Category Archives: Food Pathogen

Netherlands – Dutch Salmonella illnesses linked to Brazilian poultry

Food Safety News

Chicken meat from Brazil is being investigated as the source of Salmonella illnesses in the Netherlands.

Between the end of 2019 and mid-February 2020, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) identified a cluster of six Salmonella Virchow infections distributed across the country using whole genome sequencing (WGS) but no epidemiological link among them was reported.

An outbreak investigation by RIVM and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) identified six food isolates as genetically closely related to cases and associated with the source of the infection.

These isolates came from poultry meat, including frozen poultry imported from Brazil.

 

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Enoki Mushrooms (March 2020)

FDA

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 36
Hospitalizations: 30
Deaths: 4
Illness Onset Date Range: November 23, 2016 – December 13, 2019

Recommendation

Consumers should not eat and should check their refrigerators and throw away any recalled enoki mushrooms from Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food, Inc. because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve recalled enoki mushrooms distributed by Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food, Inc.

FDA recommends that anyone who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.

At this time, high risk groups, including the elderly, people with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases, pregnant women and their newborn babies, should not eat enoki mushrooms from Korea (Republic of Korea), even if they were not part of the recalls.

Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and high risk groups should discard and not eat, sell, or serve enoki mushrooms if they cannot tell where they came from.

H&C Food Inc Enoki Mushrooms

 

Guan’s Mushroom Co.
Guan’s Mushroom Co.
Picture of enoki mushroom case
Sample Enoki Mushrooms Imported from Korea
Company Size UPC Code Retailers* Distribution*
Sun Hong Foods, Inc. 200 g/ 7.05 oz. 7 426852 625810 J&L Supermarket, Jusgo Supermarket, ZTao Market, New Sang Supermarket, Galleria Market, Distributors CA, FL, IL, OR, TX, WA
Guan’s Mushroom Co. 200 g/ 7.05 oz. 859267007013 Sold to Distributors and Wholesalers CA, NY, PA
H&C Food Inc. 200 g/ 7.05 oz. 831211204181 Great Wall Supermarket NY, MD, VA

*This includes confirmed distribution information from companies; products could have been further distributed and sent to additional retailers and states.

Update

FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms. Enoki mushrooms are a long thin white mushroom, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, or lily mushrooms.

On April 7, 2020, H&C Foods Inc. recalled 200 g/7.05 oz packages of enoki mushrooms imported from Green Co. LTD of the Republic of Korea. FDA import samples of enoki mushrooms from Green Co. LTD tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and on April 6, 2020, whole genome sequencing analysis determined that the Listeria monocytogenes found in the positive samples matched the outbreak strain. As a result, On April 7, 2020, Green Co. LTD was placed on Import Alert 99-23, which flags imported shipments from this firm for potential detention without physical examination. The FDA is encouraging the international community to consult the Import Alert.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products are linked to illness. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Research – Evaluation of the growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes in Belgian farm cheeses, according to a committee of experts

Background and terms of reference In its advice 02-2016, the Scientific Committee (SciCom) made recommendations for carrying out challenge and durability tests for Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in cheese.On the basis of these recommendations, a scientific study was carried out in order to collect data from Belgian homestead cheeses. The Scientific Committee was asked to evaluate the  growth potential of L. monocytogenes in Belgian homestead cheeses. Method Based on new scientific knowledge and data (including the results of the study project “Étude du potentiel de croissance de Listeria monocytogenes dans les fromages produits par les producteurs fermiers, 2019”) and based on expert opinion, the Scientific Committee has assessed the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in Belgian homestead cheeses (fresh cheeses, soft cheeses and semi-hard cheeses).
Results
The production processes of Belgian homestead cheeses and their characteristics were
examined by means of a survey of 142 producers and a market study of 65 different Belgian homestead cheeses. Subsequently, the growth of L. monocytogenes in 32 Belgian homestead cheeses was studied by means of challenge tests. No growth of L. monocytogenes was observed for fresh cheeses. For soft cheeses, there was growth of L. monocytogenes in 7 out of 8 cheeses. For the semi-hard cheeses, much variation was observed for the growth potential of L. monocytogenes. Durability tests were carried out on five Belgian farm cheeses which were naturally contaminated with L. monocytogenes, each on one batch. Only for feta, no growth was detected in this durability test.
Conclusions
Based on the available data, the Scientific Committee concludes that in fresh cheeses (Belgian homestead cheeses) the risk of L. monocytogenes growth is low if the pH value drops below 5,0 by the end of the production process. Based on the challenge tests, the growth of L. monocytogenes in soft cheeses and semi-hard cheeses cannot be excluded. Soft cheeses are a known risk product. Semi-hard cheeses present a potential risk for growth of L. monocytogenes and the growth potential should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The durability test with feta shows no growth of L. monocytogenes. However, a single durability test is not sufficient to conclude that all feta cheeses are a low risk product. In addition, a correct implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and an adequate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) remain essential, with the aim of striving for the absence of L. monocytogenes (in 25g) in Belgian homestead cheese (preferably sampling several units n=5) for the delivery of a safe product to the consumer.
Recommendations
The Scientific Committee recommends that pH controls at the end of the production process of fresh cheeses (Belgian homestead cheeses) are included in the HACCP procedures as a control measure, so that the operator can ensure that a sufficient pH reduction has occurred at the end of the production process. It is recommended that in future durability studies with low initial concentrations of L. monocytogenes (< 10 cfu/g) also semi-quantitative data are collected by carrying out isolations on smaller quantities such as 10 g and 1 g or by determining the Most Probable Number of L. monocytogenes. Finally, for durability tests it is proposed to use, when possible, an initial contamination level below 1000 cfu/g L. monocytogenesin order to be able to effectively assess the growth potential.
The full text is available on this website in dutch and in french.

Information – Common Symptoms of All of the Food Poisoning Pathogens

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Food poisoning outbreaks occur every year in the United States. These outbreaks can be caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria Monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum, Campylobacter, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella, Vibrio, and Bacillus cereus; and viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A. At least 48,000,000 Americans are sickened with food poisoning every year. Do you know the common symptoms of all of the food poisoning pathogens? Follow the link above to find out.

 

USA – Homestead Creamery Unsalted Butter Recalled For Possible Listeria

Food Poisoning Bulletin

listeria

Image CDC

Homestead Creamery unsalted butter is being recalled because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, according to a press release issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The creamery is located in Wirtz, Virginia.

The Homestead Creamery unsalted  butter was distributed to the company’s distribution partners, through home delivery, and was sold in the company’s retail store. The recalled unsalted butter was packaged in 1/2 pound packages, marked with an expiration date of 04/30 printed on a sticker that was attached to the plastic packaging.

The potential for contamination was found after routine testing by Homestead Creamery found the pathogenic bacteria in the unsalted butter. Production of this product has been suspended while public health officials investigate the source of the contamination.

If you purchased this butter, do not eat it. There is zero tolerance for Listeria monocytogenes contamination in ready-to-eat products. You can discard the butter in a secure garbage can, or take it back to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Research- FAO and WHO report rise in foodborne diseases related to Vibrio species

New Food Magazine

The FAO/WHO assessment revealed that there have been a series of pandemic outbreaks of V. parahaemolyticus foodborne illnesses due to the consumption of seafood and outbreaks have occurred in regions of the world where it was previously unreported.

Full Report

 

Canada – Updated – Fromagerie Blackburn brand Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, April 5, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on March 26, 2020 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Fromagerie Blackburn is recalling Fromagerie Blackburn brand Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Cheese wheels of Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese have been sold cut up and re-packaged. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the affected product are advised to contact their retailer.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Lot
Fromagerie Blackburn Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese 130 g 6 28504 56408 0 Best Before
05JN20
16JN20
25JN20
20007
20020
20028
Fromagerie Blackburn Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese Variable weight – cheese wheels 6 28504 56403 5 All products with a BBD up to and including 15JN20 20007,
20008,
20014,
20015,
20016,
20020,
20021,
20022,
20028,
20036,
20042,
20043,
20044,
20050
Fromagerie Blackburn Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese Variable weight Begins with 0 200007 All units sold up to and including April 5, 2020 None

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 the company. 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 no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Fromagerie Blackburn – Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese – 130 grams (front)
  • Fromagerie Blackburn – Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese – 130 grams (back)
  • Fromagerie Blackburn – Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese – 130 grams (best before date)
  • Fromagerie Blackburn – Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese – Variable weight – cheese wheels (front)
  • Fromagerie Blackburn – Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese – Variable weight (back)
  • Fromagerie Blackburn – Le Mont-Jacob semi-soft cheese – Variable weight (UPC)

France – Salmonella – Roasted fillet of MASTER COQ turkey, thinly sliced ​​turkey FULL FLAVOR, Turkey breasts of MASTER COQ turkey, CARREFOUR turkey legs

AFSCA

Following a notification via the RASFF system (European rapid alert system Food and Feed), the AFSCA is withdrawing from the sale the following products: roasted turkey fillet MAITRE COQ, minced FULL FLAVOR turkey, cutlets of turkey MAITRE COQ, CARREFOUR turkey legs and reminds them of consumers due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

 

USA – Mountain Rose Herbs Recall on “Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement” Due to Salmonella

Food Poisoning News

Mountain Rose Herbs Recall on “Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement” Due to Salmonella

Mountain Rose Herbs, located in Eugene, Oregon, is issuing a recall on all sizes of the companies “Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement” due to the presence of Salmonella which was found through routine quality testing procedures. The recalled Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplement, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its antioxidant properties, is packed in clear plastic or poly-woven bags, weighing in ranges of 4 ounces to 50 pounds. The two lots of Organic Kudzu Root Herbal Supplements that are affected in the recall are Lot #24247-X and Lot #24247.

To check and see if the product purchased in a part of the recall for Salmonella contamination, the lot number is located on the bottom corner of the label.

RASFF Alert – STEC E.coli – Frozen Sausages

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (stx2+) in and absence of labelling (UBD missing) on frozen sausages from the United Kingdom in Germany