Category Archives: Food Pathogen

Canada – Cyclospora investigation overview

PHAC

220px-Cyclospora_cayetanensis_stained

Cyclospora investigation overview (as of July 30, 2021)

Each spring and summer, Canada sees an increase in non-travel related Cyclospora illnesses reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). PHAC is working with its public health and food safety partners to identify possible ways infections are occurring in Canada. Previous Cyclospora illnesses have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, including pre-packaged salad mix, basil, cilantro, berries, lettuce, and snow and snap peas. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and risks of infection, as well as how to prevent and treat an illness.

At a glance
Investigation status Ongoing
Case count 48
Provinces/Territories
  • British Columbia (2)
  • Ontario (37)
  • Quebec (9)
Hospitalizations 1
Deaths 0
Gender 22 males
26 females
Age range in years 13 – 91
Recall NO
Public Health Notice NO

Romania – Botulism cases reported in Romania; homemade ham implicated

Food Safety News

CDC Clost Spore

Two people in Romania have been diagnosed with botulism, according to Agerpres, the country’s news agency.

This past weekend, a man went to hospital in the city of Arad and his wife was later diagnosed as being infected. They are believed to have eaten homemade ham.

The news agency reported that there was no antitoxin available so health officials had to get some from Moldova. Both patients remain under observation in hospital.

Botulism poisoning is a rare illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

A recent study analyzed the clinical and epidemiological data of patients diagnosed with botulism and hospitalized at one facility in Romania. Findings were published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

USA – Apparent Food Poisoning Sends Milwaukee Police Officers To Hospital

Seehafer News

Milwaukee police confirm that “several” officers had to seek hospital treatment after they were sickened in an apparent case of food poisoning.

Multiple sources indicate the number of sick officers was 11.

The food was apparently prepared privately and didn’t come from a restaurant.

The officers involved work at Police District 5, just north of the downtown Milwaukee area.

They were celebrating the retirement of a supervisor and the promotion for another person.

France – Snout and pork head salad – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identifying information for the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product sub-category Meats
  • Product brand name Nébouzan charcuterie
  • Names of models or references Designed on: 19/07/2021
  • Product identification
    Lot
    Designed on: 19/07/2021
  • Products ListDocument_pour_reppel_conso.pdf Attachment
  • Packaging Product sold in bulk.
  • Start date / End of marketing From 07/20/2021 to 07/22/2021
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Geographical sales area Departments: HAUTE-GARONNE (31), HAUTES-PYRENEES (65)
  • Distributors Sale in the Charcuterie Casties Rue Verdun in Miramont de Comminges and on the markets of Luchon, Lannemezan and Arreau.
  • List of points of saleDocument_pour_reppel_conso.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence of Listeria
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)
  • Consumer behavior Stop consuming
    Stop using the product
    Destroy the product
  • Sanitary recommendation People who have consumed the “products” mentioned above and who have fever, isolated or accompanied by headaches, and muscle aches, are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption. Serious forms with neurological complications and maternal or fetal damage in pregnant women can also sometimes occur. Pregnant women as well as immunocompromised people and the elderly should pay special attention to these symptoms. Listeriosis is a disease that can be serious and can take up to eight weeks to incubate.
  • Contact number0561882184
  • Compensation modalities Other (see additional information)
  • End date of the recall procedure Sunday 15 August 2021
  • Additional public information

Singapore – Downgrading of food stall, Al Habib Indian Muslim Food (Block 312A Sumang Link, #01-05 Punggol Parcvista Singapore 821312), due to food poisoning incident

SFA

18 persons were reported to have gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared at Al Habib Indian Muslim Food on 23 January 2021. None of them were hospitalised.
A joint inspection by the Ministry of Health and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) was conducted at the food stall on 26 January 2021. Several hygiene lapses were identified during the inspection and SFA is taking enforcement action against the licensee for these lapses.
SFA has adjusted the restaurant’s food hygiene grade from “B” to “C” with effect from 30 July 2021, to be reviewed in 12 months. The premises will also be kept under surveillance.
Food operators are reminded to adhere to good food hygiene and safety processes. Good hygiene practices such as the washing of hands before handling food can greatly reduce the incidence of gastroenteritis when adopted by all key stakeholders, including the industry and public.
The information provided on this website should not be used as basis for any legal proceedings. Neither SFA nor any of its employees involved in the supply of the above information shall be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any member of the public by reason of any error or omission of whatever nature appearing therein or however caused.

France – Reblochon AOP “La Dent du Chat”- Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identifying information for the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product sub-category Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name The Tooth of the Cat
  • Names of models or references Reblochon AOP “La Dent du Chat” sold individually Reblochon AOP “La Dent du Chat” sold by 12
  • Product identification
    GTIN Lot Dated
    3309480000379 311630 Date of minimum durability 09/03/2021
  • Products Listposter_clients.pdf Attachment
  • Packaging By unit
  • Start date / End of marketing From 07/26/2021 to 07/30/2021
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health markFR73-114-001
  • Geographical sales area Whole France
  • Distributors All distributors (creamery, store, local supermarkets, restaurateur, EPHAD, …)
  • List of points of saleclient_list.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence of Listeria monocytogenes in reblochons
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)
  • Consumer behavior Stop consuming
    Stop using the product
    Return the product to the point of sale
    Destroy the product
  • Sanitary recommendation People who have consumed the “products” mentioned above and who have fever, isolated or accompanied by headaches, and muscle aches, are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption. Serious forms with neurological complications and maternal or fetal damage in pregnant women can also sometimes occur. Pregnant women as well as immunocompromised people and the elderly should pay special attention to these symptoms. Listeriosis is a disease that can be serious and can take up to eight weeks to incubate.
  • Contact number0479367157
  • Compensation modalities Refund
    Exchange
  • End date of the recall procedure Friday, September 3, 2021

France – Fondant d’Arly / Tartiflette Selection – Listeria monocytogenes

Gov france

Identifying information for the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product sub-category Milk and dairy products
  • Product brand name Val d’Arly Cooperative
  • Names of models or references Reblochon de Savoie AOP Fondant d’Arly 400g Tartiflette Selection
  • Product identification
    Lot Dated
    311627 Date of minimum durability 08/21/2021
    311630 Date of minimum durability 08/29/2021
  • Packaging Pack in wooden box in film Pack in paper
  • Start date / End of marketing From 07/08/2021 to 07/20/2021
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark FR 73 114 001 CE
  • Geographical sales area Departments: AIN (01), SAVOIE (73)
  • Distributors any

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall Presence Listeria monocytogenes
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)
  • Consumer behavior Stop consuming
    Destroy the product
  • Sanitary recommendation People who have consumed the “products” mentioned above and who have fever, isolated or accompanied by headaches, and muscle aches, are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption. Serious forms with neurological complications and maternal or fetal damage in pregnant women can also sometimes occur. Pregnant women as well as immunocompromised people and the elderly should pay special attention to these symptoms. Listeriosis is a disease that can be serious and can take up to eight weeks to incubate.
  • Contact number0479317090
  • Compensation modalities Repayment
  • End date of the recall procedure Sunday, August 29, 2021

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Harvest Fresh brand Zucchini Spirals and Teriyaki Vegetable Spiral Stir Fry Kit recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, August 1, 2021 – The food recall warning issued on July 25, 2021 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Veg Pak Produce is recalling Harvest Fresh brand Zucchini Spirals and Teriyaki Vegetable Spiral Stir Fry Kit from the marketplace due to Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Harvest Fresh Zucchini Spirals 340 g 0 59559 00042 9 Best Before:
31 JUL 2021
01 AUG 2021
Harvest Fresh Teriyaki Vegetable Spiral Stir Fry Kit 400 g 0 59559 99933 4 Best Before:
31 JUL 2021
01 AUG 2021

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Background

This recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Harvest Fresh - Zucchini Spirals - front
  • Harvest Fresh - Zucchini Spirals - back
  • Harvest Fresh - Zucchini Spirals - UPC
  • Harvest Fresh - Teriyaki Vegetable Spiral Stir Fry Kit - front
  • Harvest Fresh - Teriyaki Vegetable Spiral Stir Fry Kit - back

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Various frozen mangoes recalled due to Hepatitis A

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, July 30, 2021 – Nature’s Touch Frozen Food Inc. is recalling various frozen mangoes from the marketplace due to possible Hepatitis A contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Nature’s Touch Mangoes
(frozen)
2 kg 8 73668 00180 7 Best Before
2022 NO 09
Compliments Mango Mania
(frozen)
600 g 0 55742 50430 9 Best Before
2022 NO 10 and
2022 DE 18
Irresistibles Mango Chunks
(frozen)
600 g 0 59749 87600 1 Best Before
2022 NO 10
President’s Choice Mango Chunks
(frozen)
600 g 0 60383 99387 0 Best Before
2022 NO 06 and
2022 NO 10

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this virus may cause hepatitis and produce a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection or chronic liver disease. The illness is usually mild and starts about 15 to 50 days after the contaminated food is eaten. It generally goes away by itself in a week or two, although it can last up to 6 months in some people. It can cause inflammation of the liver, and symptoms may include fever, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and yellowing in the whites of the eyes and the skin (jaundice).

Background

This recall was triggered by findings during an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Nature's Touch - Mangoes  (frozen) - front
  • Nature's Touch - Mangoes  (frozen) - code
  • Nature's Touch - Mangoes  (frozen) - UPC
  • Compliments - Mango Mania (frozen) - front
  • Compliments - Mango Mania (frozen) - back
  • Irresistibles - Mango Chunks (frozen) - front
  • Irresistibles - Mango Chunks (frozen) - back
  • President's Choice - Mango Chunks (frozen) - front
  • President's Choice - Mango Chunks (frozen) - back

Research – Modelling the Effect of Salt Concentration on the Fate of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Costa Rican Fresh Cheeses

MDPI

“Turrialba cheese” is a Costa Rican fresh cheese highly appreciated due to its sensory characteristics and artisanal production. As a ready-to-eat dairy product, its formulation could support Listeria monocytogenes growth. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 14.06% of the samples and the pathogen was able to grow under all tested conditions. Due to the increasing demand for low-salt products, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of salt concentration on the growth of pathogen isolates obtained from local cheese. Products from retail outlets in Costa Rica were analyzed for L. monocytogenes. These isolates were used to determine growth at 4 °C for different salt concentration (0.5–5.2%). Kinetic curves were built and primary and secondary models developed. Finally, a validation study was performed using literature data. The R2 and Standard Error of fit of primary models were ranked from 0.964–0.993, and 0.197–0.443, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between growth rate and salt concentration. A secondary model was obtained, with R2 = 0.962. The model was validated, and all values were Bf > 1, thus providing fail-safe estimations. These data were added to the free and easy-to-use predictive microbiology software “microHibro” which is used by food producers and regulators to assist in decision-making. View Full-Text