Category Archives: Pathogen

RASFF Alerts – Aflatoxin – Ochratoxin – Spices – Nuts – Maize -Birdfeed

RASFF – Ochratoxin A (38.6 µg/kg – ppb) in paprika powder from China in Germany

RASFF – Aflatoxins (B1 = 54.4; Tot. = 60.6 / B1 = 6.9; Tot. = 7.8 µg/kg – ppb) in almonds with shell from the United States in Germany

RASFF – Aflatoxins (B1 = 30.23 µg/kg – ppb) in maize grains from Italy

RASFF – Aflatoxins (B1 = 14.0; Tot. = 14.8 µg/kg – ppb) in groundnut kernels from India, via the Netherlands in Germany

RASFF – Aflatoxins (B1 = 36.7 /  µg/kg – ppb) in groundnuts for birdfeed from Argentina in GB

USA – Petfood Recall – Salmonella

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Natura Pet is recalling several brands of pet food for possible contamination with Salmonella, the company announced today. The recall includes both dog and cat food sold under the brand names Innova, EVO, Healthwise and California Natural. To see a complete list of the recalled products, click here.

The company posted the recall on its webpage, saying “it pains us to inform you of the first recall in our company’s 21-year history.”  During recent testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),  Salmonella was discovered in one of the products. The company believes that the problem is not widespread and at this time, no human or pet illnesses had been reported in conjunction with the recalled products.

USA – FDA Recall Chococlate Bars – Salmonella

FDASalmonella

  • Pro-Amino International Inc., of Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada, is recalling the ProtiDiet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars described below.
  • The recalled product may contain Salmonella.
  • Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
  • This product has been distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia.  It was also sold via the Internet.
  • Consumers should avoid eating the potentially contaminated High Protein Chocolate Dream Bars and discard the product or return it to the point of sale.

What is the Problem? Pro-Amino International Inc. is recalling protein bars which may contain Salmonella. The product is the ProtiDiet High Protein Chocolate Dream Bar, sold in 210 gram (7.4 oz.) packages, 7 bars per package, bearing UPC 6 21498 42238 1, lot code CR 18 13B, and Best Before date of 2015-08.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Pro-Amino International are warning people not to consume these high protein bars, which may contain Salmonella.

Research – Contaminated Sponges in Kitchens

JDCStaphylococcus

Introduction: Contaminated sponges might lead to cross-contamination in kitchens since they can transfer microorganisms to surfaces where microorganisms can survive for hours or days and contaminate food. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the transfer and the survival of bacteria from kitchen sponges to surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel and polyethylene.

Methodology: Twenty-four sponges were collected from industrial kitchens in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and aseptically split into two equal parts. One part was subjected to enumeration of heterotrophic microorganisms, faecal coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and search detection of Salmonella enterica. The other part was rubbed on surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel (12 sponges) or polyethylene (12 sponges). The transfer and survival of microorganisms was quantified by swab collection and pour-plate method using plate count agar.

Results: All sponges were contaminated by heterotrophic microorganisms (average of 6.8 log CFU/sponge) and 83.3% with faecal coliforms (average of 5 log CFU/sponge). None of the sponges were contaminated by S. enterica and/or coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. The average transfer of microorganisms varied between 3.3 and 5.5 log CFU/cm2 for stainless steel and from 3.5 to 5.6 log CFU/cm2 for polyethylene. Although the survival rate decreased over time, more than 1 log CFU/cm2 of heterotrophic microorganisms survived after 24 hours on both surfaces.

Conclusions: The sponges used in food services were significantly contaminated and could transfer large amounts of microorganisms to surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel and polyethylene.

USA – Petfood Recall – Salmonella

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Jones Natural Chews of Rockford, Illinois is recalling 245 boxes of Woofers beef patties pet food because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. No illnesses have been reported relating to this product.

The recalled products include Jones Natural Chews Co. Woofers (beef patties) in 50 count boxes, with UPC number 741956008657, with Lot number 3102 and ‘best by’ date of 11/05/15. The patties may be sold individualy and are individually shrink-wrapped. Also recalled are Jones Natural Chews Co. Woofers (beef patties) in 1 pack shrink wrap, 50 count box, with UPC number 741956008183, Lot 2892BF with ‘best by’ date of 10/15/15; Lot 2962PWV with ‘best by’ date of 10/22/15; Lot 2962ASC with ‘best by’ date of 10/22/15; and Lot 3032ASL with ‘best by’ date of 10/29/15. Finally, Jones Natural Chews Co. Woofers (beef patties) 2 pack shrink wrap in 25 count boxes, with UPC number 741956008190, Lot 2962ASC, with ‘best by’ date of 10/22/15 and Lot 3032ASL with ‘best by’ date of 10/29/15 are recalled.

Pets with Salmonella infections can be lethargic, with diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, and vomiting. Infected pets, who may appear healthy, can spread the bacteria to people, and people can get salmonellosis from handling the contaminated product. If you purchased any of these products, return to the place of purchase for a refund. For qestions, call the company at 1-877-481-2663 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm CT.

Canada – CFIA Recalls – Walnuts – Salmonella – Clams – Clostridium botulinum

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the walnuts described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected walnuts were sold in bulk from Produce Depot, 2446 Bank St., Ottawa ON between February 26 and March 15, 2013, inclusive.

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

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and St. Thomas Fish Market are warning the public not to consume the Bar Clams described below because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  Toxins produced by these bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

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

The manufacturer, St. Thomas Fish Market Inc., Saint-Thomas-De-Kent, New Brunswick, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

 

Australia – Recall – Kosher Chicken and Veal – Listeria monocytogenes

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Melbourne Kosher Meats has recalled Chicken and Veal Wurst from Melbourne Kosher Meats in St Kilda and Meal Mart in Balaclava (Victoria) due to  Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria monocytogenes may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

RASFF Alerts Salmonella – Seasame Seeds – Chicken Fillets-Frozen Beef – Black Pepper- Shrimps

RASFF -Salmonella (presence /25g) in whitish sesame seeds from Sudan in Cyprus

RASFF -Salmonella (presence /25g) in chicken fillets preparation from Belgium

RASFF -Salmonella Montevideo (presence /25g) in frozen beef trimmings from Poland, processed in the Netherlands, via Germany in Sweden

RASFF -Salmonella spp. (presence /25g) in black pepper from Vietnam in Poland

RASFF – Salmonella spp. (presence /25g) in frozen shrimps (Penaeus vannamei) from Panama in Italy

RASFF – Salmonella spp. (present /25g) in frozen cooked shrimps (Penaeus spp.) from India in France

 

 
 

 

RASFF Alert – STec E.coli – Deer Meat

RASFF – Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VT1 positive) in frozen deer meat from Austria in Italy

RASFF Alerts – Norovirus -Clams – Oysters

RASFF-Norovirus in chilled clams (Tapes decussatus) from Turkey in Italy

RASFF-Norovirus (GI and GII) in chilled oysters (Cassostrea gigas) from France in Italy

RASFF-Norovirus in chilled clams (Tapus decussatus) from Turkey in Italy