Category Archives: Food Microbiology Testing

Research – Molecular Epidemiological Evidence Implicates Cattle as a Primary Reservoir of Campylobacter jejuni Infecting People via Contaminated Chickens

MDPI

CDC Campy

The study aimed to determine the relative contribution of cattle to the burden of illness in a model agroecosystem with high rates of human campylobacteriosis (≥ 115 cases/100 K), and high densities of cattle, including large numbers of cattle housed in confined feeding operations (i.e., in southwestern Alberta, Canada).
To accomplish this, a large-scale molecular epidemiological analysis of Campylobacter jejuni circulating within the study location was completed. In excess of 8000 isolates of C. jejuni from people (n = 2548 isolates), chickens (n = 1849 isolates), cattle (n = 2921 isolates), and water (n = 771 isolates) were subtyped.
In contrast to previous studies, the source attribution estimates of clinical cases attributable to cattle vastly exceeded those attributed to chicken (i.e., three- to six-fold). Moreover, cattle were often colonized by C. jejuni (51%) and shed the bacterium in their feces.
A large proportion of study isolates were found in subtypes primarily associated with cattle (46%), including subtypes infecting people and those associated with chickens (19%). The implication of cattle as a primary amplifying reservoir of C. jejuni subtypes in circulation in the study location is supported by the strong cattle association with subtypes that were found in chickens and in people, a lack of evidence indicating the foodborne transmission of C. jejuni from beef and dairy, and the large number of cattle and the substantial quantities of untreated manure containing C. jejuni cells.
Importantly, the evidence implicated cattle as a source of C. jejuni infecting people through a transmission pathway from cattle to people via the consumption of chicken. This has implications for reducing the burden of campylobacteriosis in the study location and elsewhere. View Full-Text

 USA – Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak (reference # 1113) 

Food Poisoning News

kswfoodworld salmonella

As of November 16, 2022, a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak (reference # 1113) has been identified in the United States with no known source as the cause of the outbreak. A total of 264 cases have been identified in connection with the outbreak, though the number of actual cases is thought to be much higher and the investigation remains ongoing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading the investigation in collaboration with both federal, state, and local partners. The FDA is currently working vigilantly to find the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak and will update the public accordingly.

Viet Nam – 257 students hospitalized after school lunch – Suspected Food Poisoning

VN Express

257 students at a school in central Khanh Hoa Province were rushed to hospital after lunch after showing signs of food poisoning.

Following a Thursday lunch at Ischool, with over 900 students signing up for lunch, dozens of them began to show signs of stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea and fever, according to the Khanh Hoa Department of Health.

They were later rushed to multiple hospitals. As of Friday noon, five hospitals have received a total of 149 students. Their health is now stable.

The health department is still updating the data, and no final number of affected students has been made as some of them may not go to the hospital.

Pham Huu Binh, principal of the school which consists classes from first to 12th grades, said food samples of the lunch on Thursday have been sent to a medical center for analysis. The lunch consisted of rice, boiled chicken and sauces made from eggs and oil.

USA – Raw Milk recalled in New York due to Listeria monocytogenes

Food Poison Journal

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers not to consume unpasteurized raw milk from the farm of Eric and Jessica Nickol due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  The Eric and Jessica Nickol Farm is located at 995 County Highway 35, Maryland, NY 12116 in Otsego County. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the Department associated with this product.

A sample of the milk collected by an inspector from the Department was discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On November 9, 2022, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on November 14, 2022, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the raw milk sample. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of harmful bacteria.

France – PROSCIUTTO ALLE ERBE 100G – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name the Tradizioni D’Italia Charcuterie Workshop
  • Model names or references PROSCIUTTO ALLE ERBE 100G
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3664335100001 L 236665 Date of minimum durability 16/11/2022
  • Packaging Transparent tray 100g
  • Marketing start/end date From 20/10/2022 to 16/11/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark IT 1907 L EC
  • Further information Only products bearing the additional code “01” following the barcode 3664335100001 are affected by the recall. The barcode is on the back label on the back of the product.
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors E.LECLERC.

Practical information regarding the recall

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

Spain – Presence of Salmonella in Chistorra (Cheese) from Spain

ACSA

Alert joke

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition has communicated to the competent authorities of the autonomous communities, through the Coordinated System of Rapid Information Exchange (SCIRI), an alert, transmitted by the health authorities of Navarre, regarding the presence of  Salmonella , in the CHISTORRA DE NAVARRA product.

The data of the product involved are:

  • Product number:  CHISTORRA DE NAVARRA
  • Product appearance: Vacuum packed.
  • Lot number: 222429
  • Expiry date: 02/26/2023 and 02/27/2023
  • Unit weight: 220g
  • Temperature: Refrigerated

The manufacturing company has withdrawn the product from the market, distributed exclusively in LIDL supermarkets, which has published information about it on its website.

The withdrawal of the affected products from the marketing channels will be verified by the competent authorities.

With the available information , there is no evidence in Spain of any notified case associated with this alert.

People who have products affected by this alert at home are advised to refrain from consuming them and return them to the point of purchase.

The presence of  Salmonella  in the products can pose certain risks to the health of the people who consume them. If you have consumed this product and present any symptoms compatible with salmonellosis (mainly diarrhea and/or vomiting accompanied by fever and headache), it is recommended to go to a health center.

Singapore – Suspension of Rasel Catering Singapore Pte Ltd’s food business operations – Gatroenteritis

SFA

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating two incidents of gastroenteritis affecting a total of 284 persons who reported gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared by Rasel Catering Singapore Pte Ltd between 8 and 16 November 2022. They either sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without treatment. None were hospitalised.

France – Ground ginger – Bacillus cereus

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Herbs and spices
  • Product brand name The Good Spices of Mr Maurice
  • Model names or references Ground ginger Jar 155 ml / sachet 250 g / sachet 500 g / sachet 1 kg
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3760138824059 BATCH TA0366 Date of minimum durability 30/04/2024
    3760138822185 BATCH EH1666/EH1728 Date of minimum durability 30/04/2024
    3760138820389 BAG LOT EH1666 / EH1728 Date of minimum durability 30/04/2024
    3760138820372 BAG LOT EH1666 / EH1728 Date of minimum durability 30/04/2024
  • Packaging SMALL PLASTIC POT OF 45 GR / BAGS OF 250 GR – 500 GR – 1 KG
  • Marketing start/end date From 08/08/2022 to 18/10/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored at room temperature
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Departments: GUADELOUPE (971), MARTINIQUE (972)
  • Distributors CARREFOUR – SUPER U – LECLERC – O MARCHE – CASINO – DISCOUNT CENTER – COLIPRIX – ECOMARKET – CENTRALE EDOUARD – PROMOCASH
  • List of points of saleLIST_CLIENTS_POTENTIAL_POT_GINGEMBRE_-_AOUT_TO_OCTOBER_2022.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Investigations conducted due to the detection of bacteria (Bacillus Cereus) have resulted in the withdrawal and precautionary recall of this product.
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Bacillus cereus

France – FOUR SPICES – Bacillus cereus

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Feed
  • Product subcategory Herbs and spices
  • Product brand name The Good Spices of Mr Maurice
  • Model names or references FOUR SPICES 155 ml and 500 ml jar / 250 g sachet / 500 g sachet / 1 kg sachet
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3760138823342 Jar Set TA0365/TA0378 Date of minimum durability 30/05/2024
    3760138823090 Jar Set TA0365/TA0378 Date of minimum durability 30/05/2024
    3760138822338 Bag Lot EH1683/EH1708/EH1725 Date of minimum durability 30/05/2024
    3760138820815 Bag Lot EH1683/EH1708/EH1725 Date of minimum durability 30/05/2024
    3760138820822 Bag Lot EH1683/EH1708/EH1725 Date of minimum durability 30/05/2024
  • Packaging SMALL PLASTIC POT OF 45 GR / BAGS OF 250 GR – 500 GR – 1 KG
  • Marketing start/end date From 08/08/2022 to 18/10/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored at room temperature
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Departments: GUADELOUPE (971), MARTINIQUE (972)
  • Distributors CARREFOUR – SUPER U – LECLERC – O MARCHE – CASINO – DISCOUNT CENTER – COLIPRIX – ECOMARKET – CENTRALE EDOUARD – PROMOCASH
  • List of points of saleLIST_CLIENTS_POTENTIAL_POT_GINGEMBRE_-_AOUT_TO_OCTOBER_2022.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Investigations conducted due to the detection of bacteria (Bacillus Cereus) have resulted in the withdrawal and precautionary recall of this product.
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Bacillus cereus

Canada – Mounet Group brand Labneh – Soft Unripened Cheese in Vegetable Oil recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria – Clostridium botulinum

CFIA

Summary

Product
Labneh – Soft Unripened Cheese in Vegetable Oil
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination – Clostridium botulinum
What to do

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

Affected products

Issue

The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

The recalled product has been sold in Quebec.

What you should do

  • If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
  • Check to see if you have recalled products
  • Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
  • Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms in adults can include facial paralysis or loss of facial expression, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, including slurred speech, and a change in sound of voice, including hoarseness. Symptoms of foodborne botulism in children can include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, generalized weakness and paralysis. In all cases, botulism does not cause a fever. In severe cases of illness, people may die.