Category Archives: Salmonella

Research – Combined ohmic heating and krypton‐chlorine excilamp treatment for the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice

Wiley Online

Abstract

The combined effect of the 222‐nm krypton‐chlorine (KrCl) excilamp and ohmic heating for the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenesSalmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice was investigated in this study. When ohmic heating and a KrCl excilamp were applied to apple juice simultaneously, the reduction level of E. coli O157:H7 following 70 s (target temperature of 65.9°C) of combination treatment reaching 4.6 log CFU/ml was significantly higher than that of each treatment alone (2.7 log CFU/ml). The same trend, indicating a synergistic bactericidal effect, was observed for L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium. Therefore, the combination treatment of the KrCl excilamp and ohmic heating can be used effectively to control bacterial pathogens in apple juice with a reduced processing time.

Practical applications

Demands for energy‐efficient and environmentally friendly bactericidal apparatuses have been increasing. Although the mercury UV lamp has been widely used to inactivate foodborne pathogens in water or juice products individually or combined with heat treatment, the use of this conventional lamp will be limited continuously in accordance with the Minamata Convention treaty, which restricts the use of mercury. Thus, it is of interest to identify the bactericidal effect of an alternative UV‐C lamp and its combination with heat treatment. The synergistic bactericidal effect of the KrCl excilamp and ohmic heating, which are alternative nonthermal and thermal technologies, respectively, was identified in the present study. The results indicated in this study could be utilized by juice processors to achieve a 5‐log reduction in foodborne pathogens.

Research – Effect of Storage Temperature on the Survival of New Zealand Egg-Associated Salmonella Isolates in and on Eggs

Journal of Food Protection

 

ABSTRACT

The influence of egg storage temperature on Salmonella contamination of eggs is a key consideration in determining storage and shelf life recommendations for eggs. In this study, experiments assessed the survival of Salmonella isolates on and in eggs at storage temperatures (15 and 22°C) currently used in New Zealand. Eggshell surfaces were inoculated with a cocktail of 10 Salmonella isolates comprising five serotypes, at a concentration of ∼106 CFU per egg (for determining shell surface survival) or ∼103 CFU per egg (for determining internalization). Additionally, a subset of eggs was artificially contaminated with sterile chicken feces prior to Salmonella inoculation. Inoculated eggs were incubated at 15 and 22°C. At 0, 21, and 35 days of incubation, eggshells were enumerated for Salmonella, and egg contents were tested for Salmonella presence or absence (yolk) or most probable number (albumen). Higher levels of Salmonella were recovered from eggshells following incubation at 15°C (31% relative humidity [RH]) compared with 22°C (45% RH) after both 21 and 35 days of incubation. Recoverable numbers of Salmonella from visibly clean eggshell surfaces declined over time at both storage temperatures and were at, or below, the limit of detection from eggs stored at 22°C and 45% RH for 35 days. A substantially higher concentration of viable Salmonella was recovered from eggshells that were experimentally contaminated with chicken feces compared with those without, particularly from eggs stored at 15°C and 31% RH for 35 days (2.38 log higher CFU from eggs containing feces). No Salmonella was detected in egg contents (albumen or yolk) at any incubation temperature or time point, regardless of the presence of feces. Findings emphasize the importance of current regulations that require eggs sold at retail to be visibly clean and will inform risk management decisions regarding egg storage times and temperatures with respect to Salmonella control in and on New Zealand eggs at retail.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Salmonella viability declined over time on eggshell surfaces at both 15 and 22°C.

  • Salmonella survived better on visibly clean eggshells at 15 than at 22°C.

  • Survival on eggshells was enhanced in the presence of fecal contamination.

  • Salmonella was not detected in egg contents at either incubation temperature.

 

Research – Evaluating the Risk of Salmonellosis from Dry Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

Outbreaks and recalls related to nuts and seeds in the United States have increased recently, and 80% of these recalls are due to Salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act requires food manufacturers to implement risk-based preventive controls based on scientific and technical evidence. Data are limited on the inactivation of Salmonella during processing of saltwater brined in-shell sunflower seeds. The goal of this research was to validate the adequacy of roasting in controlling Salmonella during the production of sunflower seeds and to assess the resulting risk. Four Salmonella strains were inoculated onto sunflower seeds and processed to simulate commercial manufacturing. Seeds were tumbled and roasted at 225°F (107.2°C) and 275°F (135°C) for roasting times from 5 to 45 min. Regression models for Salmonella inactivation and water activity change were developed. The inactivation model predicted a 5-log reduction in Salmonella when sunflower seeds were roasted at 135°C for 19.2 min, with a corresponding water activity of ∼0.61. Roasted sunflower seeds are typically not saleable at water activities >0.6 due to quality issues. Saleable water activities (0.03 to 0.04) were only achieved when the sunflower seeds were roasted for 45 min at 135°C, which resulted in a >7-log reduction in Salmonella. A quantitative microbial risk assessment based on literature values, expert opinion, and the above-mentioned models was used to predict risk of salmonellosis from sunflower seeds. The quantitative microbial risk assessment model predicted an arithmetic mean probability of illness of 1.45E−07 per 28-g serving based on roasting at 135°C for 20 min and an arithmetic mean probability of illness of 5.46E−10 per serving based on roasting at 135°C for >45 min (i.e., saleable product process parameters). This study demonstrates that sunflower seeds roasted to saleable parameters should not represent a public health risk from potential presence of Salmonella.

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Javiana Potentially Linked to Tailor Cut Produce Fruit Mix, Winter 2019

FDA

January 2, 2020

Total Illnesses: 96
Hospitalizations: 27
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: December 10, 2019

Recommendation

FDA, CDC and state and local partners are investigating an outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Javiana. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey, is a potential source of this outbreak.

The firm recalled the fruit mix, called Fruit Luau, as well as cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products on December 7. Food service and institutional food operators should not sell or serve the recalled products.

Tailor Cut Produce reports that their products may be found in restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels, schools, long-term care facilities and institutional food service establishments in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Because the recalled products may have been distributed to nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other facilities that cater to vulnerable populations, it is important that these facilities do not sell or serve them. Please consult with your distributor to confirm the source of the fruit mix and cut fruit used in your operation.

Background

As of December 30, 2019, CDC is reporting 96 illnesses confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in CA, CO, CT, DE, IL, MN, NJ, NY, PA, VA, and WA. Illnesses were reported from states where Tailor Cut Produce distributes, including Pennsylvania, New York City, New Jersey, and Delaware. Ill people from other states reported traveling to these states in the week before their illness started. CDC reports only cases confirmed by WGS, and these numbers may differ from the numbers that states are investigating.

FDA’s inspection at Tailor Cut Produce is ongoing. FDA is currently collecting records to support a traceback investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Onion Powder – Hot Smoked Bacon – Chicken Liver – Chicken Fillets – Sesame Seeds – Sprouts – Black Pepper – Frozen Chicken MDM

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RASFF – Salmonella (presence /125g) in onion powder from India in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella (1 out of 5 samples /25g) in hot smoked bacon from Poland in Poland

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in chilled chicken liver from Poland in Bulgaria

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in chilled chicken fillets from the Netherlands in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sesame seeds from Sudan in Greece

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sesame seeds from Uganda in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sprouts from Germany in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Matadi (presence /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Thompson (presence /25g) in frozen chicken MDM from Poland in Bulgaria

Research – Salmonella Survival in Soil and Transfer onto Produce via Splash Events

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

Nearly one-half of foodborne illnesses in the United States can be attributed to fresh produce consumption. The preharvest stage of production presents a critical opportunity to prevent produce contamination in the field from contaminating postharvest operations and exposing consumers to foodborne pathogens. One produce-contamination route that is not often explored is the transfer of pathogens in the soil to edible portions of crops via splash water. We report here on the results from multiple field and microcosm experiments examining the potential for Salmonella contamination of produce crops via splash water, and the effect of soil moisture content on Salmonella survival in soil and concentration in splash water. In field and microcosm experiments, we detected Salmonella for up to 8 to 10 days after inoculation in soil and on produce. Salmonella and suspended solids were detected in splash water at heights of up to 80 cm from the soil surface. Soil-moisture conditions before the splash event influenced the detection of Salmonella on crops after the splash events—Salmonella concentrations on produce after rainfall were significantly higher in wet plots than in dry plots (geometric mean difference = 0.43 CFU/g; P = 0.03). Similarly, concentrations of Salmonella in splash water in wet plots trended higher than concentrations from dry plots (geometric mean difference = 0.67 CFU/100 mL; P = 0.04). These results indicate that splash transfer of Salmonella from soil onto crops can occur and that antecedent soil-moisture content may mediate the efficiency of microbial transfer. Splash transfer of Salmonella may, therefore, pose a hazard to produce safety. The potential for the risk of splash should be further explored in agricultural regions in which Salmonella and other pathogens are present in soil. These results will help inform the assessment of produce safety risk and the development of management practices for the mitigation of produce contamination.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Salmonella was detected for 8 to 10 days after inoculation in soil and on produce.

  • Salmonella in soil can be detected in splash water from rainfall/irrigation events.

  • Salmonella was detected in splash water at heights of up to 80 cm.

  • Soil moisture conditions may affect the transfer potential of Salmonella.

Research – Use of Phyllosphere-Associated Lactic Acid Bacteria as Biocontrol Agents To Reduce Salmonella enterica Serovar Poona Growth on Cantaloupe Melons

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

Foodborne illness associated with fresh, ready-to-eat produce continues to be a significant challenge to public health. In this study, we created a phyllosphere-associated lactic acid bacteria (PLAB) library and screened it via a high-throughput in vitro fluorescent assay to identify bacteria capable of inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic bacterium Salmonella enterica. One isolate, 14B4, inhibited the growth of S. enterica by >45-fold in vitro; it was able to grow and persist on the surfaces of cantaloupe melons at both ambient (25°C) and refrigerator (5°C) temperatures. Isolate 14B4 inhibited the growth of S. enterica on the surfaces of cantaloupes by >3 log when incubated at 25°C for 24 h and by >4 log when the cantaloupes were stored at 5°C for 3 days and the temperature was shifted to 25°C for 2 days. Genomic DNA sequence analysis of isolate 14B4 revealed that it was Lactococcus lactis and that it did not contain any known antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters, antibiotic resistance genes, or genes encoding any known virulence factors. Organic acid analysis revealed that L. lactis produces substantial amounts of lactic acid, which is likely the inhibitory substance that reduced the growth of Salmonella on the cantaloupes.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • L. lactis isolate 14B4 inhibited the growth of Salmonella on cantaloupe rinds.

  • Storage of contaminated rinds at 5°C increased the growth inhibition by 1 log.

  • L. lactis isolate 14B4 is a potentially safe and effective biological control agent.

RASFF Alerts – Salmonella – Sari Kiz – Turkey Pita Meat – Sesame Seeds – Poultry Meat – Halal Chicken – Black Pepper – Minced Turkey Meat – Chicken Wings – Chicken Drumsticks

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RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sari kiz from the Netherlands in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella (present /25g) in frozen turkey pita meat from Belgium, with raw material from Germany in Belgium

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sesame seeds from Uganda in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Kottbus (presence /25g) in chilled poultry meat from Poland in Bulgaria

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in frozen halal chicken from Poland in Norway

RASFF – Salmonella (in 3 out of 5 samples /25g) in black pepper from Brazil in Spain

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sesame seeds from India in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis (presence /25g) in frozen halal chicken from Poland in Norway

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Bovismorbificans, Salmonella enterica ser. Corvallis and Salmonella enterica ser. München in frozen minced turkey breast from Spain in Italy

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in sesame seeds from India in Spain

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (presence /25g) and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (presence /25g) in chilled chicken wings from Poland in Poland

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (presence /25g) in organic chicken drumsticks from Belgium in the Netherlands

RASFF Alert – Foodborne Outbreak -Salmonella – Walnuts

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RASFF – foodborne outbreak suspected to be caused by Salmonella in walnuts from Austria in Germany

 

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Rapeseed Meal – Fish Meal

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RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Havana (presence /250ml) in rapeseed meal from Germany in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Oranienburg (in 1 out of 5 samples /25g) in fish meal from the United States in Greece

RASFF – Salmonella (presence /25g) in fish meal from the United States in Greece