Category Archives: Food Testing

RASFF Alerts – Aflatoxin – Roasted Groundnuts – Salted Pistachios – Almonds – Seasoning Mix – Organic Groundnuts – Spice Mix – Dried Figs – Hazlenuts

Posted on March 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 5.8; Tot. = 7.7 µg/kg – ppb) in roasted groundnuts from Turkey in Switzerland

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 13.4; Tot. = 13.7 µg/kg – ppb) in salted pistachios from Pakistan in Switzerland

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 37.5; Tot. = 62.2 µg/kg – ppb) in almonds from Spain in Germany

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 14.6; Tot. = 15.1 µg/kg – ppb) in seasoning mix from Pakistan in Ireland

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 16; Tot. = 17 µg/kg – ppb) in organic groundnuts from Egypt in the Netherlands

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 20.1; Tot. = 20.8 µg/kg – ppb) in spice mix from Pakistan in Ireland

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 9; Tot. = 12 µg/kg – ppb) in organic groundnuts kernels from Egypt in the Netherlands

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 19; Tot. = 28 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Turkey in the Netherlands

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 38; Tot. = 50 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled groundnuts from the United States in the Netherlands

RASFF – aflatoxins (Tot. = 29.5 µg/kg – ppb) in hazelnut kernels from Georgia in Bulgaria

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

USA – Fuji Foods Sushi Facility Receives FDA Warning Letter For Listeria

Posted on March 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Fuji Foods sushi facility has received an FDA warning letter for Listeria contamination in their facility. That company, located at 121 Liberty Street in Brockton, Massachusetts, recalled ready-to-eat sushi, salads, and spring rolls under the brand names Trader Joes and Okami on November 27, 2019 for Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses were reported in connection with that recall.

 

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

UK- Scotland – Recall of Cumberland Sausages from O Flynns Gourmet Sausage Company Due to the Presence of Salmonella

Posted on March 26, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FSAI

Summary
Category 2: For Information
Alert Notification: 2020.19
Product: O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company Cumberland Sausages;
pack size: 360g and 5kg
Batch Code: 200318

‘Use by’ date: 28.03.2020
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message:

O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company is recalling the above batch of Cumberland sausages due to the presence of Salmonella. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.

Cumberland sausages label 1
Cumberland sausages label 2
Cumberland sausages label 3

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

UK – FSA publishes guidance for food businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posted on March 26, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FSA

The FSA has today published guidance to assist food businesses in responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The new guidance has been developed with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and covers a range of areas including good hygiene practice, management of employee sickness, and social distancing for specific food business settings.

It is very unlikely that people can catch COVID-19 from food. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.

The FSA is working with the food industry to ensure that businesses know what their responsibilities are and what actions they need to take to maintain safety standards and protect staff during the outbreak.

The guidance can be found on GOV.UK

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Posted in Coronavirus, COVID-19, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, Food Standards Agency, Food Technology, Food Testing, Uncategorized

Australia -Fresh Frontier — Foodies Choice Gourmet Greek Salad with Quinoa plus Kale 320g -Salmonella

Posted on March 25, 2020 by | Leave a comment

PSA

Product description

Foodies Choice Gourmet Greek Salad with Quinoa plus Kale 320g
Ready-to-eat Greek Salad in a plastic container

Use By 23/3/2020, 24/3/2020, 25/3/2020

Photograph of Foodies Choice Greek Salad with Quinoa and Kale

Identifying features

Other
Batch Code 16/3/2020, 17/3/2020, 18/3/2020

What are the defects?

The recall is due to microbial (Salmonella) contamination.

What are the hazards?

Food products contaminated with Salmonella may cause illness if consumed.

What should consumers do?

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information, please contact Fresh Frontier by phone on 08 6162 9958 or via www.freshfrontier.com.au

Supplier
Fresh Frontier
Traders who sold this product

IGA
Farmer Jacks
Gilberts Fresh
Rawsters
SUPA IGA

Where the product was sold
Western Australia
Dates available for sale
  • 17 March 2020 – 19 March 2020

Recall advertisements and supporting documentation

Recall advertisement.pdf (35.22 KB)

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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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, FSANZ, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Australia – Supreme Salads — Supreme Salads Salad Mixes 150g and 250g – Salmonella

Posted on March 25, 2020 by | Leave a comment

PSG

Product description

Salad mixes in clear plastic containers:

Garden Salad 150g and 250g
Supreme Salad 150g and 250g
Greek Salad 150g and 250g

All Best Before dates – 18/03/2020, 19/03/2020, 20/03/2020, 23/03/2020, 24/03/2020, 25/03/2020, 26/03/2020

Photograph of Supreme Salads Salad Mixes

Identifying features

Other
APN/EAN numbers – 9345304000112, 9345304000020, 9345304000051, 934530400105, 9345304000037, 9345304000044

What are the defects?

The recall is due to microbial (Salmonella) contamination.

What are the hazards?

Food products contaminated with Salmonella may cause illness if consumed.

What should consumers do?

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information, please contact Supreme Salads by email at info@supremesalads.com.au or by phone on 0407 441 427.

Supplier
Supreme Salads
Traders who sold this product

IGA stores
Independent grocers in WA

Where the product was sold
Western Australia
Dates available for sale
  • 12 March 2020 – 20 March 2020

Recall advertisements and supporting documentation

Recall advertisement.pdf (276 KB)

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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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, FSANZ, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Australia – Quality Produce International — Loose Leaf Lettuce – Salmomella

Posted on March 25, 2020 by | Leave a comment

PSG

Product description

Loose leaf lettuce products in clear plastic bag in cardboard carton:

Asian Vegetable Mix 500g
Lettuce Mizuna 500g
Prepack Asian Mix 200g
Special Mix 1kg
Special Mix 200g
Swiss Chard 500g
Tatsoi Baby 500g

All Best Before dates 21/03/20 – 28/03/20

Photograph of loose leaf lettuce

What are the defects?

The recall is due to microbial (Salmonella) contamination.

What are the hazards?

Food products contaminated with Salmonella may cause illness if consumed.

What should consumers do?

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact Quality Produce International on 08 9455 2777 or by mail@qualityproduce.com.au

Supplier
Quality Produce International
Traders who sold this product

Various IGA stores and independent retailers in WA

Where the product was sold
Western Australia
Dates available for sale
  • 21 March 2020 – 28 March 2020

Recall advertisements and supporting documentation

Recall advertisement.pdf (266.89 KB)

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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 recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, FSANZ, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Golden Mushroom brand Enoki Mushroom recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on March 25, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, March 24, 2020 – Goldenway International Trade Co. Ltd. is recalling Golden Mushroom brand Enoki Mushroom from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Golden Mushroom Enoki Mushroom 200 g 8 809201 000039 All units sold up to and including March 24, 2020

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 product 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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency (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 product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Golden Mushroom brand Enoki Mushrooms - Champignons d'enoki, 200 g (back - verso)
  • Golden Mushroom brand Enoki Mushrooms - Champignons d'enoki, 200 g (front - recto)

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Posted in CFIA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

Research – Human foodborne listeriosis in England and Wales, 1981 to 2015

Posted on March 24, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Press

Almost all cases of human listeriosis are foodborne, however the proportion where specific exposures are identified is small. Between 1981 and 2015, 5252 human listeriosis cases were reported in England and Wales. The purpose of this study was to summarise data where consumption of specific foods was identified with transmission and these comprised 11 sporadic cases and 17 outbreaks. There was a single outbreak in the community of 378 cases (7% of the total) which was associated with pâté consumption and 112 cases (2% of the total) attributed to specific foods in all the other incidents. The proportion of food-attributed cases increased during this study with improvements in typing methods for Listeria monocytogenes. Ten incidents (one sporadic case and nine outbreaks of 2–9 cases over 4 days to 32 months) occurred in hospitals: all were associated with the consumption of pre-prepared sandwiches. The 18 community incidents comprised eight outbreaks (seven of between 3 and 17 cases) and 10 sporadic cases: food of animal origin was implicated in 16 of the incidents (sliced or potted meats, pork pies, pâté, liver, chicken, crab-meat, butter and soft cheese) and food of non-animal origin in the remaining two (olives and vegetable rennet).

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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 Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Research, Uncategorized

Research – Outbreak of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning linked to leeks in cheese sauce: an unusual source

Posted on March 24, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Cambridge Uni Press

Between 11–13 December 2018, local public health authorities in the West Midlands, England were alerted to 34 reports of diarrhoea with abdominal cramps. Symptom onset was ~10 h after diners ate Christmas meals at a restaurant between 7–9 December 2018. A retrospective case-control study, environmental and microbiological investigations were undertaken to determine the source and control the outbreak. An analytical study was undertaken with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Forty persons were recruited to the analytical study (28/40 cases). Multivariable analysis found that leeks in cheese sauce was the only item associated with illness (aOR 51.1; 95% CI 4.13–2492.1). Environmental investigations identified significant lapses in food safety, including lapses in temperature control during cooking and hot holding, likely cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods and the reuse of leftover cheese sauce for the next day’s service. No food samples were taken during the exposure period. Two faecal samples were positive for Clostridium perfringens with one confirming the enterotoxigenic gene. Cheese sauce is an unusual vehicle for the organism and the first time this has been reported in England.

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Posted in Clostridium perfringens, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Research, Uncategorized