Category Archives: Food Hygiene

Russia – Uzbeks Hospitalized In Russia For Suspected Food Poisoning

RFERL

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry says 69 Uzbek labor migrants, including a child, have been hospitalized with symptoms of food poisoning in Russia’s Samara region.

The ministry said on July 21 that three of the hospitalized Uzbeks were in a very serious condition.

The ministry said investigations have been launched into the mass sickness. It said representatives from Uzbek diplomatic missions in Russia visited the hospitalized Uzbek citizens on July 19 and had discussed the situation with local authorities.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said earlier that dozens of Uzbek citizens were hospitalized with food-poisoning symptoms on July 16-17 in the Syzran district of the Samara region.

USA – If its not Cyclospora then it must be Hepatitis A – Whats happening in the USA?

Food Poisoning Journal

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is investigating a case of hepatitis A in a food service worker that could have led to possible exposure for restaurant customers.

An employee of Los Encinos Mexican Grill (132 W. Main Street) in Calhoun City, MS has been diagnosed with hepatitis A virus, and patrons who ate at the restaurant from July 5 to July 23 might have been exposed.

“The risk of transmission is likely low, but anyone who dined at the restaurant during that time period should consider getting a hepatitis A vaccination from their healthcare provider, pharmacy or any county health department, if they have not been previously immunized” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

Canada – Ryki brand Gouda Cheese Slices recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

CFIA Ryki brand Gouda Cheese Slices

Recall details

Ottawa, July 23, 2019 – Polish Trade Center Ltd. is recalling Ryki brand Gouda Cheese Slices from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

Recalled products

Brand Name Common Name Size UPC Code(s) on Product
Ryki Gouda Cheese Slices 4.76 oz 5 902208 000859 C29N / 290351

USA – Two Major Cyclospora Outbreaks – Cases Increasing

Food Poisoning Bulletin

The Boston cyclospora outbreak has now sickened more than 100 people, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Those reports of illness have come in since May 1, 2019. In a typical year in that state, about 18 to 33 people are infected with this parasite.

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A cyclospora outbreak in Northern Virginia and the Arlington area has sickened at least 55 people, according to the Virginia Department of Health. This is a significant increase in cases reported since mid June 2019.

Canada – Gaia Garden Herbal Dispensary brand Gaia Balancing Tea recalled due to Salmonella

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, July 23, 2019 – Gaia Garden Herbals Inc. is recalling Gaia Garden Herbal Dispensary brand Gaia Balancing Tea from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the affected product are advised to contact their retailer.

Recalled products

Brand Name Common Name Size UPC Code(s) on Product
Gaia Garden Herbal Dispensary Gaia Balancing Tea Variable weight None None – Sold from June 12, 2019 to July 22, 2019, inclusive

USA – Salmonella Recall – Fennel Seeds

Food Poison Journal

Mountain Rose Herbs (MRH) of Eugene, Oregon is recalling all sizes ranging from 4 oz. to 50 lbs. of its Fennel Seed Whole, Lot #25031, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

USA -Elevation Foods Recalls Packaged Egg Salad, Tuna Salad, Thai Lobster Salad, and Archer Farms Deviled Egg Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

Company Announcement

Elevation Foods is voluntarily recalling containers of Archer Farms-brand egg salad; Freskëtbrand egg salad, tuna salad, and Thai lobster salad; and Archer Farms-brand deviled egg sandwiches produced on June 18, 2019 due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 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.

We believe fewer than 1,087 cases of product have been directly shipped to retailer warehouses throughout the United States.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

UK – Tesco recalls 4 flavours of Tesco Finest Fruit Presse because of fermentation

FSA

Tesco recalls 4 flavours of Tesco Finest Fruit Presse because of fermentation

22 July 2019
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Tesco is recalling four flavours of Tesco Finest Fruit Presse because fermentation has occurred in some of the bottles. This is causing spoilage of the products, and may also cause the bottles to explode.

Product details

Tesco Finest Sparkling Valencia Orange & Passion Fruit Presse

Pack size 750ml
Batch code All batches
Best before end: March 2020
Finest Sicilian Lemon & Mint Presse

Pack size 750ml
Batch code All batches
Best before end: March 2020
Finest Raspberry & Pomegranate Presse

Pack size 750ml
Batch code All batches
Best before end: March 2020
Finest Apple & Elderflower Presse

Pack size 750ml
Batch code All batches
Best before end: March 2020

No other Tesco products are known to be affected.

Risk statement

Spoilage of the products. The products potentially present a risk to health because they have fermented and as a result pressure may have built up in the bottles which could cause them to explode.

Action taken by the company

Tesco is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products have been recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought them. Please see the attached notice.

Research – Mycotoxins put dried fruit and nuts at risk

Fresh Plaza

Dried fruit and nuts are the two segments affected by mycotoxins, along with cereal, flours and wine. This is why nut importers and dried fruit processors must perform multiple analyses on their products.

“Europe issues warnings almost every day and keeps seizing contaminated batches, so companies must perform regular analyses and screenings to avoid considerable economic losses,” explains Luca Rustignoli from Sicural.

USA – Yersinia: Creamworks Creamery may be the source of illnesses in Pennsylvania

Outbreak News Today

kswfoodworld.com

Image CDC

In a public health alert issued recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health advises residents of Pennsylvania to avoid drinking milk from Creamworks Creamery in Waymart, Wayne County because it may be tainted with dangerous Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria. As of today, department is currently investigating 17 laboratory-confirmed illnesses as well as numerous additional reports of digestive illnesses. According to health agents, the illnesses seem to be connected to only milk sold at the dairy.