The number of Listeria related deaths in the US cantaloupe outbreak has reached 23 according to CDC figures and an additional 116 people across 25 states have been infected. There is a possibility of more cases and this is now the worst foodbourne outbreak in the US since 1998. Full article above.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak
An article in Food Production Daily has reported that the European Commission (EC) has extended the ban on some types of Egyptian seeds until next March. This is a continuation of the ban imposed after the E.coli O104 outbreak in Germany and France earlier in the year. The ban was due to expire 31/10/11 but after an unsatisfactory audit the EC the list of banned items can be seen in the article linked above. This bound to cause more concern and lost profit for those companies engaged in the import and use of these products from Egypt. The EC felt that the measures put in place after the audit in August do not lend ‘sufficient guarantees’ to produce the seeds according to the relevant regulations.
Posted in E.coli, Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Microbiology, outbreak
Eurofins Food Testing group are forecasting that they will break through the 1 Billion Euro barrier by 2013. Revenue of 800 Million Euro is expected in 2011 rising to 900 Million Euro in 2012 and top the 1 Billion Euro in 2013 an overall increase of 25%. This is attributable to acquisitions, generic growth and increased business from food safety scares and microbial outbreaks in food.
Researches in Canada have been able to apply bacteriophages to Listeria and E.coli to cellulose packaging paper and these would kill surface bacteria on ready to eat and raw meats. The phages are targeted to Listeria monocytogenes and E.coli O157:H7 and work in ‘real’ food systems. It would be hoped that in time the phage cocktail applied would and could cover a wider range of bacteria that it would be effective against. Read the full story at the link below
The company that produces the product can be found at this link.
Posted in E.coli, Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak
Food Production Daily has reported on the easing of EU import regulations from Egypt as fresh and chilled peas and beans can once again be imported into the EU. The full list of products which are not allowed to be imported to the UK can be found at this link to the FSA
Posted in Microbiology, outbreak
An article in Food Navigator USA has reported that as many as one in five Americans are vulnerable to foodborne illness due to age or conditions that weaken the immune system. Although it is well-known that foodborne illness tends to affect the very young, old, pregnant women, diabetics and others with weakened immune response a paper in the journal Foodborne Pathogens and Disease has sort to quantify these risks. It also aims to provide information on how to reduce these risks. The paper has reviewed studies from the USA and UK and other countries and concluded that in the USA and UK 15-20% of the population is vulnerable to foodborne illness..
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak
An article in Food Production Daily has reported that the CDC have confirmed that the death toll in the cantaloupe Listeria outbreak in the USA has now reached 18. It would seem that FSA concerns over Listeriosis being on the increase are well founded. It also appears to be manifesting itself in the over 60’s age range and this does not appear to be aberration of reporting but a genuine increase for which the cause is not known.
Posted in Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Microbiology, outbreak
The UK Health Authorities have been criticised after an eight month E.coli outbreak has only recently been acknowledged but not publicised. The report in Food Production Daily states that the outbreak, which has been attributed to the handling of raw leeks and potatoes covered in contaminated soil, has only just recently been acknowledged. The outbreak consisted of 250 cases and one death and occurred between Decemebr 2010 and July 2011 and involved E.coli O157. The HPA have argued that the outbreak was not reported as the source was unknown.
Posted in E.coli, Food Illness, Food Poisoning, Microbiology, outbreak
The FSA has reemphasised the need for people to wash vegetables before eating, this is a follow-up to the Germany E.coli outbreak and over 250 cases of E coli in the UK this year. Their leading comment is ‘It’s sadly a myth that a little bit of dirt doesn’t do you any harm’
Posted in E.coli, Food Illness, Microbiology, outbreak
USA Beef Company Manning Beef – Recalling 80,000 pounds of beef due to suspected E.coli contamination. The products were produced on the 23/09/11.
Posted in E.coli, Food Poisoning, Microbiology, outbreak
FoodWorld 