Category Archives: Uncategorized

UK – FSA Updated Report on Campylobacter

Posted on March 7, 2014 by | Leave a comment

FSA food_standards_agency_logo

In September 2013 the Board endorsed a renewed strategic approach to the reduction of Campylobacter in UK chicken. This recognised:that control of Campylobacter should be treated as a core business priority by producers, processors and retailers;the distinct but complementary roles of industry and government;the need to increase the availability of information about Campylobacter levels; and the need to galvanise and accelerate action.

This paper reports on action and progress since September 2013.

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Research – Listeria Growth in Semi Soft Cheese

Posted on March 7, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Science Direct

The objective of this study was to investigate the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in semi-soft rind washed cheese made from raw and pasteurised milk at different storage temperatures (4, 10 and 15 °C) over a 28 day period simulating storage following ripening. Changes in water activity (aw) and pH in cheeses were also monitored during storage. Response surface models were used to model the interaction of storage temperature and time on aw, pH and L. monocytogenes population. Growth curves were fitted using Baranyi, modified Gompertz and Logistic models at all storage temperatures for both cheeses, and model parameters were statistically analysed. In raw and pasteurised milk cheeses, all models showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the specific growth rate (SGR, Day−1) of L. monocytogenes with an increase in storage temperature. A higher SGR was observed for L. monocytogenes in pasteurised milk cheese (0.18–0.85 Day−1) compared to raw milk cheese (0.05–0.37 Day−1) at all storage temperatures studied. Response surface models indicated an increase in the L. monocytogenes population and pH with an increase in storage temperature. However, a decreasing trend in aw for both cheese types was observed. The predicted regression model parameters for both the raw and pasteurised milk cheese showed a high correlation coefficient R2 > 0.87. Overall, the L. monocytogenes population increased up to 3 log10 cfu−g−1 for both cheeses during storage following ripening. The fitted models confirmed different L. monocytogenes growth behaviour between raw and pasteurised milk cheeses, which could support the Food Business Operator in predicting growth during storage following ripening.

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Australia – Food Poisoning on the Increase

Posted on March 4, 2014 by | Leave a comment

smh.com.au

The number of Australians struck down by food poisoning has leapt almost 80 per cent in a decade and the number of outbreaks linked to restaurants has more than doubled, according to the latest government statistics.

In the decade to 2011, the number of Australians affected by food-borne gastroenteritis increased 79 per cent, according to figures from OzFoodNet, the national food-borne disease monitoring network. In 2011, 150 outbreaks affected 2241 people compared  with 86  affecting 1768 people in 2001. The rate of hospitalisation has trebled since 2001.

The figures capture only a fraction of  infections since most   victims don’t go to a doctor, experts say. A 2002 estimate of people  affected by food poisoning put the number at 5.4 million cases of gastro and 120 deaths a year at a cost  of $1.25 billion.

Changing eating habits are  believed to be a leading cause. People  cook less and eat out more, say public health experts, which may partly explain why the food service industry was responsible for more than three-quarters of food poisoning outbreaks in 2011.

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USA – Update on the Foster Farms Salmonella Outbreak – Is it Over?

Posted on March 4, 2014 by | Leave a comment

CDCimagesCAYZ5I84

The investigation continues into Salmonella Heidelberg infections likely related to Foster Farms chicken.

As of February  28, 2014, a total of 481 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 25 states and Puerto Rico, since March 1, 2013.

38% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Most ill persons  (76%) have been reported from California.

The number of reported infections from all seven outbreak strains  of Salmonella Heidelberg returned to baseline levels in January and the  outbreak appeared to be over, as noted in the previous update on January 16,  2014. However, the investigation continued.

Ongoing surveillance identified in February that infections from  two of the previously rare outbreak strains have again exceeded the number of  infections expected to be reported to PulseNet during this time of year.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials indicate that consumption of Foster  Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.

The outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg are resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics. Although these antibiotics are not typically used to treat Salmonella bloodstream infections or other severe Salmonella infections,  antibiotic resistance can increase the risk of hospitalization in  infected individuals.

It is not unusual for raw poultry from any producer to have Salmonella bacteria. CDC and USDA-FSIS recommend consumers   follow food safety tips to prevent Salmonella infection from raw  poultry produced by Foster Farms or any other brand.

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USA – Expanded Recall – Cheese – Sour Cream – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on March 4, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Update: On February 23 and 25, 2014 Roos Foods issued press releases for
the recall of our cheese products. This recall has been expanded to include all
product sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Queso Duro Blando (hard
cheese), and Mexicana Queso Cojito Molido. This update also serves as
additional clarification that ALL sizes and containers of the cheese products
previously identified are being recalled (Amigo, Anita, Mexicana, and Santa
Rose de Lima brands of: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacer, Cuajada
Fresca, Queso Fresco Round, and Queso Duro Viejo (hard cheeses), Requeson,
Queso de Huerta and Quesco Fresco. These cheeses were packaged in various sized clear plastic wrapped Styrofoam trays, clear plastic wrapped, clear plastic
vacuum package, and clear rigid plastic containers.
Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is voluntarily recalling the above products because
they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an
organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young
children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high
fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,
Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant
women.
Out of an abundance of caution, Roos Foods is also recalling all product sizes
and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Crema Salvadorena Cultured Sour Cream,
Santa Rosa de Lima Mantequilla de Bolsa Tradicion Centroamericana, Crema Pura Mexicana Cultured Sour Cream, La Chapina Crema Guatemalteca Guatemalan StyleCream, and Amigo Brand Crema Centroamericana Cultured Sour Cream. These sour creams were packaged in various sized white plastic tubs, clear plastic bags, clear plastic pouches, and clear plastic jars.

Products were distributed through retail stores in Delaware, Maryland, New
Jersey, New York, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed brand named products. If
you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number
302-653-0600, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST.

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USA – Research to Test Raw Pet Food for Salmonella

Posted on February 28, 2014 by | Leave a comment

HACCP Europa

Center for Veterinary Medicine study showed that 7.6 percent of the raw pet food tested contained salmonella, according to the Food and Drug Administration. But identifying the source of contamination–be it in raw materials or the manufacturing process–is difficult, according to South Dakota State University Senior Microbiologist Seema Das.

Through a five-year FDA grant for nearly $500,000, she will determine whether a test that detects salmonella in human food can do the same in raw pet food. The first year the test will be validated, and then either adjustments or expansion of the testing will be done in subsequent years.

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France – Cheese Recall- Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on February 27, 2014 by | Leave a comment

HACCP Europa

Auchan is recalling Morbier au Lait Cru because some of the batches may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled product is Morbier Morbier au Lait Cru with EAN code: 3596710333288, Veterinary identification number: FR 25155001 EC and Expiry date: 27/03/2014. The weight of the product is 250g .

For more information consumers may contact Auchan Customer Service: ph. 03.59.30.59.30

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Research -Modeling the Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on Cut Cantaloupe, Honeydew and Watermelon

Posted on February 27, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Science Direct

A recent outbreak linked to whole cantaloupes underscores the importance of understanding growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in cut melons at different temperatures. Whole cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew purchased from a local supermarket were cut into 10 ± 1 g cubes. A four-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes from food related outbreaks was used to inoculate fruit, resulting in ∼103 CFU/10 g. Samples were stored at 4, 10, 15, 20, or 25 °C and L. monocytogenes were enumerated at appropriate time intervals. The square root model was used to describe L. monocytogenes growth rate as a function of temperature. The model was compared to prior models for Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 growth on cut melon, as well as models for L. monocytogenes on cantaloupe and L. monocytogenes ComBase models. The current model predicts faster growth of L. monocytogenes vs. Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 at temperatures below 20 °C, and agrees with estimates from ComBase Predictor, and a corrected published model for L. monocytogenes on cut cantaloupe. The model predicts ∼4 log CFU increase following 15 days at 5 °C, and ∼1 log CFU increase following 6 days at 4 °C. The model can also be used in subsequent quantitative microbial risk assessments.

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UK – Salmonella and Kissing Pet Lizards

Posted on February 26, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Scottish Express 

NHS Forth Valley has warned owners to avoid kissing bearded dragons, as most reptiles carry salmonella in their gut without showing any signs of infection.

This bacteria is then shed in droppings, which can quickly spread over the skin of pet lizards and other reptiles.

As a result, any surface or object that the animal comes into contact with can be contaminated, such as toys, clothes, furniture and household surfaces.

NHS Forth Valley said that four people have been brought into hospital in the last eight months suffering from the illness after kissing bearded dragons and other reptiles.

NHS consultant in public health medicine, Dr Henry Prempeh said: “While salmonella is not usually life threatening in healthy individuals, immuno-compromised people, the very young and the very old can have complications associated with this infection.

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UK – HPE – Report STEC Outbreak Watercress

Posted on February 26, 2014 by | Leave a comment

HPE

This news report updates that published last September concerning an outbreak of serious gastro-intestinal illness associated with consumption of watercress, the underlying cause of which remains uncertain. Further investigations uncovered a second, smaller outbreak associated with consumption of watercress; environmental investigations revealed a field containing cattle close to one of the farms supplying the watercress. It seems likely that the cause of this second outbreak was transfer of VTEC from the field to the watercress bed, either from wildlife entering the watercress farm or run-off water.

In September 2013, a national increase in cases of VTEC O157 phage type 2 VT2 was observed in England. Between 30 August and 19 September, 19 cases (14 in England, four in Wales and one in Scotland) were reported sharing the same distinct Multi Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) pattern (and single locus variants), not previously seen in the UK. Onset dates ranged from 17 to 29 August and the cases had an unusual demography for VTEC cases: they were predominantly female with a median age of 64 years. Seven cases were hospitalised, although no deaths or cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were reported [1]. Interviews with patients and the use of detailed food questionnaires revealed the link to the consumption of pre-packaged watercress purchased from a particular supermarket chain. This led to the prompt voluntary withdrawal and recall of watercress products by the retailer [1-3].

Despite trace-back investigations, microbiological testing of watercress and environmental sampling at farms, the source of contamination of the watercress remains unclear. Two additional cases with an identical MLVA profile were retrospectively identified with onset dates in February 2013. One had consumed watercress and one pre-packaged salad, both from retailers representing a different supply chain, suggesting that the contamination is unlikely to have occurred at the farms. Following restocking of watercress at the supermarket chain, one additional case was reported with an onset date of 21 October 2013. The case reported consuming bagged mixed salad containing watercress from that supermarket. No further cases of the outbreak profile have been reported.

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