An article in Food Production Daily has reported that the CDC have confirmed that the death toll in the cantaloupe Listeria outbreak in the USA has now reached 18. It would seem that FSA concerns over Listeriosis being on the increase are well founded. It also appears to be manifesting itself in the over 60’s age range and this does not appear to be aberration of reporting but a genuine increase for which the cause is not known.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Microbiology, outbreak
The UK Health Authorities have been criticised after an eight month E.coli outbreak has only recently been acknowledged but not publicised. The report in Food Production Daily states that the outbreak, which has been attributed to the handling of raw leeks and potatoes covered in contaminated soil, has only just recently been acknowledged. The outbreak consisted of 250 cases and one death and occurred between Decemebr 2010 and July 2011 and involved E.coli O157. The HPA have argued that the outbreak was not reported as the source was unknown.
Posted in E.coli, Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Microbiology, outbreak
The FSA has reemphasised the need for people to wash vegetables before eating, this is a follow-up to the Germany E.coli outbreak and over 250 cases of E coli in the UK this year. Their leading comment is ‘It’s sadly a myth that a little bit of dirt doesn’t do you any harm’
Posted in E.coli, Food Illness, Microbiology, outbreak
A report in Food Navigator has reported on comments from Catherine Geslain-Laneelle who is the executive director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). She has stated that the EU is particularly vulnerable to food safety issues as the biggest global trader of food products with very open trading and markets. She also commented that many foods and food ingredients were not always produce in accordance with EU standards. She also praised the German authorities response to the recent E.coli O104 outbreak. The full article can be found at the link on the text above.
Posted in Food Illness, Microbiology
UK Stomach bugs cause 11 million working to be lost each year according to joint research by the FSA and the University of Manchester. With Campylobacter and Norovirus being the two major causes. There has already been interest shown in testing food products for viruses and this type of data will only add to the pressure for looking at testing food for viruses. It also emphasises the FSA campaign for reducing Campylobacter levels in raw poultry in the UK.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak
Carrefour have recalled a range of cheeses from its stores in France and Monaco after they were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes. The products were sold in store between August 25th and September 13th but were immediately removed after the results of in-house testing.
There has been a recall and posters in store are warning customers of the dangers. Full report and product specifics can be found through the link below.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Microbiology
Food Navigator USA reports that the presence of Listeria on Jensen Farms has been confirmed, to date 35 people across 10 states have been infected with 4 deaths. Another 2 deaths in New Mexico are being investigated by the FDA.
Listeria monocytogenes has been isolated from packaging equipment at the Colorado packaging site and in store on cantaloupes in Denver, thus confirming the source of the outbreaks.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, outbreak
The CDC have released a full report on Foodborne illness in the USA for 2008. During 2008, the most recent year for which data are finalised, 1,034 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, which resulted in 23,152 cases of illness, 1,276 hospitalisations, and 22 deaths. Among the 479 outbreaks with a laboratory-confirmed single etiological agent reported, norovirus was the most common, accounting for 49% of outbreaks and 46% of illnesses. Salmonella was the second most common, accounting for 23% of outbreaks and 31% of illnesses. Among the 218 outbreaks attributed to a food vehicle with ingredients from only one of 17 defined food commodities (3), the top commodities to which outbreaks were attributed were poultry (15%), beef (14%), and finfish (14%), whereas the top commodities to which outbreak-related illnesses were attributed were fruits and nuts (24%), vine-stalk vegetables (23%), and beef (13%).
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak
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