI

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public to return Pak’n Save branded, sliced-in-store, ready-to-eat meat products purchased in Pak’n Save Blenheim as they may contain listeria bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes).

Pak’n Save Blenheim is recalling the following products sold at Pak’n Save Blenheim, with packed on dates up to and including 26.11.20

The affected products are sold only at Pak’n Save Blenheim.

Affected products:

  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Pestells Ham Off The Bone
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Ham & Chicken – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Polish Sausage – Hellers
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Champagne Smoked Leg Ham – Premier
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Hot Pork – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Premier Honey Baked Ham
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Manuka Smoked Ham Round – Huttons
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Pastrami – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Roast Beef – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Corned Silverside – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Farmlands Pork Brawn KG
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Cooked Beef Tongue – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Ham & Chicken Flavoured Luncheon – Huttons
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Roast Beef Meal

New Zealand Food Safety national manager food compliance services Melinda Sando said customers should return the products to Pak’n Save Blenheim for a full refund.

“An earlier recall at the store in October followed the detection of listeria in some packaged meat products. Subsequent visits by MPI, as well as testing at the store revealed the presence of listeria on equipment, resulting in a precautionary recall to ensure risk to consumers is minimised.

“Listeria is commonly found in the environment and can make people sick (listeriosis) if they consume contaminated food.

“Infection can be serious among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems and elderly people.

“For those in the high-risk groups, listeriosis typically has an incubation period of 2 to 3 weeks (or longer) before symptoms appear.

“Healthy adults are likely to experience only mild infection, causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms.

“If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice,” says Ms Sando.

If you or anyone in your household is in an at-risk group, it is especially important to take a few simple food safety precautions:

  • Follow New Zealand Food Safety guidance on high-risk foods to avoid.
  • Follow good food hygiene practices, such as washing and drying hands before preparing food and after handling or preparing raw foods.
  • Eat freshly cooked or freshly prepared foods.
  • Wash all raw fruit and vegetables very well before eating.
  • Cook foods thoroughly.

Refrigerate leftovers immediately and do not keep for more than 2 days. Reheat to steaming hot before eating.

The contamination occurred at Pak’n Save Blenheim. Products from the manufacturers listed that are sold in their own packaging at Pak’n Save Blenheim or sold elsewhere are not affected.

Pak’n Save Blenheim update

France – Product recall: Large Japanese clam caught in the North-East Atlantic, MYTILIMER brand – E.coli

Oulah

Product recall: Large Japanese clam caught in the North-East Atlantic, MYTILIMER brand

ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM

Presence of Escherichia coli

PROPOSED SOLUTION

People who hold the product in question are asked not to consume them – and more particularly young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and the elderly – and to return them to the point of sale where they were purchased.

People who have consumed it and who present symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain or vomiting should consult their doctor as soon as possible, mentioning this consumption and the possible link with the bacterium Escherichia coli.

If there are no symptoms within 10 days of consuming the affected products, there is no need to worry and consult a doctor.

The E. coli bacterium is naturally present in the digestive microflora of humans and warm-blooded animals. Some strains of E. coli are pathogenic, and can be responsible in humans for various disorders ranging from mild diarrhea to more serious forms such as hemorrhagic diarrhea or severe kidney damage such as HUS, mainly in young children.

FURTHER INFORMATION

▸ Barcode
204619000004

▸ Lot
PSM0211

▸ Health
stamp FR 35.299.053 CE

▸ Consumer service contact
For more information, you can contact the Consumer Service on 09 69 36 69 36 (non-premium rate call).

▸ Source
https://www.coursesu.com/

New Zealand – Various Pak’n Save Blenheim brand sliced in-store ready-to-eat meat products – Listeria monocytogenes

MPI

27 November 2020: Pak’n Save Blenheim is recalling all batches and all packed on dates up to and including 26.11.20 of Pak’n Save Blenheim brand sliced in-store ready-to-eat meat products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Expand All
Expand Expand to see images of the recalled products

Expand to see images of the recalled products
Product identification
Product type Ready to eat meat products
Name of product
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Pestells Ham Off The Bone
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Ham & Chicken – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Polish Sausage – Hellers
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Champagne Smoked Leg Ham – Premier
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Hot Pork – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Premier Honey Baked Ham
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Manuka Smoked Ham Round – Huttons
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Pastrami – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Roast Beef – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Corned Silverside – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Farmlands Pork Brawn KG
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Cooked Beef Tongue – Farmlands
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Ham & Chicken Flavoured Luncheon – Huttons
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim brand Roast Beef Meal
Date marking All batches and all packed on dates up to and including 26.11.20
Package size and description The products are sold in vacuum packs and plastic containers of various weights.
Distribution The products are sold only at Pak’n Save Blenheim.
Notes This recall does not affect any other Pak’n Save Blenheim brand products. The contamination occurred at Pak’n Save Blenheim. Products from the manufacturers listed that are sold in their own packaging at Pak’n Save Blenheim or sold elsewhere are not affected by this issue.

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to check the date mark on the product label.

Affected products should not be consumed unless the product is cooked thoroughly (piping hot all the way through). There have been no reports of illness. However, if you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the products to Pak’n Save Blenheim for a full refund, or cook thoroughly (piping hot all the way through).

More information on listeria

Who to contact

If you have questions, contact Pak’n Save Blenheim:

  • Phone: 03 520 8275
  • Address: 1 Westwood Avenue, Springlands, Blenheim.

Sweden – Lidl Sweden is recalling Organic Flaxseeds, the Alesto brand – Salmonella

LMV

Lidl Sweden is recalling Organic Flaxseeds of the Alesto brand. After routine analyzes, it has been shown that the product may contain salmonella.

LIDL

Lidl Sweden is recalling Organic Flaxseeds from the Alesto brand, after routine analyzes it has been shown that the product may contain Salmonella.

Salmonella has been detected after a routine analysis. We would like to encourage all our customers who bought the product to come back to us with the product. The relevant best-before date 2021-07-08 has been sold in all of Lidl Sweden stores. Salmonella poses no risk if you have heated the food to at least 70 degrees. 

The recall only concerns the product:

Article: Organic Flaxseeds

Pack size: 500g

Brand: Alesto

Best-before date: 2021-07-08

Other best-before dates or other Alesto products are not affected. We at Lidl Sweden apologize and take what happened seriously. Consumers who have purchased the product are welcome to return it to the place of purchase, or to the nearest Lidl store. Of course, customers get their money back, even without presenting a cash receipt.

Facts Lidl’s quality checks
In addition to Lidl Sweden’s suppliers being certified with IFS (International Featured Standard), BRC (British Retail Consortium) or FSSC 22000 (Foundation Food Safety System Certification), Lidl Sweden performs regular unannounced on-site inspections at suppliers (performed by accredited institution). We go further than required by law and also test all products in external accredited laboratories to ensure that our products meet the highest quality.

Contacts

RASFF Alerts – Moulds – Beer

European Food Alerts

RASFF

beer from Ireland infested with moulds in the UK

RASFF Alerts – Listeria monocytogenes – Chilled Chicken Legs- Brie Cheese – Goats Cheese

European Food Alerts

RASFF

Listeria monocytogenes (>15000 CFU/g) in chilled chicken legs from France in France

RASFF

Listeria monocytogenes (<10 CFU/g) in brie cheese from France in Denmark

RASFF

Listeria monocytogenes in goat’s cheese from France in Germany