Category Archives: Food Microbiology Blog

Research – Marine Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Related Illness Tracking

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

OEHHA

Diseases and conditions caused by eating seafood contaminated with algal toxins

What are marine harmful algal bloom (HAB)-related illnesses?

When phytoplankton and algae in marine waters occur at levels that pose a health risk to humans, animals, and the environment, they are referred to as marine harmful algal blooms (HABs). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide resources on potential human and animal exposures to marine HABs or associated marine biotoxins via skin contact or inhalation, or consumption of fish and shellfish.

Leave a comment

Posted in Algal Blooms, Algal Toxin, Contaminated water, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Toxin, Lipophilic Marine Biotoxin, Marine Biotoxin, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Research, Toxin, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

Research – Publisher’s Platform: Colonel Colon and his League of Faecal Fighters coming soon to help make your food safer

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Over a decade ago, the mom of two clients who both developed acute kidney failure after consuming E. coli O157:H7-tainted spinach sent me an unexpected present. The outbreak sickened over 205 people, killing five, sending hundreds to the hospital, many with life-altering complications. The gift was a bobble-head that bore a similarity to a younger version on me. On the base it said: “Colonel Colon and his League of Fecal Fighters.” It sits on my desk today.

I have always thought of doing something with the gift, and with the talent of my incredible niece, Janae Dueck, and borrowing from the work of the good food people at the FDA and FSIS, and idea is brewing of a way to help educate us all to be Fecal Fighters.

Over the next year we will be working on comic book, a cartoon video about the adventures of these superheroes, and a food safety jingle (thanks to my friend Vincent).

Read More at the Link Above

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, food safety training, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

India – 11-year-old dies, 4 others ill after taking food at Madrasa

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

New Indian Express

GUNTUR: A 11-year-old boy died of suspected food poisoning and four other children were hospitalised after reportedly having breakfast served at a madrasa in Palnadu district on Saturday. Police said as many as 18 boys were studying at the Islamia Nurul Huda madrasa in Gurazala.

Gurazala Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jayaram said preliminary investigation revealed that the boys had consumed food that was brought to the madrasa by a local resident, Hafeez, who had held a house-warming ceremony on Friday night. “The five boys ate the leftover food on Saturday morning and took ill after a couple of hours. Initially, we suspected that the roselle used in the food was not properly cleaned, and had pesticide residue,’’ he said. Hafeez is a pesticide dealer.

The body of the deceased was sent to hospital for post-mortem, police said, adding the cause of the death could be ascertained after getting the autopsy report.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Poisoning

USA – FDA reports illnesses linked to Daily Harvest product have more than doubled

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

The number of complaints of illnesses related to Daily Harvest brand French Lentil & Leek Crumbles has more than doubled since the FDA’s report on June 30.

As of July 14 the Food and Drug Administration is reporting 277 reports from people who ate the frozen crumbles. The agency continues to advise people to not eat the product and to check their freezers for it. As of June 30, 133 people had reported illnesses to the FDA. The company has reported receiving more than 470 reports.

Leave a comment

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

USA – 16 of 17 Big Olaf Ice Cream Flavours and 10 of 100 Equipment Samples Positive for Listeria

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS):

“The results from product sampling taken from the Big Olaf production facility last week by FDACS found that 16 of the 17 flavors tested were positive for Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). This includes Blueberry Cheesecake, Butter Pecan, Cherry Cordial, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Coconut, Coconut Almond Joy, Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, Kahlua Krunch, Mint Chip, Pistachio, Plantation Praline, Superman, Vanilla, and White Chocolate Raspberry. With these results, FDACS is currently issuing formal stop sales on the 16 products where L. mono was found, which were previously part of a voluntary recall. Our department continues to work closely with our state and federal partners on this investigation and enforcement of the stop sale.”

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, 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 training, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, outbreak

Luxembourg – TRS BRAND HOT MADRAS CURRY POWDER -Salmonella

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

SAP

Last name Hot Madras Curry Powder
Mark TRS
Unity 100g
bar code 5017689002602
Date of minimum durability (MDD) 06/30/2023
Batch 20215183885

Danger: 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 in Luxembourg by: Dafa Supermarket Luxembourg

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Source of information: RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed)

Communicated by: Government Commission for Quality, Fraud and Food Safety .

Leave a comment

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 Testing, Salmonella

Quebec – Notice not to consume Alasko brand frozen whole raspberries (IQF) sold by Marché Senneterre inc. – Norovirus

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Quebec

Frozen raspberries (CNW Group/Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the company Marché Senneterre inc., located at 760, 10 e  Avenue, in Senneterre , advises the population of do not consume the product listed in the table below, as this food may have been contaminated with norovirus.

This warning stems from a Canadian Food Inspection Agency food recall involving Alasko brand frozen whole (IQF) raspberries originating from China and distributed to several establishments across Canada . The recalled batch* is:

Lot No. SY21278 PO
: 116381-01
BB/MA: 2023-OC-04

* The information on the batch concerned is only found on the transport boxes.

Product name

Format

Affected lot

“FROZEN WHOLE RASPBERRIES”

1kg

Units sold until June 13, 2022 

The product was offered frozen in a clear plastic bag. Its label includes, in addition to its name, the mention “Prepared for New Alasko LP”.

The operator is voluntarily recalling the product in question. It has agreed with MAPAQ to issue 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 product does not show signs of tampering or a suspicious smell, it could be contaminated with norovirus and cause illness if consumed. Generally, the possible symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Muscle pain, fatigue, fever, chills and headache may also occur. People exposed to norovirus usually show these symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of eating contaminated food. Cases of illness have been reported to MAPAQ and could be associated with the consumption of this food.

Leave a comment

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 Testing, Food Virus, Norovirus, Virus

India – Food poisoning at RGUKT Basara, 500 students admitted to hospital

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

The Hindu

Nearly 500 students of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basara, were taken ill on Friday due to suspected food poisoning.

The students were treated locally, while some were shifted to Nizamabad for better treatment. It is suspected that fried rice made with rotten eggs could have led to food poisoning. However, officials have not revealed the exact reason.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Foodborne Illness, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

India – Over 200 Students Fall Sick at IIIT Basar Due to Food Poisoning

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Sakshi Post

More than 200 students from IIIT Basar have fallen ill due to alleged food poisoning  on Friday. The students fell ill after consuming fried rice served to them at their mess. The college authorities immediately rushed the students to a nearby hospital where they are undergoing treatment. According to the sources, some students at the institute started vomiting soon after lunch on Friday. It has been suspected that contaminated fried rice may have caused the illness on the campus. As per the latest reports, the condition of five students is said to be critical.

On coming to know of the incident, the Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy has instructed IIIT- Basar Director to extend best treatment to the students. An inquriy will be conducted into the incident and stringent action will be taken against the responsible, she said.

Leave a comment

Posted in 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 Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Foodborne Illness, Illness

Czech Republic – Olomouc cheese curds – Visible Mould/Mold

Posted on July 18, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #1 Illustrative photo #4

Place of inspection:
Rudoltice ( Rudoltice 700, 561 25 Rudoltice )
ID: 00032212
Food group: Milk and milk products / Cheese

Olomouc cheese curds
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

fungi visible to the eye

Some of the packaging had green and white mold colonies on the surface of the food. Food is not considered safe if it shows signs of spoilage.

Unsuitable storage temperatures of this product were not detected during the inspection, the product did not have an expired minimum shelf life date.

Batch: L 029 161
Best before date: 09 04 22
Packaging: PP foil
Quantity of the product in the package: 125 g
Producer: AW spol. s ro, Palackého 4, 789 83 Loštice, Czech Republic
Country of origin:  Czechia
Date of sample collection: 4/5/2022
Reference number: 22-000203-SZPI-CZ
The sample was detected by the official control of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Temperature Abuse, Food Testing, mold, Mould/Mold