Category Archives: Listeria monocytogenes

Research – Application of ultra-fine bubble technology to reduce Listeria monocytogenes contamination of fresh produce

Posted on May 26, 2022 | Leave a comment

Center for Produce Safety

Summary

Water used for washing or hydrocooling can act as a source of produce contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Since this could lead to human infections, controlling L. monocytogenes in hydrocooling water and produce is critical for food safety. Commercial disinfectants (chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds) are not completely effective in killing L. monocytogenes in wash water or on produce, especially in presence of organic load.

This proposal aims to investigate the potential of a new technology that employs water containing ultra-fine gas bubbles (size ~ 1 micrometer or less) for washing produce (celery, gala apples, romaine lettuce). We will generate ultra-fine ozone (UFO) bubbles in water using a high energy shear method and test the potential of resulting solution to rapidly kill (in 30 to 60 sec) L. monocytogenes in wash water and on produce surface. In addition, the efficacy of UFO bubble water to synergistically improve the Listeria killing potential of aforementioned commercial disinfectants will be tested. The anti-listerial efficacy of UFO bubble water will also be tested in presence of organic load. Successful completion of this project will provide the produce industry with novel antimicrobial treatment for disinfecting wash water and produce in single pass or re- circulated hydrocooling systems.

Technical Abstract

The widespread distribution of Listeria monocytogenes in agricultural environments such as soil, manure and water results in frequent contamination of food processing areas. Although good agricultural practices partially reduce contamination, however, due to the open nature of farming, it is extremely difficult to completely prevent pathogen influx. Water used for washing or hydrocooling can act as a source of equipment and produce contamination with L. monocytogenes. Since this could lead to human infections, controlling L. monocytogenes in hydrocooling water and on the surface of fresh produce is critical for food safety. Currently used commercial disinfectants (chlorine, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds) are not completely effective in killing L. monocytogenes in wash water or on the surface of produce, especially in presence of organic load. Moreover, the presence of chemical residues and the formation of harmful organochlorine compounds is an occupational concern due to associated health risks, including cancer. Therefore, there is a need for developing novel strategies that could be employed (either alone or in combination with currently used commercial disinfectants) to control L. monocytogenes in wash water and on surface of fresh produce, vegetables and fruits.

This proposal aims to investigate the potential of a new technology that employs water containing ultra-fine gas bubbles (size ~ 1 micrometer or less) for washing produce (celery, gala apples, romaine lettuce). We will generate ultra-fine ozone (UFO) bubbles in water using a high energy shear method and test the potential of resulting solution to rapidly kill (in 30 to 60 sec) L. monocytogenes in wash water and on produce surface. In addition, the efficacy of UFO bubble water to synergistically improve the Listeria killing potential of aforementioned commercial disinfectants will be tested. The anti-listerial efficacy of UFO bubble water will also be tested in presence of organic load.

Potential impact from anticipated outcomes: Successful completion of this project will provide the produce industry with novel antimicrobial treatment for disinfecting wash water and produce in dump tanks, and single pass or re-circulated hydrocooling systems. This intervention will translate into increased microbiological safety of fresh produce.

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Technology, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research

Research – Frozen Vegetable Processing Plants Can Harbour Diverse Listeria monocytogenes Populations: Identification of Critical Operations by WGS

Posted on May 26, 2022 | Leave a comment

MDPI

Frozen vegetables have emerged as a concern due to their association with foodborne outbreaks such as the multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes serogroup IVb linked to frozen corn. The capacity of L. monocytogenes to colonize food-processing environments is well-known, making the bacteria a real problem for consumers. However, the significance of the processing environment in the contamination of frozen foods is not well established. This study aimed to identify potential contamination niches of L. monocytogenes in a frozen processing plant and characterize the recovered isolates. A frozen vegetable processing plant was monitored before cleaning activities. A total of 78 points were sampled, including frozen vegetables. Environmental samples belonged to food-contact surfaces (FCS); and non-food-contact surfaces (n-FCS). Positive L. monocytogenes samples were found in FCS (n = 4), n-FCS (n = 9), and the final product (n = 1). A whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed two clusters belonging to serotypes 1/2a-3a and 1/2b-3b). The genetic characterization revealed the presence of four different sequence types previously detected in the food industry. The isolate obtained from the final product was the same as one isolate found in n-FCS. A multi-virulence-locus sequence typing (MVLST) analysis showed four different virulence types (VT). The results obtained highlight the relevant role that n-FCS such as floors and drains can play in spreading L. monocytogenes contamination to the final product. View Full-Text

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research, WGS, Whole Genomic Sequencing

Research – Temperature, Time, and Type, Oh My! Key Environmental Factors Impacting the Recovery of Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Tulane Virus from Surfaces 

Posted on May 26, 2022 | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection

Environmental monitoring (EM) programs are designed to detect the presence of pathogens in food manufacturing environments with the goal of preventing microbial contamination of food. Nevertheless, limited knowledge exists regarding the influence of environmental conditions on microbial recovery during EM. This study utilizes a commercially-available polyurethane foam (PUF) EM tool to determine the influence of environmental factors on the recovery of foodborne pathogens. The specific objectives of this study were to determine if environmental conditions and surface composition impact the recovery of sought-after microorganisms found in food processing environments. These data are compared across 1) microorganism type, 2) surface type, 3) environmental temperature and relative humidity, and 4) exposure time. Two bacteria ( Listeria monocytogenes , Salmonella Typhimurium) and one human norovirus surrogate (Tulane virus [TV]) were inoculated onto three non-porous surfaces (polypropylene, stainless steel, neoprene). Surfaces were held in an environmental chamber for 24 or 72 h at 30°C/30%, 6°C/85%, and 30°C/85% relative humidity (RH). Data indicate that microbial recovery from environmental surfaces significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varies by microorganism type, environmental conditions, and exposure time. For instance, all microorganisms were significantly different from each other, with the greatest mean log reduction being TV and the lesser reduction being L. monocytogenes at 4.94 ± 1.75 log 10 PFU/surface and 2.54 ± 0.91 log 10 CFU/surface, respectively. Overall, these data can be used to improve the effectiveness of EM programs and underscores the need to better comprehend how EM test results are impacted by food manufacturing environmental conditions.

Leave a comment

Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Salmonella

USA – Brookshire Grocery Company Recalls Yellow Flesh Peaches Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 26, 2022 | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Fruit/Fruit Product
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement:
Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:
Brookshire Grocery Company
Brand Name:
No brand name
Product Description:
Yellow Flesh Peaches

Company Announcement

Brookshire Grocery Company of Tyler, Texas has issued a voluntary recall of bulk Yellow Flesh Peaches available in stores between 4/15/22 and 5/17/22, because they 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.

Yellow Flesh Peaches subject to this voluntary recall were sold at Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market, and FRESH by Brookshire’s retail stores in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

The Yellow Flesh Peaches are a product of Chile and may have a PLU sticker with the words “CHILE” and “TREE RIPE YELLOW PEACH” and the numeral 4044.  Potentially affected product was received from a distributor and shipped to store locations between 4/15/22 and 4/24/22.  Due to the fresh nature of the product, no fresh fruit is expected to be in any household, but consumers who may have frozen or otherwise preserved this item may have it in their possession.

No illnesses have been reported to Brookshire Grocery Company to date.

The recall is a result of random sampling conducted at Brookshire’s distribution center by the Texas Department of State Health Services after potentially affected product was shipped to stores and which revealed a positive test for Listeria monocytogenes.  Brookshire Grocery Company immediately disposed of the affected product at the distribution center, issued a recall notice to its stores, and implemented sanitation procedures at all retail and affected locations.

Any consumer who may have purchased bulk Yellow Flesh Peaches from a Brookshire Grocery Company retail store between 4/15/22 and 5/17/22 and still has them in their possession should dispose of the product immediately.  Consumers with questions may contact Brookshire Grocery Company at 1-888-937-3776.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Brookshire Grocery Company
 1-888-937-3776

Leave a comment

Posted in FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, 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 Safety Management, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

France – Supreme Soufflés Emmental de Savoie IGP – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 26, 2022 | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Prepared meals and snacks
  • Product brand name SAINT JEAN
  • Model names or references Supreme Soufflés Emmental de Savoie IGP
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    3266140059668 21310177 Use-by date 08/06/2022
  • Packaging Vacuum tray
  • Marketing start/end date From 05/13/2022 to 05/17/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark EN 38.409.005 EC
  • Geographic area of ​​sale Whole France
  • Distributors Auchan, Intermarché, Netto, Leclerc, Carrefour, System U, Colruyt, CE (Astic Injection, Mair Renage, St Egrève Hospital), Center Frais, Gerentes, Maison du Frais, Montaigne early vegetables, Savoie Poultry, Segep left banks, Tomat Seriz, St John’s shop
  • List of points of sale Traceability_of_lots_2_131_0177.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall This product may contain Listeria monocytogenes
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, 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 Safety Management, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Belgium – Coprosain brand smoked Antwerpen fillet – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 25, 2022 | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Coprosain recall
Product: Coprosain brand smoked Antwerpen fillet.
Problem: Presence of Listeria.
In agreement with the FASFC, Coprosain withdraws the Filet d’Anvers from the Coprosain brand from sale and recalls it from consumers due to the presence of Listeria.

Coprosain asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased and where it will be reimbursed.

Description of products

  • Product name: Antwerp fillet
  • Brand: Coprosain
  • Use-by dates:02/06/2022-03/06/2022-04/06/2022-05/06/2022-08/06/2022-09/06/2022-16/06/2022-17/06 /2022
  • Batch number: 22123-22124-22125-22126-22129-22130-22137-22138
  • Sale period: from 30-04-22 to 20-05-2022
  • Type of packaging: vacuum-packed plastic bags and bulk at the counter
  • Weight: variable depending on the product

The product was distributed by

  • Coprosain – Rue de l’Abbaye 4 7800 Ath
  • Coprosain – Chaussée d’Ophain16 a 1420 Braine l’alleud
  • Coprosain – Avenue de Maire 139/4 7500 Tournai
  • Ixelles, Enghien, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre, Auderghem, Jette, Ottignies, Tournai, Woluwé-saint-Lambert public markets
  • At the Bio Village – Rue de Tournai 97 7972 Quevaucamps
  • At the Farm – Chaussée de la Liberation 17 7911 Hacquegnies
  • PROXY DELHAIZE – Route d’Hacquegnies 11 7911 Frasnes
  • COQUELOCOOP – Route d’Ath 434, 7050 Jurbise

And online via https://laruchequiditoui.be/fr-BE

For any further information , contact
JP Chantry – Coprosain 068/269380 – jp.chantry@coprosain.be

Leave a comment

Posted in afsca, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, 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

Australia – Australia Food Recall Statistics 2021

Posted on May 25, 2022 | Leave a comment

FSANZ

Microbe

76.PNG

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacillus, Decontamination Microbial, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Hepatitis A, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Research, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio

Austria – Culinea Austrian meat dumplings (10 pieces), 1000 g – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 25, 2022 | Leave a comment

AGES

The AGES informs about a recall of the company Lidl Austria. The company recalled the product Culinea Austrian meat dumplings (10 pieces), 1000 g on May 24th, 2022:
recall reason ; Listeria
Marketed by ; Lidl Austria
Manufacturer; Weinbergmaier GmbH
Expiry Date
04/21/2023
Batch number
L2164

PRODUCT RECALL: “Culinea Austrian meat dumplings (10 pieces), 1000 g” from the manufacturer “Weinbergmaier GmbH”

The manufacturer “Weinbergmaier GmbH” is currently recalling the product “Culinea Austrian meat dumplings (10 pieces), 1000 g” with the best before date April 21, 2023 and batch L2164.

Listeria monocytogenes was detected during a routine inspection of the flesh. Listeria monocytogenes can trigger severe gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms similar to those of a flu. Serious disease progressions can occur in certain groups of people (infants, small children, pregnant women as well as old and sick people). Because of this health risk, customers should be aware of the recall and not consume the affected product.

The affected food “Culinea Austrian meat dumplings (10 pieces), 1000 g” with the best before date April 21, 2023 and batch L2164 was sold at Lidl Austria. For reasons of consistent consumer protection, Lidl Austria reacted immediately and removed the affected food from sale. The food can be returned in all Lidl branches. The purchase price will of course be refunded, even without presenting the receipt.

Only the food “Culinea Österreichische Fleischknödel (10 pieces), 1000 g” with the best before date April 21, 2023 and batch L2164 is affected by the recall. Other Culinea brand foods sold at Lidl Austria are not affected by this recall.

The manufacturer Weinbergmaier GmbH apologizes to all those affected for the inconvenience caused. This warning does not state that the hazard was caused by Lidl Austria or Weinbergmaier GmbH.

Customer service
If you have any questions, the Lidl Austria customer service is available on the toll-free number 0800/500 810 from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

original recall

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, 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

France – Label Rouge rindless superior cooked ham – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 25, 2022 | Leave a comment

Gov france

Identification information of the recalled product

  • Product category Food
  • Product subcategory Meats
  • Product brand name Saint-Alby
  • Model names or references Label Rouge rindless superior cooked ham 160g
  • Identification of products
    GTIN Batch Date
    20057626 20421400006 Use-by date 06/12/2022
  • Marketing start/end date From 05/23/2022 to 05/24/2022
  • Storage temperature Product to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Health mark FR 13 074 001 EC
  • Geographic area of ​​sale See list of supermarkets attached
  • Distributors Some Lidl supermarkets. See attached list.
  • List of points of saleList_of_Supermarkets.pdf

Practical information regarding the recall

  • Reason for recall A supplier self-check revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Risks incurred by the consumer Listeria monocytogenes (causative agent of listeriosis)

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, 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

USA – Hawthorne Valley Association Raw Milk Recalled For Possible Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on May 23, 2022 | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Hawthorne Valley Association raw milk in New York is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of this unpasteurized milk.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, 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, Raw Milk

%d bloggers like this: