Listeria monocytogenes (present /25g) in frozen blanched sweet maize kernels from Hungary in Switzerland
Listeria monocytogenes (in 2 out of 5 samples /25g) in chilled sweet chilli chicken wraps from the Netherlands in the Netherlands
Listeria monocytogenes (<10 CFU/g) in chilled cheese from the Netherlands in France
Posted in food contamination, 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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiology, RASFF
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Category 1: | For Action |
| Alert Notification: | 2021.05 |
| Product: | Tesco Finest Taleggio PDO Italian Cheese; pack size: 200 g |
| Batch Code: | Use-by date: 25.01.2021 |
| Country Of Origin: | Italy |
Tesco Ireland is recalling Tesco Finest Taleggio PDO Italian Cheese with the use by date of 25th January 2021, due to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in all Tesco stores.
Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.
Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.
Tesco is recalling Tesco Finest Taleggio 200g because it contains Listeria monocytogenes.
| Tesco Finest Taleggio | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 200g |
| Batch code | all |
| Use by | 25 January 2021 |
The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product listed above.
Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.
Ref: FSA-PRIN-02-2021
Summary
Due to concerns over bacterial tolerance to sanitizers, FDA and FSIS recommend rotating sanitizers in RTE food processing facilities to better control foodborne pathogens, in particular, Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). These recommendations are nonbinding; whether Lm develops tolerance to common sanitizers remains
inconclusive and debated. Even if Lm develops tolerance through sub-lethal exposure to sanitizers, how long and how strong the tolerance can last should be considered in determining whether sanitizer rotation is needed and how often it should be applied. Lack of consensus and quantitative data on possibility and duration of sanitizer tolerance creates confusions and dilemmas, especially when sanitizer rotation presents considerable challenges in training, compliance, and cost control to the industry. This proposal describes studies to help settle the debate and fill critical knowledge gaps regarding Lm tolerance to chlorine and quaternary ammonium compounds. We will measure residual sanitizer levels in produce processing facilities. We will perform laboratory assays to investigate tolerance development and persistence. We will explore machine-learning-aided tolerance prediction and identify evolutionary signals (or lack thereof) of tolerance development from whole genome sequencing data. Our results will provide the industry and regulators with scientific evidence for substantiating, better implementing, or justifiably shelving sanitizer rotational programs.
Technical Abstract
There is still no scientific consensus on whether Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) develops sanitizer tolerance. We hypothesize that development of two types of sanitizer tolerance may occur in Lm. First, short-term adaptation to sub-lethal levels of sanitizers induces acquired tolerance, which is transient and not hereditary. Second, long- term selection by sanitizers causes intrinsic tolerance, which is established in Lm populations by evolutionary changes to Lm genomes. To help settle the debate, we will test our hypothesis by distinguishing and investigating both types of tolerance in Lm using chlorine and a quaternary ammonium compound as example sanitizers.
In this study, we will survey residual sanitizer levels in a leafy green and a tomato processing facilities to evaluate if laboratory-derived sanitizer levels optimal for tolerance development are relevant to produce processors. We will assess the possibility of acquired tolerance by measuring the difference in minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) before and after sanitizer adaptation. We will study how different sanitizer levels and exposure time affect the development of acquired tolerance, including how long the tolerance can last after exposure to sanitizers. We will explore the mechanisms behind the development of acquired sanitizer tolerance by characterizing temporal shifts in Lm transcriptome throughout the duration of the tolerance.
We will assess intrinsic tolerance in a collection of 200-300 strategically selected Lm strains using high-throughput growth kinetics assays. We will search for evolutionary evidence that suggests the development of intrinsic tolerance in recent history by analyzing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of these strains. We
will build a machine-learning classifier to predict tolerance levels and identify key tolerance predictors from WGS.
This research will provide valuable prerequisite information for determining if sanitizer rotation is necessary for preventing the development of Lm tolerance to sanitizers. Scientific data from the project will also help optimize sanitation practices to mitigate tolerance development and determine frequency for sanitizer rotation if rotation is needed.
The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes lives as a saprophyte in nature and can adhere to and grows on surfaces as diverse as leaves, sediment, and stainless steel. To discern the mechanisms used by L. monocytogenes for attachment and growth on various surfaces, we studied interactions between the pathogen on lettuce and stainless steel. A panel of 24 strains (23 of Listeria monocytogenes and 1 L. innocua ) was screened for attachment and growth on lettuce at 4 o C and 25 o C and on stainless steel at 10 o C and 37 o C. Overnight growth of attached cells resulted in a 0 – 3 log increase on lettuce, depending on the strain and the temperature. Among the worst performing strains on lettuce were two from a large cantaloupe outbreak, indicating that factors important for interactions with cantaloupe may be different from those required on lettuce tissue. Strains that grew the best on lettuce belonged to serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b and were from cheese, potatoes, and water/sediment near produce fields. Confocal microscopy of L. monocytogenes tagged with constitutively expressed green fluorescent protein indicated associations with the cut edges and veins of lettuce leaves. On stainless steel coupons, there was a 5 – 7 log increase at 10 o C after 7 d and a 4 – 7 log increase at 37 o C after 40 h. Statistically, surface growth on stainless steel was better for serotype 1/2a than for serotype 4b strains, even though certain serotype 4b strains grew well on the coupons. The latter included strains that originated from produce and water/sediment. Some strains were fit in both environments, while others showed variability between the two different surfaces. Further analysis of these strains should reveal molecular factors needed for adherence and surface growth of L. monocytogenes on different biotic and abiotic surfaces.
The recall is due to microbial (Listeria monocytogenes) contamination.
Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems.
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 more information, consumers can contact Bellarine Smokehouse on 0434 229 680.
Independent food retailers including IGAs and direct to consumers from Bellarine Smokehouse
Food Standards Australia New Zealand is the coordinating agency for this recall.
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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiology
In 2021, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority will carry out an inspection campaign in all salmon slaughterhouses where we will investigate measures and routines to prevent the fish from becoming contaminated with the listeria bacterium.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis. Most of us do not get sick from the bacterium, but pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are vulnerable. Listeria multiplies at cooling temperature, survives freezing, salting and smoking, but is killed by adequate heat treatment.
– Since salmon and aura are largely eaten without heat treatment and used for ready-to-eat products such as sushi, sashimi, smoked and digged fish, it is important that producers have effective measures against Listeria, says Elisabeth Wilmann, director of fish and seafood at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
In 2018 and 2019, there were serious outbreaks of listeriosis in several EU countries related to the consumption of smoked, grated and marinated fish products. The raw materials were Norwegian salmon and aura. The product was traced back to processing plants in Poland and Estonia, but one could not rule out that the raw materials from Norway were contaminated.
– The fact that Norwegian salmon and aura have been linked to serious disease outbreaks is one of the reasons why the Norwegian Food Safety Authority is carrying out the inspection campaign. Another reason is that more and more countries are making demands with regard to Listeria in Norwegian fish, Wilmann says.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s experience is that Norwegian salmon slaughterhouses generally have good knowledge of microbiological hazards in fish, and that targeted work has been done on measures against Listeria.
– At the same time, we know that Listeria is regularly detected in the production environment in Norwegian slaughterhouses, says Wilmann.
In the campaign, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority will examine the slaughterhouse’s measures, sampling and routines for non-conformance treatment.
– We emphasize guidance. In addition, we will clarify the regulations and the responsibility of the slaughterhouse to prevent unsafe products from entering the market, says Wilmann.
The aim is to control all salmon slaughterhouses and vessels that slaughter salmonids. The campaign period is 15 January to 1 September, and the final report will be published towards the end of 2021. It may be relevant to carry out some of the inspections digitally due to coronary restrictions.
In 2020-2021, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority will also implement a monitoring and mapping program to map the status of Listeria.
– By obtaining a better overview of the status of Listeria in salmonids, we will be in a better position to contribute to the clarification of any future disease outbreaks, Wilmann concludes.
Date published: 12 January 2021
Bellarine Smokehouse is conducting a recall of their Smoked Barramundi Pâté 150g and Smoked Salmon Pâté 150g. The product has been available for sale at independent food retailers including IGA and direct to consumers from Bellarine Smokehouse in Vic.
Use By 050221 & 060221
The recall is due to microbial (Listeria monocytogenes) contamination.
Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems.
Australia
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:
Bellarine Smokehouse
0434 229 680
https://www.bellarinesmokehouse.com/
Related links:
Bern, January 7th, 2021 – Listeria were detected on corn kernels as part of internal controls. These corn kernels were used in various Denner salad products. A health hazard cannot be ruled out. Denner immediately removed the affected products from the sale and started a recall.
What is the risk of the products?
An infection with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is usually mild or even without symptoms in people with an intact immune system. In immunocompromised people, a number of severe symptoms can develop with, under certain circumstances, fatal outcome. During pregnancy, Listeria infection can lead to a miscarriage or the child can be born with blood poisoning or meningitis.
Which products are affected?
Mixed salad 220 g
To be used until: 08.01.2021 and 09.01.2021
Mixed salad with chicken 220 g
To be consumed until 08.01.2021 and 09.01.2021
Rustico salad 200 g
To be consumed until 08.01.2021 and 09.01.2021
What should affected consumers do?
The FSVO recommends not to consume and dispose of the affected products.
Address for queries
Consumers:
Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (
FSVO ) Infodesk
Tel. 058 463 30 33
info@blv.admin.ch
Journalists:
Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)
Media Office
Tel. 058 463 78 98
media@blv.admin .ch
Bern, January 7th, 2021 – Listeria were detected on corn kernels as part of internal controls. These corn kernels were used in various salad products for Migros. A health hazard cannot be ruled out. Migros immediately withdrew the affected products from the sale and started a recall.
What is the risk of the products?
An infection with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is usually mild or even without symptoms in people with an intact immune system. In immuno-compromised people, a number of severe symptoms can develop with, under certain circumstances, fatal outcome. During pregnancy, Listeria infection can lead to a miscarriage or the child can be born with blood poisoning or meningitis.
Which products are affected?
M-Budget mixed salad
Migros item number: 1310.200
To be used up to and lot number: 07.01.2021 (xxx / 17) and 08.01.2021 (xxx / 17)
· Points of sale: Cooperative Lucerne, Cooperative Basel and Migros Online
M-Classic Saladbowl Chicken
Migros item number: 1303.233
· To be used up to and lot no. 07.01.2021 (xxx / 17) and 08.01.2021 (xxx / 17)
· Points of sale: Cooperative Eastern Switzerland, Cooperative Basel and Outlet Dierikon
Anna’s Best Mediterranean Salad
Migros item number: 1310-234
· To be used up to and lot no. 07.01.2021 (xxx / 17) and 08.01.2021 (xxx / 17)
· Points of sale: Cooperative Lucerne and Cooperative Basel
Anna’s Best Holiday Salad
Migros item number: 1310-208
· To be used up to and lot no. 01/07/2021 (xxx / 17)
· Points of sale: Cooperative Lucerne, Cooperative Basel and Migros Online
Fine salad
Migros item number: 1303.203
· To be used up to and lot no. 07.01.2021 (xxx / 17) and 08.01.2021 (xxx / 17)
· Points of sale: Basel cooperative
Anna’s best saladbowl country
Migros item number: 1303.243
· To be used up to and lot no. 07.01.2021 (xxx / 17) and 08.01.2021 (xxx / 17)
· Points of sale: Cooperative Lucerne, Cooperative Eastern Switzerland, Cooperative Ticino, Cooperative Basel and Cooperative Zurich
Anna’s Best Saladbowl Thon
Migros item number: 1303.246
To be used by and lot 07.01.2021 (xxx / 17) and 08.01.2021 (xxx / 17)
Points of sale: Cooperative Lucerne, Cooperative Basel, Cooperative Eastern Switzerland, Cooperative Ticino, Cooperative Zurich and Migros Online)
What should affected consumers do?
The FSVO recommends not to consume and dispose of the affected products.
Address for queries
Consumers:
Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (
FSVO ) Infodesk
Tel. 058 463 30 33
info@blv.admin.ch
Journalists:
Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)
Media Office
Tel. 058 463 78 98
media@blv.admin .ch
