Category Archives: Food Poisoning

USA – WSDA – Recall Raw Milk – STEC E.coli ?

Posted on February 27, 2013 by | Leave a comment

WSDAWSDA

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is
warning consumers not to drink Dungeness Valley Creamery brand raw Jersey whole milk, raw Jersey skim milk, and raw Jersey cream because the products may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) that can cause serious illness.

Dungeness Valley Creamery raw Jersey cream, raw Jersey whole
milk and raw Jersey skim milk with any Best Buy dates of 03/02 or later may be
contaminated. The firm sells its products in gallon, half gallon, quart and pint
containers. Today’s health alert includes all container sizes of the unpasteurized milk products.

The health alert is being initiated after routine sampling by WSDA found toxin-producing E. coli in a sample of raw cream. Based in Sequim, the Dungeness Valley Creamery and WSDA are continuing their investigation into the source of the problem. Currently, no human illnesses have been linked with these products.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, EHEC, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, STEC

Tagged , , ,

USA – Alaskan Raw Milk Outbreak Expands – Campylobacter

Posted on February 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Alaskan Government

Campylobacter Outbreak Associated with Consumption of Raw Milk Kenai Peninsula, January – February 2013

The purpose of this Health Advisory is to inform you of a recent and potentially ongoing outbreak of Campylobacter infections that have been associated with consuming raw milk.

What is the outbreak?

Campylobacter infection is reportable by state regulations to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services’ Section of Epidemiology (SOE). Since late January, 2013, four people with confirmed Campylobacterinfection and at least one person with probable infection reported consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk in the few days preceding illness. One infant with close contact to a confirmed case-patient is also suspected of having Campylobacter infection. All six reside on the Kenai Peninsula. The Campylobacter isolated from the four lab-confirmed cases are a match by molecular techniques (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE). This strain of Campylobacter has not been previously identified in Alaska.

What is Campylobacter and how do people become infected?

Campylobacter are bacteria that can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramping/pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The illness typically lasts from several days to over a week, with variable severity. Some people, especially young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, can develop severe or even life-threatening illness. Infrequently, Campylobacter infection leads to long-term consequences. Some people with Campylobacter infection develop arthritis, and rarely, some develop a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome that inflames the nerves of the body beginning several weeks after the onset of diarrhea.

Outbreaks of Campylobacter are often associated with consumption of unpasteurized milk —one such outbreak, traced to a Mat-Su Valley farm, resulted in 18 illnesses in Alaska in 2011. Other sources ofCampylobacter infection include consumption of undercooked meat, consumption of food or water cross-contaminated by raw meat, or contact with feces from infected animals. Human to human transmission can also occur.

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Campylobacter, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, outbreak

Tagged , , ,

Canada – Recall Frozen Burgers E.coli O157

Posted on February 21, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIACIFA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canada Safeway Limited are   warning the public not to consume The Gourmet Meat Shoppe and The Butcher’s Cut brands of Frozen Beef  Burgers described below because these products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.

The following products are affected by this Alert:

               Brand                Product                Size UPC                Code
               The Gourmet                Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy Burger                1.13 kg                0 58200 10650 3                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Gourmet                Meat Shoppe Prime Rib Burger                907 g                0 58200 10733 3                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Butcher’s Cut                Pure Beef Patties                               10 Patties                1.13 kg                0 58200 21604 2                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Butcher’s Cut                Pure Beef Patties                               20 Patties                2.27 kg                0 58200 21592 2                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752
               The Butcher’s Cut                Pure Beef Patties                               40 Patties                4.45 kg                0 58200 21594 6                BEST BEFORE                              2013 AU 14 EST 752

These products have been distributed in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and  Northwest Territories. Canada Safeway Limited, Calgary, Alberta, is voluntarily recalling the affected  products from the marketplace. The CFIA is  monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. This recall is the result of E. coli O157:H7 product testing by the CFIA related to an ongoing outbreak investigation. The CFIA is currently conducting a food safety         investigation at the producing facility to determine if any additional products may be affected.

Food contaminated with E. coli  O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause serious         and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Some  people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.     For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

Canada Safeway Limited at (403) 730-3511;

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.         Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, E.coli, E.coli O157, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

Tagged ,

USA – FDA – Recall More Pet Food Products – Salmonella

Posted on February 20, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAFDA

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling ALL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AT ITS DENVER, COLORADO FACILITY FROM APRIL 20, 2012 THRU SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled Products of Dog Treats were distributed nationwide through various retailers from April 20th to September 19th.

Kasel Industries is recalling Boots & Barkley, BIXBI, Nature’s Deli, Colorado Naturals, Petco, and Best Bully Stick items. Lot numbers as shown in 1 Year Best By Date Table and 2 Year Best By Date Table, which are attached.

Kasel Industries has not received any reports of illnesses to date in connection with these products.

No other products made by Kasel Associated Industries are included in the recall. Specifically no products with best by dates after the specified ranges are included in the recall.

Consumers who have purchased any listed products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at (800) 218-4417 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall

Tagged , , , ,

USA Recall – FDA- Smoked Salmon – Listeria monocytogenes –

Posted on February 20, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAlisteria-hp

MKG Provisions of Miami, FL is recalling Atlantic Smoked Salmon Batch# 1768
consisting of several brands of products listed below which have the potential
to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can
cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly
people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals
may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache,
stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause
miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

Tagged , , ,

India – 400 Ill After Food Poisoning

Posted on February 19, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Times of Indiaimages

GUWAHATI: At least 400 people, including children, were taken ill after food poisoning in North Dimoria block of Kamrup (Metro) district on Friday.

Children of Durung ME School, Koraiguri LP School and Koikari LP School went to their respective institutions for Saraswati Puja on Friday. They fell ill after they consumed grams and khichri. On Saturday morning, the patients were admitted to the 30-bed Khetri Hospital and Sonapur Primary Healthcare Centre from where the critical ones were referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital(GMCH).

Principal of GMCH Kabul Saikia, said: “More than 400 people fell ill after consuming grams and khichri. The figure may increase. In our hospital, about 23 patients were admitted till 7.30 pm and more patients are on their way. Among the 23 patients, 15 are adults. It is difficult to tell the exact figure now.”

“We have opened one relief camp at Khetri and five doctors have been sent to the site. The critical patients are being brought here for treatment. The patients complained of vomiting, fever, dizziness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain,” he added.

He said: “We are making all arrangements to provide best possible treatment.”

Bhojan Das, the father of Vikram who has been admitted to GMCH, said: “My son who studies in Durong ME School went to his institution on Friday and ate grams and khichri. From early morning, he complained of vomiting and abdominal pain and his body turned pale. Noticing this, we took him to the nearby clinic from where he was referred to GMCH.”

According to the report made available by the GMCH superintendent, Ramen Talukdar around 8.30 pm: “More than 100 patients have been admitted to the hospital and 300 are on their way. As there is limited capacity of beds in our hospital, around 50 patients have been sent to Mohendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital .

Ambulance have been called in from Morigaon, Guwahati and Jagiroad. Moreover, five buses have been engaged to bring patients to the hospital.”

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen

Tagged , , , , ,

USA – Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak

Posted on February 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Alaska PublicCampylobacter

The State Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of a food borne illness linked to raw milk. Officials have confirmed four cases of Campylobacter infection in people who drank raw milk on the Kenai Peninsula. The illness causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Dr. Brian Yablon is a medical epidemiologist with the state. He says the cases have all been identified by the state lab in the last three weeks:

“When they looked at these strains, they found that the four specimens were all exactly the same type, so that is consistent with a cluster of illnesses and when we found out additional information it seemed that all of the people who developed the infection had consumed raw milk or unpasteurized milk in the proceeding several days before they got sick,” Yablon said.

The state is still working to identify the source of the raw milk. A farmer named Kevin Byers in Kasilof distributes raw milk to families around the state. He did not agree to a recorded interview, but said he doesn’t know if his milk is responsible for the outbreak. He says his customers drink his milk for the perceived health benefits. According to a recent newspaper article, Byers has 150 customers as far away as Sitka.

Selling raw milk is illegal in Alaska. But farmers have found ways to do it legally.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, Campylobacter, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen

Tagged , ,

Hong Kong – Norovirus

Posted on February 15, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Dept Health Hong Kong

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 14) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal was made following the CHP’s investigation into an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at an elderly home in North District involving 20 female residents and three female staff members.

The affected residents, aged between 77 and 96, together with three staff members, presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting, fever and diarrhoea, since February 4.

Two of them were admitted to North District Hospital. All the 23 affected persons are in stable condition.

Rectal swabs of three patients tested positive for norovirus. Investigations are continuing.

Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Virus, Hand Washing, Hygiene, Microbiology, Norovirus, Pathogen, Virus

Tagged , , ,

USA – CDC Report Salmonella Heidelburg Outbreak 2012

Posted on February 15, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CDCcdc

Since June 4, 2012, a total of 124 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 12 states.

32% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Most of the ill persons have been reported from two states, Washington (56) and Oregon (38).

State public health officials are interviewing ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness.

Information available to date indicates that consumption of chicken is the most likely source of infection for many of the ill persons.

Oregon and Washington have identified Foster Farms brand chicken as the most likely source of the infections in their states.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is currently conducting an investigation to determine the source of infections in this outbreak.

It is not unusual for raw poultry from any producer to have Salmonella. This underscores the importance for consumers to follow food safety tips to help protect themselves and others from foodborne illness.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteria, CDC, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Methods, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen, Recall

European RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Norovirus – Hepatitis A – Aflatoxins

Posted on February 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

RASFF – Salmonella in Dried Green Pepper in Estonia sourced in India via Germany

RASFF – Salmonella in Beef Trimings in Sweden sourced in Poland via the Netherlands and Germany

RASFF – Norovirus in Chilled Oysters in Italy sourced in France

RASFF – Hepatitis A Virus in Pitted Dates in Netherlands sourced in Algeria via France

Carrefour Recall – Noroviurs in Oysters

RASFF – Aflatoxins in Maize in Cyprus sourced in Greece

RASFF – Aflatoxins in Almone Powder in Belgium sourced in Ghana

RASFF – Salmonella in Frozen Beef in Sweden sourced in Poland

RASFF – Salmonella in Pasteurised Cows Milk Cheese in France

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Aflatoxin, Allergic Reaction, Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, Food Virus, Hepatitis A, Hygiene, Microbiology, Moulds, Mycotoxin, Norovirus, Ochratoxin, Pathogen, RASFF, Recall

Tagged , , , ,