Category Archives: Microbiology Investigations

Research – Foodborne Outbreak of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Producing Shigella sonnei Associated with Contaminated Spring Onions in the United Kingdom

Posted on May 7, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Science Direct

Shigella - kswfoodworld

Image CDC

Abstract

Globalization of the food supply chain has created conditions favorable for emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) foodborne pathogens. In November 2021, the UK Health Security Agency detected an outbreak of 17 cases infected with the same strain of MDR extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Shigella sonnei. Phylogenetic analysis of whole-genome sequencing data revealed the outbreak was closely related to strains of S. sonnei isolated from travelers returning to the UK from Egypt. None of the outbreak cases reported travel and all 17 cases reported eating food from a restaurant/food outlet in the week prior to symptom onset, of which 11/17 (64.7%) ate at branches of the same national restaurant franchise. All 17 cases were adults and 14/17 (82.4%) were female. Ingredient-level analyses of the meals consumed by the cases identified spring onions as the common ingredient. Food chain investigations revealed that the spring onions served at the implicated restaurants could be traced back to a single Egyptian producer. The foodborne transmission of ESBL-producing bacteria is an emerging global health concern, and concerted action from all stakeholders is required to ensure an effective response to mitigate the risks to public health.

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

Research – German testing finds Listeria and E. coli in raw milk

Posted on May 6, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Listeria and E. coli have been found during testing of unpasteurized, raw milk from farms in Germany.

From 2020 to 2022, the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) in Stuttgart tested 54 raw milk samples from vending machines for a range of agents.

Parameters examined included somatic cell count, total germ count, spoilage organisms, hygiene indicator germs such as Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli, and pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

The sale of raw milk is mostly prohibited but it can be sold directly on the farm via self-service vending machines. The producers should put up notices telling the consumers to boil raw milk before consumption.

Some findings were positive as 30 samples were compliant but 24 had issues. Results highlight the importance of regular cleaning of milking machines, pipes, and tanks at dairy farms, said scientists. Insufficient cooling can also lead to contamination of raw milk.

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Posted in Campylobacter, 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, Raw Milk, raw milk cheese, Raw Milk Cream, Research, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Rapeseed Expeller – Bovine Lung Feed

Posted on May 5, 2023 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Salmonella Give in rapeseed expeller from Belarus in Lithuania

RASFF

Salmonella spp. in compound feed (bovine lung) from Poland in Germany

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Posted in Animal by Products, Animal Feed, Animal Feed Salmonella, Animal Feed Testing, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, RASFF, Salmonella

RASFF Alert- Animal Feed – Mould/Mold – Corn Feed

Posted on May 5, 2023 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Mould in feed – corn from UA in Belgium. Poland and Ukraine

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Mould Toxin, Animal Feed Testing, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Mould/Mold, Moulds, RASFF

USA- FDA – Core Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Posted on May 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

What’s New

  • For the investigation with the not yet identified cause of illness (ref # 1152), preliminary information reported by Gallatin City- County Health Department and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services indicates that a food containing imported morel mushrooms consumed at a single restaurant in Montana may be the exposure of concern. This restaurant is temporarily closed. The product linked to illnesses has been updated to morel mushrooms (suspect), the case count has increased from 13 cases to 30 cases, and sample collection and analysis have been initiated. FDA is assisting in this investigation, but at this time it appears to be a localized issue and no illnesses have been identified outside of this restaurant cluster. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
  • An Outbreak Advisory was issued for the outbreak of Salmonella Infantis (ref # 1141) linked to specific lots of General Mills Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour. On 4/28/2023, General Mills, Inc. issued a voluntary recall.
Date
Posted		 Ref Pathogen
or
Cause of
Illness		 Product(s)
Linked to
Illnesses
(if any)		 Total
Case
Count
Status
4/26/2023 1152 Not Yet Identified Morel Mushroom
(suspect)		 30 Active
3/29/2023 1141 Salmonella Infantis Raw Flour See
Outbreak
Advisory		 Active
3/1/2023 1143 Hepatitis A Virus Frozen Organic
Strawberries		 See
Outbreak
Advisory		 Active
2/15/2023 1123 Listeria
monocytogenes		 Not Yet
Identified		 See
CDC
Investigation
Notice		 Active

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, Illness, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, outbreak, Salmonella

USA – Foodborne Illness Outbreak at Dave’s Sushi Under Investigation; now up to 30 cases.

Posted on May 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning News

Bozeman, Montana – The Gallatin City-County Health Department, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the foodborne illness outbreak at Dave’s Sushi, which has been linked to two recent deaths in the area. The outbreak appears to be isolated to customers who dined at Dave’s Sushi between March 31 and April 17, 2023. The restaurant remains closed, with no further risk to the public.

According to the DPHHS, at least 30 individuals have been identified as being associated with the outbreak, having eaten at the restaurant within the specified time frame. Of these, three individuals experienced severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, and two deaths are being investigated. Autopsy and toxicology results for the deceased individuals are still pending.

Preliminary investigative findings suggest that food containing morel mushrooms may be the source of concern. However, no specific pathogen or toxin has been identified as of yet. Both state and federal partners are continuing to test clinical and food samples.

The DPHHS has determined that the morel mushrooms served at Dave’s Sushi were not distributed to any other restaurants or businesses in Montana. The mushrooms were cultivated in China, shipped to a distributor in California, and subsequently sent to multiple states. At this time, no known associated illnesses in other states have been identified.

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

Canada – Critter Barn in Zeeland voluntarily closing for week after parasite outbreak

Posted on May 4, 2023 by | 4 comments

Holland Sentinel

ZEELAND — Critter Barn in Zeeland is voluntarily closing for the week in response to an outbreak of a parasite, the nonprofit announced Tuesday, May 2.

More: Parasite infects three Critter Barn volunteers

Critter Barn at 2950 80th Ave. will clean, scrub and disinfect its farm as an extra measure of precaution, it wrote, expecting to reopen Tuesday, May 9.

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health told WOOD TV-8 on Friday, April 28, there have been eight confirmed cases and three probable cases of Cryptosporidium, a parasite commonly found in water and near farm animals, traced back to Critter Barn. No one has been hospitalized, according to the health department.

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Posted in Contaminated water, Cryptosporidiosis, Cryptosporidium, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

USA – Two possibly dead linked to Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

According to press reports, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer tells MTN News that Donna Ventura, age 64, died of a possible foodborne illness, after eating at Dave’s Sushi. The cause of Ventura’s death has not been confirmed as officials are waiting on autopsy and toxicology results.

According to earlier press reports, William “Bill” Lewis 74, of Townsend, died after eating at Dave’s Sushi, according to Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rauser, who is also the county coroner. Sheriff Rauser says the 74-year-old man died at his home in Broadwater County. Sheriff Rauser says the call came in at 6:34 AM on the morning of April 18 and a relative told the responding officer that the man had eaten at Dave’s Sushi the night before, the same night the Gallatin County Health Department reported they received complaints of people becoming ill which led to the investigation and closure of the restaurant.

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Posted in Death, food death, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning Death, Foodborne Illness Death, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk

New Zealand – Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee – Microbial Contamination

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MPI

Last reviewed: 

Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee (500ml)
Product identification
Product type Flavoured milk
Name of product (size) Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee (500ml)
Date marking Between 30 SEP 23 up to and including 25 DEC 23
Package size and description The product is sold in a plastic 500ml bottle.
Distribution The product is imported from Australia.

The product is sold at selected retail outlets and supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

The product has not been re-exported.
Notes This recall does not affect any other Barista Bros brand products.

Point of sale notice for retailers

If you are a retailer of the products in this recall, download a copy of the point of sale notice. You need to display it in your store for one month.

Point of sale notice – Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee [PDF, 46KB]

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to check the date marking on the bottom edge of the product.

Affected product should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated illness, however if you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about illness, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.

Who to contact

If you have questions, contact Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand Ltd:

  • Phone: 0800 26 22 26
  • Address: The Oasis, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand.

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

Luxembourg – SPECIAL FOR DOGS MADE OF BEEF, HEAD MEAT, BELLY AND LEAF STOMACH – Salmonella

Posted on May 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

SAP

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration is recalling the following product in Luxembourg:

Name Spezial für den Hund aus Rindfleisch, Kopffleisch, Pansen und Blättermagen
Brand DIBO
Unit 2000g
Date of minimum durability (MDD) 06/09/2024
Batch 060924

Danger  : Possible presence of Salmonella 

Salmonella can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and headache within 6 to 72 hours after consumption. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised subjects and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and have these symptoms are invited to consult a doctor and report this consumption to him.

Sale confirmed in Luxembourg by: Fressnapf

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Click to access rckruf.pdf

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Salmonella, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Pet Food, Pet Food Salmonella, Pet Food Testing, Salmonella, Salmonella Dog Food