Category Archives: Uncategorized

RASFF Alert – Animal Feed – Enterobacteriaceae – Frozen Raw Pet Food

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RASFF – too high count of Enterobacteriaceae (between 3600 and 8400 CFU/g) in frozen raw pet food from Austria in Slovenia

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Sunflower Meal

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RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (presence /25g) in sunflower seed meal from Romania in France

Research -Cyclospora: A Long-term Challenge for Food Suppliers

World Aware

Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, occur almost every year in the US, and this summer is no exception. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Since May 1, more than 206 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 8 states in the Midwest.

Based on interviews with patients, investigators traced the outbreak back to bagged salad mix. The recent outbreak of Cyclospora infections highlights the importance of compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Produce Safety Rule and specifically worker health and hygiene principles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have made attempts to better understand the factors contributing to Cyclospora infections.  However, many cases of cyclosporiasis cannot be directly linked to an outbreak, in part because of the lack of validated molecular typing tools for Cyclospora cayetanensis.

It is likely, in the future, new analysis methods will be developed to differential strains of Cyclospora, if there is enough genetic diversity. This will allow a way to focus more quickly on illness clusters and more rapid traceback of food vehicles to production sites. This should allow for environmental assessments at production sites to determine routes of contamination and prevention option.

In the meantime, the best we can do is to emphasize the importance of compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Produce Safety Rule, and specifically worker health and hygiene principles.

 

 

Research -FAO and WHO publish draft on microbiological risk assessment

Food Safety News

The FAO and the WHO have put out draft guidance on microbiological risk assessment for food for public comment.

It is intended to provide guidance and a framework for carrying out each of the four components of a microbiological risk assessment, whether as part of a full risk assessment, as part of other evaluations, or as a stand-alone process, according to officials.

Click to access ca9519en.pdf

Research -Sneaky Salmonella finds a backdoor into plants

News Wise

Newswise — As the world wrestles with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which arose after the virus jumped from an animal species to the human species, University of Delaware researchers are learning about new ways other pathogens are jumping from plants to people.

Opportunistic bacteria — salmonella, listeria and E.coli, for example — often piggyback on raw vegetables, poultry, beef and other foods to gain entry into a human host, causing millions of foodborne illnesses each year.

But University of Delaware researchers Harsh Bais and Kali Kniel and their collaborators now have found that wild strains of salmonella can circumvent a plant’s immune defense system, getting into the leaves of lettuce by opening up the plant’s tiny breathing pores called stomates.

The plant shows no symptoms of this invasion and once inside the plant, the pathogens cannot just be washed off.

Stomates are little kidney-shaped openings on leaves that open and close naturally and are regulated by circadian rhythm. They open to allow the plant to cool off and breathe. They close when they detect threats from drought or plant bacterial pathogens.

USA -Garland Ventures LTD Voluntary Recalls Five Cheese Stuffed Shells Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

Garland Ventures Ltd of Garland, Texas is voluntary recalling 1095 cases of Five Cheese Stuffed Shells trays 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 stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” was distributed nationwide in limited number of retail stores.

The product “Five Cheese Stuffed Shells” comes in 10.76 ounces containing shells with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and parsley, and packed in aluminum foil container with clear lid marked lot# F080SS/F090SS on the bottom of label.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

USA – Norpac Fisheries Export Recalls Shrimp Poke Due to Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Norpac Fisheries Export is recalling all fresh shrimp poke distributed in the Hawaiian Island between May 11, 2020 and June 25, 2020 because it has 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 stillbirths among pregnant women.

Product was distributed in Hawaii on The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai through its retail customers, specifically Safeway Stores.

Any fresh shrimp poke purchased from their stores from May 11th, through June 25, 2020 would be potentially contaminated.

Shrimp poke is distributed as pre-mixed in plastic pouches and go to service counter and then dishes out in various weight increments into a “deli cup”. This is a photo of product and label.

“No illnesses have been reported to date.”

We became aware of this problem during our routine Food Safety monitoring procedures, as we perform laboratory analysis of our work areas, equipment, surfaces, drains, raw materials and completed product. As a result of our routine random product and materials testing, we tested the shrimp used to make the shrimp poke, by having a sample sent to an independent lab for analysis. The results were received June 25, 2020 indicating a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. We are proceeding under the cautious assumption that all of the shrimp from our supplier is contaminated.

Our company has ceased the production and distribution of the product using this shrimp, as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the exact source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Fresh Shrimp Poke are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-808-842-3474 Mon – Fri 8:00am. – 5:00pm. (HST, Hawaii standard time).


Product Photos

Netherlands – Zandvliet Chicken Grill sausage 225 grams, Albert Heijn – Campylobacter

NVWA

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Image CDC

Zandvliet Vleeswaren has decided to take the Zandvliet Extra Seasoned Chicken Grill Sausage (225 grams) with expiry date (best before) 30-07-2020 and EAN code 87244465 immediately from the stores. It only concerns the product with this specific expiry date. The product has been delivered to Albert Heijn. The disease-causing Campylobacter bacteria has been found in this product with the above-mentioned best before date, which can lead to gastrointestinal complaints, flu, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Consult your doctor or general practitioner if you have any questions about health problems.

Austria – Hatzenstadt dairy butter – Listeria monocytogenes

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HATZSTÄDTER SENNEREIBUTTER with the best before date from 30.6-12.7. 2020 is not suitable for consumption due to contamination of Listeria monocytogenes!

Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes was found in the Hatzenstadt dairy butter from the manufacturer Sennereigenossenschaft Hatzenstädt.

The product is not suitable for consumption and can be returned to consumers in the cheese factory. The purchase price will of course also be refunded to customers without proof of purchase.

The person placing the product on the market fulfills his own responsibility in accordance with the provisions of food law and has therefore initiated a recall of the product. This warning does not mean that the hazard was caused by our company.

Inquiry note:
Sennereigenossenschaft Hatzenstädt Grenzing 22 6346 Niederndorferberg 0043 (0) 676 3114690
Email: bio @ hatzenstaedt.at

Canada – Warning not to consume smoked salmon sold by the company Lester’s Deli – Listeria monocyotgenes

MAPAQ

Quebec

 , June 26, 2020 –

The MAPAQ, in collaboration with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal and the company Lester’s Deli (Lester Delicatessen and smoked meat), located at 1057, rue Bernard Ouest, in Montreal, is warning the public not to consume the product indicated in the table below, as it does not have the required “Best Before” date.
Product name Format Target Lot
“SMOKED SALMON – SMOKED SALMON” 225 gr Units sold until June 25, 2020
The product which is the subject of this warning was offered for sale until June 25, 2020 inclusive, and only at the establishment designated above. The smoked salmon was sold refrigerated; it was wrapped in a transparent plastic bag with a black background. The product label includes the words “Smoked salmon – Smoked salmon – 225 gr”.
The operator voluntarily recalls the product in question. It has agreed with MAPAQ and the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal to disseminate this warning as a precaution. People who have a unit of this product in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must either return it or discard it at the establishment where they purchased it. Even if the product in question does not show any sign of deterioration or a suspicious odor, consuming it can represent a health risk. It should be noted that no case of illness associated with the consumption of this food has been reported to MAPAQ so far.