Category Archives: Uncategorized

Authorities in China have found anti-freeze in vinegar that has killed 11 and caused illness in 120 people. This is another in a recent list of these kinds of issues coming out of China, the full article is linked below.

Food Production Daily

Listeriosis as we know is on the rise in the UK and Europe especially in the over 60’s age group. The article reported in food production daily suggests that the use of high pressure processing (HPP) along with anti listerial agents can significantly extend shelf life and combat Listeria.

An organism called Weissella viridescens which is resistant to HPP can help to limit Listeria growth for up to 30 days and when sodium lactate is also used shelf life of up to 100 days is reported.

The study was commissioned in responce to the zero tolerance towards Listeria in the US.

Food Production Daily

US Scientists have had a breakthrough with a new naturally occurring preservative that could be added to food to potentially kill pathogens and extend shelf life. The novel lantibiotic ‘bisin’ is a peptide produced by a harmless bacteria and will be able to kill gram negative bacteria. It is thought that the product could reach the market in three years and i suppose dependant on cost could be a very interesting development.. Full article below.

Full Report in Food Quality News.com

The FSA is inviting industry bodies to submit information about insect consumption in the UK according to an article in Food Manufacture.co.uk.

Delicacies like Thai fried Giant Crickets, Scorpions, Chocolate coated bugs and Cricket lollipops are apparently all the rage and companies like BugsDirectUK.com  and Edibleunique.com are selling these products in the UK.

Described as highly nutritious source of protein it will be interesting to see if any of the major multiples will take these products on board.

Food Manufacturer Article

A report 09/08/2011 in Food and Drink Europe.com has stated that Russia has now lifted its final restriction on EU fruit and veg imports. The restrictions were originally put in place in reaction to the E.coli O104 outbreak in Germany that affected over 4000 people and killed 46.

Full story below.

Food and Drink Europe

An outbreak of E.coli, suspected E.coli O157 has occurred on product at farmers markets and road side stalls in Oregon in the USA. One person has died so far and another nine reported ill.

Reuters Article Link

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published an assessment on the potential contribution of food and food-producing animals to the public health risks posed by bacteria that produce enzymes that makes them resistant to antimicrobials used in animal husbandry. See the full article below.

EFSA LINK

This data is probably a bit old now but interesting reading all the same if you have never come across it before.

“To better quantify the impact of foodborne diseases on health in the United States, we compiled and analyzed information from multiple surveillance systems and other sources. We estimate that foodborne diseases cause approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. Known pathogens account for an estimated 14 million illnesses, 60,000 hospitalizations, and 1,800 deaths. Three pathogens, Salmonella, Listeria, and Toxoplasma, are responsible for 1,500 deaths each year, more than 75% of those caused by known pathogens, while unknown agents account for the remaining 62 million illnesses, 265,000 hospitalizations, and 3,200 deaths. Overall, foodborne diseases appear to cause more illnesses but fewer deaths than previously estimated.”

CDC Link

A BBC news article has reported on the new Salmonella ‘Superbug’ the initial outbreak occurred in Africa but has now reached Europe picking up antibiotic resistance along the way. The strain is Salmonella Kentucky there is some discussion of the spread of  the ‘bug’ in the article which can be accessed by the following link.

BBC Article

An article in Food production Daily is reporting on a Spanish study which has arrived at the conclusion that keeping floors dry helps to control Listeria monocytogenes. So what new I hear you say, well the full article goes on to explain to cleaning protocols used and how this may help with your control of Listeria. The full article can be read using the following link.

Food Production Daily