Category Archives: Pathogen

France – All products from the LES ATELIERS DU JAPON brand – Pathogenic Germs

Posted on November 26, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov France

Recalled Product Identification Information
Product Category
Food
Product subcategory
Others
Product brand name
THE WORKSHOPS OF JAPAN
Model names or references
All products from the LES ATELIERS DU JAPON brand.
Product identification
Batch
All lots and all shelf lives
Packaging
Glass jars 106 ml, Glass jars 125 ml, Glass jars 156 ml, Glass jars 250 ml, Glass jars 750 ml, Glass bottle 200 ml, Glass bottle 500 ml, Paraffin sachet 400g, Medium paraffin sachet 200g
Start/End of marketing date
From 01/02/2022 to 21/11/2024
Storage temperature
Product to be stored at room temperature
Additional information
All products of the brand have a label corresponding to the model above. A non-exhaustive example of the products is provided in the second photo for information purposes.
Geographic area of ​​sale
Whole France
Distributors
nothing

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Posted in Food Pathogen, food recall, Pathogen, pathogenic, product recall, Recall

Research – Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Organic Food of Animal Origin in Poland

Posted on November 10, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The consumption of organic food has increased in recent years. In organic rearing animals are exposed to outdoor conditions, which may increase their risk of infection from various pathogens. In the present study the occurrence of the most significant foodborne pathogenic bacteria in organic meat and ready-to-eat organic meat products was assessed. Out of 100 raw organic meat samples tested, 72 were contaminated with bacterial pathogens. The highest percentage of contaminated samples was observed in poultry meat (92.5%) followed by pork meat (66.7%). Furthermore, 50.0% of beef origin samples were positive for the bacteria tested. L. monocytogenes was found in 39.0% of samples, S. aureus was identified in 37.0%, Campylobacter in 20.0%, Salmonella in 8.0% and Shigatoxin-producing E. coli in 4.0% of raw meat samples. In 31.0% of samples a co-occurrence of two (83.9%) or three (16.1%) pathogens was observed. Among 100 samples of organic meat products tested, only L. monocytogenes was found in 5.0% of samples. The result of the present study indicated that organic food may be a source of harmful microorganisms that may pose foodborne infections to consumers.

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Posted in Campylobacter, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, Pathogen, pathogenic, Polish Chicken Salmonella, Research, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research – Estimating Underdetection of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks

Posted on November 2, 2024 by | Leave a comment

CDC

To the Editor: In the February issue, Ford et al. used the power law to estimate underdetection of foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States (1). Two of their main conclusions are entirely reasonable: small outbreaks are more likely to go undetected than large outbreaks, and the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has improved the detection of small outbreaks caused by pathogens for which WGS is used. However, their conclusion on the usefulness of the power law itself needs further consideration.

Ford et al. analyzed the size of all foodborne outbreaks reported to the national Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System during 1998–2019. They defined outbreak size as the number of laboratory-confirmed cases. However, laboratory-confirmed cases are only good estimators for the size of outbreaks detected through pathogen-specific surveillance, such as for Salmonella, where outbreak detection follows the accumulation of confirmed cases. For outbreaks associated with events or establishments, identification might rely on reports from consumers, many of whom do not seek healthcare; thus, stool specimens might only be collected from a few cases to confirm the etiology. Consumer complaints are the primary means for identifying foodborne outbreaks caused by norovirus. The Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response recommends collecting clinical specimens from >5 members from the ill group in such settings (2). Thus, the number of confirmed cases in an outbreak is dependent on how the outbreak is detected. Outbreaks detected by complaint generally have few confirmed cases, even though they can involve large numbers of illnesses.

To provide a fair evaluation for the usefulness of the power law, it may be better to restrict analyses to outbreaks with common detection pathways. For outbreaks detected by pathogen-specific surveillance, counting confirmed cases seems appropriate. For outbreaks detected through consumer complaints, analyses should include all outbreak-associated illnesses.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Pathogen, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Norovirus, outbreak, Pathogen, pathogenic, Salmonella, WGS

Research – Innovative Pathogen Reduction in Exported Sea Bass Through Atmospheric Cold Plasma Technology

Posted on October 21, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The safety of sea bass is critical for the global food trade. This study evaluated the effectiveness of atmospheric cold plasma in reducing food safety risks posed by Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes, which can contaminate sea bass post harvest. Cold plasma was applied to inoculated sea bass for 2 to 18 min, achieving a maximum reduction of 1.43 log CFU/g for S. Enteritidis and 0.80 log CFU/g for L. monocytogenes at 18 min. Longer treatments resulted in greater reductions; however, odor and taste quality declined to a below average quality in samples treated for 12 min or longer. Plasma treatment did not significantly alter the color, texture, or water activity (aw) of the fish. Higher levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) were observed with increased exposure times. Cold plasma was also tested in vitro on S. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes on agar surfaces. A 4 min treatment eliminated the initial loads of S. Enteritidis (2.71 log CFU) and L. monocytogenes (2.98 log CFU). The findings highlight the potential of cold plasma in enhancing the safety of naturally contaminated fish. Cold plasma represents a promising technology for improving food safety in the global fish trade and continues to be a significant area of research in food science.

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Posted in Cold Atmospheric Plasma, Cold Plasma, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Technology, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Technology

Research – Ireland shares the latest pathogen statistics

Posted on October 6, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Ireland has reported the number of infections caused by major pathogens from April to June.

Data comes from a report published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) that includes foodborne illnesses in the second quarter of 2024.

In the first quarter of 2024, there were 733 Campylobacter cases, five Listeria infections, 67 Salmonella cases, and 116 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections.

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Posted in Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Salmonella

Research – Efficacy of organic acids, lactic and formic acid, and peracetic acid in decontaminating process water and carcasses in chicken slaughter

Posted on August 23, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

Foodborne pathogens pose a persistent threat in broiler chicken production, particularly during the slaughter process, where contamination with zoonotic pathogens remains a concern. This study focuses on the potential of organic acids, such as formic and lactic acid, and the oxidizing agent peracetic acid, to decontaminate scalding water and enhance the hygiene of chicken carcasses. We conducted suspension tests introducing various organic loads to mirror the conditions of practical scalding water. Additionally, the surface tests were performed on chicken skin. Both methods were further tested in an experimental slaughtering facility. In suspension tests, the organic acids achieved impressive decontamination, with a 5-log10 reduction of the test organisms Enterococcus hirae, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni at minimal concentrations (between 0.04% and 2% for formic acid; between 0.1% and 4.5% for lactic acid). Peracetic acid also effectively sanitized model water and chicken skin, even when used in low concentrations (between 0.001% and 0.1%), both in the laboratory-based testing and in the experimental slaughtering facility. These results suggest that the tested disinfectants can effectively sanitize process water, even under conditions mimicking practical scalding water with organic matter. Peracetic acid, in particular, proved highly effective in improving chicken skin hygiene even at low concentrations.

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Posted in Bio-Preservative, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Technology, Hurdle Technology, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Salmonella, Zoonosis

Research – Foodborne bacteria in milk and milk products along the water buffalo milk chain in Bangladesh

Posted on July 28, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Nature

Abstract

Controlling foodborne pathogens in buffalo milk is crucial for ensuring food safety. This study estimated the prevalence of nine target genes representing seven critical foodborne bacteria in milk and milk products, and identified factors associated with their presence in buffalo milk chain nodes in Bangladesh. One hundred and forty-three milk samples from bulk tank milk (n = 34), middlemen (n = 37), milk collection centers (n = 37), and milk product shops (n = 35) were collected and analyzed using RT-PCR. Escherichia (E.) coli, represented through yccT genes, was the most prevalent throughout the milk chain (81–97%). Chi-squared tests were performed to identify the potential risk factors associated with the presence of foodborne bacteria encoded for different genes. At the middleman level, the prevalence of E. coli was associated with the Mymensingh, Noakhali, and Bhola districts (P = 0.01). The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, represented through inlA genes, and Yersinia (Y.) enterocolitica, represented through yst genes, were the highest at the farm level (65–79%). The prevalence of both bacteria in bulk milk was associated with the Noakhali and Bhola districts (P < 0.05). The prevalence of Y. enterocolitica in bulk milk was also associated with late autumn and spring (P = 0.01) and was higher in buffalo-cow mixed milk than in pure buffalo milk at the milk collection center level (P < 0.01). The gene stx2 encoding for Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) E. coli was detected in 74% of the milk products. At the middleman level, the prevalence of STEC E. coli was associated with the use of cloths or tissues when drying milk containers (P = 0.01). Salmonella enterica, represented through the presence of invA gene, was most commonly detected (14%) at the milk collection center. The use of plastic milk containers was associated with a higher prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, represented through htrA genes, at milk product shops (P < 0.05). These results suggest that raw milk consumers in Bangladesh are at risk if they purchase and consume unpasteurized milk.

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Posted in E.coli, Emerging Pathogen, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research – Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in Agricultural Soil Extracts

Posted on July 27, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Outbreaks of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes linked to fresh produce consumption pose significant food safety concerns. These pathogens can contaminate pre-harvest produce through various routes, including contaminated water. Soil physicochemical properties and flooding can influence pathogen survival in soils. We investigated survival of EHEC, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes in soil extracts designed to represent soils with stagnant water. We hypothesized pathogen survival would be influenced by soil extract nutrient levels and the presence of native microbes. A chemical analysis revealed higher levels of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon in high-nutrient soil extracts compared to low-nutrient extracts. Pathogen survival was enhanced in high-nutrient, sterile soil extracts, while the presence of native microbes reduced pathogen numbers. A microbiome analysis showed greater diversity in low-nutrient soil extracts, with distinct microbial compositions between extract types. Our findings highlight the importance of soil nutrient composition and microbial dynamics in influencing pathogen behavior. Given key soil parameters, a long short-term memory model (LSTM) effectively predicted pathogen survival. Integrating these factors can aid in developing predictive models for pathogen persistence in agricultural systems. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the complex interplay in agricultural ecosystems, facilitating informed decision-making for crop production and food safety enhancement.

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Posted in EHEC, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Technology, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Salmonella, STEC, STEC E.coli, Technology

Research – Application of Plant Antimicrobials in the Food Sector: Where Do We Stand?

Posted on July 20, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract
The Special Issue “Plant Extracts Used to Control Microbial Growth: Efficacy, Stability and Safety Issues for Food Applications” explored the potential of plant-based extracts as natural antimicrobial agents in the food industry. Its purpose was to address the growing demand for natural, safe, and effective food preservation methods. The contributions highlighted various plant extracts’ antimicrobial efficacy, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, and other bioactive substances. Research papers and one review were submitted from countries, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, Turkey, India, USA, Romania, China, and Lithuania, showcasing a diverse international collaboration. Key topics covered in this issue included the chemical characterization of plant extracts, their stability under different processing and storage conditions, and their safety assessments. Advances were reported in using plant extracts to inhibit spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens, enhance food safety, and extend shelf life. The published papers in the Special Issue studied various food types, including yogurt, catfish fillets, edible Mushrooms, red grapes, herring Fillets, and various food types covered in the review. This diversity demonstrates the broad applicability of plant extracts across different food products. Notable findings included the antimicrobial activities of fermented grapevine leaves, grapefruit seed extract, cinnamaldehyde, clove oil, and other plant-based compounds. In conclusion, this Special Issue demonstrated significant progress in applying plant extracts for food preservation, highlighting their potential to contribute to safer and more sustainable food systems worldwide.

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Posted in Antimicrobials, Bio-Preservative, Emerging Pathogen, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, food safety training, Pathogen, Research

USA- Research – Reported Incidence of Infections Caused by Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food: Impact of Increased Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests —Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 1996–2023

Posted on July 14, 2024 by | Leave a comment

CDC

Reducing foodborne disease incidence is a public health priority. This report summarizes preliminary 2023 Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) data and highlights efforts to increase the representativeness of FoodNet. During 2023, inci-
dences of domestically acquired campylobacteriosis, Shiga toxin- producing Escherichia coli infection, yersiniosis, vibriosis, and cyclosporiasis increased, whereas those of listeriosis, salmonellosis, and shigellosis remained stable compared with incidences during 2016–2018, the baseline used for tracking progress towards federal disease reduction goals. During 2023, the incidence and percent- age of infections diagnosed by culture-independent diagnostic
tests (CIDTs) reported to FoodNet continued to increase, and the percentage of cases that yielded an isolate decreased, affecting observed trends in incidence. Because CIDTs allow for diagnosis of infections that previously would have gone undetected, lack of progress toward disease reduction goals might reflect changing diagnostic practices rather than an actual increase in incidence. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor the impact of chang-
ing diagnostic practices on disease trends, and targeted prevention efforts are needed to meet disease reduction goals. During 2023, FoodNet expanded its catchment area for the first time since 2004. This expansion improved the representativeness of the FoodNet
catchment area, the ability of FoodNet to monitor trends in disease incidence, and the generalizability of FoodNet data.

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, FoodNet, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, STEC, STEC E.coli, Vibrio, Yersinia