Category Archives: Microbiology

RASFF Alert – Mycotoxins -Fumonsins – Shelled Groundnuts

European Food Alerts

RASFF

fumonisins (B1 = 2.7 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled groundnuts from Argentina in the UK

RASFF Alerts – Ochratoxin A -Dried Figs

European Food Alerts

RASFF

ochratoxin A (124.5 µg/kg – ppb) in dried figs from Turkey in Germany

RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Frozen Minced Chicken – Chicken Broiler Fillets – Black Pepper – Venison Trimmings – Pine Nuts – Broiler Livers – Eggs – Chicken Meat – Chicken Half Breasts

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in frozen minced chicken from Lithuania in Lithuania

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in frozen chicken broiler fillets from Poland in Lithuania

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Poona (present /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Rubislaw (presence /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany 

RASFF

Salmonella (presence /25g) in frozen venison trimmings from Spain, via Estonia in Estonia

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Newport (presence /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Javiana (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Schwarzengrund (presence /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella (presence /25g) in pine nuts from Turkey in Italy

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (detected) in environment of egg laying facility from Poland in Poland

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in frozen chicken broiler livers from Poland in Lithuania

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (presence /25g) in eggs intended to be processed from Poland in Italy

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (presence /25g) in frozen chicken half breasts from Brazil in Spain

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in frozen chicken meat from Hungary, via Slovenia in Italy

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed -Salmonella – Organic Soy Expeller – Sunflower Seeds – Whey Powder

European Food Alerts

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Mbandaka (presence /25g) in organic soy expeller from the Netherlands in Germany

RASFF

Salmonella enterica ser. Leeuwarden (in 3 out of 5 samples /25g) in sunflower seeds from Bulgaria in Sweden

RASFF

Salmonella (presence /25g) in whey powder from France in France

USA – Shenandoah Growers Inc Issues a Limited, Voluntary Recall of Certain Imported Organic Basil Because of Potential Health Risk – Cyclospora

FDA

Shenandoah Growers, Inc (Harrisonburg, VA) out of an abundance of caution, has issued a limited, voluntary recall of approximately 15,000 units in select packages, due to a possible health risk from Cyclospora.

These were packed under branded and private label fresh cut organic certified basil clamshells at its Jefferson, GA facility and Harrisonburg, VA facility with the following lot codes, all with the country of origin of Colombia. Recalled products were distributed to select retail stores between 10/20/2020 and 10/30/2020 in various states including Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC.

Affected lot codes:

LOT Number:

Brand:

Size:

UPC:

PV14334C296 The Fresh Market 0.5oz 7-37094-23027-2
PV64308E304 Good & Gather 0.5oz 0-85239-12215-0
PV64308C296 Naturally Better 0.5oz 6-07880-20230-4
PV64308A300 Naturally Better 0.5oz 6-07880-20230-4
PV64308D300 Naturally Better 0.5oz 6-07880-20230-4
PV14334E297 Nature’s Promise 4.0oz 6-88267-16220-6
PV14334E297 Nature’s Promise 2.5 oz 6-88267-54893-2
PV14334E297 Nature’s Promise 0.5oz 6-88267-19910-3
PV14334B296 Nature’s Promise 0.5oz 6-88267-19910-3
PV14334C297 O Organics 0.66oz 0-79893-98072-0
PV 14334E297 O Organics 4.0oz 0-79893-98081-2
PV64308B294 Simple Truth 3.0oz 0-11110-00876-3
PV64308D297 Simple Truth 3.0oz 0-11110-00876-3
PV64308E295 That’s Tasty 3.0oz 7-68573-53001-9
PV64308E296 That’s Tasty 2.0oz 7-68573-51510-8
PV64308A298 That’s Tasty 3.0oz 7-68573-53001-9
PV14334C296 Wild Harvest 0.25oz 7-11535-50450-4
PV14334C296 Wild Harvest 4.0oz 7-11535-50323-1
PV14334C296 Wild Harvest 2.0oz 7-11535-50762-8

The Shenandoah Growers recall includes only those clamshells of certified organic basil clearly marked with the affected lot codes listed above. The lot code can be found printed on each clamshell.

This precautionary recall notification is being issued due to an isolated instance in which a package pulled by the Florida Department of Agriculture on 11/2/2020 from a retail store in Florida indicated the potential presence of Cyclospora.

Affected Shenandoah Growers customers have been notified of the recall and instructed to immediately remove and discard recalled products from all store shelves, distribution and other inventories to ensure they are no longer available for sale or consumption.

These products were harvested and packed nearly 4 weeks ago and should no longer be in commerce.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite. A person may become infected after ingesting contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, body aches and fatigue. The infection is treated with antibiotics and most people respond quickly to treatment.

No other Shenandoah Growers products are subject to recall, and the company has no knowledge of any illness reported or related to this product.

Consumers who may have a recalled basil product should discard it immediately and not eat it. Consumers with questions, or to obtain refunds, may contact the Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center at 844-896-6939 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time.

Shenandoah Growers takes food safety matters very seriously, and stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Shenandoah Growers is working in close coordination with regulatory officials, including the FDA, on this matter.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center
 844-896-6939
Media:
Don Helms
 dhelms@thatstasty.com

Product Photos

Research – ComBase models are valid for predicting fate of Listeria monocytogenes on ten whole intact raw fruits and vegetables

Journal of Food Protection

L. monocytogenes was associated with more than 60 produce recalls between 2017 and 2020 including tomato, cherry, broccoli, lemon, and lime recalls. This study describes the effects of temperature, time and food substrate as factors influencing L. monocytogenes behavior on whole intact raw fruits and vegetables. A cocktail of five L. monocytogenes strains previously associated with foodborne outbreaks were used. Ten intact whole fruit and vegetable commodities were chosen based on data gaps identified in a systematic literature review. Produce investigated belong to major commodity families: Ericaceae (blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry), Rutaceae (lemon and mandarin orange), Roseaceae (sweet cherry), Solanaceae (tomato), Brassaceae (cauliflower and broccoli) and Apiaceae (carrot). Intact inoculated whole fruit and vegetable commodities were incubated at 2, 12, 22, 30 and 35 °C with relative humidities matched to typical real-world conditions. Foods were sampled (n=6) for up to 28 days, depending on temperature. Growth and decline rates were estimated using the DMFit for Excel. Growth rates were compared with ComBase modeling predictions for L. monocytogenes. Almost every experiment showed initial growth, followed by subsequent decline. L. monocytogenes was able to grow on whole intact surface of all produce tested, except for carrot. The 10 produce commodities supported growth of L. monocytogenes at 22 and 35°C. Growth and survival at 2 and 12°C varied by produce commodity. The standard deviation of the square root growth and decline rates showed significantly larger variability in both growth and decline rates within replicates as temperature increased. When L. monocytogenes growth occurred, it was conservatively modeled by ComBase Predictor, and growth was generally followed by decreases in concentration. This research will assist in understanding the risks of foodborne disease outbreaks and recalls associated with L. monocytogenes on fresh whole produce.

Research – New Zealand – 75% Of Pregnant Women Aren’t Aware Of Dangerous Foods

Babygaga

Many moms-to-be don’t know all the foods that could potentially be fatal for their unborn child.

Some foods are dangerous during pregnancy and new research from New Zealand has found that 75% of pregnant women aren’t even aware of what they are. This shocking study found that many moms-to-be don’t know all the foods that could potentially be fatal for their unborn child.

Portugal – Portugal Legionnaires’ disease outbreak sickens dozens, kills 9

Outbreak News Today

CDC legionella

Public health authorities in Portugal are reporting a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Greater Porto region of the northern region of the country.

Three counties have been affected–Póvoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde and Matosinhos.

The number of legionella cases diagnosed since the outbreak began on Oct. 29 is 85, including nine deaths due to complications associated with the disease.

According to the ECDC, an epidemiological investigation is ongoing, including clinical and environmental assessment and sampling for subsequent subtyping and isolate comparison. Two cooling towers have been closed.

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Eggs from Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. recalled due to Salmonella

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, November 21, 2020 – Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. is recalling eggs from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume and distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes should not serve, sell, or use the recalled products described below.

Only eggs from Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. with best before dates indicated in the table below where the lot code contains “Q29” or where there is no lot code on the package are implicated by the recall.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. Large Size Eggs 12 eggs 0 57711 01056 9 20-12-26 Q29
Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. Large Size Eggs, Family Pack 18 eggs 0 57711 01018 7 20-12-22 Q29
20-12-26 Q29
Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. Extra Large Size Eggs 12 eggs 0 57711 01064 4 20-12-26 Q29
Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. Extra Large Size Ultra Eggs 12 eggs 0 57711 01070 5 20-12-18 Q29
20-12-22 Q29
20-12-24 Q29
Les Œufs Richard Eggs Inc. Large Size Brown Eggs 12 eggs 0 57711 08056 2 20-12-24 Q29
20-12-30 Q29
Nutri Large White Eggs 12 eggs 0 61719 01121 3 20-12-22 Q29
20-12-24 Q29
Nutri Large White Eggs 18 eggs 0 61719 01155 8 20-12-22 Q29
21-01-01 Q29
Nutri Large White Eggs 30 eggs 0 61719 01164 0 20-12-22 Q29
20-12-24 Q29
no name Medium size eggs 12 eggs 0 60383 66415 2 20-12-26 Q29

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by test results. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Example (best before date and lot code)
  • Les Oeufs Richard Eggs Inc. – Brown eggs, large size – 12 eggs
  • Les Oeufs Richard Eggs Inc. – Extra large size eggs – 12 eggs
  • Les Oeufs Richard Eggs Inc. – Extra large size Ultra Eggs – 12 eggs
  • Les Oeufs Richard Eggs Inc. – Large size eggs – 12 eggs
  • Les Oeufs Richard Eggs Inc. – Large size eggs – 12 eggs
  • No name – Medium size eggs – 12 eggs
  • Nutri – Large white eggs – 12 eggs
  • Nutri – Large white eggs – 18 eggs
  • Nutri – Large white eggs – 30 eggs

Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

Germany – My butcher shop – Pastrami, mildly cured, cooked beef cold cuts – Listeria monocytogenes

LMW

Warning type:Food
Date of first publication:11/19/2020
Product name:My butcher shop – Pastrami, mildly cured, cooked beef cold cuts
Product pictures:

Product photo pastrami for food warning.jpg

Schwarz Cranz GmbH

Manufacturer (distributor):Schwarz Cranz GmbH & Co. KG Justus-von-Liebig-Str. 2 21629 Neu Wulmstorf
Reason for warning:

Detection of Listeria monocytogenes

Packaging Unit:150 grams
Durability:11/27/2020
Lot identification:L 32309768
Further information:
Listeria monocytogenes was detected in the affected product. Listeria monocytogenes can trigger severe gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms similar to flu-like infections. For certain groups of people, especially high-risk groups – the elderly, people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women and small children – a health hazard cannot be ruled out. Therefore, customers should heed the recall and not consume the affected product.
Homepage of the manufacturer:
Contact to the responsible authorities:

Berlin:poststelle@senjustva.berlin.de

Bradenburg:Konsumenterschutz@Msgiv.Brandenburg.de
Bremen:Schnellwarnung@gesundheit.bremen.de
Hamburg:poststelle@bgv.hamburg.de
Hesse:Schnellwarnung@rpda.hessen.de
Lower Saxony:poststelle@ml.niedersachsen.de
North Rhine-Westphalia:poststelle@mulnv.nrw.de
Schleswig-Holstein:poststelle@jumi.landsh.de
Thuringia:LM-Ueberendung@tlv.thueringen.de