Category Archives: Microbiology

FSA Letter on EU Discussions on Norovirus Controls in Shellfish

Posted on August 5, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Dear Interested Party                                                                      30 July 2013

 

Norovirus in shellfish – an update on status of EU negotiations

 

Following my letter dated 08 May 2013 I would like to provide you with an update on the EU discussion on norovirus controls in shellfish.

The EU Commission gathered views from Member States at a Working Group meeting on 27th June 2013.  Following detailed and constructive discussions, during which many different views were expressed, it was agreed that no limits should be set at this stage due to the limitations of the current methodology and the gaps in current knowledge about norovirus. However, it was agreed that there is a need to address food safety risks associated with norovirus in raw shellfish and the Commission, together with Member States, will continue to explore risk management options, identifying areas where harmonised practices could be introduced.  There was also support for a harmonised EU baseline study, as recommended by EFSA, to help fill gaps in the data that have been identified.

The FSA is continuing to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of alternative approaches which could be applied, such as buffer zones and alert systems to facilitate active management of harvesting.  I would welcome any evidence based information and/or suggestions in the coming months to inform these considerations.

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Posted in Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Standards Agency, Food Technology, Food Testing, Food Virus, Laboratory, Microbiology, Norovirus, Pathogen, Research

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Information Clostridium botulinum

Posted on August 5, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning JournalClost

Botulism is a rare, life-threatening paralytic illness caused by neurotoxins produced by an anaerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Unlike Clostridium perfringens, which requires the ingestion of large numbers of viable cells to cause symptoms, the symptoms of botulism are caused by the ingestion of highly toxic, soluble exotoxins produced by C. botulinum while growing in foods.

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Posted in Bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Hygiene, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Research

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USA – Cyclospora Updates – Salad Mix the Source

Posted on August 5, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning BulletinEurofins Food Testing UK

Taylor Farms de Mexico food service salad served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants is the source of the Cyclospora outbreak that sickened at least 232 people in Iowa and Nebraska. Health officials from those states announced July 30 that a salad mix containing iceberg and romaine lettuces, carrots and red cabbage was the source of the illnesses, but did not release the name of the company that produced it as the tainted salad was no longer in circulation in those states.

CDC

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Cyclospora illnesses that have sickened more than 400 people across the country in an outbreak have been linked to packaged salad greens. These products have been linked to many outbreaks over the years.

In fact, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released in January of this year, said that leafy greens were responsible for the majority of foodborne illness outbreaks from 1998 to 2008. Last year, the seventh largest food poisoning outbreak in the U.S. was linked to a spinach and spring mix.

FDA Investigation

On July 30, 2013, the states of Iowa1 disclaimer icon 2 and Nebraska3 announced that their analysis indicated that the outbreak in those states was linked to a salad mix. In follow-up to that announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an update on its investigation.

The FDA traceback investigation has confirmed that the salad mix identified by Iowa and Nebraska as being linked to the outbreak of cyclosporiasis in those states was supplied to restaurants in those states by Taylor Farms de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a processor of foodservice salads.    The FDA traceback investigation found  that illness clusters at restaurants were traced to a common supplier,  Taylor Farms de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. The restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska include Olive Garden and Red Lobster, both of which are owned by Darden Restaurants.

FDA’s investigation has not implicated consumer packages sold in grocery stores.

 

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Posted in Cyclospora, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Parasite, Pathogen, Protozoan, Recall

New Zealand – Whey Protein – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on August 5, 2013 by | 1 comment

Safe Food Blog

Fonterra, New Zealand’s largest dairy manufacturer, last week issued a warning that Clostridium botulinum had been found in three batches of whey protein, (approximately 40 tonnes), which can be used to boost the protein content of many foods, including infant feeding formula.

The warning caused a New Zealand manufacturer of infant feeding formula to recall certain batches of product.  Fonterra Chief Executive, Theo Spierings also flew to China to discuss the issue with Chinese food safety authorities.

Apparently, the source of the bacteria has been traced to a dirty pipe in a processing factory.  If this is true, it’s a serious lapse in process control and obviously should not have occurred.

FSANZ Statement

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is aware of the announcement by Fonterra regarding several batches of its whey protein concentrate possibly contaminated with Clostridium botulinum and subsequent recalls of two Nutricia products as a precautionary measure. 

Please see the following joint media statement issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

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Posted in Bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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USA – Cyclospora Outbreak Still Going Up

Posted on August 1, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Journal

  • As of July 29, 2013 (5pm EDT), CDC has been notified of 372 cases of Cyclospora infection from the following 16 health departments: Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York City, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.
  • Most of the illness onset dates have ranged from mid-June through early July.
  • At least 21 persons reportedly have been hospitalized in three states

Food Posioning Journal

Lincoln – Prepackaged salad mix is the source of the state’s cyclospora outbreak which has sickened 78 Nebraskans since mid-June according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Cyclospora is a rare parasite that causes a lengthy gastrointestinal illness.

“Our goal is to protect Nebraskans, pinpoint the source of the illness and make sure the risk is eliminated,” said Dr. Joseph Acierno, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “Our investigation implicated prepackaged, prewashed, salad mix as the cause of this outbreak.”

DHHS’ investigation also shows the salad mix which includes iceberg and romaine lettuce along with red cabbage and carrots came through national distribution channels. Locally grown produce is not part of this outbreak.

DHHS and local health departments are currently working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to identify exactly where the contamination came from along the food production chain and where the product was distributed. Nebraska public health officials believe the bulk of the contaminated salad mix already worked its way through the system due to limited shelf life.

Fresh vegetables and fruit are usually associated with cyclospora outbreaks. People become sick when they consume food contaminated with the parasite. Washing fruits and vegetables is always recommended but it can be difficult to wash cyclospora off all types of produce.

 

 

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Posted in Cyclospora, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Parasite, Pathogen, Protozoan, Recall

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USA – Beef Recall – E.coli O157

Posted on August 1, 2013 by | 1 comment

E.coli BlogEcoli Istock

National Beef Packing Company, a Liberal, Kan., firm, is recalling approximately 50,100 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • 10 lb. chub of “National Beef” 93/ 7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 0707
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, Product Code 7031
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7054
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 90/10 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7344
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 93/ 7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7004
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, Product Code 7484
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7454
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell” 90/10 Fine Ground Sirloin, Product Code 7577
  • 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell” 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7404

All these products bear the establishment number “EST. 208A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on July 18, 2013 and were shipped in 40 to 60 pound cases to retailers, wholesalers, and food service distributors nationwide.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS monitoring which confirmed a positive result for E. coli O157:H7. An investigation determined National Beef Packing Co. was the sole supplier of the source materials used to produce the positive product. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.  Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, E.coli O157, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, FSIS, Hygiene, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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USA FDA Recall – Cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on August 1, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAFDA

Whole Foods Market announces that it is recalling Trois Comtois Morbier cheese in the Mid Atlantic, Southwest, Northern California, Southern Pacific and Midwest regions. This cheese is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled Trois Comtois Morbier comes in wheels approximately 11 lbs. each, which are then cut and wrapped in varying weights and are labeled with a Whole Foods Market scale label.  Below is a list of how the cheese was labeled, including PLU code, according to the state in which it was sold. This recall includes all “best by” dates sold in Whole Foods Market stores in the states listed in the link above.

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Laboratory, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall

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USA – FDA Recall – Peeled Prawns – Salmonella

Posted on July 31, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDASalm

Lipari Foods of Warren, MI is recalling Wholey peeled, cooked, tail-on 31/40 count shrimp, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled cooked shrimp was distributed to manufacturers and retailers in the following states: Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Indiana over the course of two days: July 25, 2013 and July 26, 2013. Of the 1336 recalled cases that Lipari Foods received, only 32 cases are left in commerce that have yet to be recovered.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

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Posted in Bacteria, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

Canada – Salmonella in Tahina and Listeria in Cheese Recall Updates

Posted on July 30, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIAEurofins Food Testing UK

 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Clic International Inc. are warning the public not to consume the Tahina products described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

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

The importer, Clic International Inc., Laval, Quebec, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace.  The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

The Tahina products in the link above, product of Lebanon, are affected by this alert:

CFIA

The public warning issued on July 18, 2013 has been updated to include an additional product.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agropur are warning the public not to consume the Igor brand Gorgonzola Cheese described in the link above because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Also affected by this alert is the above product which may have been sold in smaller packages, cut and wrapped by some retailers. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer to determine if they have the affected product.

This product was distributed in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. However, it may have been distributed in other provinces.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The importer, Agropur, St-Hubert, Quebec, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace.  The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

All lot codes and Best Before dates of the products in the link above Igor brand Gorgonzola cheese, product of Italy, are affected by this alert.

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – Salmonella Outbreak in Iowa – Poultry or Eggs

Posted on July 29, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Mason City, Iowa, is the center of a Salmonella outbreak investigation that preceded a wider outbreak notice announced Friday by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Mason City is the seat of government for Cerro Gordo County, which leads all 19 Iowa counties in the number of illnesses associated with an outbreak of salmonellosis that may be linked to poultry or egg

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Salmonella

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