Category Archives: Food Micro Blog

USA – E. coli infections from unknown source under investigation in Alabama

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating four cases of E. coli O157:H7 and two cases of Rotavirus in younger children in Northeastern Alabama. 

As of today the department had not reported what the possible sources of the pathogens might be. It is unknown if the sources involve foods or beverages, although food is the usual source of E. Coli infections.

The department regularly investigates clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases as required by Notifiable Disease Rules in Alabama.

In 2021, ADPH investigated 113 cases of E. coli, shiga toxin-producing illness including O157:H7.

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Posted in E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, STEC, STEC E.coli

Kinder International Recall -Salmonella

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

EFOOD ALERT

International recall of Ferrero’s Kinder chocolate products

Ferrero has expanded its international recall of Kinder Surprise chocolate novelty products, linked to a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses. Click on the country link to navigate to the most recent recall notice for that jurisdiction.

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France – International outbreak of salmonellosis in young children linked to the consumption of Kinder brand products. Update on April 12, 2022.

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Sante Publique

Following the investigations carried out by the Belgian health authorities, together with their English, European and in particular French counterparts, the company Ferrero proceeded on April 5, 2022 to the recall of several Kinder range products manufactured in a factory in Belgium due to suspected contamination by Salmonella Typhimurium . On April 8, 2022, the recall finally affected all Kinder products from this factory, regardless of their expiry date. 

Case of salmonellosis in France: update on April 12, 2022

In total, as of 04/12/2022: 33 cases have been identified by the National Reference Center (CNR) for salmonella at the Institut Pasteur in France. 

The cases are spread over 11 regions: Ile-de-France (6 cases), Grand-Est (5 cases), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (4 cases), Hauts-de-France (4 cases), Nouvelle -Aquitaine (3 cases), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (3 cases), Normandy (2 cases), Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (2 cases), Brittany (2 cases), Corsica (1 case), and Occitanie (1 case ), with a median age of 4 years, and 17 boys and 16 girls.

Twenty-two cases were able to be questioned by Public Health France. All the cases report, before the onset of their symptoms, the consumption of chocolates of the brand mentioned here. Nine people were hospitalized for their salmonellosis, all since discharged. No deaths were reported.

Public Health France is continuing its investigations with families who have not yet been able to be reached. 

The withdrawal and recall on 05/04 of the concerned products of the Kinder brand, extended on 08/04 to all production by the Belgian factory with closure of the latter by the Belgian authorities, should limit the occurrence in France new cases of salmonellosis in the coming days/weeks. 

To find out the list of products concerned by the withdrawal-recall: https://rappel.conso.gouv.fr/

People who have consumed the products mentioned above and who present symptoms (gastrointestinal disorders, fever within 72 hours of consumption), are invited to consult their doctor without delay, notifying him of this consumption. 

In order to limit person-to-person transmission (especially in households with young children), it is recommended to wash your hands well with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing your child, and before to cook.

See the previous points

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France – Investigation of grouped cases of haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections linked to the consumption of Buitoni® brand Fraîch’Up pizzas. 

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Sante Publique

Public Health France and the National Reference Center (CNR) E. coli and its associated laboratory (Institut Pasteur, Paris, and Microbiology Laboratory of the Robert Debré Hospital, Paris), in conjunction with the Directorate General for Food, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention, and in coordination with the Directorate General for Health, have been investigating since 02/10/2022 an increase in the number of cases of haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) pediatric infections and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections.

The epidemiological, microbiological and traceability investigations carried out since that date have confirmed a link between the occurrence of these grouped cases and the consumption of frozen pizzas from the Buitoni brand Fraîch’Up range contaminated with STEC bacteria. On 03/18/2022, the company proceeded with the withdrawal-recall of all the pizzas in the Fraîch’Up range, marketed since June 2021 and the authorities asked the people who hold these pizzas not to consume them and to destroy them.

The total number of HUS cases linked to the consumption of these pizzas seems to have stabilized since the withdrawal-recall.

Case of SHU in France: update on 04/13/22

As of 04/13/2022, 53 confirmed cases have been identified, of which 51 are linked to STEC O26 strains, and 2 to STEC O103 strains. For 26 other cases of HUS and STEC infections notified to Public Health France, investigations are ongoing.

These 53 cases occurred in 52 children and 1 adult, who presented symptoms between 18/01/2022 (week 3) and 16/03/2022 (week 11) (Figure 1). The epidemic peak is in week 7 (14/02 to 20/02) and week 9 (28/02 to 06/03), with 10 cases each of these weeks. These 53 cases occurred in 12 regions of metropolitan France: Hauts-de-France (11 cases), Ile-de-France (9 cases), New Aquitaine (8 cases), Pays de la Loire (7 cases), Brittany ( 6 cases), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (2 cases) [-1 case since the situation update of 06/04/2022 after additional result], Grand Est (2 cases), Occitanie (2 cases), Provence-Alpes- Côte d’Azur (2 cases) and Center Val-de-Loire (2 cases), Bourgogne Franche-Comté (1 case) [-1 case since the situation update of 04/06/2022 after additional result], Normandy ( 1 case) (Figure 2).

The 52 sick children are aged from 1 to 17 years with a median age of 7 years; 23 (44%) are female; 46 (88%) presented with HUS, 6 (12%) with STEC gastroenteritis. Two children died. The adult did not present with HUS [an adult previously reported in the situation update of 06/04/2022 was finally invalidated after additional results].

Figure 1: Epidemic curve: number of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections (N=51), by week of onset of symptoms – metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 11, 2022
Figure 1: Epidemic curve: number of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections (N=51), by week of onset of symptoms - metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 11, 2022
Figure 2: Geographical distribution of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections (N=53) linked to the consumption of Buitoni® brand Fraîch’Up pizzas, by region of residence in metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 11, 2022
Figure 2: Geographical distribution of confirmed cases of HUS and STEC infections (N=53) linked to the consumption of Buitoni® brand Fraîch'Up pizzas, by region of residence in metropolitan France, weeks 3 to 11, 2022

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France – PIEDMONTESE SALAD – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name SOLEANE (SOLEANE MY GARDEN)
  • Model names or references Traditional Piedmontese in: 230g-400g-800g-1.5kg-2.5kg
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3760054098022 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
    3760054098718 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
    3760054090293 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
    3760054095625 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
    3760054090071 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
    3760054096028 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
    3760054092600 089 Use-by date 04/24/2022
  • Packaging Tray sealed under modified atmosphere. 230g, 400g, 800g, 1.500kg, 2.500kg
  • Marketing start/end date From 31/03/2022 to 25/04/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors GMS

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence of Listeria (<10ufc/g)
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

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Posted in 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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

France – Strasbourg salad sold at the stand with service – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Prepared meals and snacks
  • Product brand name unbranded (sold at the stand department with service)
  • Model names or references Strasbourg salad (cooked potato salad and slices of frankfurter sausage seasoned with vinaigrette sauce)
  • Identification of products
    Batch
    product sold from 04/04/2022 to 08/04/2022
  • Marketing start/end date From 04/04/2022 to 08/04/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark/
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Store cora Vesoul (70)
  • Distributors Cora Vesoul

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall presence of listeria
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

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France – Pyramid, log, ash – Goats Cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name Goat cheese
  • Model names or references Pyramid, log, ash
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    The batches of cheeses from 22-23/03 which could not be analyzed and for which doubt remains as to contamination. The batches of cheeses marketed on March 25-26-27, 2022 and The batches of cheeses April 1-2-3 and 4, 2022. Use-by date 04/21/2022
  • Marketing start/end date From 03/25/2022 to 04/05/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Orleans market halls

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Listeria
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

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Posted in 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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

France – ROAST PORK ORLOFF -Salmonella

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name/
  • Model names or references ROAST PORK ORLOFF SOLD IN BUTCHER STAND
  • Identification of products
    Batch
    ORLOFF PORK ROAST SOLD AT THE BUTCHER STAND BETWEEN APRIL 4 AND 15
  • Products List Reminder_poster.pdfEnclosed
  • Packaging Packed in a butcher’s stand
  • Marketing start/end date From 04/04/2022 to 15/04/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark/
  • Further information The packaging date is indicated on the label of the bag given to the customer.
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Auchan City Tourcoing
  • Distributors Auchan City Tourcoing

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall presence of Salmonella
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Salmonella spp (causative agent of salmonellosis)

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Posted in 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

EU – 8 April update: ECDC/EFSA investigation into multi-country Salmonella outbreak continues

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

ECDC

The outbreak has been linked to a factory in Arlon. Belgian authorities suspended all activities, all products that were manufactured there will be recalled, and retailers are also asked to remove the products from their shelves.

An outbreak caused by monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium is rapidly evolving in eight EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom (UK). As of 8 April 2022, 142 cases have been reported, mainly among children under 10 years old. The first case was identified in the UK on 7 January 2022. Since 17 February 2022, cases have also been identified elsewhere in Europe.

Geographical distribution of confirmed and probable cases of monophasic S. Typhimurium in the EU/EEA and the UK, as of 8 April 2022
 

The outbreak is characterised by an unusually high proportion of children being hospitalised, some with severe clinical symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea. Based on interviews with patients and initial analytical epidemiological studies, specific chocolate products have been identified as the likely route of infection. Affected cases have been identified through advanced molecular typing techniques. As this method of testing is not routinely performed in all countries, some cases may be undetected.

Product recalls have been launched in several countries to date, including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and the UK, to prevent the consumption of products potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Further investigations are being conducted by public health and food safety authorities in countries where cases are reported, to identify the cause and the extent of the contamination, and to ensure contaminated products are not put on the market.

ECDC and EFSA are assessing the available data from these countries and preparing a rapid outbreak assessment to be published next week. Questions regarding ongoing product recalls should be addressed to national food safety authorities.

Number of confirmed and probable cases* with monophasic S. Typhimurium infection by country, EU/EEA and the UK, as of 8 April 2022

Country Confirmed cases Probable cases Total cases
Belgium 0 26 26
France 25 0 25
Germany 6 2 8
Ireland 10 0 10
Luxembourg 1 0 1
Netherlands 2 0 2
Norway 1 0 1
Sweden 4 0 4
Total EU/EEA 42 29 77
United Kingdom 65 0 65
Total 114 28 142

*According to the European outbreak case definition

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Canada – Certain Pacific Oysters recalled due to norovirus

Posted on April 19, 2022 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Summary

Product
Certain Pacific Oysters
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – Norovirus
What to do

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

Sawmill Bay Shellfish - Joyce Point Oysters
Sawmill Bay Shellfish - Read Island Gem Oysters
Sawmill Bay Shellfish - Sawmill Bay DD Oysters

Issue

Sawmill Bay Shellfish Co. Ltd. is recalling certain Pacific Oysters from the marketplace due to possible norovirus contamination.

The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia and Alberta and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

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
  • Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the affected products are advised to contact their retailer

People with norovirus illness usually develop symptoms of gastroenteritis within 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms can start as early as 12 hours after exposure. The illness often begins suddenly. Even after having the illness, you can still become re-infected by norovirus. The main symptoms of norovirus illness are diarrhea, vomiting (children usually experience more vomiting than adults), nausea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue (a general sense of tiredness).  Most people feel better within one or two days, with symptoms resolving on their own, and experience no long-term health effects. As with any illness causing diarrhea or vomiting, people who are ill should drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids and prevent dehydration. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously.

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