Category Archives: Microbiology

RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Chicken Doner – Chicken Elements – Chicken Breast Fillets – Chorizo – Goose Breast – Turkey Meat – Minced Beef and Beef Cuts – Organic Flaxseed – Betel Leaves

Posted on December 11, 2020 by | Leave a comment

European Food Alerts

RASFF

Salmonella (present) in chicken doner from the Netherlands in the Netherlands

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (in 1 out of 5 samples /25g) in chilled chicken elements from Poland in Poland

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in chicken breast fillets from Poland in Hungary

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Rissen (presence /25g) in chorizo from Spain, via Germany in Switzerland

RASFF

Salmonella (presence /25g) in frozen goose breast from Hungary in Sweden

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Bredeney (in 1 out 5 samples /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium monophasic (in 1 out 5 samples /25g) in chilled turkey meat from France in France

RASFF

Salmonella (presence /10g) in chilled minced beef and beef cuts from Italy in Italy

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Agona (presence /25g) in organic flaxseed from Denmark in Sweden

RASFF

Salmonella (3 out of 5 samples /25g) and high count of Escherichia coli (up to 6000 CFU/g) in betel leaves from Thailand in the UK

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, RASFF, Salmonella, Salmonella Betel Leaves, Salmonella in Chicken

RASFF Alert – Listeria monocytogenes – Chilled Smoked Pork Meat

Posted on December 11, 2020 by | Leave a comment

European Food AlertsRASFF

Listeria monocytogenes (presence /25g) in chilled smoked pork meat from Poland in Poland

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Posted in food contamination, 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, RASFF

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Soybean Meal – Dog Chews

Posted on December 11, 2020 by | Leave a comment

European Food Alerts

RASFF

Salmonella (presence /25g) in soybean meal from Germany in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella group B (in 1 out of 4 samples /25g) in dog chews from Germany in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Senftenberg (presence /25g) in soybean meal from Italy in Austria

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Posted in Animal Feed, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Pet Food, Pet Food Testing, RASFF, Salmonella, Salmonella Dog Food

Research – Inhibitory Activity of Essential Oils against Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Posted on December 11, 2020 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Vibriosis, caused by Vibrio strains, is an important bacterial disease and capable of causing significant high mortality in aquatic animals. Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as an alternative approach for the treatment of aquatic bacterial diseases. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of essential oils (n = 22) or essential oil components (EOCs, n = 12) against Vibrio strains belonging to the harveyi clade. It was verified by three different approaches, e.g., (i) a bacterial growth assay, comparing Vibrio growth with or without EO(C)s at various concentrations; (ii) a vapor-phase-mediated susceptibility assay, comparing the effect of EO(C)s on bacterial growth through the vapor phase; and (iii) a quorum sensing-inhibitory assay, based on specific inhibition of quorum sensing-regulated bioluminescence. The results showed that, in the bacterial growth assay, EOs of Melaleuca alternifolia and Litsea citrata at 0.0001%, Eucalyptus citriodora at 0.01% can inhibit the growth of Vibrio campbellii BB120. These EOs can also prevent the growth of V. parahaemolyticus strains but need to be present at a higher concentration (0.1%). Moreover, in the vapor-phase-mediated susceptibility assay, EOs of M. alternifolia, L. citrata and E. citriodora can inhibit the growth of V. campbellii BB120 through their vapor phase. However, V. parahaemolyticus strains (CAIM170, LMG2850 and MO904) cannot be inhibited by these EOs. Additionally, in the quorum sensing-inhibitory assay, EOs of Mentha pulegium, Cuminum cyminum, Zingiber officinalis, and E. citriodora, all at 0.001%, have quorum sensing-inhibitory activity in V. campbellii BB120. Taken together, our study provides substantial evidence that usage of the major components, individually or in combination, of the tested commercial EOs (extracted from M. alternifolia, L. citrata, and E. citriodora) could be a promising approach to control V. campbellii BB120.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Research, Vibrio, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

USA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks – Update (CORE

Posted on December 10, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

In the link above is a list of outbreak investigations being managed by FDA’s CORE Response Teams. The investigations are in a variety of stages, meaning that some outbreaks have limited information, and others may be near completion.

A public health advisory will be issued for outbreak investigations that have resulted in specific, actionable steps for consumers to take to protect themselves. Please direct your attention to those pages for the most up to date information on the investigation and for consumer protection information.

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Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, microbial contamination, Microbiology

France – Product recall: Roquette and Mesclun salads from Auchan brand – Salmonella

Posted on December 10, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Oulah

Product recall: Roquette and Mesclun salads from Auchan brand

ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM

Presence of Salmonella

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Those in possession of this product are asked not to consume it and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased for reimbursement.

Foodborne illness caused by salmonella results in gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever; these symptoms may be more severe in young children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. The incubation period can range from 6 to 72 hours.
People who have consumed the products mentioned below and who have these symptoms are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption.

FURTHER INFORMATION

▸ Arugula 125g
• Barcode: 3596710294947
• Lot: 27631324 – 27631325
• BBD: 12/10/2020

▸ Mesclun 125g
• Barcode: 3596710294961
• Lot: 27631328
• BBE: 12/10/2020

▸ Consumer service contact
Bonduelle makes itself available to consumers to answer any questions at the following telephone number: 0 800 081 081 Free service and calls

▸ Source
https://www.auchan.fr/

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, 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, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Oulah, Salmonella

Belgium – Carrefour brand turkey thighs and turkey drumsticks – Salmonella

Posted on December 9, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Recall of Carrefour
Product: Carrefour brand turkey thighs and turkey drumsticks.
Problem: possible presence of Salmonella.

Brussels, December 08, 2020 – Following a control and in order to guarantee the safety of the consumer, CARRFOUR asks to withdraw from the trade the TURKEY LEGS 4X + -750G and TURKEY PILONS 4X + -1.3KG sold in the BUTCHER department of certain Carrefour stores in Belgium and recalls them to consumers following a possible presence of Salmonella.

Product description:

Name: Carrefour Turkey Thighs
EAN: 2726258000000
Expiry date ( BBD ): 09/12/2020
Batch number: 053283280540

Name: Carrefour Pilons de Dinde
EAN: 2726771000000
Expiration date (DLC): 09/12/2020
Batch number: 053283280540

All products have been withdrawn from sale. Some of these products were, however, marketed on the Belgian market before the withdrawal measure. Consumers who have in their possession the aforementioned products are requested not to consume them and to return them to the point of sale, where they will be reimbursed.

Foodborne illnesses caused by salmonella result in gastrointestinal disturbances often accompanied by fever within 12 to 72 hours of consuming the contaminated products. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.
People who have consumed one of the aforementioned products and who present these symptoms are invited to consult their attending physician, notifying him of this consumption.

For any further information, you can contact the Carrefour Belgium consumer service by dialing the free number 0800.9.10.11,
from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused.

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Posted in afsca, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Ireland – Recall of a batch of Polish Smoked Ham – Wedzonka boczkowa due to the Detection of Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on December 9, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FSAI

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2020.94
Product: Polish Smoked Ham / Wędzonka boczkowa; Approval number: 04140224
Batch Code: 0727; best before: 9/12/2020
Country Of Origin: Poland

Message:

The above batch of Polish Smoked Ham / Wędzonka boczkowa is being recalled due to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.  Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.

Nature Of Danger:

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, such as meningitis. 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.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and to display a point-of-sale recall notice in stores where the affected batch was sold.

Caterers should not use the implicated batch.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, food handler, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, FSAI, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, microbial contamination, Microbiology

New Zealand – Pestell’s brand ham products – Updated – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on December 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

MPI

Updated on 08 December 2020: This recall has been updated to include the names of the supermarkets and retailers where the affected products are sold.

7 December 2020: Pestell’s Rai Bacon Company Ltd is recalling specific batches of its Pestell’s Champagne Ham, Pestell’s Cooked Ham on the Bone, Pestell’s Boneless Ham, Pestell’s Boneless Ham pieces, and Pestell’s Sliced Ham off the Bone due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Pestell’s Ham on the Bone (various weights).
Pestell’s Boneless Rolled Ham (various weights).
Pestell’s Sliced Ham (various weights).
Product identification
Product type Ham
Name of product (size) Whole ham

  • Pestell’s Champagne Ham (various weights)
  • Pestell’s Cooked Ham on the Bone (various weights)
  • Pestell’s Boneless Ham (various weights)
  • Pestell’s Boneless Ham pieces (various weights)

Sliced ham

  • Pestell’s Sliced Ham off the Bone (various weights, 300g and 1kg)
Date and batch marking Pestell’s whole ham products: all batches with a use-by date up to and including 15.01.21.

Pestell’s Sliced Ham Off the Bone vacuum packs with a use-by date up to and including 29.12.20 (this appears on the product as 29/DEC/20).

Pestell’s Sliced Ham sold over the counter at delicatessens in selected Pak’n Save, New World, and Fresh Choice supermarkets in the South Island (listed below) with a best-before date up to and including 7.12.20.
Package size and description Pestell’s Ham on the Bone, Pestell’s Boneless Rolled Ham, and Pestell’s Sliced Ham off the Bone are sold in vacuum packs of various weights.

Pestell’s Sliced Ham is sold in various weights over the counter at instore delicatessens in Pak’n Save, New World, and Fresh Choice supermarkets in the South Island (listed below).
Distribution The packaged ham products are sold in the following supermarkets and retailers.

Canterbury

  • Four Square Fairlie
  • Four Square Hamner Springs
  • Four Square Reefton
  • Four Square West Melton, Christchurch
  • Funky Pumpkin , Christchurch
  • New World Fendalton, Christchurch
  • New World Rangiora
  • Pak’n Save Riccarton
  • Raeward Fresh Tower Junction, Christchurch
  • Super Value Fendalton, Christchurch
  • Verkerks Christchurch
  • Westmeat Christchurch

Nelson Marlborough

  • Benge & Co, Nelson
  • Connings Food Market,  Nelson
  • Four Square Havelock
  • Four Square Mapua
  • FreshChoice Nelson
  • FreshChoice Picton
  • Fresh Choice Richmond
  • New World Blenheim
  • New World Motueka
  • New World Nelson City
  • New World Stoke
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim
  • Pak’n Save Richmond
  • Pestell’s Nelson
  • Super Value Renwick, Blenheim
  • The Swedish Bakery & Café, Nelson
  • The Veggie Guy (The Vege Stall, Nelson)
  • The Veggie Guy Blenheim
  • Westmeat Blenheim
  • Williams Green Grocers , Blenheim

Tasman

  • Four Square Murchison
  • Four Square Tapawera
  • Fresh Choice Takaka
  • Owen River Lodge Limited
  • Raeward Fresh Richmond
  • Raeward Fresh Whole sale Richmond

West Coast

  • New World Greymouth

Greater Wellington

  • M&M Master Butcher, Paraparaumu
  • Moore Wilson’s Tory Street, Wellington
  • Super Value Featherston

Pestell’s Sliced Ham is sold at the delicatessen counter at the following supermarkets in the South Island:

  • Fresh Choice Richmond
  • Fresh Choice Takaka
  • New World Blenheim
  • New World Motueka
  • New World Nelson City
  • New World Stoke
  • Pak’n Save Blenheim
  • Pak’n Save Richmond

The products have not been exported.
Notes This recall does not affect any other Pestell’s brand products.

Further distribution of the products is under assessment and will be updated when available.

No Countdown stores have received these products.

No Pak’n Save, New World, Four Square and Fresh Choice supermarkets in the North Island have received these products.

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to check the date and batch marking on the products.

Affected products should not be consumed unless the products are cooked thoroughly (piping hot all the way through). There have been reports of illness. If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health seek medical advice.

Customers should return the products to their retailer for a full refund or cook thoroughly (piping hot all the way through).

Information on Listeria and food safety is available on the following pages:

Media release: Recall to manage Listeria in Pestell’s ham products sold in supermarkets and other retailers nationwide

Media release: Pestell’s Ham recall updated to include names of supermarkets and stores where affected products are sold

Who to contact

If you have questions, contact Pestell’s Rai Bacon Company Ltd:

  • Phone: 03 547 0116
  • Address: 22 McMahon Street, Stoke, Nelson.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, 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, microbial contamination, Microbiology

Austria – SPAR wheat flour, all natural, type W480 – Bacterial Contamination

Posted on December 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AGES

AGES informs about a recall of the company Spar. On December 8th, 2020, the company initiated a recall of the product SPAR wheat flour universal natural type W480:

Bacterial contamination has been found in the product “SPAR wheat flour universal natural type W480” in batch L789 12/12: 05 with the best before date October 2021. SPAR is therefore recalling this product as a precaution. Customers are requested not to consume the product with the best before date “October 2021”.

All customers who have bought the possibly affected product can of course return it to the nearest SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR or Maxi store. Customers will be reimbursed the purchase price even without proof of purchase.

Customers who have a question about this are welcome to contact customer service at office@spar.at or call the toll-free phone number 0800/22 11 20.
Inquiries & contact:

SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG
Mag. Nicole Berkmann
Head of
Corporate PR and Information 0662/4470 – 22300
Europastraße 3, 5015 Salzburg

Original recall

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology