Category Archives: Food Microbiology Research

Pakistan – 100 factory workers hospitalised for food poisoning

Posted on August 7, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Dawn

GUJRANWALA: About 100 workers fell ill after eating food from a factory in the Alipur Chatha on Friday.

The condition of 10 workers is said to be critical.

The incident happened in the plywood and chipboard manufacturing factory located on the Gujranwala Road. The condition of the workers deteriorated after having breakfast in the morning.

After having breakfast, about 100 workers fell ill. After their condition deteriorated, they were transferred to different hospitals where doctors diagnosed food poisoning.

The Alipur Chatha Rural Health Centre confirmed food poisoning. The assistant commissioner reviewed the situation while a committee was formed to probe the incident. After the patients were shifted to various hospitals across the region, emergency has been declared in hospitals.

Leave a comment

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

Taiwan – 340 people fall ill from suspected food poisoning in Taoyuan

Posted on August 7, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Focus Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 5 (CNA) A Vietnamese-French sandwich stand at a traditional market in Taoyuan’s Zhongli District was forced to suspend operations Friday, after scores of its customers reported illnesses from suspected food poisoning, according to local authorities.

An inspection of the street vendor’s premises on Thursday identified 14 issues, including the temperature of the freezer, which was too high to keep food fresh, according to a press release from the city’s Department of Public Health on Friday.

In addition, there were vectors at the site, and the food ingredients were not properly covered or elevated above ground, the public health office said.

As of noon Saturday, 340 people had reported symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and fever after eating sandwiches purchased at the stand on Wednesday, the department said, citing reports it had received from hospitals and individuals.

The department’s inspectors have collected samples of the sauces, fillings, and other food items at the Vietnamese-French sandwich stand, as well as knives, cutting boards, and other kitchenware, which will be tested to determine the cause of the suspected food poisoning, the health office said.

If pathogenic microorganisms are found and the matter is confirmed as a food poisoning case, the operators of the food stand may be subject to a fine of between NT$60,000 (US$1,894) and NT$200 million, in accordance with the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, the office said.

Leave a comment

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

USA – Cyclospora outbreak tops 1,000; investigators continue to look for source

Posted on August 7, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Almost 500 more people are sick in an outbreak of infections from the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. Sick people have been identified in 34 states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that there are now 1,063 patients identified as part of the outbreak. Of those with complete information available, 79 have been so sick they had to be admitted to hospitals. No one has died.

Leave a comment

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

Research – An Overview of the Use and Applications of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in Broiler Chickens

Posted on August 6, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The implementation of government regulations on antibiotic use, along with the public’s concern for drug resistance, has strengthened interest in developing alternatives not only aimed at preserving animal production but also at reducing the effects of pathogenic infections. Probiotics, in particular, are considered microorganisms that induce health benefits in the host after consumption of adequate amounts; they have been established as a potential strategy for improving growth, especially by stimulating intestinal homeostasis. Probiotics are commonly associated with lactic acid bacteria, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum is a well-studied species recognized for its favorable characteristics, including adhesion to epithelial cells, production of antimicrobial compounds, and activation of receptors that prompt the transcription of immune-associated genes. Recently, this species has been used in animal production. Different studies have shown that the application of L. fermentum strains not only improves the intestinal ecosystem but also reduces the effects caused by potentially pathogenic microorganisms. These studies have also revealed key insights into the mechanisms behind the actions exerted by this probiotic. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a concise overview of the effects of L. fermentum administration on broiler chicken health and performance

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, 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

CDC monitoring long-running Listeria strain behind 12 deaths

Posted on August 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

TORONTO – Monitoring of related Listeria infections over multiple years has seen more than 80 cases and a dozen deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Michael Vasser, from the CDC, gave details about the reoccurring, emerging and persisting (REP) strain during a recent presentation at the International Association for Food Protection.

Leave a comment

Posted in CDC, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak

USA – Source of foodborne illness outbreak remains unknown – Cyclospora

Posted on August 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Ouray News

Health officials unable to pinpoint food that has sickened more than 100 who ate at Ridgway’sTaco del GNAR

Three months after the first diner reported falling ill, federal and state health officials still haven’t pinpointed the source of contaminated food that has sickened more than 100 people who ate at Taco del GNAR in Ridgway.

Paul Galloway, a spokesman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said a total of 144 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported thus far to the state involving Western Slope residents who did not travel internationally. Health officials have attempted to interview 143 people, with all but 10 of them reporting they ate at the Ridgway taco shop. Of the remaining 10, two said they didn’t eat at the restaurant, one wasn’t sure and seven couldn’t be reached for an interview, according to Galloway. He said the last known date someone ate at Taco del GNAR and contracted the parasite was June 10.

The number of people infected with the Cyclospora parasite is likely much higher than that reported by the state health department, because the confirmed cases reflect only those who have reported their symptoms to the state or sought medical treatment.

Leave a comment

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

Research – Cheese link in Italian HUS case

Posted on August 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Italian authorities have issued a warning after a young girl developed a serious condition after suffering an E. coli infection.

The Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) published a notice to consumers following a case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which has affected a child in Trentino. HUS is a severe complication associated with E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.

Local health authorities have taken steps to try and verify the source of infection. They identified a probable link to the consumption of cheese produced in a malga, which is an alpine hut, in Coredo. In late July, local officials said the girl was hospitalized.

A related Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) report shows Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O26 was detected in the cheese.

To protect public health, it was advised that anyone who had purchased dairy products from the implicated site, before July 14, should not consume them. Officials also added that raw milk products should not be given to children under 5 years of age or the elderly.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

RASFF Alerts – Bacillus cereus – Spices – Vegan Cheese

Posted on August 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Detection of bacillus cereus on spices from Spain in France

RASFF

Bacillus cereus in organic substitute product for animal products (cheese) from Germany in Italy , Belgium and Austria

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacillus, Bacillus cereus, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Food Toxin, RASFF

The Silent Threats in Our Salad Bowls: Research Harnessing Plant Defenses to Combat E. coli and Salmonella Infections

Posted on August 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety.Com

Foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella pose a grave threat to public health. Among the various sources of contamination, plant-based and salad-related illnesses have garnered significant concern over the last decade. These infections can have severe repercussions, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as children and seniors. The fear of these bacteria lingers in people’s minds, and it is crucial to address these concerns. This article explores the author’s groundbreaking research shedding light on the dangers of E. coli and Salmonella, and how this work can help safeguard lives through improved food safety practices.

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, food safety training, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Salmonella

USA – 29 sick, 6 hospitalized in outbreak at Washington care facility

Posted on August 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Public health officials in Seattle are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than two dozen residents of a long-term care facility.

“Based on the investigation, this outbreak was likely due to contaminated food served at the facility,” according to an outbreak announcement this afternoon from Public Health Seattle & King County. The department did not report what food was involved.

The public health department has identified 29 people as outbreak patients. Six of them have had to be admitted to hospitals, but no one has died. The outbreak has concluded, according to the health department

Illness onsets appear to have been July 1 through July 5. No ill food workers were identified as patients as of today. The public health department said the facility is not typically open to the public.

Leave a comment

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