Category Archives: foodborne disease

Research – Vital Surveillances: Characteristics of Settings and Etiologic Agents of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks — China, 2020

Posted on November 7, 2021 by | Leave a comment

China CDC

  • Abstract

    IntroductionFoodborne diseases are a growing public health problem and have caused a large burden of disease in China. This study analyzed epidemiological characteristics of foodborne diseases in China in 2020 to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control measures.

    MethodsData were collected from 30 of 31 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) in the mainland of China, excluding Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region, via the National Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System. The number and proportion of outbreaks, illnesses, hospitalizations, deaths by setting, pathogen-food category pairs and etiology were calculated.

    ResultsIn 2020, 7,073 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, resulting in 37,454 illnesses and 143 deaths. Among the identified pathogens, microbial pathogens were the most common confirmed etiology, accounting for 41.7% of illnesses. Poisonous mushrooms caused the largest proportion of outbreaks (58.0%) and deaths (57.6%). For venues where foodborne disease outbreaks occur, household had the highest number of outbreaks (4,140) and deaths (128), and catering service locations caused the largest proportion of illnesses (59.9%). Outbreaks occurring between June and September accounted for 62.8% of total outbreaks.

    ConclusionsFoodborne disease outbreaks mainly occurred in households. Microbial pathogens remained the top cause of outbreak-associated illnesses. Poisonous mushrooms were ranked the top cause of deaths in private homes in China. The supervision and management of food safety and health education should be strengthened to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases. Publicity should be increased to reduce the incidence of mushroom poisonings in families, and supervision and management of food should be strengthened to reduce microbial contamination.

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, foodborne disease, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research, Uncategorized

Research – Healthcare-associated foodborne outbreaks in high-income countries: a literature review and surveillance study, 16 OECD countries, 2001 to 2019

Posted on October 28, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Eurosurveillance

Yearly, 23 million foodborne disease illnesses and 5,000 deaths are estimated in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, and 41 foodborne Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 100,000 population were estimated for the WHO Sub-Region EUR A in 2010 [1]. In Europe, a total of 5,146 foodborne and waterborne outbreaks, including 48,365 cases of illness and 40 deaths were reported to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2018 [2]. Vulnerable populations, including elderly patients, immunocompromised patients, children younger than five years old and pregnant women are more susceptible to foodborne infections and are more prone to develop severe courses of disease compared with healthy people [3]. Therefore, healthcare is a setting where foodborne outbreaks (FBO) can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. In 2020, 20.6% of the European Union (EU) population was aged 65 years and older [4]. As the proportion of elderly people is projected to further increase, the share of the vulnerable population as patients in healthcare facilities (HCF) is likely to increase and thereby the risk associated with healthcare-associated foodborne outbreaks (HA-FBO). Personnel (medical and non-medical staff, food handlers etc) of HCF may also be at risk for HA-FBO and be a source of further spread in healthcare settings and elsewhere. This can cause major disruption of services [5].

So far, literature reviews have covered pathogens responsible for HA-FBO, including  [6],  [7–9] and norovirus [10,11] and focused on microbiological food safety issues in healthcare settings [5,12]. Between 2014 and 2019, a listeriosis outbreak in Germany affected 13 cases who had an inpatient stay in 12 different HCF during the incubation period [13]. In the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019, nine listeriosis cases of which seven died, had consumed sandwiches in seven HCF during the incubation period [14].

We conducted a literature review to describe the causative agents including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, the incriminated food vehicles and other outbreak characteristics of HA-FBO in 37 countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) [15]. Furthermore, we analysed German surveillance data and data from the EFSA on HA-FBO. The aim of this article is to describe the current status of HA-FBO in order to improve surveillance and provide public health recommendations for prevention.

Leave a comment

Posted in Contaminated water, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, food handler, Food Hazard, 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 Poisoning Death, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Temperature Abuse, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Norovirus, outbreak, Research, Salmonella, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

USA – Georgetown University reports outbreak among students; source unknown

Posted on September 23, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

At least a dozen students at Georgetown University have reported being sick with symptoms that resemble foodborne illness and an official says they may be part of a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella infections.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Ranit Mishori says the school is working to determine the cause of the illnesses.

“At this time we do not know the cause of the symptoms, but it is prudent to assume they are related to an infectious process. Please be aware that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a national outbreak of Salmonella from an unknown source,” according to a letter Mishori sent to students and staff. 

Students have reported symptoms including severe stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea, which are consistent with foodborne illness.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, gastroenteritis, Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations

Spain – La Manga hotel kitchen closed following food poisoning outbreak

Posted on August 9, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Murcia Today

Public Health has temporarily closed the kitchen of the Doblemar Hotel, located on the Gran Via in La Manga del Mar Menor, after 63 guests were taken ill with food poisoning. Sources have since revealed that the outbreak was originally detected on July 25, but that more cases were reported in recent days and the kitchen was shut this week while the source of the contamination is investigated.
While many of those affected have suffered only mild symptoms, such as nausea, fever or vomiting, as many as 20 of the guests have had to be admitted to hospital.
Food poisoning, or norovirus infection, usually causes gastroenteritis, the most common symptoms of which are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most people develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after contracting norovirus, and they can last up to three days. Contagion occurs by coming into direct contact with an infected person, by consuming intoxicated food or water and by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth with the hands. There is no specific drug against this virus, and doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, 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, Food Toxin, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak

Nigeria – Cholera Outbreak

Posted on July 20, 2021 by | Leave a comment

HPS

20 July 2021

Article: 55/2905

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reports continued transmission of cholera in the country, with 14,343-suspected cases, including 325 deaths, reported by 16 Nigerian states from 1 January through to 27 June 2021.

Travellers to the region are advised to only consume safe food and water. Food and drink to be wary of include untreated water, ice, shellfish, salads, unwashed fruit and vegetables. Travellers are also advised that good personal hygiene is essential, particularly frequent hand washing.

A vaccine is available to protect against cholera, but as the risk to most travellers is very low, it is only recommended for:

  • volunteers, aid workers and medical personnel in disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks are likely
  • those travelling to work in slums or refugee camps, areas affected by natural disasters, or countries experiencing cholera outbreaks and where care with food and water is difficult or not possible

Further information relating to cholera can be found on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Click to access 1d3271f656ea9bd07f3c9885a0b5a26c.pdf

Leave a comment

Posted in Contaminated water, food contamination, food death, Food Hazard, 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, foodborne disease, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Vibrio, Vibrio cholera, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

USA – USDA – Outbreak Investigations

Posted on May 20, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FSIS USDA

The table below lists outbreak investigations in which FSIS responded by posting a recall of FSIS-regulated product linked to illness, a public health alert, and/or an after-action review report. The table does not include outbreak investigations that did not result in one or more of these outcomes.

Outbreak Year Pathogen Product Outcomes & References Active
2021 Salmonella Hadar Turkey, ground FSIS Public Notification: FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Ground Turkey Products Linked to Salmonella Hadar Illness

CDC Notice: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Ground Turkey

 Yes
2021 Salmonella Enteritidis Chicken, raw, breaded, stuffed (suspect) Yes
2021 Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) Beef, ground (suspect) No
2021 Escherichia coli O145 (E. coli) Beef, ground (suspect) No
2021 Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) Unknown

CDC Notice: View CDC Investigation Notice

 No
2021 Listeria monocytogenes Unknown No

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli O145, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hazard, 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 Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Research, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research – Climate change emerges as another culprit in leafy green food poisoning outbreaks

Posted on April 11, 2021 by | Leave a comment

The Counter

The last decade has been particularly rough on the leafy greens industry. If you’ve followed lettuce news, you’re certainly aware of the multiple outbreaks of foodborne pathogens like E. coli, which have killed hundreds and sickened thousands more. Cattle feedlots have emerged as a major source of contamination for leafy green contamination but over at Eater, Jenny Zhang homes in on another culprit: climate change. Though it’s an emergent field of study and many unknowns remain, some early observations include: Rising temperatures can help E. coli and salmonella proliferate; those same hot temps provoke cattle into shedding pathogens more readily; and climate change-related flooding can rapidly spread contamination into water supplies used in irrigation. “Think of climate change as both an amplification of existing hazards, as well as a potential trigger for things we can’t foresee,” writes Zhang.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, Food Hazard, 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 Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Research

USA – New Course from ChildCare Education Institute on Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

Posted on March 26, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Global News Wire

ATLANTA, GA, March 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChildCare Education Institute® (CCEI), an online child care training provider dedicated exclusively to the early care and education workforce, is proud to introduce NFS102: Preventing Foodborne Illnesses to the online child care training course catalog.

Foodservice managers and others tasked with preparing meals for children enjoy creating delicious and nutritious options for the children in their care. Those who prepare food in the early childhood environment are eager to prepare tasty, nutritious meals because they know how important good nutrition is for young bodies and minds.

Foodborne illnesses are infectious or toxic diseases caused by bacteria or other agents that enter the body through contaminated food.  Every person is at risk of contracting a foodborne illness. Foodborne illnesses are prevented by combining good hygiene and sanitation, safe storage, and proper preparation and handling.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, 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, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Research

USA – Rare Norovirus GIV Foodborne Outbreak, Wisconsin, USA

Posted on March 24, 2021 by | Leave a comment

CDC

Food Borne Illness - Norovirus -CDC Photo

We report a norovirus GIV outbreak in the United States, 15 years after the last reported outbreak. During May 2016 in Wisconsin, 53 persons, including 4 food handlers, reported being ill. The outbreak was linked to individually prepared fruit consumed as a fruit salad. The virus was phylogenetically classified as a novel GIV genotype.

Norovirus is the leading cause of epidemic and endemic acute gastroenteritis globally. The virus can be transmitted through person-to-person contact, consumption of fecally contaminated food or water, or self-contamination after touching contaminated environmental surfaces (1,2). Noroviruses are divided into at least 10 genogroups (G), and viruses in GI, GII, GIV, GVIII, and GIX cause illness in humans (3). More than 99% of all norovirus outbreaks are caused by GI and GII viruses in the United States (4). GVIII includes 2 strains that have been detected in Japan during 2004 and 2011 (3), and GIX has caused 11 reported outbreaks in the United States since 2013 (https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/reporting/calicinet/data.html).

GIV is divided into 2 recognized genotypes: GIV.1, which infects humans (5), and GIV.2, which infects canines and felines (6). GIV viruses were reported in humans in the Netherlands during 1998 and the United States during 1999 (7,8) and have since been sporadically reported in clinical and environmental samples (5,9–11). An outbreak linked to a GIV norovirus in the United States has not been reported since 2001 (4,8). In this article, we describe a 2016 foodborne norovirus outbreak associated with a novel GIV strain (tentatively GIV.NA).

Leave a comment

Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Virus, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Norovirus, Virus

Ireland – Recall of Batches of Various SFC Chicken Products due to the Possible Presence of Salmonella

Posted on March 17, 2021 by | Leave a comment

FSAI

Tuesday, 16 March 2021

Summary
Category 1:

For Action
Alert Notification:

2021.27
Product:

SFC Take Home Boneless Bucket; pack size: 650g

SFC Southern Fried Chicken Burgers; pack size: 228g

SFC Chicken Poppets; pack size: 190g

SFC Southern Fried Chicken Strips; pack size: 155g
Batch Code:

All best before dates up to and including 30.06.2022
Country Of Origin:

United Kingdom

Message:

Further to FSAI’s food alerts 2021.20, 2021.20 update 1, and 2021.20 update 2, SFC is recalling the above batches of some of its chicken products due to the possible presence of Salmonella.  Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in Lidl stores.

Nature Of Danger:

People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours.  The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody.  Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps.  The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required:

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.

SFC 2
SFC1


Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food death, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, FSAI, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken