Almost 230,000 pounds of Robert’s cut leaf curly spinach is being recalled in 30 pound totes because of possible contamination with E. coli 0157:H7. The recall was announced only to the company’s customers by snail mail. (post)
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Category Archives: Microbiology
Cut Leaf Spinach – E.coli O157
Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak
Tagged contamination, e coli, food poisoning
Hepatitis A – Dallas Mexican Food Outlet
The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department is investigating a case of hepatitis A at a Dallas Mexican food restaurant.
The agency is working to alert medical care providers to be on the lookout for any customers who may have been infected. Dr. Chung said the risk that the infection has spread is very low.
“The vast majority who may contract hepatitis A will recover just fine without any serious problems,” Chung noted.
Hepatitis A is an infection that attacks the liver. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and — in some cases — yellowing of the skin.
“It’s very important, in terms of preventing the spread of hepatitis A, to engage in extremely good hand-washing,” Chung said.
Food Safety Microbiology Testing Market in Europe to Top $1 Billion in 5 Years
Food safety testing in Europe is substantial, with an estimated 275 million food microbiology tests conducted in 2011. According to Food Micro—6, a new market research report from Strategic Consulting, food safety testing in the EU will reach close to 350 million tests in 2016, at which point the market should top $1 billion in value.
Posted in Eurofins Laboratories, Food Testing, Microbiology
USDA – Extends Deadline for the Start of Testing for Six STEC E.coli
A major meat safety initiative by the USDA under the Obama Administration will be delayed three months to give the industry extra time to validate their test methods for detecting six additional types of toxic E. coli.
Norovirus Rampant in the States
Another cruise ship has been ordered back to port after the second consecutive outbreak of stomach illness the norovirus hit Princess Cruises, resulting in more than 3,000 passengers having their dream vacations cut short.
The ship was ordered back to Port Everglades on Tuesday for special cleansing, ending its voyage two days early.
Norovirus is making the rounds in Madison, Wisconsin, with five food-related outbreaks since last November.
Dane County health officials are still waiting for test results from the most recent outbreak. It took place Jan. 29 when at least 16 people had vomiting and diarrhea after eating sandwiches and other 
food at the Mandrake Road Church of Christ in Madison.
Also last month, 28 people got sick after eating at Erin’s Snug Irish Pub in Madison. The other outbreaks took place at a drama-filming session at Madison West High School, the Pyle Center at U W Madison, and a Madison art show.
E.coli O157 Outbreak Canada – Beef
One person has been confirmed infected with E. coli O157:H7 linked to ground beef now being recalled in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and New Middleast Supermarket of Ottawa, ON are warning the public not to consume finely ground beef used for kibbeh that was sold by the stores on Dec. 28 and 29, 2011.
Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern dish of minced meat shaped into balls or patties.
The ground beef, which may still be in home freezers, was served from the supermarket’s fresh meat counter in plastic bags wrapped with paper. The packages may be unlabeled.
New Rapid Pathogen Test Kit – DIY?
Detection technology being developed nanoRETE, a Michigan-based company, in conjunction with Michigan State University, will allow producers to test their products themselves, and to do it in under an hour.
The system, called X-MARK, works by using a pathogen’s antibodies to draw it out of a food sample via magnetic pull. These separated particles are then put on a biochip, which is fed into the reader, where an electric current will recognize a pathogen based on the pattern of its electrical current.
Chinese Food Inspections – 1 in 2 Fail
More than 51% of all the food inspections in Mainland China in the year 2011 failed, according to the AsiaInspection 2011 Q4 Barometer, with at least 10% of them failing because of critical defects.
USDA Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook
The Guidebook contains current protocols for analytical tests required by FSIS regulatory activities on meat, poultry and egg products. Specifically, microbiological methods are presented for sample preparation, isolation and identification of the major foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins, meat tissue species identification, and the detection of extraneous materials and antimicrobial residues. Media and reagent formulations, and Most Probable Number Tables are contained in an appendix.
Posted in Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Technology, Food Testing, Microbiology, USDA
India – 70 People Ill Food Poisoning – Wedding Function
Muzaffarnagar: More than 70 people were taken ill after they complained of food poisoning at Shamli town in Prabhudhnanag district.
A group of 70 people, who had come to attend a marriage function, complained of food poisoning last night after the dinner.
The organism responsible has not yet been identified
