Category Archives: Uncategorized

RASFF Alert – Enterobacteriaceae – Raw Pet Food

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – too high count of Enterobacteriaceae (5,2×10*4; 6×10*4; 6,7×10*4; 5,4×10*4; 5×10*4 CFU/g) in raw pet food from the United Kingdom in Croatia

RASFF Alerts – Animal Feed – Salmonella – Dog Chews – Chilled Chicken Necks and Livers- Organic Sunflower Cake – Rapeseed Extraction Meal – Toasted Soja

RASFF-Logo

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Johannesburg (in 5 out of 5 samples /25g) in dog chews from Germany in Austria

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis in chilled chicken necks and livers from the Netherlands in the Netherlands

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Senftenberg (presence /25g) in organic sunflower cake from the Netherlands, via Lithuania in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. London (presence /25g) in rapeseed extraction meal from Germany in Germany

RASFF – Salmonella enterica ser. Agona (presence /25g) in toasted soja from Belgium in Belgium

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit recalled due to E. coli O157:H7

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, December 12, 2019 – The food recall warning issued on December 8, 2019 has been updated to include additional distribution information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

The CFIA is warning consumers not to consume the recalled product described below. This product is not likely to be available at retail stores, but may still be in consumer’s homes.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp
Chopped Kit
315 g 0 71279 30906 4 All packages bearing a Best Before date up to and including 07DE19, and a lot code beginning with “Z”, and indicating “Salinas” as a source of Romaine lettuce

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

  • Sunflower Crisp Front
  • Sunflower Crisp Back

Information -Extreme Weather Leads to Silage Mycotoxin Concerns

Hoosier Ag Today

Given the extreme weather in 2019, producers and users of silage should carefully watch for molds and mycotoxins.

In a company news release, Alltech says extreme weather conditions and moisture levels can reduce yields and induce plant stress, and they can also lead to future issues for the crop, including mycotoxins and molds.

Mycotoxins are a concern for livestock producers, as they influence feed quality and animal safety. Samples of the 2019 corn silage from across the U.S. submitted to the Alltech mycotoxin analytical services laboratory include high levels of mycotoxins.

The samples have included an average of 7.13 mycotoxins, with a range of two to 14 mycotoxins per sample.

Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team, says, “These levels of mycotoxins found in the 2019 crop are significantly higher than the average values.”

USA -TDBBS Pig Ears Are Voluntarily Recalled For Possible Salmonella

Food Poisoning Bulletin

TDBBS is voluntarily recalling two pig ear pet treat products that were sold through Amazon.com for possible Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall of TDBBS pig ears.

Research – Preventative care: Increasing Hepatitis A vaccinations among food service workers

Food Safety News 

Thesis: Over the past three years, there has been an ongoing outbreak of Hepatitis A in the United States although it is the only foodborne disease that has a vaccination. Mandating vaccinations to food service workers is essential to reduce the spread of Hepatitis A, especially since outbreaks involving food handlers are in the public eye. 

Background & Analysis: It is estimated that in the United States alone there are 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually. Out of these 48 million, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 people die. The CDC recommends to the general public that the best way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination, but not have explicitly stated that food service workers should be administered the vaccination. While food service workers are not traditionally designated as having an increased risk of Hepatitis A transmission, they are not free from risk. Additionally, 24% of Hepatitis A cases are asymptomatic which means a food-handler carrying the virus can unknowingly transmit the disease to a consumer. Historically, when an outbreak occurs local health departments start administering the vaccine for free or at a reduced cost. The funding from these vaccinations is through taxpayer dollars. 

India -Two siblings die of ‘food poisoning’ in Maharashtra

Yahoo News

Mumbai, Dec 10 (PTI) Two minor siblings died due to suspected food poisoning in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, a police official said on Tuesday.

Their elder sister also fell sick and was undergoing treatment at a hospital, he said.

The three children and their mother last Thursday complained of uneasiness, vomiting and loose motions after having dinner at their home in Sangamner, located around 200 km from here, he said.

All the four family members were rushed to a hospital where Krishna Deepak Supekar (6) died on Sunday evening, the official said, adding that his last rites were performed without a post-mortem.

His sister Shravani (8) also succumbed on Monday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Loni, he said.

Their another 14-year-old sister was currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Sangamner while their mother was discharged as her condition was reported to be out of danger, the official said. PTI DC GK GK

USA -Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Javiana Potentially Linked to Tailor Cut Produce Fruit Mix, Winter 2019

FDA Salmonella kswfoodworld

FDA, CDC and state and local partners are investigating an outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Javiana. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey, is a potential source of this outbreak.

The firm recalled the fruit mix, called Fruit Luau, as well as cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products on December 7. Food service and institutional food operators should not sell or serve the recalled products.

Tailor Cut Produce reports that their products may be found in restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels, schools, long-term care facilities and institutional food service establishments in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Because the recalled products may have been distributed to nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other facilities that cater to vulnerable populations, it is important that these facilities do not sell or serve them. Please consult with your distributor to confirm the source of the fruit mix and cut fruit used in your operation.

Background

According to CDC, there are currently 11 illnesses confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. The person from Minnesota traveled to New York at the time of infection.  CDC reports only cases confirmed by WGS, and these numbers may differ from the numbers that states are investigating but are awaiting WGS confirmation to be included in the outbreak.

FDA has initiated an inspection at Tailor Cut Produce and is currently collecting records to support a traceback investigation. FDA will continue its investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 11
Hospitalizations: 8
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 28, 2019
States with Cases: PA (10), MN (1)*
*This case was a MN resident who travelled to NY.

USA – CATSMO LLC. Recalls Smoked Salmon Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA listeria

CATSMO LLC. Of Wallkill, NY, out of an abundance of caution, is recalling Cold Smoked Salmon because it has 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 product was distributed in 11 states through retail stores and direct delivery as follows: NY, CT, NJ, MN, NC, FL, VA, MA, IL, PA and Washington D.C.

The product comes in a vacuum-sealed plastic package in whole fillets, specialty cuts, 4 oz., 8oz., or 1lb. sizes and are either plain or flavored.

Package markings of the recalled products are indicated in the table below:

Batch/Lot
(indicated on label)

Product Description (INDICATED ON LABEL)

Expiration Date (indicated on label)

7408 NOVA SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7409 DANIEL BOULUD SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7409 GOLD SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7412 GOLD SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7414 SCOTTISH SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7414 LOIN SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7415 SCOTTISH WHOLE NO SKIN SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7415 GOLD WHOLE SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7415 PASTRAMI WHOLE SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7415 SCOTTISH WHOLE SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7417 1lb SCOTTISH SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7417 4oz SCOTTISH SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7417 PASTRAMI SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7420 4oz PASTRAMI SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7420 4oz ORGANIC SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7420 4oz DOUBLE SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7420 4oz GOLD SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7420 4oz GRAVELOX SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7420 GOLD SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7421 BOURBON PEPPER SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7421 GOLD SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7424 8oz DANIEL BOULUD BAJA SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7424 8oz DANIEL BOULUD HIGHLAND SMOKED
SALMON
12/11/2019
7424 GOLD SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7427 FIRST COURSE SLICED SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7430 NOVA WHOLE SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7430 SCOTTISH WHOLE SMOKED SALMON 12/15/19 OR 12/16/19
7432 8oz PASTRAMI SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7432 4oz GOLD SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7432 4oz RED BEET SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7432 4oz BOURBON PEPPER SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7432 4oz IRISH SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7432 4oz GRAVELOX SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019
7432 4oz ORGANIC SMOKED SALMON 12/11/2019

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

The potential for contamination is a result of a routine FDA environmental sampling and analysis. Out of an abundance of caution the company has decided to conduct an extensive corrective action plan and verification program so production can resume as soon as possible.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 845-895-2296 Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm EST.

 

Germany – No impact on Campylobacter contamination from new rules

Food Safety News

 

Stricter rules on Campylobacter have not yet led to a decrease in contamination based on figures from a German agency.

Almost a quarter of carcasses in the country had Campylobacter counts of more than 1,000 colony forming units per gram (cfu/g) in 2018, according to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).

The process hygiene criterion of no more than 1,000 cfu/g on broiler carcasses at slaughterhouse level was introduced from January 2018 across the EU to determine the presence of Campylobacter spp. in the poultry meat chain. The aim is to prevent poultry meat with high levels of Campylobacter per gram being sold. If high levels are detected, the food business must improve hygiene.

In 2017, prior to introduction of the legislation, 22.7 percent of carcasses in Germany exceeded the levels. In 2018, the rate remained virtually unchanged at 22.6 percent. BVL said ongoing zoonotic monitoring will show to what extent the introduced threshold leads to an improvement in the situation.