Category Archives: Food Microbiology Blog

France Cases of listeriosis: withdrawal-recall of vegetable specialties with almond milk and cashew nuts Jay & Joy (vegetable alternatives to cheese and foie gras)

Posted on January 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Sante Publique

The health authorities have been informed of the occurrence in France of 5 serious cases of listeriosis, including 4 in pregnant women who have presented premature deliveries. These 5 people, infected with the same strain of Listeria, reported symptoms between April and December 2022. 

The investigations conducted jointly by Public Health France (SpFrance), the National Reference Center (CNR) Listeria, the Directorate General for Food (DGAl), the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention ( DGCCRF), and in coordination with the General Directorate of Health (DGS), identified that the cases reported on the national territory had consumed in the weeks preceding their listeriosis plant specialties (cheese alternatives) with almond and walnut milk cashew nuts manufactured and marketed under the Jay & Joy brand.

These investigations revealed irregularities in the company, in particular concerning the control of the risk of microbiological contamination of the products manufactured within the factory. Consequently, a prefectural order, aimed at suspending the marketing of all products stored and manufactured in the factory, was issued on January 16, 2023.

JAY&JOY proceeded to the withdrawal-recall of all the products manufactured by the company on January 14, 2023.

The details of the products concerned by the withdrawal-recall are available on rappel.conso.gouv.fr. People holding these products are asked not to consume them and to return them to the point of sale where they purchased them.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, listeriosis, outbreak

Australia – Watson Family Produce Pasture Raised Free Range Eggs 350g and 700g – Salmonella

Posted on January 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FSANZ

Product information

Watson Family Produce Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Watson Family Produce Pasture Raised Free Range Eggs 350g and 700g​. The product has been available for sale at Harris Farms in West End, Clayfield and Surfers Paradise QLD; independent food retailers including IGA in QLD; and Woolworths in QLD.

Date markings

Best Before: All best before dates up to and including 25 Feb 2023.

Watson Family Produce Pasture Raised Free Range Eggs 350g and 700g

Problem

The recall is due to potential microbial (Salmonella) contamination.

Food safety hazard

Food products contaminated with Salmonella may cause illness if consumed.

Country of origin

Australia

What to do​

Consumers should not eat these products and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

For further information please contact:

Watson Family Produce Pty Ltd

0422 700 405 or 0425 295 942

http://www.watsonfamilyproduce.com​

​

Related links:

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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 Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, FSANZ, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken, Salmonella in Eggs

Austria – TANN Bacon 250g – Bacterial Contamination

Posted on January 23, 2023 by | Leave a comment

AGES

AGES informs about a recall of the company SPAR. On January 20th, 2023, the company recalled the product TANN Jausenspeck 250g:
recall reason
Possible bacterial contamination
Marketed by
SAVE
Manufacturer
TANN
Expiry Date
02/23/2023
Batch number
6125040509, 6125110509, 6130121732, 6130141732, 6130342298

As a precaution, SPAR is recalling “TANN Jausenspeck 250g” in Vienna, Lower Austria and northern Burgenland

A possible bacterial contamination was found in the product “TANN Jausenspeck 250g” during a routine quality control.
The batches affected are:

  • 6125040509 – MHD: 01/19/2023
  • 6125110509 – MHD: 01/23/2023
  • 6130121732 – MHD: 07.02.2023
  • 6130141732 – MHD: 09.02.2023
  • 6130342298 – MHD: 02/23/2023

For this reason, SPAR is recalling the product with the stated best before dates. The bacon was only delivered in Lower Austria, Vienna and northern Burgenland. Other regions and batches are not affected.

SPAR asks customers not to consume the “TANN Jausenspeck 250g” with the batch numbers mentioned. All other TANN products are not affected by this recall.

All customers who have bought one of the products that may be affected can of course return it to the nearest SPAR, EUROSPAR or INTERSPAR store or Maximarkt. Customers are reimbursed the purchase price even without proof of purchase.

Customers who have questions about this are welcome to contact customer service at  office@spar.at  or call the free phone number 0800 / 22 11 20 .

original recall

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Posted in AGES, bacterial contamination, cross contamination, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, microbial contamination

Research – An outbreak of Hepatitis A virus infection in a secondary school in England with no undetected asymptomatic transmission among students

Posted on January 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Org

Abstract

In June 2019 the Health Protection Team in Yorkshire and Humber, England, was notified of cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in staff at a secondary school. Investigation revealed that an earlier case worked as a food handler in the school kitchen. Indirect transmission through food from the canteen was considered the most likely route of transmission. Cases were described according to setting of exposure. Oral fluid was obtained from students for serological testing. Environmental investigations were undertaken at settings where food handling was considered a potential transmission risk. Thirty-three confirmed cases were linked to the outbreak. All of those tested (n = 31) shared the same sequence with a HAV IB genotype. The first three cases were a household cluster and included the index case for the school. A further 19 cases (16 students, 3 staff) were associated with the school and consistent with indirect exposure to the food handler. One late onset case could not be ruled out as a secondary case within the school and resulted in vaccination of the school population. Five cases were linked to a bakery where a case from the initial household cluster worked as a food server. No concerns about hygiene standards were noted at either the school or the bakery. Oral fluid samples taken at the time of vaccination from asymptomatic students (n = 219, 11–16 years-old) showed no evidence of recent or current infection. This outbreak included household and foodborne transmission but limited (and possibly zero) person-to-person transmission among secondary school students. Where adequate hygiene exists, secondary transmission within older students may not occur.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, food bourne outbreak, food handler, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hand Washing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Norovirus, outbreak

Research – Study reveals Botulism impact in Italy

Posted on January 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

kswfoodworld

Italian researchers have looked at botulism trends over two decades including a large outbreak in 2020.

Italy has one of the highest botulism rates in Europe with one factor being a strong home canning tradition in the country. From 1986 to September 2022, 406 botulism incidents involving 599 people were laboratory confirmed.

The study described the surveillance system as well as information on botulism cases reported by local health services and those from hospital discharge forms from 2001 to 2020.

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food. However, they can start as soon as six hours after or as long as 10 days later.

Symptoms can include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. It paralyzes respiratory muscles so most patients must be placed on life support. Difficulty breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation may also occur. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

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Posted in botulism, Clostridium, Clostridium botulinum, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Poisoning

Singapore introduces industry standard to guide sales of food products on online platforms to ensure food safety

Posted on January 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

SFA

gapore Standard (SS) 687: 2022 (Guidelines for food e-commerce) was launched at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s Singapore Innovation and Productivity Institute (SIPI) Food Tech 2023 event today to provide guidance to e-commerce players on their roles and responsibilities related to food safety and providing information to consumers. Announced by Ms. Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, the standard covers key stages, best practices, and activities critical for the food e-commerce industry to ensure the safety of food products sold via online platforms.

SS 687 on Guidelines for food e-commerce can be purchased from the Singapore Standards eShop at http://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg

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

Canada – Surface-ripened soft and semi-soft cheeses recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on January 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Summary

Product
Soft surface ripened cheese, Semi-soft surface-ripened cheese
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – Listeria
What to do

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

Le Fromage au Village - Angelus Soft surface ripened cheese - 200 g
Le Fromage au Village - Le Casimir soft surface ripened cheese - 200 g
Le Fromage au Village - Le Cendré de Notre-Dame Semi-soft surface-ripened cheese - 150 g
Le Fromage au Village - Le Cendré de Notre-Dame - Label - 150 g
La Vache à Maillotte - Mélo-Dieux formage à pâte molle affiné en surface - 270 g

Affected products

The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria contamination.

The recalled products have been sold in Ontario, Quebec, online and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

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Posted in CFIA, 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 Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Quebec – Notice not to consume shepherd’s pie prepared and sold by the Première Moisson bakery in Plateau-Mont-Royal – Salmonella

Posted on January 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Quebec

QUEBEC CITY , Jan. 19, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal and Première Bakery Moisson du Plateau -Mont-Royal , located at 860, avenue du Mont-Royal Est, in Montreal, is warning the public not to consume the product listed in the table below because this food may contain Salmonella bacteria .

Product name

Format

Affected lot

” Chinese dough “

300g

Units sold from January 11 to 16, 2023 inclusively

The product that is the subject of this warning was offered for sale from January 11 to January 16, 2023 inclusively, and only at the establishment designated above. The product was packaged in a black plastic tray covered with a transparent plastic lid. The product was sold refrigerated, at the service counter, with or without a label.

The operator is voluntarily recalling the product in question. It has agreed with MAPAQ and the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal to distribute this warning as a precautionary measure. In addition, people who have this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they bought it or throw it away.

Even if the affected product does not show signs of tampering or a suspicious odor, it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

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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 Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Salmonella

USA – Utopia Foods Expands Recall on “Enoki Mushrooms” Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on January 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Produce
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Utopia Foods Inc.
Brand Name:
Utopia Foods Inc
Product Description:
Enoki Mushrooms

Company Announcement

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is expanding the recall of its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China, with clear and blue plastic packages with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23” distributed between January 6th to January 13th, 2023 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The product comes in a 200g, clear and blue plastic package with brand name “UTOPIA” and bar code 8928918610017 marked on the packaging.

The recalled “Enoki Mushrooms” were distributed in NY, NJ and CT to produce wholesale companies.

The distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

All vendors who have distributed the 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms” should immediately cease the distribution and notify their customers of the recall and recall instructions. If their customers have further distributed the product notify them to instruct their customers.

Consumers who have purchased the item are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718.389.8898.

Link to Initial Recall

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Utopia Foods Inc
 718.389.8898
Media:
Jack
 718.389.8898

Product Photos

  • Front of package, Utopia Foods Enoki Mushrooms
  • Back of package, Utopia Foods Enoki Mushrooms

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak

USA – Fullei Fresh Issues Correction on Alfalfa Sprout Recall Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on January 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Spices, Flavors &  Salts
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Contamination with shiga toxin-producing E. coli
Company Name:
Fullei Fresh
Brand Name:
Fullei Fresh
Product Description:
Alfalfa Sprouts

Company Announcement

MIAMI, FL – Fullei Fresh is voluntarily recalling Alfalfa Sprouts due to the detection of Shiga toxin producing E.coli (STEC.) Shiga toxin producing E.coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts elderly individuals, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

STEC is a bacterial strain that is not part of our routine microbial testing conducted in compliance with the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule Subpart M on every lot we produce. It was detected upon sampling of finished product by the FDA.

There have been no known illnesses reported to date in connection with this product.

The affected Fullei Fresh brand alfalfa sprout lot number is 336. They were shipped to distributors and retailers in Florida between December 9-23, 2022. No other lots or products are affected.

The lot numbers are printed on the 4 ounce retail packs and on 5 lb. bulk cardboard boxes in the barcode (the last 3 digits being 336.) Pictures are below.

Should you be in possession of these products, please discard.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration and the Florida Department of Agriculture.

If you require further information, please contact sales@fulleifresh.com or (305) 758-3880 Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00PM EST.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 305-758-3880
 sales@fulleifresh.com

Product Photos

  • Alfalfa Sprouts Clamshell with Label
  • Alfalfa Sprouts Case Label

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak