Category Archives: Food Poisoning

Taiwan – Over 100 people fall ill with suspected food poisoning at Yilan hotel

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Focus Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 6 (CNA) More than 100 people who dined at a hotel buffet in Yilan County have fallen ill with suspected food poisoning, but source of the contamination has not yet been identified, the county’s Public Health Bureau said Thursday.

As of 3:30 p.m., 121 visitors who had eaten at Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi had reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, with 77 of them seeking medical attention, the bureau said.

The problem was first reported Aug. 1 by a group of hotel guests on a company trip, but public health officials were not informed until three days later, according to the bureau.

After an inspection of the hotel restaurant on Aug. 4, the public health officials sent kitchen utensils and water samples to the Food and Drug Administration for testing, the bureau said, adding that the results will become available in few days’ time.

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Posted in food contamination, 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, Poisoning, Uncategorized

Kenya – Kebs raises concern on high levels of aflatoxin in maize

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Daily Nation 

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and consumers have raised concern on high levels of aflatoxin in maize, the staple food for most Kenyan households.

The complaints come even as processors experience acute shortage of the produce.

The millers say their stocks were exhausted two months to the harvest of this season’s crop in the North Rift, the country’s grain basket.

Many millers in western Kenya are getting maize from schools and other learning institutions that were closed in March to stop the spread of coronavirus.

 

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Posted in Aflatoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

Nigeria – Expert cautions over rise of Aflatoxin bacteria in locally – grown maize

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Interesting article but Aflatoxin is not a bacteria but a toxin produced by mould.

Naija 247 News

Lagos, Aug. 6, 2020 An agriculture expert, Mr Ismail Olawale has raised alarm on the increasing rate of Aflatoxin bacteria infection in locally grown maize.

Olawale, a fellow at the Nigerian Agriculture and Extension Liaison Service (NAERLS) made the call in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens and mutagens that are produced by certain moulds which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains.

They are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn) peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts.

The expert said research has shown that the presence of Aflatoxin in locally cultivated maize and its subsequent consumption has led to certain illnesses and early mortality.

“We have to consider the issue of Aflatoxin bacteria found in locally produced maize. It usually affects the maize through the soil.

“An academic research by post-graduate students of the University of Ibadan in an area in Ekiti, discovered that early mortality in the area was closely linked to Aflatoxin bacteria found in corn pap they consume regularly.

“From researches , it has been discovered that the accumulation of Aflatoxin bacteria in local maize can lead to life threatening illnesses and diseases.

 

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Posted in Aflatoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Uncategorized

RASFF Alerts – Aflatoxin – Roasted Salted Pistachios – Shelled Almonds- Pistachios – Groundnuts – Halva – Long Grain Brown Rice

Posted on August 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 8.4; Tot. = 17.7 µg/kg – ppb) in roasted salted pistachios from Turkey in the UK

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 15 mg/kg – ppm) in shelled almonds from the United States in Spain

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 82; Tot. = 86 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled almonds from the United States in Spain

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 186.95; Tot. = 208.67 µg/kg – ppb) in unshelled pistachios from Turkey in Germany

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 4.5; Tot. = 5.8 µg/kg – ppb) in blanched groundnut kernels from Argentina in the UK

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 75,6; Tot. = 83,4 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled groundnuts from Bolivia in Bulgaria

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 15.9; Tot. = 19.7 µg/kg – ppb) in peanuts halva from Ukraine in Lithuania

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 6,54; Tot. = 6,54 µg/kg – ppb) in long grain brown rice from Pakistan in Poland

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Posted in Aflatoxin, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

Jordan – Rotten chicken supplier turns himself in and authorities step up monitoring efforts

Posted on August 6, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Roya News

Seven people were arrested in relation to the second mass food poisoning incident in Ain al-Basha.

The owner of the restaurant and six of his employees were charged with four offences — causing harm, handling food in unsuitable conditions that made it harmful to human health, handling food that is not safe for human consumption and practicing a craft that causes harm.

The seven individuals will be detained for one week at Al-Balqa Reform and Rehabilitation Center.

Sixty seven people have been affected by the incident so far.

Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) strengthened its nationwide monitoring efforts, which will be conducted by control and inspection teams around the clock.

After numerous complaints reported symptoms of food poisoning among citizens, the JFDA, in cooperation with both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior, tightened control procedures for all food establishments by increasing the number of field visits and extending working hours to run 24 hours a day.

The aim is to inspect all main meat suppliers that provide restaurants with the pulled chicken for shawarma, and other associated food establishments.

An unpleasant odour was reported by the JFDA after obtaining 59 uncooked chicken samples.

Test results showed that the chicken is not safe for human consumption due to the presence of dense bacterial growth caused by poor storage conditions at meat warehouses and a failure to follow JFDA guidelines for high-risk materials, which require storage temperatures not to exceed five degrees Celsius.

Legal measures were taken and all violators were transferred to the public prosecutor to pursue further legal action.

The JFDA stressed the need to adhere to all instructions issued by the administration and not to ease legal consequences on violators.

The foundation also called on citizens to raise awareness about food distribution and not to hesitate to report any violations or submit complaints.

Free hotline complaints line: 117114

E-mail address: INFO@JFDA.JO

WhatsApp number: 0795632000

Facebook page: facebook.com/jfda.jo

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Posted in food contamination, food death, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Testing, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Uncategorized

Vietnam – Vietnam reports more food poisoning deaths in 7 months

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Xinhuanet

HANOI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) — In the first seven months of this year, 1,209 people in Vietnam suffered from food poisoning, of whom 19 died, according to the country’s Preventive Health Department on Tuesday.

In the same period last year, 1,372 people were affected by food poisoning, of whom nine died.

The country has detected some 37,800 dengue fever cases in the seven-month period, including three fatalities, 295 cases of virus encephalitis infection including seven fatalities, and 9,243 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.

Meanwhile, diphtheria has recently spread in central highlands provinces, with 100 cases of infection and three fatalities nationwide as of July 16, said the department, noting that Dak Nong province alone reported 30 cases and two deaths, the highest number among localities.

Vietnam currently has 210,547 HIV carriers, of whom 97,027 have become AIDS patients. To date, 98,948 people in the country have died of AIDS-related diseases, the department said. Enditem

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Posted in food contamination, food death, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Research, Uncategorized

Belgium – Demeter corn flour of the Vajra brand – Fumonsins – Mycotoxins

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Recall of Vajra
Product: Demeter corn flour of the Vajra brand
Problem: Exceeding the standard for fumonisins

VAJRA is withdrawing from sale and recalling from consumers the Demeter Corn Flour (500g and 5kg) of the Vajra brand. Analyzes have revealed a non-compliance with the fumonisin parameters (exceeding the standard) in a batch of this corn flour.
The products concerned were sold from May 2020 in certain organic food stores. Vajra brand Demeter corn flour


  • Weight: 500g
  • Lot: 0420/260520
  • Expiration dates (DDM): 05/01/2021
  • Packing: Paper bag

(update) Demeter Corn Flour of the Vajra brand Weight: 5 kg Lot: 120/220520 Expiration date (DDM): 05/01/2021 Packaging: Paper bag People who have bought the Corn Flour are asked Demeter corn from the lot concerned, not to consume this product and to bring it back to the place of purchase where it will be refunded to you.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Fumonsins, Fusarium Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

Jordan – Second mass food poisoning cases up to 118, intensive inspection campaign continues

Posted on August 4, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Roya News

All patients are in a stable condition, most of whom have been discharged except for a few who remain under observation.

The General Director of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Nizar Mhaidat, said three types of dangerous bacteria have been found in the samples of shawarma.

The samples were taken from the chicken in the meat supplier’s warehouses, which results showed was not suitable for human consumption.

Approximately 90 field visits were conducted over the past 24 hours as part of the government’s intensive inspection campaign, said Mhaidat.

Six facilities were shut down, 33 warnings were issued and 12 food establishments were banned from operating, he added.

More than 247kg of food was disposed of during inspection visits.

The JFDA inspected all facilities that prepare and shred chicken meat for shawarma restaurants — 11 facilities in Amman, 10 in Zarqa, and one in Irbid.

Shawarma restaurants were also inspected — 27 restaurants in Amman, four in Zarqa, 22 in Irbid, and 14 in Karak.

Inspection teams are still conducting field visits — four in Amman, two teams in Irbid, one in Karak, and two in Zarqa.

Violations include apparent signs of rotten raw chicken and non-compliance with freshness requirements, according to JFDA guidelines.

Other violations involve worker health measures, including personal hygiene and wrong practices, food handling and preserving requirements, health practices regarding insect and pest control, and public hygiene measures in facilities.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Pathogen, pathogenic, Uncategorized

Luxembourg – RAY OF 2 ORGANIC CHICKEN FILLETS S / AT – POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA THYPHIMURIUM

Posted on July 31, 2020 by | Leave a comment

SAP

The Luxembourg food safety authorities are informing about the following reminder:

Last name Tray of 2 organic chicken fillets S / AT
Use by date (DLC) 08/06/2020
Lot 2020035938

Danger  : Possible presence of Salmonella thyphimurium

 

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 individuals and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and who present these symptoms are advised to consult a doctor, notifying him of this consumption.

 

 

Sale in Luxembourg by: Cora Foetz

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Source of information: Cora recall notification

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

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Jordan – One child dead, 700 sick due to mass food poisoning in Jordan restaurant

Posted on July 31, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Alarabiya

A five-year-old child is dead and 700 other people have been hospitalized in Jordan with mass food poisoning after eating shawarma at a restaurant in the town of Ain al-Basha, north of the capital Amman, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday.

Investigations revealed that the meat and chicken shawarma had been prepared without using a refrigeration unit in an “unhealthy environment and without adhering to the health requirements and the minimum levels of general safety,” the official Jordan News Agency reported citing a ministry press release.

Laboratory tests also found that bacteria in meat and poultry products at the restaurant, according to the ministry’s statement.

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Posted in food contamination, food death, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Temperature Abuse, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Poisoning, Uncategorized