Germany has reported a decline in outbreaks for 2023, but more people were sick than in the previous year.
In 2023, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) received 190 reports of foodborne outbreaks that caused 2,248 illnesses, 283 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths.
In 2022, 211 outbreaks were recorded. At least 1,488 illnesses, 268 hospitalizations, and eight deaths were linked to them.
Scientists at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who worked with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to investigate the latest E. coli outbreak and nail down its cause say the fact that these cases were linked and solved so quickly makes it a noteworthy win.
As part of an outbreak investigation announced by the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration on October 22, 90 cases of STEC infection from 13 states have been linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. More than two dozen people have been hospitalized, and one has died.
Read More at the Link Above
Tiger Brands may be about to compensate some of those most seriously affected in a large Listeria outbreak in South Africa more than six years ago.
Tiger Brands revealed the proposal in a trading statement for the 12 months ending Sept. 30.
“The company’s attorneys have engaged with the plaintiffs’ attorneys intending to agree on relief to qualifying individuals who have urgent medical needs, even though liability has not yet been determined,” said Tiger Brands in the statement.
The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.
As of October 22, 49 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 10 states – Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 11, 2024. Of 28 people with information available, 10 have been hospitalized, and 1 person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado.
Almost 550 people were hospitalized in Vietnam earlier this year after a Salmonella outbreak linked to a type of sandwich sold at a bakery.
The outbreak occurred in Dong Nai province in May 2024. The Dong Nai Food Safety Department and the Institute of Public Health in Ho Chi Minh City investigated the incident.
A study published in the Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal revealed that 547 cases were recorded from April 30 to May 6. Two people were in severe condition, and a 6-year-old boy died. A total of 284 patients were female and 263 were male. The average age was 35
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows Listeria infections rose slightly in 2023 and seven outbreaks were investigated.
In 2023, 177 listeriosis cases were reported in England and Wales compared to 167 in 2022. This is the highest level since 180 infections were noted in 2016.
For non-pregnancy-associated cases, death was reported for 32 people, of whom 11 had listeriosis recorded as a cause of death on the death certificate.
Listeria, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is a potentially life-threatening foodborne illness that poses significant risks, especially to certain populations. While healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, those with compromised immune systems, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses, are particularly vulnerable to severe complications. Understanding how listeria is contracted, the symptoms it causes, and the best prevention methods is crucial to protecting public health.
A 10th death has been reported in an outbreak of Listeria infections traced to Boar’s Head deli meats. The outbreak has sickened 59 people in 19 states. All of the patients have required hospitalization.
The company recalled more than 7 million pounds of its products in July. Testing has shown that Boar’s Head deli meat was contaminated with the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes that has sickened people.
The company has closed its Jarratt, VA, production plant that manufactured the implicated products and has permanently discontinued production of liverwurst nationwide.
Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is a significant public health issue in the United States. Every year, millions of people suffer from foodborne illnesses, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. These illnesses arise from consuming contaminated food, which may harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Beyond the personal toll on those affected, food poisoning has far-reaching economic implications, from medical costs to lost productivity. Various health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local health departments, work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of foodborne illnesses. This article will provide an in-depth examination of the annual cases of food poisoning in the U.S., the associated economic costs, and the roles of these agencies in safeguarding public health.
On August 28, 2024, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated deli meats were responsible for 57 illnesses in 18 states.
All 57 outbreak victims were hospitalized.
Nine people are dead.
Read the interesting article at the link above.
FoodWorld 