The consumption of fresh produce is increasing due to its role in promoting a healthy and balanced diet. However, this trend is accompanied by increased foodborne disease cases associated with pathogens such as Escherichia, Listeria, and Salmonella. Previous studies provided evidence that the internalization of foodborne pathogens in fresh produce may be a potential contamination route and may pose a public health risk. This study investigates the combination effects of storage temperature and humidity on Salmonella internalization in six types of leafy greens (iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, red lettuce, green onion, spinach, and kale) during the storage stage. The results indicated that temperature plays a critical role in Salmonella internalization, with higher concentrations observed in samples stored at 25 °C compared to those stored at 7 °C. The mean concentration of internalized Salmonella in the iceberg lettuce sample was the highest and that in the green onion sample was the lowest (iceberg lettuce > red lettuce > romaine lettuce > spinach > kale > green onion). Mist conditions also had an impact on internalization. The group treated with mist showed an increase in Salmonella internalization of about 10–30% rather than the group without mist treatment. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors influencing bacterial internalization in fresh produce and highlights the need for proper storage conditions to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure food safety.
This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of Salmonella isolates in salad vegetables in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Out of 400 samples tested from retail, only 1.25% (95% confidence interval, 0.41–2.89) were found to be positive for Salmonella, all of which were from conventional local produce, presented at ambient temperature, and featured as loose items. The five Salmonella-positive samples were arugula (n = 3), dill (n = 1), and spinach (n = 1). The Salmonella isolates from the five samples were found to be pan-susceptible to a panel of 12 antimicrobials tested using a disc diffusion assay. Based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, only two antimicrobial resistance genes were detected—one conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (aac(6′)-Iaa) and the other to fosfomycin (fosA7). WGS enabled the analysis of virulence determinants of the recovered Salmonella isolates from salad vegetables, revealing a range from 152 to 165 genes, collectively grouped under five categories, including secretion system, fimbrial adherence determinants, macrophage-inducible genes, magnesium uptake, and non-fimbrial adherence determinants. All isolates were found to possess genes associated with the type III secretion system (TTSS), encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1), but various genes associated with the second type III secretion system (TTSS-2), encoded by SPI-2, were absent in all isolates. Combining the mean prevalence of Salmonella with information regarding consumption in the UAE, an exposure of 0.0131 salmonellae consumed per person per day through transmission via salad vegetables was calculated. This exposure was used as an input in a beta-Poisson dose–response model, which estimated that there would be 10,584 cases of the Salmonella infection annually for the entire UAE population. In conclusion, salad vegetables sold in the UAE are generally safe for consumption regarding Salmonella occurrence, but occasional contamination is possible. The results of this study may be used for the future development of risk-based food safety surveillance systems in the UAE and to elaborate on the importance for producers, retailers, and consumers to follow good hygiene practices, particularly for raw food items such as leafy salad greens.
The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) warns consumers of unsafe foodstuff TESCO CHICKEN PRSNÍ ŘÍZEK (chicken breast meat), lot: 23293102, bred and slaughtered: the Ukraine, pursuant to the veterinary identification stamp (SK 10094 ES) packaged by WE Trade s.r.o., Hlavná 1088, 92503 Horné Saliby, Slovakia. The inspectors took the sample at the premises of Tesco Stores ČR a.s., Rudolická 1706/4, 434 01 Most.
Laboratory analysis confirmed presence of bacteria of the genus Salmonella Infantis causing salmonellosis in the food lot in question.
As the product was labelled “use by: 26.07.2023”, it is no longer available on the market. However, CAFIA strongly advises all consumers who might have the product at home in a frozen state that they do not consume it. Freezing has virtually no effect on bacterial contamination.
Notification of the detection of the non-compliant food was entered into the European Rapid Alert System for Food (RASFF).
The food was sampled as a part of a planned extraordinary microbiological inspection.
CAFIA will initiate an administrative procedure with the inspected person to impose a fine.
Ground beef was the only common food people reported eating. Of the people who remembered the type of ground beef they ate, most reported eating 80% lean ground beef before they got sick. Traceback information did not identify a common source of ground beef
The FDA is reporting that Pico de Gallo was behind a Salmonella outbreak that sickened almost 40 people.
Although investigators identified the cause of the outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration is not reporting what brand of Pico de Gallo was implicated. The agency reported that 37 people were sickened in the outbreak, but did not report where they live. The FDA first reported the outbreak on June 14.
“For the outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B var. L(+) tartrate+ the outbreak has ended and FDA’s investigation has closed. CDC, FDA, and state and local partners conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations and identified Pico de Gallo as the source of the outbreak,” according to an FDA report released Wednesday.
The FDA reported that its investigators took samples of the product as well as environmental samples of the production facility, but all of the samples came back negative for the outbreak strain. The agency’s statement says there is no risk to consumers.
Since May 2023, the Statens Serum Institut has registered 20 cases of the same type of Salmonella Enteritidis. The Statens Serum Institut, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the Norwegian Food Institute DTU are investigating the disease outbreak. The outbreak is part of an international outbreak and imported chicken kebabs are suspected.
Potential Salmonella contamination and presence of rodent activity at the distribution center & temperature abuse
Company Name:
Inmar Supply Chain Solutions
Brand Name:
Numerous brand names
Product Description:
Numerous human food, animal (pet) food, medical devices, and drug products
Company Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (“Inmar”), is voluntarily recalling FDA regulated products* contained in pallets stored in Inmar’s Arlington, Texas facility between May 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the (“FDA Recalled Products”). The FDA Recalled Products were stored in this facility during a time when there may have been a pest control problem at the facility. In addition, because of recent unusually hot weather, the FDA Recalled Products may have been subjected to temperatures in excess of the storage condition instructions on the product labeling.
The Company has not received any customer complaints or reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Risk Statement: There are numerous hazards associated with rodents including the potential presence of Salmonella. Use or consumption of affected products may present risk of illness due to the potential presence of Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant persons, persons with pre- existent pathology (e.g., patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatments, organ transplant recipient, etc.) and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Additionally, products stored under temperatures in excess of storage conditions instructions in the product labeling could potentially lead to decreased product effectiveness.
The FDA Recalled Products were sold to salvage buyers. Inmar has notified those salvage buyers by email and notified them to destroy any FDA Recalled Product.
Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Chris.Yerzy@Inmar.com, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 4pm PST.
About Inmar:
Inmar has been a trusted partner and third-party logistics provider for over 30 years providing returns management, liquidation services, as well as the handling of product recalls for manufacturers and retailers. We are working closely with the FDA on this voluntary recall.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
*FDA regulated products include food, over the counter (“OTC”) human or animal drugs, over the counter medical devices, dietary supplements, and/or cosmetics, medical devices such as diapers, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene, condoms, etc.
FoodWorld 