Category Archives: Uncategorized

Research – Framework for action on food safety in the WHO South-East Asia Region

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

WHO

Framework for action on food safety in the WHO South-East Asia Region

Food safety is a major public health concern and is closely related to Sustainable Development Goals such as good health and well-being, elimination of poverty, gender equality, water and sanitation, sustainable production and consumption, and climate change. Food safety is a shared responsibility and demands multisectoral and multidimensional collaboration of all stakeholders – governments, food business operators, consumers and academics across the food chain – to make it a longterm investment to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Various global initiatives have brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from ministries of agriculture, health and trade, food industries, consumer societies and international partners, to achieve high-level political commitment to scale up the food safety agenda for sustainable development. This Framework for Action for Food Safety identifies key activities prioritized for delivery in 2020–2025. It is based on a situation analysis of the food control system in Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region, of progress made through implementation of the Regional Food Safety Strategy, including through the WHO Thirteenth General Programme of Work, Codex Strategic Plan and recommendations of WHO/FAO/AU Global Food Safety Conference. This Framework provides guidance to food safety authorities across the food chain, as well as those involved in food safety emergencies, preparedness and response

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Uncategorized

Belgium – Demeter corn flour of the Vajra brand – Fumonsins – Mycotoxins

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

AFSCA

Recall of Vajra
Product: Demeter corn flour of the Vajra brand
Problem: Exceeding the standard for fumonisins

VAJRA is withdrawing from sale and recalling from consumers the Demeter Corn Flour (500g and 5kg) of the Vajra brand. Analyzes have revealed a non-compliance with the fumonisin parameters (exceeding the standard) in a batch of this corn flour.
The products concerned were sold from May 2020 in certain organic food stores. Vajra brand Demeter corn flour


  • Weight: 500g
  • Lot: 0420/260520
  • Expiration dates (DDM): 05/01/2021
  • Packing: Paper bag

(update) Demeter Corn Flour of the Vajra brand Weight: 5 kg Lot: 120/220520 Expiration date (DDM): 05/01/2021 Packaging: Paper bag People who have bought the Corn Flour are asked Demeter corn from the lot concerned, not to consume this product and to bring it back to the place of purchase where it will be refunded to you.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Fumonsins, Fusarium Toxin, Mould Toxin, Mycotoxin, Toxin, Uncategorized

France – Product recall: Leader Price brand 200g soft smoked herring fillets – Listeria monocyotgenes

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Oulah

oulah, product recall, product recall, consumption, consumer, danger, health, product safety

ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM

Possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Those in possession of this product are asked not to consume it and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased for reimbursement.

People who have consumed this product and who have a fever, isolated or accompanied by headaches, are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption.
Pregnant women should pay special attention to these symptoms, as well as immunocompromised people and the elderly. These symptoms may suggest listeriosis, a disease that can be serious and can take up to eight weeks to incubate.

FURTHER INFORMATION

▸ Barcode
3263859431419

▸ Sanitary
stamp LT 68-07 EB

▸ DLC
08/10/2020

▸ Lot
Z1775 R HEF 016

▸ Consumer service contact
For any further information, you can contact the consumer service by dialing the Free telephone number: 0 800 35 00 00 (free service and call) from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm

▸ Source
https://www.leaderprice.fr/

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Uncategorized

Ireland – Withdrawal of Gold River Quality Mixed Salad Leaves due to the Possible Presence of Cryptosporidium

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FSAI

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2020.42
Product: Gold River Quality Mixed Salad Leaves (Seasonal Salad Box); pack size: 1kg
Batch Code: All batch codes, all best before dates.
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message:

All batches of Gold River Quality Mixed Salad Leaves (Seasonal Salad Box) are being withdrawn from sale as a precaution, due to the possible presence of Cryptosporidium.

Nature Of Danger:

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite which causes cryptosporidiosis, a common form of gastroenteritis. Watery diarrhoea is the most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis, which can be particularly serious for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Action Required:

Inspectors:

EHOs are requested to notify the FSAI at foodincidents@fsai.ie, if the implicated batches are found to be in use at catering premises.

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Caterers should not use the implicated batches.

Gold River Photos

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Posted in Boil Water Notice, Contaminated water, Cryptosporidiosis, Cryptosporidium, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, FSAI, Uncategorized, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety

Iceland – Suspicion of Salmonella in chicken

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

MAST

Matvælastofnun warns against consuming fresh chicken (whole chicken, breasts, puffins and bites) from Reykjagarður with traceability numbers 002-20-26-3-01 and 003-20-26-2-01 due to suspicion of salmonella. The chicken is sold under the brands Holta, Kjörfugl and Króna. The company has started a recall.

The recall only covers the following batches:

  • Product names: Holta, Kjörfugl and Króna chicken
  • Product type: Whole bird, breast, puffins, bits
  • Producer: Reykjagarður hf., Fossháls 1, 110 Reykjavík
  • Traceability numbers: 002-20-26-3-01 and 003-20-26-2-01
  • Distribution: Iceland stores, Hagkaup stores, Krónan, KR Vík, Kjarval, Nettó and Costco

Consumers who have bought chickens with these traceability numbers can return them to the relevant store or directly to Reykjagarður hf. at Fossháls 1, 110 Reykjavík.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Salmonella, Salmonella in Eggs, Uncategorized

Information – Handbook of Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Posted on August 5, 2020 by | Leave a comment

IFST

Paperback, ISBN 978-1-9163438-0-1

We are delighted to announce that an updated and extended version is published and available to purchase as a hard copy or e‐book (soon!). This revised and updated version aims to provide guidance to all those involved in producing, using and interpreting microbiological criteria in the food and catering industries. It has been written by professional food microbiologists with experience in food manufacturing and retailing, public health, food examination and government, in consultation with colleagues who are also expert in these fields.

Pricing:
  • Paperback (non-members): £100
  • Paperback (IFST members): £50*

*Postage and packaging costs are included in the prices above for all UK orders. For international orders, postage and packaging will be calculated and added to the prices above.

To purchase this book please call Sarah Drumm (Membership Officer) at +44 (0) 20 7348 1902 or to book a time to order please email Sarah via s.drumm@ifst.org

 

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Microbiology, Uncategorized

USA-Salmonella outbreak: Oregon reports scores of cases

Posted on August 4, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News today

Oregon health officials are advising the public not to eat onions from Thomson International, Inc., of Bakersfield, California, after 76 people in 13 Oregon counties fell ill with matching strains of Salmonella bacteria. Eighteen of the cases have been hospitalized, no deaths have been recorded.

Oregon is part of a multistate outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people in about 40 states as well as consumers in Canada.

U.S. and Canadian public health officials implicated consumption of red onions; and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the onions to Thomson International, Inc. Although red onions are the likely source, Thomson will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have been cross-contaminated.

 

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

Jordan – Second mass food poisoning cases up to 118, intensive inspection campaign continues

Posted on August 4, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Roya News

All patients are in a stable condition, most of whom have been discharged except for a few who remain under observation.

The General Director of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Nizar Mhaidat, said three types of dangerous bacteria have been found in the samples of shawarma.

The samples were taken from the chicken in the meat supplier’s warehouses, which results showed was not suitable for human consumption.

Approximately 90 field visits were conducted over the past 24 hours as part of the government’s intensive inspection campaign, said Mhaidat.

Six facilities were shut down, 33 warnings were issued and 12 food establishments were banned from operating, he added.

More than 247kg of food was disposed of during inspection visits.

The JFDA inspected all facilities that prepare and shred chicken meat for shawarma restaurants — 11 facilities in Amman, 10 in Zarqa, and one in Irbid.

Shawarma restaurants were also inspected — 27 restaurants in Amman, four in Zarqa, 22 in Irbid, and 14 in Karak.

Inspection teams are still conducting field visits — four in Amman, two teams in Irbid, one in Karak, and two in Zarqa.

Violations include apparent signs of rotten raw chicken and non-compliance with freshness requirements, according to JFDA guidelines.

Other violations involve worker health measures, including personal hygiene and wrong practices, food handling and preserving requirements, health practices regarding insect and pest control, and public hygiene measures in facilities.

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Posted in Bacteria, bacterial contamination, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Poisoning Death, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Pathogen, pathogenic, Uncategorized

USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport: Red Onions (July 2020)

Posted on August 4, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Investigation Update

August 3, 2020

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport illnesses that have a genetic fingerprint closely related to the U.S. outbreak.

Investigators in the U.S. and Canada have been collaborating to identify the source of this outbreak. On July 30, 2020, Canadian health officials announced that they had determined red onions from the U.S. to be the potential source of the Canadian outbreak. The Canadian investigation has also prompted a recall warning by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Building on this information, and on epidemiologic information on the U.S. outbreak from CDC, the FDA’s traceback investigation was able to identify Thomson International, Inc. as a likely source of contaminated red onions in the U.S.

On August 1, 2020, Thomson International, Inc. recalled all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, due to the risk of cross-contamination. Recalled products include red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions shipped from May 1, 2020 to present.

Product Recall

On August 1, 2020, Thomson International, Inc. recalled all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, due to the risk of cross-contamination. Recalled products include red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions shipped from May 1, 2020 to present.

Onions were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

The onions were distributed in 5 lbs. carton. 10 lbs. carton. 25 lbs. carton. 40 lbs. carton, 50 lbs. carton. bulk, 2 lb. mesh sacks, and 3 lb. mesh sacks, 5 lb. mesh sacks, 10 lb. mesh sacks 25 lbs. mesh sacks, 50 lbs. mesh sacks under the brand names:

  • Thomson Premium
  • TLC Thomson International
  • Tender Loving Care
  • El Competitor
  • Hartley’s Best
  • Onions 52
  • Majestic
  • Imperial Fresh
  • Kroger
  • Utah Onions
  • Food Lion

See photos of brand labels.

Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport in Red Onions (July 2020): CDC Case Count Map for July 31, 2020

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 396
Hospitalizations: 59
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: July 12, 2020
States with Cases: AK (6), AZ (14), CA (49), CO (10), FL (3), ID (5), IL (10), IN (2), IA (15), KS (1), KY (1), ME (4), MD (1), MI (23), MN (10), MO (6), MT (33), NE (5), NV (5), NY (4), NC (3), ND (5), OH (7), OR (71), PA (2), SC (1), SD (11), TN (5), TX (1), UT (61), VA (4), WA (2), WI (5), WY (11)

Useful Links

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Posted in FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

USA – Tailor Cut Produce Inc. still under FDA scrutiny after Salmonella outbreak

Posted on August 3, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to FDA warning letters. Warning letters often are not issued until a company has been given months to years to correct problems.

Tailor Cut Produce Inc.

North Brunswick, NJ

Tailor Cut Produce Inc. has been under scrutiny since Dec. 6, when the FDA began investigating a Salmonella Javiana outbreak connected to Tailor Cut Produce. The company issued a recall Dec. 7 of its fruit luau, cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products. This warning letter shows the conditions at Tailor Cut Produce Inc.’s processing facility that could have led to the outbreak that sickened more than 150 people in 14 states.

In a July 8 warning letter the FDA described a Dec.10, 2019, through Feb. 7, 2020, inspection at Tailor Cut Produce Inc.’s ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut produce processing facility. The inspection was initiated as part of an ongoing Salmonella Javiana multi-state outbreak investigation. FDA investigators found serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation.

FDA’s inspection resulted in the issuance of FDA Form 483.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized