Category Archives: Microbiological Risk Assessment

Research – Influence of Hurdle Technology on Foodborne Pathogen Survival in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract

Posted on February 12, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The application of several sublethal stresses in hurdle technology can exert microbial stress resistance, which, in turn, might enable foodborne pathogens to overcome other types of lethal stresses, such as the gastrointestinal barriers. The present study evaluated the survival of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes during simulated digestion, following exposure to combinations of water activity (aw), pH and storage temperature stresses. The results revealed that both pathogens survived their passage through the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with their previous habituation to certain hurdle combinations inducing stress tolerance. More specifically, the habituation to a low temperature or to a high pH resulted in the increased stress tolerance of Salmonella, while for Listeria, the cells appeared stress tolerant after exposure to a high temperature or to a low pH. Nonetheless, both pathogens expressed increased sensitivity after habituation to growth-limiting hurdle combinations. The survival of stress-tolerant pathogenic cells in the human GIT poses major public health issues, since it can lead to host infection. Consequently, further research is required to obtain a deeper understanding of the adaptive stress responses of foodborne bacteria after exposure to combinations of sublethal hurdles to improve the existing food safety systems.

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Posted in aW, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, gastroenteritis, Hurdle Technology, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Pathogen, pathogenic, pH

Research – Effect of Ultrasound Combinated with Sodium Hypochlorite Treatment on Microbial Inhibition and Quality of Fresh-Cut Cucumber

Posted on February 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The influence of ultrasound combined with sodium hypochlorite (US-NaClO) treatment on microorganisms and quality of fresh-cut cucumber during storage were investigated. Ultrasound (400 W, 40 kHz, US: 5, 10 and 15 min) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO: 50, 75, 100 ppm) were used to treat fresh-cut cucumber in a single or combined treatment and stored at 4 °C for 8 days and analyzed for texture, color and flavor. The results showed that US-NaClO treatment had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of microorganisms during storage. It could significantly reduce (p < 0.05) the number of microorganisms by 1.73 to 2.17 log CFU/g. In addition, US-NaClO treatment reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) during storage (4.42 nmol/g) and water mobility, and maintained the integrity of the cell membrane, delayed the increase of weight loss (3.21%), reduced water loss, thus slowing down the decline of firmness (9.20%) of fresh-cut cucumber during storage. The degradation of chlorophyll (6.41%) was reduced to maintain the color of freshly cut cucumbers. At the same time, US-NaClO could maintain the content of aldehydes, the main aromatic substance of cucumber, and reduced the content of alcohols and ketones during storage. Combined with the electronic nose results, it could maintain the cucumber flavor at the end of the storage period and reduce the odor produced by microorganisms. Overall, US-NaClO was helpful to inhibit the growth of microorganisms during storage, improve the quality of fresh-cut cucumber.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Ultrasound

Research -Burden of foodborne disease due to bacterial hazards associated with beef, dairy, poultry meat, and vegetables in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, 2017

Posted on February 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Frontiers in Microbiology

Foodborne disease is a significant global health problem, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected. Given that most fresh animal and vegetable foods in LMICs are bought in informal food systems, much the burden of foodborne disease in LMIC is also linked to informal markets. Developing estimates of the national burden of foodborne disease and attribution to specific food products will inform decision-makers about the size of the problem and motivate action to mitigate risks and prevent illness. This study provides estimates for the burden of foodborne disease caused by selected hazards in two African countries (Burkina Faso and Ethiopia) and attribution to specific foods. Country-specific estimates of the burden of disease in 2010 for Campylobacter spp., enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Shiga-toxin producing E. coli and non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica were obtained from WHO and updated to 2017 using data from the Global Burden of Disease study. Attribution data obtained from WHO were complemented with a dedicated Structured Expert Judgement study to estimate the burden attributable to specific foods. Monte Carlo simulation methods were used to propagate uncertainty. The burden of foodborne disease in the two countries in 2010 was largely similar to the burden in the region except for higher mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to Salmonella in Burkina Faso. In both countries, Campylobacter caused the largest number of cases, while Salmonella caused the largest number of deaths and DALYs. In Burkina Faso, the burden of Campylobacter and ETEC increased from 2010 to 2017, while the burden of Salmonella decreased. In Ethiopia, the burden of all hazards decreased. Mortality decreased relative to incidence in both countries. In both countries, the burden of poultry meat (in DALYs) was larger than the burden of vegetables. In Ethiopia, the burdens of beef and dairy were similar, and somewhat lower than the burden of vegetables. The burden of foodborne disease by the selected pathogens and foods in both countries was substantial. Uncertainty distributions around the estimates spanned several orders of magnitude. This reflects data limitations, as well as variability in the transmission and burden of foodborne disease associated with the pathogens considered.

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Posted in Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Decontamination Microbial, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research – Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus tequilensis against Four Fusarium Species

Posted on February 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The use of biological control agents as opposed to synthetic agrochemicals to control plant pathogens has gained momentum, considering their numerous advantages. The aim of this study is to investigate the biocontrol potential of plant bacterial isolates against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium verticillioides. Isolation, identification, characterization, and in vitro biocontrol antagonistic assays of these isolates against Fusarium species were carried out following standard protocols. The bacterial endophytes were isolated from Glycine max. L leaves (B1), Brassica napus. L seeds (B2), Vigna unguiculata seeds (B3), and Glycine max. L seeds (B4). The bacterial isolates were identified using 16S rRNA PCR sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis shows that the bacterial isolates are closely related to Bacillus subtilis (B1) and Bacillus tequilensis (B2–B4), with an identity score above 98%. All the bacterial isolates produced a significant amount (p < 0.05) of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and protease activity. In vitro antagonistic assays of these isolates show a significant (p < 0.05) growth inhibition of the fungal mycelia in the following order: F. proliferatum > F. culmorum > F. verticillioides > F. oxysporum, compared to the control. The results suggest that these bacterial isolates are good biocontrol candidates against the selected Fusarium species.

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Posted in Bacillus, Bacillus Subtilis, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Fusarium Toxin, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

Research – Treatment of Ready-To-Eat Cooked Meat Products with Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Inactivate Listeria and Escherichia coli

Posted on February 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Ready-to-eat meat products have been identified as a potential vehicle for Listeria monocytogenes. Postprocessing contamination (i.e., handling during portioning and packaging) can occur, and subsequent cold storage together with a demand for products with long shelf life can create a hazardous scenario. Good hygienic practice is augmented by intervention measures in controlling post-processing contamination. Among these interventions, the application of ‘cold atmospheric plasma’ (CAP) has gained interest. The reactive plasma species exert some antibacterial effect, but can also alter the food matrix. We studied the effect of CAP generated from air in a surface barrier discharge system (power densities 0.48 and 0.67 W/cm2) with an electrode-sample distance of 15 mm on sliced, cured, cooked ham and sausage (two brands each), veal pie, and calf liver pâté. Colour of samples was tested immediately before and after CAP exposure. CAP exposure for 5 min effectuated only minor colour changes (ΔE max. 2.7), due to a decrease in redness (a*), and in some cases, an increase in b*. A second set of samples was contaminated with Listeria (L.) monocytogenes, L. innocua and E. coli and then exposed to CAP for 5 min. In cooked cured meats, CAP was more effective in inactivating E. coli (1 to 3 log cycles) than Listeria (from 0.2 to max. 1.5 log cycles). In (non-cured) veal pie and calf liver pâté that had been stored 24 h after CAP exposure, numbers of E. coli were not significantly reduced. Levels of Listeria were significantly reduced in veal pie that had been stored for 24 h (at a level of ca. 0.5 log cycles), but not in calf liver pâté. Antibacterial activity differed between but also within sample types, which requires further studies.

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Posted in Cold Atmospheric Plasma, Decontamination Microbial, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

India – 61 students fall sick due to food poisoning in Pune district

Posted on February 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Hindustan Times

As many as 61 students of Hutatma Rajguru Vidyalaya of Tribal Education Institute in Rajgurunagar, Khed Taluka fell sick due to food poisoning on Thursday. The students were admitted to a rural hospital in Chandoli after experinging stomach pain and nausea.

They ate masala rice prepared by a self-help group after which they fell sick, said officials. The rice in one of the cooking pans tasted like soap, said children.

Samples of rice were taken and sent for inspection.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Poisoning

Quebec -Notice not to consume marinade sold by the company Rela African Market – Food Safety

Posted on February 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Quebec

QUEBEC CITY , Feb. 9 28, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal and the company Rela marché africaine, located in 925, boulevard Décarie, in Montreal, warns the public not to consume the product indicated in the table below, because its safety is no longer assured. Indeed, the company did not respect the preservation requirements of the manufacturer.

Product name

Marque

Format

Affected lot

“All Purpose Marinade”

ASTA DELIGHTS

250 ml

Units sold until February 2, 2023

The product that is the subject of this warning was offered for sale until February 2, 2023, at the establishment designated above. The product was packaged in a glass jar and was sold chilled. The product label included, in addition to its name, the contact details of the manufacturer.

The operator is voluntarily recalling the product in question. It has agreed with MAPAQ and the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal to distribute this warning as a precautionary measure. In addition, people who have this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they bought it or throw it away. Even if the affected product shows no signs of tampering or suspicious odors, its consumption may represent a health risk.

It should be noted that no case of illness associated with the consumption of this food has been reported to MAPAQ to date.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

Research – Foodborne Diseases in the Edible Insect Industry in Europe—New Challenges and Old Problems

Posted on February 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Insects play a key role in European agroecosystems. Insects provide important ecosystem services and make a significant contribution to the food chain, sustainable agriculture, the farm-to-fork (F2F) strategy, and the European Green Deal. Edible insects are regarded as a sustainable alternative to livestock, but their microbiological safety for consumers has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this article is to describe the role of edible insects in the F2F approach, to discuss the latest veterinary guidelines concerning consumption of insect-based foods, and to analyze the biological, chemical, and physical hazards associated with edible insect farming and processing. Five groups of biological risk factors, ten groups of chemical risk factors, and thirteen groups of physical risks factors have been identified and divided into sub-groups. The presented risk maps can facilitate identification of potential threats, such as foodborne pathogens in various insect species and insect-based foods. Ensuring safety of insect-based foods, including effective control of foodborne diseases, will be a significant milestone on the path to maintaining a sustainable food chain in line with the F2F strategy and EU policies. Edible insects constitute a new category of farmed animals and a novel link in the food chain, but their production poses the same problems and challenges that are encountered in conventional livestock rearing and meat production.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology Investigations

Research – Salmonella and Eggs: Preventing and Reporting Illness

Posted on February 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning News

Salmonella and Eggs: Ways to prevent illness and the importance of reporting illnesses.

Did you know that Salmonella is the most common type of bacterial food poisoning? It is commonly consumed through raw dairy products, meats, vegetables, and even fruits! But perhaps the most notorious conduit for Salmonella is eggs. Poultry, such as chickens, can carry Salmonella, and these bacteria can then be passed on to the eggs they lay. According to the CDC, “Salmonella can get on the shells of eggs when birds lay eggs or when the eggs touch bird droppings (poop) after being laid.” Obviously, this can be a problem if a person is collecting their own eggs directly from their back-yard or farm poultry. But in theory, eggs bought from grocery stores should be much safer as the eggs are washed before hitting the shelves.

But if your eggs are contaminated, how can illness be prevented?

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Salmonella, Salmonella in Eggs

Research – Prevention and control of microbiological hazards in fresh fruits and vegetables –Part 3: Sprouts

Posted on February 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FAO

MICROBIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN SPROUTS

Sprouts represent a unique food safety challenge because the proliferation of bacterial pathogens, if present, is enhanced due to the high humidity and the ideal sprouting temperature. For this reason, the Expert Committee identified foodborne bacterial pathogens of concern, including Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC), Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes and specifically focused on interventions against bacterial foodborne pathogens.

While the seed for sprouting may be contaminated with viral or parasitic pathogens, viruses and parasites do not increase in numbers during sprout production and few viral or parasitic disease outbreaks have been attributed to sprouts.

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Posted in Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, STEC, STEC E.coli