Category Archives: Uncategorized

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. and imported from the USA recalled due to Salmonella

CFIA

Recall date:August 1, 2020

Reason for recall:Microbiological – Salmonella

Hazard classification:Class 1

Company / Firm:Industry

Distribution:Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Possibly National, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Extent of the distribution:Retail

Ottawa, August 1, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on July 30, 2020 has been updated to include additional distribution and product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Industry is recalling red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc., Bakersfield, California, and imported from the USA from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below or foods containing these raw onions. Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and nursing homes should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described below.

These products may also have been purchased on-line or through various restaurant locations. They may also have been sold in bulk or in smaller packages with or without a label and may not bear the same brand or product names as described below. The CFIA will continue its investigation into other possible importers and additional recalls may follow.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional information
  • El Competidor
  • Imperial Fresh
  • Onions 52
  • Tender Loving Care
  • Thomson International
  • Thomson International Premium
  • Thomson Premium
  • Yellow Onions
  • Red Onions
  • White Onions
  • Sweet Yellow Onions
All sizes including bulk Variable All products imported since May 1, 2020
  • Mesh Sack
  • Carton
  • Box

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. If you are unsure of the identity of the onions in your possession, check with your place of purchase.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by the CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak followed by a recall in the United States by Thomson International Inc. located in Bakersfield, California. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illness. Please refer to the Public Health Notice for further details on this active outbreak investigation.

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • El Competidor Onions
  • Tender Loving Care Onions
  • Thomson International Fresh Onions – 4.54 kg
  • Thomson International Premium Onions – 2.27 kg
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 1
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 2
  • Thomson International Premium Onions 3
  • Thomson International, Inc.

Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

 

 

Research – Survival of Salmonella Enterica in Low Moisture Military Ration Products

DTIC

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that has one of the highest incidences of hospitalizations and deaths. The foodborne illness symptoms can include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The high incidence of foodborne illness coupled with a large number of outbreaks in commercial low moisture foods LMF such as peanut butter prompted Army researchers to investigate S. enterica survivability in LMF rations. The majority of LMF are not cooked prior to consumption so contamination at the time of manufacture could lead to illness when consumed by the soldier. In addition, military rations are prepositioned and can be stored for up to 3 years at various climate conditions therefore, this study evaluated various storage temperatures to simulate conditions in the field. LMF products in this study were chosen based on categories outlined by Institute of Food Safety and Health peanut butter, mocha desert bar, dehydrated egg, chocolate protein drink and cran-raspberry first strike bar. Previous studies identified potential synergistic effect on S. enterica survival in high fat, low water activity foods such as peanut butter. This experiment expanded on these predictions and evaluated foods with varying compositions which undergo unique storage requirements prior to consumption.

UK -Bread Spread recalls all sandwiches, wraps, rolls and baguettes containing chicken because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

FSA

Bread Spread Ltd is taking the precautionary step of recalling all sandwiches, wraps, rolls and baguettes containing chicken because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the chicken filling product.

Product details

Chicken and Mayo sandwich
Pack size 160g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo crusty baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad Torpido
Pack size 230g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad French stick
Pack size 250g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Salad tortilla
Pack size 240g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad special baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon sandwich
Pack size 160g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon crusty baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon roll
Pack size 150g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon Torpido
Pack size 230g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon French stick
Pack size 250g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon Tortilla
Pack size 240g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo roll
Pack size 150g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken and Bacon special baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo Torpido
Pack size 230g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo French stick
Pack size 250g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo Tortilla
Pack size 240g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken Mayo special baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad sandwich
Pack size 160g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad crusty baguette
Pack size 200g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020
Chicken salad roll
Pack size 150g
Use by All dates up to and including 2 August 2020

Risk statement

The products listed above might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

Action taken by the company

Bread Spread Ltd is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or contact Bread Spread Ltd on 07792254298 or by emailing breadspread2501@gmail.com to arrange a refund.

Research -Inactivation of Salmonella on black peppercorns using an integrated ultraviolet-C and cold plasma intervention

Science Direct

A nonthermal process that applies ultraviolet (UV)–C and helium cold plasma (CP) simultaneously (UV-CP) has been investigated as an intervention technology to inactivate Salmonella on black peppercorns. The optimum CP treatment voltage and UV-CP treatment time for inactivating Salmonella on black peppercorns were predicted using a model equation as 9.7 kV and 22.1 min, respectively, which non-thermally inactivated Salmonella by 3.7 log CFU/g. UV-CP treatment yielded a stronger bactericidal activity than UV treatment alone, without inducing photoreactivation. In addition, UV-CP-induced reactive species similar to those found in individual UV and CP treatments. Furthermore, UV-CP treatment caused a profound deformation of Salmonella morphology and a greater extent of DNA damage than UV or CP treatment did alone. UV-CP treatment did not alter the color or 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity; however, it lowered the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and piperine concentration in the peppercorns. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential application of UV-CP treatment for decontamination of black peppercorns.

USA – Backyard Poultry Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 938 in 48 States

Food Poisoning Bulletin

The backyard poultry Salmonella outbreak has now sickened at least 938 people in 48 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One hundred fifty-one people are hospitalized because they are so sick. One person who lived in Oklahoma has died. That is an increase of 473 more cases since the last update in late June 2020.

Backyard Poultry Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 938 in 48 States

Research – Survival and inactivation of human norovirus GII.4 Sydney on commonly touched airplane cabin surfaces

Click to access publichealth-07-03-046.pdf

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis globally.
HuNoV outbreaks have been recently reported during air travels. Contaminated surfaces are known as a critical transmission route at various settings. The aim of this study was to provide key information about the survival and the decontamination of HuNoV on three commonly touched airplane cabin surfaces.
In this study, we monitored the survival of HuNoV on seat leather, plastic tray table, and
seatbelt for 30 days, with and without additional organic load (simulated gastric fluid). The efficacy of two EPA registered anti-norovirus disinfectants were also evaluated. Results showed that HuNoV was detected at high titers (>4 log10 genomic copy number) for up to 30 days when additional organic load was present. Both tested disinfectants were found highly ineffective against HuNoV when the surface was soiled.
The study showed that when the organic load was present, HuNoV was highly stable and
resistant against disinfectants. Findings from this study indicated that appropriate procedures should be developed by airline companies with the help of public health authorities to decrease passengers’ exposure risk to HuNoV.

 

Canada – Notice not to consume smoked mackerel sold by the company Boulangerie & Pâtisserie Vova

MAPAQ

Quebec

 , July 29, 2020 – The MAPAQ, in collaboration with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal and the company Boulangerie & Pâtisserie Vova, located at 3055 boulevard LaSalle, in Montreal , is warning the population not to consume the product indicated in the table below, because it has not been packaged in such a way as to ensure its safety .

Product name Brand Format Targeted lot
“Cold Smoked Mackerel” ADAR Variable weight Units sold until July 29, 2020

The product that is the subject of this warning has been offered for sale until July 29, 2020 inclusively , and only at the establishment designated above. It was sold refrigerated. The product was packaged in a transparent vacuum bag and was labeled “ADAR – Whole Smoked Mackerel”. The product carried a second label mentioning the sale price as well as the contact details of the establishment.

The operator is voluntarily recalling the product in question. He agreed with MAPAQ and the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal to disseminate this warning as a precautionary measure. Persons who have this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they bought it or throw it away. Even if the affected product does not present any signs of spoilage or a suspicious odor, its consumption may represent a risk to health. It should be noted that no case of illness associated with the consumption of this food has been reported to MAPAQ so far.

Norway – Norway records slight decline in foodborne outbreaks

Food Safety News

The number of foodborne outbreaks in Norway declined slightly this past year from 2018, according to the country’s public health agency.

In 2019, 223 outbreaks from all sources were reported with 5,401 cases of disease. This was the same level of outbreaks as in 2018, but there was an increase in cases because of a large waterborne outbreak in Askøy municipality in 2019.

Campylobacter jejuni was detected in patients and drinking water in June 2019. In total, 2,000 patients were estimated. Contamination was suspected to have been caused after heavy rainfall.

The number of notified foodborne outbreaks decreased from 52 in 2018. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet) reported that 46 outbreaks were because of suspected food or waterborne infections in 2019. They affected more than 2,700 people with a range of two to 2,000. More than 150 outbreaks were registered in health institutions and 20 were classed as “other.”

Luxembourg – RAY OF 2 ORGANIC CHICKEN FILLETS S / AT – POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA THYPHIMURIUM

SAP

The Luxembourg food safety authorities are informing about the following reminder:

Last name Tray of 2 organic chicken fillets S / AT
Use by date (DLC) 08/06/2020
Lot 2020035938

Danger  : Possible presence of Salmonella thyphimurium

 

Salmonella can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and headache within 6 to 72 hours after consumption. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and who present these symptoms are advised to consult a doctor, notifying him of this consumption.

 

 

Sale in Luxembourg by: Cora Foetz

A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.

Source of information: Cora recall notification

Communicated by: Government Commission for Quality, Fraud and Food Safety .

Iceland – Screening for pathogenic microorganisms in meat on the market 2019

MAST

Screening for pathogenic micro-organisms in meat on the Icelandic market shows that the microbiological condition is generally good for salmonella and campylobacter. Shigatoxin-producing E. coli  (STEC) is detected in the flesh of Icelandic sheep, which is an indication that STEC is part of the natural flora of sheep. Surveillance of salmonella and Campylobacter in the early stages of the food chain is strong in Iceland. 

The Ministry of Industry and Innovation and the Food Administration, in collaboration with the municipal health inspectorate, organized sampling in 2019 of the most common pathogenic meat microorganisms on the market. The five largest health control areas in the country took care of the sampling. 

Samples were taken of domestic and foreign meat in supermarkets in the most populous areas of the country. The purpose of the sampling was to screen for pathogenic micro-organisms in products when the consumer receives them, and the sampling therefore took place in retail stores. 

Salmonella was not detected in unfrozen chicken meat. Campylobacter was detected in small quantities in 3 samples of frozen chicken meat. Salmonella was not detected in beef. Salmonella ( Salmonella Kedougou) was detected in one sample of domestic pork. Distribution was stopped and the meat was withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers. In 22% of samples of sheep meat, STEC was diagnosed as malignant, of which E. coli was carried in 14% of the samples. The results of a report on screening for pathogenic bacteria in meat on the 2019 market are discussed in more detail .

A similar screening was carried out in Iceland for the first time in 2018, and the government has decided to continue increased monitoring of pathogenic microorganisms in fresh meat on the market at least this year.