Category Archives: Microbial growth

Japan sees rise in food poisoning from eating raw chicken

The Mainichi

TOKYO — Japan’s health ministry is calling for caution amid an increase in food poisoning caused by Campylobacter, a form of bacteria found in raw and half-cooked chicken.

Food poisoning cases usually rise in Japan during the damp rainy season from late May to early July. This year, experts have expressed concern about a sudden rise due to the easing of coronavirus-related restrictions, which have brought more customers back to dining out.

Once infected with Campylobacter, commonly found in raw or not fully cooked meat dishes such as sashimi, Korean “yukhoe” and lightly seared “tataki,” the bacteria can cause stomach pain and diarrhea among other symptoms. Although usually not fatal, children and the elderly are at risk of developing serious illness. In addition, the bacteria can result in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which can bring about difficulty breathing and paralysis of the limbs and face.

Around 2,000 people are afflicted with food poisoning by Campylobacter annually. Some regions, such as Kagoshima Prefecture, where chicken sashimi is part of the local cuisine, have established strict hygiene standards for the consumption of raw chicken meat, but caution is needed as about 70% of cases occur at restaurants.

Cambodia – 20 people suffered from food poisoning after having a buffet at a Siem Reap restaurant

Khmer Times

20 people have suffered from food poisoning, with at least three of them hospitalised after buffer breakfast.

The restaurant is identified as Srey Khouch Container, located in Siem Reap city.

The victims, who ate at the restaurant yesterday, accused the restaurant owner of serving them bad food and demanded compensation, but the owner denied it and instead claimed that the victims “were eating improperly”, leading to the illness.

As of this morning, the two parties are still trying to find a solution under the supervision of the local police.

Germany sounds E. coli and HUS alert after travel to Egypt

Food Safety News

German public health officials have warned of a spike in cases of E. coli among travelers to Egypt.

Experts from the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) said they had also seen a rise in connected cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a severe complication associated with E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.

Since the beginning of 2023, 31 cases of E. coli and 10 of HUS in people who were likely infected while on holiday in Egypt have been reported.

A large proportion of patients – 12 E. coli cases and six HUS cases – were recorded in May and June. They had stayed in different hotels, mainly in Hurghada, which is also the most frequent travel spot in the country.

Research – Dynamic Modelling to Describe the Effect of Plant Extracts and Customised Starter Culture on Staphylococcus aureus Survival in Goat’s Raw Milk Soft Cheese

MDPI

Abstract

This study characterises the effect of a customised starter culture (CSC) and plant extracts (lemon balm, sage, and spearmint) on Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) kinetics in goat’s raw milk soft cheeses. Raw milk cheeses were produced with and without the CSC and plant extracts, and analysed for pH, SA, and LAB counts throughout ripening. The pH change over maturation was described by an empirical decay function. To assess the effect of each bio-preservative on SA, dynamic Bigelow-type models were adjusted, while their effect on LAB was evaluated by classical Huang models and dynamic Huang–Cardinal models. The models showed that the bio-preservatives decreased the time necessary for a one-log reduction but generally affected the cheese pH drop and SA decay rates (logDref = 0.621–1.190 days; controls: 0.796–0.996 days). Spearmint and sage extracts affected the LAB specific growth rate (0.503 and 1.749 ln CFU/g day−1; corresponding controls: 1.421 and 0.806 ln CFU/g day−1), while lemon balm showed no impact (p > 0.05). The Huang–Cardinal models uncovered different optimum specific growth rates of indigenous LAB (1.560–1.705 ln CFU/g day−1) and LAB of cheeses with CSC (0.979–1.198 ln CFU/g day−1). The models produced validate the potential of the tested bio-preservatives to reduce SA, while identifying the impact of such strategies on the fermentation process.

Research – Efficacy of Power Ultrasound-Based Hurdle Technology on the Reduction of Bacterial Pathogens on Fresh Produce

MDPI

Abstract

Minimally processed produce is frequently contaminated with foodborne bacterial pathogens. Power ultrasound is a non-thermal and cost-effective technology that can be combined with other chemical sanitization methods. This study investigated the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Newport on grape tomato, romaine lettuce, and spinach washed with water, chlorine, or peroxyacetic acid alone or in combination with 25 or 40 kHz power ultrasound for 1, 2, or 5 min. Produce items were inoculated with either pathogen at 10 log CFU/g, dried for 2 h, and treated. Combined treatment of ultrasound and sanitizers resulted in 1.44–3.99 log CFU/g reduction of L. monocytogenes and 1.35–3.62 log CFU/g reduction of S. Newport, with significantly higher reductions observed on grape tomato. Synergistic effects were achieved with the hurdle treatment of power ultrasound coupled with the chemical sanitizers when compared to the single treatments; an additional 0.48–1.40 log CFU/g reduction of S. Newport was obtained with the addition of power ultrasound on grape tomato. In general, no significant differences were observed in pathogen reductions between the ultrasound frequencies, the sanitizers, or the treatment lengths. Results from this study suggest that incorporation of power ultrasound into the current washing procedure may be beneficial for the reduction, but not elimination, of bacterial pathogens on certain produce items, including tomatoes.

Scotland mulls pathogen action levels

Food Safety News

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is considering introducing thresholds for action for some pathogens based on either a UK or Scottish approach.

Using targets based on reported infections of key pathogens could help monitor trends and be used as a trigger to act. However, figures would need to be interpreted carefully because of underreporting, inability to separate food and non-food sources, changes in demographics, and impacts of year to year fluctuations in environmental factors, such as weather.

When reported cases breach the threshold, different steps would be considered including an investigation to identify reasons behind the increase; additional food sampling associated with the pathogen and risk communication to consumers using tailored messages.

FSS currently uses Public Health Scotland data on confirmed laboratory reports for five pathogens to monitor how foodborne illness is changing.

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Raw Cookie Dough (May 2023)

FDA

Product 

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake raw Chocolate Chip Cookie and S’mores Bars dough purchased before May 23, 2023.

FDA’s investigation is complete and the outbreak is over.

Stores Affected

  • Papa Murphy’s Stores Nationwide

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

Status

Ended

Recommendation

  • Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie and S’mores Bars dough are not meant to be eaten raw.
  • This outbreak appears to be over; however, consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for Papa Murphy’s Chocolate Chip Cookie and S’mores Bars dough purchased before May 23, 2023 and should throw it away.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of Salmonella infection.

Raw Dough Safety Tips

  • Due to the potential for contamination, never eat any raw dough that is supposed to be cooked or baked.
  • Always wash hands and clean and sanitize work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough or batter.
  • Keep raw food or dough separate from other foods while preparing them to prevent any possible contamination from spreading.
  • More information is available on the FDA website.

Current Update

July 13, 2023

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to Chocolate Chip Cookie and S’mores Bars dough sold at Papa Murphy’s franchises and purchased before May 23, 2023.

FDA conducted a traceback investigation and identified two suppliers of interest. FDA and several state partners collected samples at both suppliers, and state partners also collected retail samples at several Papa Murphy’s stores. All samples collected were reported as negative for Salmonella contamination. As of July 13, 2023, CDC announced that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 26 illnesses in six states. The last illness onset was May 22, 2023. FDA’s investigation is complete.

In response to this investigation, Papa Murphy’s notified franchise owners nationwide and stopped selling all Chocolate Chip Cookie dough and S’mores Bars dough at all stores and stopped using unprepared dry cookie dough mixes dating back through April 2023 to ensure any potentially contaminated ingredients are not used. As of July 13, 2023, Papa Murphy’s has not restarted sales of cookie dough. Additionally, the firm is reviewing their dessert menu items and labels to further enhance instructions to consumers to emphasize that their products are not intended to be eaten raw.

RASFF Alert – Animal Feed – Mold/Mould – Wheat Bran Pellets

RASFF

Wheat bran pellets for animal feed with molds and moisture – Angola in Portugal

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Rapeseed Extraction Meal

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in rapeseed extraction meal (feed) from Germany in Spain and Switzerland

English Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from Poland

Food Safety News

hazegg.jpg

A Salmonella outbreak in England that sickened more than 60 people earlier this year has been linked to eggs from Poland.

Samples from patients are also similar to previously reported isolates that fall into a cluster that is part of several national and international investigations.

There were 65 cases associated with the English outbreak; 25 confirmed and 18 probable infections linked to a restaurant, ten confirmed with unknown links to the establishment, and 12 with no link to the restaurant.

The outbreak linked to the unnamed restaurant was reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) East of England Health Protection Team in early April. UKHSA was notified of multiple cases of gastroenteritis following food consumption at the site, with attendance or takeaway dates in late March, according to a study published in the journal Eurosurveillance.