Category Archives: Food Microbiology Blog

Italy – Lupine clam (Chamelea gallina) – E.coli

Salute

Brand : Gio’ Mare Spa

Name : Lupine clam (Chamelea gallina)

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Date of publication : March 1, 2023

Documentation

Documentation

France – Rochefort Montagne farmhouse ovens cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name Rochefort Montagne farmhouse ovens
  • Model names or references Batch from November 19, 2022 until batch from 01/25/23
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    19/11/2022 to 25/01/2023 Date of minimum durability between 02/19/2023 and 04/25/2023
  • Packaging All forms of packaging
  • Marketing start/end date From 13/12/2022 to 21/02/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 63-274-006 CE
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors– France Fresh Auvergne – Center E-Leclerc SA Sodicler Le Brezet – Center E-Leclerc La Pardieu – Fromagerie Nivesse Clermont-Ferrand – Establishment Charrade Neussargues

Practical information regarding the recall

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

Canada – Mother Dairy brand Paneer Fresh Cheese recalled due to generic E. coli

CFIA

Summary

Product
Paneer Fresh Cheese
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – E. Coli – non-pathogenic
What to do

Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected products.

Audience
Hotels, restaurants and institutions
Retail

Affected products

Issue

Mother Dairy brand Paneer Fresh Cheese recalled due to generic E. coli.

The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

France – GRILLING SAUSAGE – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name UNBRANDED – PRODUCED IN OUR WORKSHOPS
  • Model names or references GRILLING SAUSAGE SOLD IN THE TRADITIONAL DEPARTMENT GRILLING SAUSAGE SOLD IN SELF-SERVICE
  • Identification of products
    Batch Date
    Sold in the traditional department from 22 to 26/02/2023
    Sold in self-service: – Packaging date: 22/02/2023 – Expiry date: 27/02/2023 – Lot: Chipo 21/02 Use-by date 02/27/2023
  • Products List Poster_reminder_sausage_to_grill_butchery_trad___LS_27022023.pdfAttachment
  • Packaging Bulk sold in the traditional butcher’s section Wrapped trays sold in self-service
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Lure and surroundings (70200)
  • Distributors Center E.Leclerc of Lure

Practical information regarding the recall

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

France – 6 SUPERIOR CHIPOLATAS -25% SALT – Salmonella

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name JOHN ROZE
  • Model names or references 6 SUPERIOR CHIPOLATAS -25% SALT: 300 g
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3250392334710 J30510585 Use-by date 06/03/2023
  • Packaging Packaging by 6/tray; 300g
  • Marketing start/end date From 02/22/2023 to 02/28/2023
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark FR-35-136-002-CE
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Intermarché

Practical information regarding the recall

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

Research – Isolation of Salmonella species of public health concern from commonly fed dried meat dog treats

BVA Journals

Abstract

Background

Dried non-heat-treated meat treats, such as ears, skin and tails, are popular supplementary dog foods. Previous studies have demonstrated Salmonella spp. contamination on treats, particularly in pig ears and chicken products. This small, exploratory, cross-sectional study investigated Salmonella spp. presence in dried treats available in the UK.

Methods

A selection of dried treats from local pet shops and online retailers underwent bacterial culture for Salmonella spp. and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, with Salmonella serotype determined by whole genome sequencing.

Results

Eighty-four samples were tested, with 16% being Salmonella spp. positive. Five Salmonella serotypes were identified, each associated with specific treat types. An antimicrobial-resistant phenotype was identified in 39% of isolates. All serotypes identified are known to cause human infection.

Limitations

This study was limited by a small sample size and limited number of retail sources.

Conclusion

Salmonella spp. of public health concern were present in some dried dog treats in this study. Dog owners, pet food retailers and veterinary professionals should be aware of the potential zoonotic disease risk associated with these treats, and appropriate hygiene measures, including thorough hand washing, should be utilised if they are fed.

USA – FDA investigates cases of Legionnaires disease on cruise ships

Food Safety News

FDA Warning Letters

American Cruise Lines
Guilford, CT

American Cruise Lines is on notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after an inspection of their American Star and American Heritage vessels. According to the warning letter, the FDA continues to have concerns with the potential exposure of passengers and crew members to Legionella onboard American Cruise Lines’ vessels.

In Jan. 24, 2023, warning letter, the FDA described an April 30 through June 17, 2022, an inspection of American Cruise Lines’ American Star and American Heritage vessels.

The warning letter includes information about failed water tests for a sink in the galley and hand-washing sinks for wait staff. The FDA also found that disinfection was ineffective.

American Star
Presence of Legionella Onboard the Vessel

On April 30, 2022, FDA investigators collected 10 biofilm swabs and 14 bulk one-liter potable water samples from various locations on the vessel. The Maryland Department of Health laboratory recovered Legionella from:

Biofilm Swabs with 60 percent of samples positive:

American Heritage

Presence of Legionella Onboard the Vessel

On June 15, 2022, FDA investigators collected 24 biofilm swabs and 29 bulk one-liter potable water samples from various locations on their vessels. The Maryland Department of Health laboratory recovered Legionella from:

Biofilm Swabs with 8 percent of samples positive:

The Use of Ozone Technology: An Eco–Friendly Method for the Sanitization of the Dairy Supply Chain

MDPI

Abstract

The dairy field has considerable economic relevance in the agri-food system, but also has the need to develop new ‘green’ supply chain actions to ensure that sustainable products are in line with consumer requirements. In recent years, the dairy farming industry has generally improved in terms of equipment and product performance, but innovation must be linked to traditional product specifications. During cheese ripening, the storage areas and the direct contact of the cheese with the wood must be carefully managed because the proliferation of contaminating microorganisms, parasites, and insects increases significantly and product quality quickly declines, notably from a sensory level. The use of ozone (as gas or as ozonated water) can be effective for sanitizing air, water, and surfaces in contact with food, and its use can also be extended to the treatment of waste and process water. Ozone is easily generated and is eco-sustainable as it tends to disappear in a short time, leaving no residues of ozone. However, its oxidation potential can lead to the peroxidation of cheese polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this review we intend to investigate the use of ozone in the dairy sector, selecting the studies that have been most relevant over the last years.

Philippines – Dozens downed by food poisoning in Sulu

Manilla Times

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Dozens of villagers in the southern province of Sulu were rushed to hospital on suspicion of food poisoning after they consumed snacks given by soldiers, radio reports said.

Radio Pilipinas Jolo said at least 63 people, including 47 children, complained of dizziness and stomach ache after eating “ginataan” handed out by soldiers on Friday in the village of Tagbak in Indanan town.

The radio station also quoted Dr. Alhazer Siraji Ismael, of the Sulu Sanitarium Hospital, that most of the patients suffered from severe dehydration.

Ismael said six of the patients had to be monitored but the others were in stable condition.

Among those in the hospital were Girls Scout Executive Helen Hajan, and her daughter. The military did not issue any statement on the incident.

Switzerland – Swiss checks find microbially contaminated fruit salads

Food Safety News

Listeria and coagulase-positive Staphylococci have been found during inspections of fruit salads in Switzerland, according to the Swiss Association of Cantonal Chemists (ACCS).

Cantonal chemists analyzed the microbiological quality of fruit salads by taking 205 samples.

During the control, organized from May to September 2022, the samples of fruit salads were taken throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein to check the microbial quality and for the presence of bacteria that could pose a health risk.

Food control is done by cantons, which carry out inspections and laboratory analyses with the help of cantonal chemists. Switzerland is made up of 26 regions called cantons.

Fruit salads can represent a health risk, particularly if storage temperatures and times are not adequate and products are intended for vulnerable people in retirement homes, nursing homes, or hospitals.

Targeted sampling looked at types of fruit more likely to be contaminated by bacteria such as low-acid fruits like melon or watermelon and followed criteria set in food legislation.