Category Archives: Food Microbiology Blog

RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Polish Chicken Products – Egg Powder used to make mug cake mix – Cured Sausage – Rabbit Meat – Environmental Swabs – Chilled Chicken – Chicken Preparation – Walnut Kernels – Chicken Gyros – Halva – Tahini

Posted on July 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Salmonella enteritidis in Corn Chicken from France in the Netherlands

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in egg powder used to mug cake mix from Hungary in the UK

RASFF

Presence of Salmonella spp in cured sausage from Italy in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella Enteritidis and E. coli in fresh rabbit meat from China in the Czech Republic and Germany

RASFF

Salmonella enteritidis in chicken breast fillet from Poland in the Czech Republic

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in egg powder used to sponge and cupcake mix from Hungary in the UK

RASFF

Salmonella Enteritidis in environmental swabs from henhouse from Poland

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in egg powder used to mug cake mix from Hungary in Spain

RASFF

Salmonella in halal chicken fillet from Poland in the UK and Netherlands

RASFF

Salmonella in chilled chicken from the Netherlands in Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in chicken meat preparation from Austria in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in walnut kernels (raw material) from the United States, via Italy in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in chicken gyros from Italy in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in chicken fillet from Poland in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella Senftenberg in Halva from Syria, via the Netherlands in Germany and Netherlands

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in tahini from Jordan, via Germany in Austria and Czech Republic

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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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Polish Chicken Salmonella, RASFF, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken, Salmonella in Eggs, Salmonella Poland, Salmonella Sesame Seeds, Salmonella Tahini

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Dog Chews – Soybean Meal – Sunflower Seed Meal

Posted on July 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Salmonella in dried dog chews from Germany in Austria

RASFF

Salmonella spp in soybean meal from Brazil in Hungary and Romania

RASFF

Salmonella Mbandaka in sunflower seed meal pellets from Argentina in Belgium, France and the Netherlands

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Salmonella, Animal Feed Testing, Decontamination Microbial, dog chews, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Pet Food, Pet Food Salmonella, Pet Food Testing, RASFF, Salmonella Dog Food, Uncategorized

USA – CDC – Cyclosporiasis Illnesses in the United States, 2023

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CDC

CDC, along with state and federal health and regulatory officials, monitor cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States in the spring and summer months to detect outbreaks linked to a common food source. Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis.

Fast Facts

  • Illnesses: 581
  • Hospitalizations: 55
  • Deaths: 0
  • States reporting cases: 31
  • Investigation status: Active (first posted on May 25, 2023)

Cyclosporiasis illnesses are reported year-round in the United States. However, during the spring and summer months there is often an increase in cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States. The exact timing and duration of these seasonal increases in cyclosporiasis can vary, but reports tend to increase starting in May. This year, cases were reported starting in April. It is too soon to tell if this timing indicates a change in the seasonality of cyclosporiasis in the United States.

In previous years, the reported number of cases peaked between June and July, although cases can be reported as late as September. The number of infections or hospitalizations and the number of identified outbreaks linked to a common source also vary from season to season.

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Posted in CDC, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak

USA – 10 in Washington, California, Oregon and Hawaii linked to Hepatitis A tainted Strawberries

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

CDC, state public health and regulatory officials, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, by a common supplier. Frozen organic strawberries may be sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Traceback and epidemiological investigations show that people with outbreak-associated cases purchased the same retail brand of frozen organic strawberries prior to becoming ill.

As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 4 states.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to June 4, 2023. Ill people range in age from 38 to 64 years, with a median age of 56.5 years. Thirty percent of ill people are female. Of 10 people with available information, 4 (40%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Virus, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak

Israel – The “Sheva” Frozen Dough Industries Ltd. call for the return of the product(s): “Elite” krapalach stuffed with turkey meal – Salmonella

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

GovIL

Following a customer complaint, there is a concern about the presence of salmonella bacteria in the “Elite” Karaflach product filled with turkey meat.

Click to access NEWS_recalls_food_RCL_19072023.pdf

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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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Salmonella

USA – FDA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • For the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1166), the case count has increased from 11 to 12.
  • For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis (ref #1163), the case count has increased from 112 to 118 cases.
  • For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis (ref #1159), the case count has increased from 38 to 43 cases. This incident now includes additional illnesses based on similarities in reported exposures.
  • For the outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (ref #1156) linked to raw cookie dough, the advisory was updated on July 13, 2023. The outbreak has ended and FDA’s investigation is closed.
  • For the investigation linked to Morel mushrooms (ref #1152), the advisory was updated on July 19, 2023. The outbreak has ended, and FDA’s investigation is closed.

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Posted in CORE Investigation Table, Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, Decontamination Microbial, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – Apple cider recalled over high levels of patulin

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Bevovations, LLC, of Leominster, MA, is recalling certain apple cider products because of high levels of patulin.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, particularly Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. Often found in rotting apples and apple products. The acute symptoms in humans include nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.

According to the details posted online by the FDA, the recall was initiated on June 23, 2023, and is ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Recalled products:

  • 1/2 gallon CN Smith brand Apple Cider
  • 1/2 gallon and 16 oz. Wilson Farms brand Apple Cider
  • 1 gallon, 1/2 gallon, and 16 oz. Carlson Orchards brand Apple Cider – all packaged in HDPE bottles and shipped in corrugated closed boxes

Additional information:

  • 565 cases total. Wilson: 43 cases distributed (per ATT B). Carlsons: 510 cases distributed (per ATT B). CN Smith: 12 cases distributed (per ATT B)
  • Lot Code 171 Best By August 4, 2023

Anyone who purchased the recalled product should immediately dispose of it and not consume it.

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mycotoxin, Patulin

Research -Fermenting a place in history: The first outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 associated with kimchi in Canada

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Org

Abstract

A Canadian outbreak investigation was initiated in January 2022 after a cluster of cases of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 was identified through whole genome sequencing (WGS). Exposure information was collected through case interviews. Traceback investigations were conducted, and samples from case homes, retail, and the manufacturer were tested for STEC O157. Fourteen cases were identified in two provinces in Western Canada, with isolates related by 0–5 whole genome multi-locus sequence typing allele differences. Symptom onset dates ranged from 11 December 2021 to 7 January 2022. The median age of cases was 29.5 (range 0–61); 64% were female. No hospitalisations or deaths were reported. Of 11 cases with information available on fermented vegetable exposures, 91% (10/11) reported consuming Kimchi Brand A during their exposure period. The traceback investigation identified Manufacturer A in Western Canada as the producer. One open and one closed sample of Kimchi Brand A tested positive for STEC O157, with isolates considered genetically related by WGS to the outbreak strain. Napa cabbage within the kimchi product was hypothesised as the most likely source of contamination. This paper summarises the investigation into this STEC O157 outbreak associated with kimchi, the first reported outside of East Asia.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

France – DUCK BREAST – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name VOLAE
  • Model names or references DUCK FILLET 350G
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3250392183295 0103011177 Use-by date between 07/12/2023 and 07/13/2023
  • Packaging UNDER SKIN
  • Marketing start/end date From 01/07/2023 to 13/07/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 71.546.001 EC
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Regions: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, , , Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, , , Centre-Val de Loire, , , Grand-Est, , , Normandy, , , New-Aquitaine, , , Occitanie, , , Provence-Alpes- french riviera
  • DistributorsI NTERMARCHE

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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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria France, Listeria monocytogenes

France – TURKEY SALAMI – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on July 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name REGHALAL
  • Model names or references REGHALAL TURKEY SALAMI
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3276440000680 187 Use-by date 08/15/2023
    3276440000680 191 Use-by date 08/19/2023
  • Products List Traça_de_Sablé_pour_reminder_conso.pdfAttachment
  • Packaging 140g tray
  • Marketing start/end date From 07/12/2023 to 07/18/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 69.135.001 CE
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Auchan – Carrefour – Casino, Vival, SPAR and Casino distribution networks – Cocci / Coccinelle – Leclerc – Intermarché – Système U
  • List of points of saleTraça_de_Sablé_pour_reminder_conso.pdf

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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 Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria France, Listeria monocytogenes