Category Archives: Food Microbiology Blog

USA – FDA Core Investigation Table Update

FDA

What’s New

  • A new outbreak of Salmonella Hartford (ref # 1144) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
  • For the outbreak of hepatitis A virus (ref #1143), the case count has been adjusted from nine to five cases, following CDC’s exclusion of suspect cases from the case count. FDA has initiated sample collection and analysis.
Date
Posted
Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness
Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses

(if any)
Total
Case
Count

Status
3/8/2023 1144 Salmonella Hartford Not Yet
Identified
31 Active
3/1/2023 1143 Hepatitis A Virus Not Yet
Identified
5 Active
2/15/2023 1123 Listeria
monocytogenes
Not Yet
Identified
See
CDC
Investigation
Notice
Active
11/9/2022 1127 Listeria
monocytogenes
Enoki
Mushrooms
See
Outbreak
Advisory
Active

 Belgium – Sweet & salty “Farmhouse butter made from raw cow’s milk” (250g) from the Ferme Du Bierleux brand – Listeria monocytogenes

AFSCA

Recall of Ferme du Bierleux
Product: Sweet & salty “Farmhouse butter made from raw cow’s milk” (250g) from the Ferme Du Bierleux brand.
Problem: possible presence of Listeria Monocytogenes.
In agreement with the FASFC, the Ferme du Bierleux is withdrawing the product “Beurre de ferme au raw cow’s milk” (sweet & salty) from the Ferme du Bierleux brand from sale and reminding consumers of it following the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The Bierleux farm asks its customers not to consume this product and to bring it back to the point of sale where it was purchased, where it will be refunded to them.

Product description:

Product name: Raw cow’s milk farm butter – sweet & salty
Brand: Ferme du Bierleux
Use-by date: 03/09/2023
Batch number: 090323
Sale period: from 02/23/2023 to 03/09/2023
Packaging: in white butter paper
Weight: 250 g

The product was distributed by:

Proxy Delhaize Avenue de la Salm 150 4980 Trois-Pont
Bergifa shop Bergifa 22 4990 Lierneux

For any further information , contact:
Mrs. Marie Dogne 0476/882142 mail: marie.dogne@gmail.com

USA – FDA warns Darwin’s in follow-up to sick cat complaint – Salmonella

EFOOD ALERT

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning to Arrow Reliance Inc. (doing business as Darwin’s Natural Pet Products), following what the agency referred to as an “inadequate” response to violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetics Act (FD&C Act) documented during an August-September 2022 inspection.

The inspection was carried out in response to a consumer complaint received by the FDA, in which the consumer reported that a Darwin’s cat food had caused illness in three kittens. The consumer provided documentation that a stool sample from one of the kittens tested positive for Salmonella.

Research – Detection, Mitigation and Control of Listeria and Salmonella: What We Know and Where We’re Heading

Food Safety Tech

The detection and mitigation of foodborne illness-causing pathogens continue to be a challenge for all aspects of the food industry from farm to fork. Join Food Safety Tech and the Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention at the Fawcett Center at The Ohio State University on April 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio, for three days of food safety hazards education.

The Food Safety Tech’s Hazards Conference + CFI Think Tank brings together leading minds in industry and academia for two days of practical education on the detection, mitigation, control and regulation of key food hazards, followed by discussion geared toward identifying gaps for research and innovation. The program includes:

Italy – PURE PORK SAUCE PREPARATION – Salmonella

Salute

Brand : IL MAIALE

Name : PURE PORK SAUCE PREPARATION

Reason for reporting : Remind for microbiological risk

Date of publication : 8 March 2023

Documentation

Documentation

Research – First report of foodborne botulism due to Clostridium botulinum type A(B) from vegetarian home-canned pate in Hanoi, Vietnam

Science Direct

Abstract

Even one case of foodborne botulism constitutes a public health emergency. We report a series of cases with delayed treatment due to delayed diagnosis. Clostridium botulinum type A(B) was isolated from vegetarian home-canned pate, but not from stool samples. These are the first recorded cases of foodborne botulism in Hanoi.

Introduction

Botulism is a rare but serious neuroparalytic illness caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) [1,2]. The sources of BoNTs are Clostridium botulinum and sometimes C. butyricum, C. baratii, and C. argentinense. The toxins are produced under anaerobic conditions and act presynaptically at peripheral cholinergic neuromuscular junctions, blocking acetylcholine release. Seven types (A–G) of BoNTs have been identified [3]. The classical early signs of botulism include cranial nerve palsies that progress to the symmetrical descending weakness of the trunk, extremities, and smooth muscle, with eventual flaccid paralysis. Typical early symptoms include diplopia (visual disturbances), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dysphonia (voice change), and dysarthria (slurred speech) [4]. Considering the severity and potential public health impact of this disease, rapid diagnosis is necessary. This report describes the first recorded cases of foodborne botulism in Hanoi, associated with vegetarian home-canned pate. This was caused by C. botulinum type A(B), which carries both type A and type B bont genes but does not produce active type B toxin because of mutations or truncations.

Gastro, food poisoning or stomach flu: Everything you need to know

ABC News AU

Whether you’re feeling nauseous, have the runs, or are actively vomiting, there’s nothing pleasant about an upset stomach.

As Nirvana Luckraj, the chief medical officer of Healthdirect Australia explains, gastro is an overarching condition.

“Gastroenteritis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

“[It] can be caused by a variety of factors including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, or it can be a reaction to certain medications, or even dietary changes.”

Her team saw a spike in interest in gastro over the December and January holiday period, but have seen a downward trend since then.

Whatever variant you’re experiencing, this is how to look after yourself and those around you.

What are the symptoms of gastro, food poisoning and the stomach flu?

Symptoms of gastroenteritis can include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fever

Dr Luckraj says food poisoning, stomach bugs and other forms of gastro all have similar symptoms, but differ in their causes.

Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viral infection, and can be spread via contact with an infected person, or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated food like undercooked meat, contaminated produce, or dairy products. Dr Luckraj says symptoms usually start quickly — even just hours after consumption.

France – PECORINO A LA POIRE Cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name Section Cheese by the slice
  • Model names or references Pecorino with pear
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Lot Date
    0201487000000 2740 Date of minimum durability 02/28/2023
  • Packaging Sliced ​​cheese stand
  • Marketing start/end date From 17/12/2022 to 06/02/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Trelissac
  • Distributors Leclerc de Trelissac

Practical information regarding the recall

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

France – DOSTLAR’S KEBAB CHICKEN SLIDE 1KG – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name DOSTLAR’S
  • Model names or references KEBAB CHICKEN SLIDE
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    4260312472834 22354 Use-by date 03/01/2024
  • Packaging 10KG BOXES
  • Marketing start/end date Since 27/12/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to keep in the freezer
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Departments: GUIANA (973)
  • Distributors SOFRIGU

Practical information regarding the recall

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

France – MERGUEZ – Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name COMMENGES DELICATESSEN
  • Model names or references VACUUM MERGUEZ 0.500 GRS APPROXIMATELY + BULK MERGUEZ
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    0209 Use-by date 07/03/2023
    0609 Use-by date 09/03/2023
  • Packaging VACUUM AND BULK
  • Marketing start/end date From 03/03/2023 to 09/03/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Departments: ARIEGE (09)
  • Distributors GMS – GROCERY – COMMUNITY
  • List of points of sale tableeau_rappel.ods.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA IN A MERGUEZ SAMPLE ANALYSIS
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Salmonella spp (causative agent of salmonellosis)