Category Archives: Food Toxin

Research – Behavior of 11 Foodborne Bacteria on Whole and Cut Mangoes var. Ataulfo and Kent and Antibacterial Activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa Extracts and Chemical Sanitizers Directly onto Mangoes Contaminated with Foodborne Bacteria

Posted on May 30, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection

The behavior of foodborne bacteria on whole and cut mangoes and the antibacterial effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extracts and chemical sanitizers against foodborne bacteria on contaminated mangoes were investigated. Mangoes var. Ataulfo and Kent were used in the study. Mangoes were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Montevideo, Escherichia coli strains (O157:H7, non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin–producing, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive, and enteroaggregative). The antibacterial effect of five roselle calyx extracts (water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate), sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver, and acetic acid against foodborne bacteria were evaluated on contaminated mangoes. The dry extracts obtained with ethanol, methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine solvent residues. Separately, contaminated whole mangoes were immersed in five hibiscus extracts and in sanitizers for 5 min. All foodborne bacteria attached to mangoes. After 20 days at 25 ± 2°C, all foodborne bacterial strains on whole Ataulfo mangoes had decreased by approximately 2.5 log, and on Kent mangoes by approximately 2 log; at 3 ± 2°C, they had decreased to approximately 1.9 and 1.5 log, respectively, on Ataulfo and Kent. All foodborne bacterial strains grew on cut mangoes at 25 ± 2°C; however, at 3 ± 2°C, bacterial growth was inhibited. Residual solvents were not detected in any of the dry extracts by nuclear magnetic resonance. Acetonic, ethanolic, and methanolic roselle calyx extracts caused a greater reduction in concentration (2 to 2.6 log CFU/g) of all foodborne bacteria on contaminated whole mangoes than the sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver, and acetic acid. Dry roselle calyx extracts may be a potentially useful addition to disinfection procedures of mangoes.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Research- Occurrence of Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins on Root Herbs from Chinese Markets

Posted on May 29, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection Aspergillus

Herbs derived from roots, leaves, flowers, or fruits of plants are unavoidably contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins during growth, harvest, and storage, thereby posing a health threat to humans. Especially, root herbs (RHs) are more easily contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins because the roots are in direct contact with the soil. Here, we investigated the occurrence of fungi, aflatoxins (AFs), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in eight RHs that are used as medicines, beverages, dietary supplements, and functional foods in China and other countries. Morphological observation and MultiGeneBlast (β-tubulin and calmodulin) were used to identify the potentially toxigenic fungi. Of the 48 samples tested, all were contaminated by fungi, and 1,844 isolates belonging to 25 genera were detected. The genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, which contain potentially toxigenic fungal species, represented a frequency of 10 and 25%, respectively. Thirty-three isolates of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium polonicum were arbitrarily selected for analysis of their toxigenic potential. Five of 13 isolates of A. flavus and 1 isolate of A. parasiticus produced AFs, whereas OTA production was not detected for any of the isolates of A. niger and P. polonicum. The occurrence of AFs and OTA in the 48 samples of eight RHs was tested by ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry; 37.50% of samples from six RHs were contaminated with AFs and 16.67% of samples from four RHs were contaminated with OTA. Seven (14.58%) and four (8.33%) samples of ginseng, polygala, and liquorice exceeded the permissible limits of aflatoxin B1 and AFs, respectively. Because ginseng, polygala, and liquorice are widely used as herbs, dietary supplements, and functional foods, the high frequency of AF contamination of these herbs indicated by our current study warrant attention to raise public awareness.

Leave a comment

Posted in Aflatoxin, Biotoxin, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Toxin, mold, Moulds, Mycotoxin, Ochratoxin, Tetrodotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

USA – Salmonella outbreak closes Georgia caterer until further notice By News Desk | May 22, 2018

Posted on May 24, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News kswfoodworld salmonella

County health officials continue to investigate a Salmonella outbreak linked to a Georgia caterer who provided food for recent events. At least 70 people reported becoming ill after the events, with at least four admitted to hospitals.

The Plain Nuts Catering & Deli of Covington, GA, closed voluntarily, according to the Gwinnett, Newton, & Rockdale County Health Departments. As of Monday evening the caterer’s website did not appear to have any information about the situation.

Sick people reported attending events on April 28 and May 9 that were catered by Plain Nuts. Another group of people who did not attend the events but did eat food from the caterer is also included in the outbreak count. 

Reports of the illnesses first reached the health department on May 4. With all of the sick people having attended the same invitation-only event on April 28, public health officials began investigating the caterer. On May 15, the department received word of illnesses among attendees of the May 9 event.   

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

USA – Salmonella outbreak over, but CDC says coconut threat lingers

Posted on May 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Federal officials say an outbreak of Salmonella traced to dried coconut appears to be over, but they are renewing their public warning about a lingering threat.

Fourteen people across eight states and the District of Columbia were confirmed with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. Three people were admitted to hospitals. The strain was also laboratory confirmed in unopened packages of the coconut. 

“This outbreak appears to be over. However, recalled dried coconut products have a long shelf life and may still be in people’s homes. Consumers unaware of the recall could continue to eat these products and potentially get sick,” according to an update posted Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Leave a comment

Posted in CDC, food bourne outbreak, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Canada – E. coli Outbreak in Canada tied to Yuma Romaine – E.coli O157

Posted on May 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal 

As of May 9, 2018, there are six Canadian cases of E. coli O157 that are genetically similar to the U.S. outbreak linked to romaine lettuce coming from the Yuma growing region in the U.S. The six Canadian illnesses are reported in four provinces: British Columbia (1), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (2), and Ontario (2). Individuals became sick between late March and mid-April 2018. One of the Canadian cases was hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported in Canada. Individuals who became ill were between 13 and 68 years of age. The majority of cases (67%) were female.In the Canadian investigation, among the six cases, most of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten romaine lettuce at home, or in prepared salads purchased at grocery stores, restaurants and fast food chains, before their illnesses occurred. Two Canadians did report traveling to the U.S. before getting sick and eating romaine lettuce while they were there.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, food death, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Toxin, Food Virus, Uncategorized

Hong Kong – Food Alert *(Updated on 21 May 2018) Not to consume a kind of French raw milk cheese suspected to be contaminated with E.coli (O26)

Posted on May 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

CFS

Issue Date 17.5.2018
Source of Information Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission
Food Product A kind of raw milk cheese imported from France
Product Name and Description Product name: Fromage AOP reblochon laitier au lait cru (Reblochon raw milk cheese AOP)
Place of origin: France
Manufacturer: FROMAGERIES CHABERT
Packing: 450g per pack
Lots: Lot numbers starting with 8CR
Sanitary mark: FR 74. 096. 050 CE – with red round casein

*Updated on 21 May 2018
Product name: LE PERE FANFOUE Reblochon Cheese AOP or REBLOCHON DE SAVOIE AOP AU LAIT CRU
Place of origin: France
Manufacturer: FROMAGERIES CHABERT
Packing: 450g per pack
Lots: Lot numbers starting with 8CR
Sanitary mark: FR 74. 096. 050 CE
Reason For Issuing Alert
  • The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) received a notification from the RASFF that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with E. coli (O26) and is being recalled.
  •  According to information provided by the RASFF, a local importer, Silco International Limited, had imported some of the affected product into Hong Kong. The CFS immediately contacted the importer concerned for follow-up. The importer confirmed that it had imported 2.4 kilograms of the affected product and all had been distributed. It has initiated a recall according to the CFS’ advice.

*Updated on 21 May 2018

  • CFS’ further investigation and the RASFF of the European Commission’s latest notification revealed that two more local importers, City Super Limited and Culina (HK) Ltd, had previously imported and sold the affected cheese.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety
  • For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately suspended the import and sale in Hong Kong of the concerned product.
  •  The CFS has informed the French authorities concerned of the import suspension and will alert the trade to the incident. It will continue to closely monitor the incident and take appropriate follow-up action. Investigation is underway.

*Updated on 21 May 2018

  • The importers concerned had removed from shelves and stopped sale of the affected product. They have initiated a recall according to the CFS’ instructions.
  • The CFS will alert the trade to the incident. It will continue to closely monitor the incident and take appropriate follow-up action. Investigation is on-going.
Advice to the Trade
  • Stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
Advice to Consumers
  • Not to consume the affected product if they have bought any.
Further Information
  • The CFS press release
  • Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer’s hotline at 2764 3632 during office hours.

*Updated on 21 May 2018

  • The CFS press release (19 May 2018)
  • Enquiries about the recall can be made to the City Super Limited’s hotline at 2736 3866 and Culina (HK) Ltd’s hotline at 2342 3221 during office hours.

Leave a comment

Posted in Center for Food Safety, E.coli O26, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Recall, Uncategorized

Hong Kong – Not to consume a kind of French raw milk cheese suspected to be contaminated with E.coli (O26)

Posted on May 18, 2018 by | Leave a comment

CFS logo

Not to consume a kind of French raw milk cheese suspected to be contaminated with E.coli (O26)

Issue Date 17.5.2018
Source of Information Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission
Food Product A kind of raw milk cheese imported from France
Product Name and Description Product name: Fromage AOP reblochon laitier au lait cru (Reblochon raw milk cheese AOP)

Place of origin: France

Manufacturer: FROMAGERIES CHABERT

Packing: 450g per pack

Lots: Lot numbers starting with 8CR

Sanitary mark: FR 74. 096. 050 CE – with red round casein
Reason For Issuing Alert
  • The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) received a notification from the RASFF that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with E. coli (O26) and is being recalled.
  •  According to information provided by the RASFF, a local importer, Silco International Limited, had imported some of the affected product into Hong Kong. The CFS immediately contacted the importer concerned for follow-up. The importer confirmed that it had imported 2.4 kilograms of the affected product and all had been distributed. It has initiated a recall according to the CFS’ advice.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety
  • For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately suspended the import and sale in Hong Kong of the concerned product.
  •  The CFS has informed the French authorities concerned of the import suspension and will alert the trade to the incident. It will continue to closely monitor the incident and take appropriate follow-up action. Investigation is underway.
Advice to the Trade
  • Stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
Advice to Consumers
  • Not to consume the affected product if they have bought any.
Further Information
  • The CFS press release
  • Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer’s hotline at 2764 3632 during office hours.

Leave a comment

Posted in Center for Food Safety, E.coli, E.coli O26, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Certain smoked fish products sold from Four Seasons Marketplace recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on May 18, 2018 by | Leave a comment

CFIA 

 

Recall details

Ottawa, May 17, 2018 – The food safety warning issued on May 13, 2018 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Four Seasons Marketplace Inc. is recalling certain smoked fish products because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

The following products have been sold from Four Seasons Marketplace, 4099 Erin Mills Parkway, Mississauga, Ontario.

Recalled products

Brand Name Common Name Size Code(s) on Product UPC
Nanuk Smoked Pacific Salmon – Coho Salmon 140g All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location 0 57841 00515 2
BOS Mackerel Fillets – Naturally Smoked Variable All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location Starts with 0204004
BOS Atlantic Salmon – Naturally Smoked 170g All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location 8 33417 00040 6
BOS Roasted Atlantic Salmon – Naturally Smoked 170g All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location 8 33417 00040 6
Food Fest Smoked Steelhead Salmon 70g All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location 0 71217 10323 5
Food Fest Danish Style Gravlox – Smoked Steelhead Salmon 70g All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location 0 71217 10324 2
Food Fest Red Sockeye Salmon 70g All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location 0 71217 10325 9

Leave a comment

Posted in CFIA, Clostridium botulinum, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized

RASFF Alerts – Aflatoxin – Pistachios – Peanuts – Fig Paste – Chilli Powder – Groundnuts – Dried Figs

Posted on May 18, 2018 by | Leave a comment

kswfoodworld food safety poisoning

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 65.3; Tot. = 72.5 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled pistachios from the United States in Germany

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 44.1; Tot. = 47.4 µg/kg – ppb) in pistachio kernels from the United States, via Turkey in Bulgaria

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 11.7; Tot. = 13.2 µg/kg – ppb) in peanuts in shell from Egypt in Italy

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 12.3; Tot. = 18.7 µg/kg – ppb) in fig paste from Turkey in the UK

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 65.7; Tot. = 68.6 µg/kg – ppb) in chilli powder from India in Italy

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 4.68; Tot. = 11.08 / B1 = 7.61; Tot. = 13.71 / B1 = 3.7; Tot. = 8.7 / B1 = 5.9; Tot. = 10.3 µg/kg – ppb) in peanut without shell from Argentina in Slovakia

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 119 µg/kg – ppb) in groundnuts from Senegal in Belgium

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 32.9; Tot. = 36.4 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Greece in the Czech Republic

Leave a comment

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

RASFF Alerts – Ochratoxin A – Green Coffee – Raisins

Posted on May 18, 2018 by | Leave a comment

kswfoodworld food safety poisoning

RASFF-ochratoxin A (>15 µg/kg – ppb) in green coffee from Vietnam in Spain

RASFF-ochratoxin A (20.1 µg/kg – ppb) in raisins from Iran, via Slovakia in the Czech Republic

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Mycotoxin, Ochratoxin, RASFF, Uncategorized