A short burst of low voltage alternating current can effectively eradicate E. coli bacteria growing on the surface of even heavily contaminated beef, according to a study published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health. The technique offers an inexpensive and easy to implement approach to reducing the risk of food poisoning, which can occur despite handlers complying with hygiene standards.
Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, Food Testing, Microbiology
E.coli O157 -Seven people have been sickened and four were hospitalized in an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to a restaurant in Houghton, Michigan.
Norovirus – 146 people sickened with norovirus in Wheeling, IL, may have been exposed at Bob Chinn’s Crab House, the Cook County Health Department said Friday.
Norovirus – More than 90 people in Hartford City, IN have been sickened, and two were hospitalized, in an outbreak of norovirus traced this week to a Subway restaurant, according to the Blackford County Health Department.
All articles from Food Safety News
The recalled Sliced herring fillet (Forelka) comes in both 330 gram and 600 gram plastic containers with a code date of best before 03/06/2012. They were sold in the New York Metropolitan Area. It is a product of Ukraine.
The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Food Inspectors & subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel found the product to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
A report in the above publication has information about scientists in Mexico who claim to have produced data which indicates that short bursts of microwave energy has the power to reduce levels of Salmonella typhimurium on fresh vegetables.
Some findings :
– Condensation from cooling systems draining directly on to the floor.
Life Technologies Corporation has received validation from the certification body of Association Francaise de Normalisation (AFNOR) for its MicroSEQ® Listeria spp. and MicroSEQ® Listeria monocytogenes assays, molecular tests that are designed to quickly and accurately detect the presence or absence of this food-borne pathogen that most recently has been associated with an outbreak in cantaloupes. AFNOR certification, which validates alternative methods according to the ISO standard EN/ISO 16140 and applicable throughout Europe, enables customers there to adopt rapid testing methods with proven performance equivalency standards. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests, along with Life Technologies’ full suite of sample preparation solutions and instruments, decreases the time to results (for negative samples) to 24 hours instead of 4-5 days when using the reference method. Full article click here
Makro is recalling certain batches of tapas meat products because some are contaminated with listeria. If you have bought any of the products listed below after 6 October 2011, don’t eat them. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice
The products being recalled are:
Makro is recalling the affected products. Customer notices have been displayed in stores, explaining why the products have been recalled. If you have bought any of the affected products, don’t eat it. You can return it to the store for a full refund.
No other Makro products are known to be affected.
A report in Food Production Daily has highlighted research by Cornell University which has discovered a compound which stops the development of Listeria pathogenicity. At present developed for use in the gut it may have the future possibility of being used in the food processing environment.
Posted in Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology
