Category Archives: Food Microbiology Blog

Austria – Balik Pearls – Salmon Caviar 100g – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

AGES

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK), AGES warns against the product “Balik Pearls – salmon caviar” 100g from the German manufacturer Caviar House & Prunier City GmbH with the best before date December 31, 2023 due to contamination with Listeria. These bacteria can cause serious, often fatal, diseases in immunocompromised people, the elderly and pregnant women. Pregnant women also run the risk of infecting the unborn child with the risk of premature delivery or stillbirth.

  •     Description of the goods: “Balik Pearls – salmon caviar” 100g
  •     Batch number: 113023
  •     Best before date: 12/31/2023
  •     Manufacturer: Caviar House & Prunier City GmbH, Germany
  •     Distributor: REWE International

The product was also available in Austrian grocery stores (Billa / Billa Plus) and has since been recalled. Since it cannot be ruled out that such products are still in stock in Austrian households, urgent warnings are given against consumption.

This warning does not imply that the health hazard of the goods was caused by the producer, manufacturer, importer or distributor. AGES asks consumers not to consume the affected product under any circumstances, but to dispose of it immediately or to complain to the distributor. The official food control authorities of the federal states take further measures if necessary.

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Posted in AGES, 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 monocytogenes

Research – Impact of gas ultrafine bubbles on the efficacy of antimicrobials for eliminating fresh and aged Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on dairy processing surfaces

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

Ultrafine bubbles (UFB) are a novel concept that has the potential to enhance the potency of antimicrobials to eliminate biofilms. This study investigated the impact of incorporating gas (air, CO2, and N2) UFB on the potency of chlorine (Cl2; 50, 100, and 200 ppm) and peracetic acid (PAA; 20, 40, and 80 ppm) antimicrobial (AM) solutions against fresh (3 days) and aged (30 days) Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polypropylene, silicone, and stainless steel surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes biofilms were statically grown on polypropylene, silicone, and stainless steel coupons (7.62 × 2.54 cm) at 25°C for 3 or 30 days, by immersing in a three-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. The coupons were treated by submerging in AM solutions with or without UFB for 1 min, then swabbed into Dey-Engley neutralizing broth and enumerated on BHI agar. Incorporation of air, CO2, and N2 UFB in AM solutions resulted in significantly increased log reductions (0.4–1.5 logs) of fresh and aged L. monocytogenes biofilms on polypropylene and stainless steel surfaces, whereas incorporation of CO2 UFB in AM solutions resulted in ~1 log greater reductions of fresh and aged L. monocytogenes biofilms on silicone surfaces compared with AM solutions without UFB. This study also demonstrated that 200 ppm Cl2 was most effective against fresh and aged L. monocytogenes biofilms on polypropylene, silicone, and stainless steel surfaces compared with 50 ppm Cl2, 20 ppm PAA, and 40 ppm PAA.

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Posted in Biofilm, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology

USA – Two possibly dead linked to Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

According to press reports, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer tells MTN News that Donna Ventura, age 64, died of a possible foodborne illness, after eating at Dave’s Sushi. The cause of Ventura’s death has not been confirmed as officials are waiting on autopsy and toxicology results.

According to earlier press reports, William “Bill” Lewis 74, of Townsend, died after eating at Dave’s Sushi, according to Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rauser, who is also the county coroner. Sheriff Rauser says the 74-year-old man died at his home in Broadwater County. Sheriff Rauser says the call came in at 6:34 AM on the morning of April 18 and a relative told the responding officer that the man had eaten at Dave’s Sushi the night before, the same night the Gallatin County Health Department reported they received complaints of people becoming ill which led to the investigation and closure of the restaurant.

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Posted in Death, food death, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning Death, Foodborne Illness Death, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

New Zealand – Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee – Microbial Contamination

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MPI

Last reviewed: 

Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee (500ml)
Product identification
Product type Flavoured milk
Name of product (size) Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee (500ml)
Date marking Between 30 SEP 23 up to and including 25 DEC 23
Package size and description The product is sold in a plastic 500ml bottle.
Distribution The product is imported from Australia.

The product is sold at selected retail outlets and supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

The product has not been re-exported.
Notes This recall does not affect any other Barista Bros brand products.

Point of sale notice for retailers

If you are a retailer of the products in this recall, download a copy of the point of sale notice. You need to display it in your store for one month.

Point of sale notice – Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee [PDF, 46KB]

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to check the date marking on the bottom edge of the product.

Affected product should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated illness, however if you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about illness, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.

Who to contact

If you have questions, contact Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand Ltd:

  • Phone: 0800 26 22 26
  • Address: The Oasis, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand.

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Posted in Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, MPI

Luxembourg – SPECIAL FOR DOGS MADE OF BEEF, HEAD MEAT, BELLY AND LEAF STOMACH – Salmonella

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

SAP

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration is recalling the following product in Luxembourg:

Name Spezial für den Hund aus Rindfleisch, Kopffleisch, Pansen und Blättermagen
Brand DIBO
Unit 2000g
Date of minimum durability (MDD) 06/09/2024
Batch 060924

Danger  : Possible presence of Salmonella 

Salmonella can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and headache within 6 to 72 hours after consumption. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised subjects and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and have these symptoms are invited to consult a doctor and report this consumption to him.

Sale confirmed in Luxembourg by: Fressnapf

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Click to access rckruf.pdf

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Salmonella, 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, Salmonella, Salmonella Dog Food

Germany – Balik Pearls – salmon caviar – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

LMW

Alert type: Groceries
Date of first publication: 05/02/2023
Product name:

Balik Pearls – salmon caviar

Product images:

Balik_Pearls.JPG
Manufacturer (distributor):

Caviar House & Prunier City GmbH

Reason for warning:

Detection of Listeria

Packaging Unit: 100 g
Durability: 12/31/2023
Lot identification: 113023
Additional Information:

Please refer to the attached press release.

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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 monocytogenes

Ireland – Recall of several Cadbury chocolate dessert products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FSAI

Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2023.10
Product: Please see table below.
Batch Code: Please see table below.
Country Of Origin: United Kingdom

Message:

Several batches of Cadbury chocolate desserts are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The implicated batches were sold in some Lidl stores.

Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale

Nature Of Danger:

Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.  In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly.  The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.

Cadbury Products Table
Cadbury products
Cadbury Dairy Milk

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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, FSAI, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Denmark – Salmonella outbreak sickens 16 and kills one in Denmark

Posted on May 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Danish officials are searching for the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has affected 16 people with one recorded death.

During March and April 2023, 16 cases of Salmonella Muenchen have been recorded.

Eight men and eight women are sick. Patients are aged between 10 and 95 with a median of 73 years old. One person has died and seven have been hospitalized.

Ill people live all over the country with eight cases in Hovedstaden, four in Sjælland, three in Midtjylland, and one in Syddanmark.

The Statens Serum Institut (SSI), Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen), and DTU Food Institute are investigating the outbreak.

SSI is continuing to whole genome sequence isolates from patients and interview them or their relatives to try and identify a possible source of infection.

Whole genome sequencing of bacteria isolated from patients has found they were very closely related which suggests that there is a common source of infection.

Salmonella Muenchen is a rare type in Denmark with usually only around two to eight cases per year.

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

USA – Possible Hepatitis A contamination leads to frozen blackberry recall

Posted on May 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Patagonia Food LLC, of San Luis Obispo, CA, is recalling certain frozen blackberries because of possible hepatitis A contamination.

According to the company recall posted by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on March 17 and is ongoing. There is concern that consumers may have the frozen fruit in their home freezers.

The recalled blackberries were distributed in California, Oregon, Nebraska, Texas, Washington and Nevada.

Recalled product:

Product Description Recall Number Class Code Info Product Quantity Reason for Recall
Patagonia Foods 3610100 Blackberry IQF Product of Mexico Net Wt. 30 LBS. (13.61 kg) Production/Lot Code 20422 Distributed By: Patagonia Foods, LLC. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 patagoniafoods.com F-0760-2023 Class I Lot Code: 20422 Possible Hepatitis A in blackberries

Consumers who purchased the recalled products should immediately dispose of them and not consume them.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, food recall, Hepatitis A, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Recall

USA – Researchers say raw milk infected people in Tennessee; one baby developed kidney failure

Posted on May 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

A new report describes how raw, unpasteurized milk in Tennessee likely caused infections in people, including infants, one of whom developed kidney failure.

The report from the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP) discusses two babies who developed E. Coli infections after being fed raw milk from a cow-sharing arrangement in Tennessee.

Often called “herd-shares,” such arrangements get around bans on raw milk sales by legally allowing people to buy part of a herd or of a single animal so that they can consume unpasteurized milk. Participants in herd-share operations pay a farmer to care for and milk the animals.

The babies discussed in the new CIDRAP report developed diarrhea between July 25 and Aug. 1, 2022. Testing revealed Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Both households received raw milk from participants in the same cow share. The baby who developed kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome) was hospitalized for 27 days.

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Posted in Bacterial Toxin, Decontamination Microbial, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, HUS, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Raw Milk, STEC, STEC E.coli