A new Salmonella Miami outbreak has been announced by the FDA in their CORE Table. The only information given is that 48 people are sick.
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Category Archives: microbial contamination
USA – FDA CORE Response Team Update
Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbiology, outbreak, Salmonella
USA – 5 Ways to Prevent Salmonella from Backyard Chickens
More and more people are getting Salmonella from backyard chickens. Are you at risk?
This year there were more cases of Salmonella linked to backyard chickens than ever before recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, there were over ten Salmonella outbreaks, and 1,100 cases in 48 states just this year so far!
We’ll tell you what Salmonella is, help you figure out if you’re at risk, and let you know the best practices for how to stay healthy. Having backyard chickens is fun, but getting Salmonella definitely isn’t!
Research – Growth and Survival of Attached Listeria on Lettuce and Stainless Steel Varies by Strain and Surface Type
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.
Spain – Mycotoxin update on the Hazard Map
In the Hazard Map database, we have updated all the sheets corresponding to the mycotoxins of the chemical hazards block:
- Aflatoxins
- Ochratoxins
- Zearalenone
- Deoxynivalenol
- Fumonisins
- Trichothecenes T-2 and HT2
- Patulin
Mycotoxins are products of fungal metabolism and their ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption can cause disease or death in animals and people. The most important mycotoxins are produced by molds of the genera Aspergillus , Penicillium and Fusarium .
Among the most common mycotoxins are aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearanelone, deoxynivalenol, and T-2 and HT-2 toxins.
Posted in Aflatoxin, Aspergillus, deoxynivalenol, Food Hazard, Food Hazrd, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Toxin, Fumonsins, Fusarium Toxin, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Mold Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Ochratoxin, Patulin, Penicillium brevicompactum, Trichothecenes, Zearalenone
Taiwan – 18 hotels found in violation of food safety standards
Taipei, Jan. 12 (CNA) Eighteen hotels in Taiwan were found last year to have been in violation of food safety standards and were fined accordingly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Tuesday.
The FDA said it tested 215 food products at 208 hotels between August and October last year, and checked whether their food services were in compliance with two food management systems — Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
It found that expired food products were being served or stored at 13 of the hotels, while foods at four of the hotels contained excessive levels of contaminants and one hotel failed to correct previous HACCP violations within the allotted time.
In total, the FDA said, it had imposed some NT$1.065 million (US$38,010) in fines for the violations.
The tests found that bean curd strips offered at the A
Saudi Arabia – 5 cases of food poisoning per day across Kingdom
Abu Dhabi: Nearly 830 cases of food poisoning were reported across Saudi Arabia between July 1 and December 31 last year, or five exposures a day, according to the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya).
Statistics also showed the total outbreaks of food-borne diseases were 61, of which 34 were from public sources, at a rate of 55.7 per cent, and 27 outbreaks from household sources, at a rate of 44.3 per cent.
The number of infected cases from household outbreaks was 104, or 12.5 per cent, while the number of incidences of food poisoning among Saudis reached 740, compared to 89 among non-Saudis.
Venezuela – Salmonella outbreak continues with close to 500 sick
About 500 people have fallen ill in a Salmonella outbreak in a Venezuelan state.
The Anzoatiguense Institute of Health (Saludanz) reported 480 people had tested positive for Salmonella, mostly from the El Carmen and San Cristóbal area of the Simón Bolívar municipality.
In mid-December 2020, the agency revealed 240 children and adults had been affected and seen at different health centers after a significant increase in salmonellosis during the previous month.
Investigations so far have pointed to contaminated water as the source of infection but officials have not ruled out a type of Brazilian sausage being behind some cases in the outbreak. They urged the public to buy food and water from hygienic places that comply with the necessary permits.
Posted in bacterial contamination, Contaminated water, cross contamination, food contamination, 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, microbial contamination, Salmonella, Water, water microbiology
Research – Exploring food safety perceptions and self-reported practices of pet owners, providing raw meat-based diets to pets.
The growing popularity of raw meat-based diets for pets is accompanied by an increasing concern regarding possible health implications of this practice to pet owners, due to the storage and preparation of raw meat. This study aimed to explore pet owners’ knowledge and perceptions about safety of raw meat-based feeding and determine self-reported food safety practices during raw meat-based pet food preparation. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms was completed by pet owners practicing raw meat-based feeding ( n =174). Almost all participants (95%) reported confidence that their pets’ raw meat-based food is safe. Two thirds of respondents (67%) reported to have researched food safety information, regarding raw meat-based feeding, however only 8% asked a veterinarian for food safety advice. Respondents were aware of pathogens that may be present in raw meat-based diets, and of food safety practices, however, they did not report implementation of appropriate food safety practices consistently. Malpractices, such as rinsing raw meat (27%) and lack of segregation (52%) were reported. The risk of foodborne illness to pet owners associated with raw meat-based feeding was perceived to be ‘low’ by 89% of pet owners. Participants perceived low susceptibility to foodborne illness, but high self-efficacy, which may be an indication of ‘optimistic bias’. This study has identified the need for increasing pet owners’ awareness of the possible risks associated with raw meat-based feeding to human health. The provision of comprehensive food safety information, intended to target the perceptions of pet owners identified in this study, is needed to improve pet owners’ food safety practices, to reduce the potential food safety risks associated with raw meat preparation and storage in the domestic environment.
Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Testing, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Safety, Foodborne Illness, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Pet Food, Pet Food Testing, raw pet food, Research
USA – Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Expands Recall of Pet Food for Aflatoxin Health Risk
Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc., of Evansville, IN is expanding its December 30, 2020 voluntary recall of certain dog and cat food products produced in our Chickasha Operations Facility to include all dog and cat pet food products made with corn products because those products may contain aflatoxin levels which exceed acceptable limits. Products were distributed nationally to online distributors and retail stores nationwide. Midwestern Pet Foods is expanding its voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution to help protect the health and safety of pets. The products recalled cover all that expire on or before July 9, 2022, depicted as “07/09/22” in the date code on the product, as discussed below. Products with expiration dates after 07/09/22 are not included in the recall.
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.
There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with certain lots of products. No human illnesses have been reported. Out of an abundance of caution, we have expanded this recall to cover all corn products containing pet foods with expiration dates prior to 07/09/22.
If your pet shows signs of aflatoxin poisoning including sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums, or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea, contact a veterinarian immediately. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. It may be helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number and best buy date.
Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three‐line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”.
As explained above, this recall covers ONLY product manufactured at Midwestern Pet Food’s Chickasha, Oklahoma facility. Note that the unique Chickasha Facility identifier is located in the date code as a
“05” and “REG. OK‐PFO‐0005” at the end of the date code.
In addition, the only Midwestern Pet Foods facility that produces product bearing a three‐line date code is our Chickasha Facility (See first image below).
Retailers and distributors should immediately pull recalled lots from their inventory and shelves. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Retailers are encouraged to contact consumers who have purchased the recalled products, if you have the means to do so (frequent buyer cards, etc.).
Pet parents: do not feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animals. Destroy the food in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize hands after handling recalled food or any utensils which have contacted recalled food. Contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at 800‐474‐4163, ext. 455 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at info@midwesternpetfoods.com for additional information.
This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All other Midwestern Pet Foods products are unaffected by this recall action.
Recalled products are as follows, with lot codes found in Expanded Recall Lot Numbers:
- Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk
- Pro Pac Performance Puppy
- Splash Fat Cat 32%
- Nunn Better Maintenance
- Sportstrail 50
- Sportmix Original Cat 15
- Sportmix Original Cat 31
- Sportmix Maintenance 44
- Sportmix Maintenance 50
- Sportmix High Protein 50
- Sportmix Energy Plus 44
- Sportmix Energy Plus 50
- Sportmix Stamina 44
- Sportmix Stamina 50
- Sportmix Bite Size 40
- Sportmix Bite Size 44
- Sportmix High Energy 44
- Sportmix High Energy 50
- Sportmix Premium Puppy 16.5
- Sportmix Premium Puppy 33
Company Contact Information
- Consumers:
- Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs
- 800‐474‐4163, ext. 455
- info@midwesternpetfoods.com
Australia – Bellarine Smokehouse — Smoked Barramundi Pâté 150g and Smoked Salmon Pâté 150g – Listeria monocytogenes
What are the defects?
The recall is due to microbial (Listeria monocytogenes) contamination.
What are the hazards?
Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems.
What should consumers do?
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.
Supplier
Traders who sold this product
Independent food retailers including IGAs and direct to consumers from Bellarine Smokehouse
Where the product was sold
Victoria
Dates available for sale
- 11 January 2021 – 12 January 2021
Recall advertisements and supporting documentation
Coordinating agency
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
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