Category Archives: Uncategorized

USA – Almark Eggs Secondary Recalls For Listeria Monocytogenes Listed

Food Poisoning Bulletin

These are all of the recalls of Almark Foods hard boiled eggs to date:

  • The first recall was for Almark hard cooked and peeled eggs in pails within expiration dates. The company has suspended production of the eggs while an investigation is being conducted. Some of the brand names recalled in this initial recall include Nic’s, Rainbow Farms, and Sutherland’s Food Service.
  • Almark expanded that recall on December 23, 2019 to include al hard boiled eggs that were manufactured at the firm’s Gainesville, Georgia facility. Some brand names of those eggs include Egglands Best, Fresh Thyme, Giant Eagle, Great Value, and Kroger.
  • Bakkavor Foods recalled Trader Joe’s egg salad and potato salad on December 23, 2019. None of those products are linked to any illnesses.
  • Dierbergs Markets recalled potato and egg salads and remoulade on December 24, 2019 because they were made with the recalled Almark hard cooked eggs.
  • Reichel Foods recalled Pro2Snax in two varieties on December 26, 2019. These products were sold in retail outlets nationwide.
  • Great American Deli recalled egg salads sandwiches on December 24, 2019 because they were made with recalled Almark Foods hard cooked eggs.
  • Cece’s Veggie Fresh Ramen Salad with Chicken Broth was recalled on December 30, 2019 because the product was made with Almark Foods Eggs.
  • Meijer recalled diced hard cooked eggs used on salad bars in two of its stores in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 31, 2019.

USA – Cyclospora Number One Multistate Food Poisoning Outbreak For 2019

Food Poisoning Bulletin cardcyclosporasme

Cyclospora is the number one multistate food poisoning outbreak for 2019, with more than 2400 people sick. This wasn’t an individual outbreak, but many individual cases and several outbreaks linked to a venue or product. The overall number of domestically acquired cases is higher than those from 2017 and 2018.

hese are the outbreaks of cyclosporiasis linked to a venue or food:

  • An outbreak associated with workplace cafeterias in Virginia that sickened at least 39 people.
  • A large cyclospora outbreak at Cooper’s Hawk Winery in the Jacksonville, Florida area sickened at least 132 people in 11 states.
  • An outbreak in Minnesota sickened 35 people and was associated with three restaurants located in different areas of the state.
  • Cyclosporiasis illnesses in New York City in July sickened more than 90 people.
  • A Boston Cyclospora outbreak, also in July, sickened more than 100 people.
  • A cyclospora outbreak linked to Siga Logistics de RL de CV basil imported from Mexico sickened more than 240 people. this was the largest individual outbreak in the overall case count.

Research – Modeling the Effects of the Preculture Temperature on the Lag Phase of Listeria monocytogenes at 25°C

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

In predictive microbiology, the study of the microbial lag phase, i.e., the time needed for bacteria to adapt to a new environment before multiplying, has received a great deal of attention in the research literature. The microbial lag phase is more difficult to estimate than the specific growth rate because the lag phase is impacted by the previous and actual growth environments. In this study, the growth of Listeria monocytogenes preincubated at 0, 5, 10, and 15°C and subsequently grown at 25°C was investigated at the single-cell and population levels. The population lag phase of L. monocytogenes was obtained by fitting the Baranyi model, and the single-cell lag time was estimated by the time to detection method. The lag phase at the single-cell and population levels of L. monocytogenes presented a downward trend as the preculture temperature ranged from 0 to 15°C. The population lag phase of L. monocytogenes was lower than the single-cell lag time at the same preculture temperature. In addition, except for the zero-lag distribution at a preculture temperature of 15°C, all the single-cell lag time distributions of L. monocytogenes followed a Weibull distribution under all preculture temperatures. The preculture temperature had a significant impact on the rapid variation in the single-cell lag time distribution. Thus, the influence of preculture temperature on the lag phase needs to be quantitatively analyzed for better assessment of microbiological risk.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • The variability of single-cell lag time could be described by the Weibull distribution.

  • The population lag was shorter than the single-cell lag at the same preculture temperature.

  • The preculture temperature had no significant effects on the growth rate.

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Research – Prevalence of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in Retail Chicken, Beef, Lamb, and Pork Products in Three Australian States

Journal of Food Protection

 

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of Campylobacter species in a variety of fresh and frozen meat and offal products collected from retail outlets in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (Qld), and Victoria (Vic). A total of 1,490 chicken, beef, lamb, and pork samples were collected from Australian supermarkets and butcher shops over a 2-year sampling period (October 2016 to October 2018). Campylobacter spp. were detected in 90% of chicken meat and 73% of chicken offal products (giblet and liver), with significantly lower prevalence in lamb (38%), pork (31%), and beef (14%) offal (kidney and liver). Although retail chicken meat was frequently contaminated with Campylobacter, the level of contamination was generally low. Where quantitative analysis was conducted, 98% of chicken meat samples, on average, had <10,000 CFU Campylobacter per carcass, with 10% <21 CFU per carcass. Campylobacter coli was the most frequently recovered species in chicken meat collected in NSW (53%) and Vic (56%) and in chicken offal collected in NSW (77%), Qld (59%), and Vic (58%). In beef, lamb, and pork offal, C. jejuni was generally the most common species (50 to 86%), with the exception of pork offal collected in NSW, where C. coli was more prevalent (69%). Campylobacter prevalence was significantly higher in fresh lamb (46%) and pork (31%) offal than in frozen offal (17 and 11%, respectively). For chicken, beef, and pork offal, the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was significantly higher on delicatessen products compared with prepackaged products. This study demonstrated that meat and offal products are frequently contaminated with Campylobacter. However, the prevalence is markedly different in different meats, and the level of chicken meat portion contamination is generally low. By identifying the types of meat and offal products types that pose the greatest risk of Campylobacter infection to consumers, targeted control strategies can be developed.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Retail chicken meat is frequently contaminated with low levels of Campylobacter.

  • C. coli was more commonly detected in chicken meat and offal than C. jejuni.

  • C. jejuni was more commonly detected in beef, lamb, and pork offal than C. coli.

  • In nonchicken offal, prevalence of Campylobacter was highest on lamb offal.

  • Prevalence of Campylobacter was higher in fresh than in frozen offal.

Research – An Assessment of Listeriosis Risk Associated with a Contaminated Production Lot of Frozen Vegetables Consumed under Alternative Consumer Handling Scenarios

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

Frozen foods do not support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and should be handled appropriately for safety. However, consumer trends regarding preparation of some frozen foods may contribute to the risk of foodborne listeriosis, specifically when cooking instructions are not followed and frozen products are instead added directly to smoothies or salads. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model FFLLoRA (Frozen Food Listeria Lot Risk Assessment) was developed to assess the lot-level listeriosis risk due to LM contamination in frozen vegetables consumed as a ready-to-eat food. The model was designed to estimate listeriosis risk per serving and the number of illnesses per production lot of frozen vegetables contaminated with LM, considering individual facility factors such as lot size, prevalence of LM contamination, and consumer handling prior to consumption. A production lot of 1 million packages with 10 servings each was assumed. When at least half of the servings were cooked prior to consumption, the median risk of invasive listeriosis per serving in both the general and susceptible population was <1.0 × 10−16 with the median (5th, 95th percentiles) predicted number of illnesses per lot as 0 (0, 0) and 0 (0, 1) under the exponential and Weibull-gamma dose-response functions, respectively. In scenarios in which all servings are consumed as ready-to-eat, the median predicted risk per serving was 1.8 × 10−13 and 7.8 × 10−12 in the general and susceptible populations, respectively. The median (5th, 95th percentile) number of illnesses was 0 (0, 0) and 0 (0, 6) for the exponential and Weibull-Gamma models, respectively. Classification tree analysis highlighted initial concentration of LM in the lot, temperature at which the product is thawed, and whether a serving is cooked as main predictors for illness from a lot. Overall, the FFLLoRA provides frozen food manufacturers with a tool to assess LM contamination and consumer behavior when managing rare and/or minimal contamination events in frozen foods.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • A tool for frozen food manufacturers to assess listeriosis risk was developed.

  • Scenarios of low-level L. monocytogenes in frozen vegetables did not typically result in illness.

  • Listeriosis cases depended on model inputs related to consumer handling and initial concentration.

  • Scenarios of more testing increased the probability of finding a contaminated lot and reduced risk.

USA – Veggie Noodle Co. Recalls Cece’s Brand Product Because of Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

FDA

Veggie Noodle Co., LLC is voluntarily recalling its Cece’s® Veggie Co. brand Fresh Veggie Ramen with Chicken Broth (11.5 oz, UPC 5228700653), all expiration dates, sold at retail stores nationally, because the separately packaged egg ( branded Peckish) that is included in the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No other Cece’s brand products are subject to this recall. Veggie Noodle is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution, due to a recall by a provider of the eggs, Almark Foods, used in the product.

Listeria monocytogenes is 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.

Veggie Noodle has received no reports of illness associated with the recalled Fresh Veggie Ramen with Chicken Broth product. No other Veggie Noodle/Cece’s products are affected by the recall, and may be consumed.

An illness outbreak appears to be associated with eggs supplied by Almark Foods that were ingredients in foods produced by other companies.

Veggie Noodle contacted all affected customers to confirm that the recalled product has been removed from store shelves.

Label, Cece’s® Veggie Co. Veggie Ramen with Chicken Broth

USA -Jimmy John’s restaurants linked again to a sprout E. coli outbreak – E.coli O103

Food Poison Journal

Sprouts Unlimited of Marion Iowa is recalling clover spouts in 4 oz packages because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O103 bacteria (E. coli O103). E. coli O103 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The affected batches of clover sprouts were distributed to Hy Vee Food stores, Fareway Food Stores and Jimmy John’s restaurants in Iowa.

The sprouts available at retail were packaged in in pint containers from Sprouts Unlimited Inc. with a blue label on the lid. The UPC code 7 32684 00013 6 is stamped on the bottom right side of the label.

Australia – Kienfat Trading Pty Ltd — Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce 481g and 793g – Lactic Acid Bacteria

Product Safety Australia

Photograph of Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce

Identifying features

Other
APN/EAN 024463061095, 024463061163

What are the defects?

Lactic acid may build up, causing certain bottles to “bloat” and continue to ferment.

What are the hazards?

Food products with excessive pressure build up may splatter on to property or persons on opening, increasing the risk of injury.

What should consumers do?

Do not open bottles that feel “bloated”. Consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.

For further information, contact Kienfat Trading Pty Ltd on 0412 012 362.

Supplier
Kienfat Trading Pty Ltd
Traders who sold this product

Asian Grocery Stores
Coles
IGA’s
Independent Grocery Stores
Woolworths

Where the product was sold
Nationally
Dates available for sale
  • 27 June 2019 – 27 December 2019

Recall advertisements and supporting documentation

Coordinating agency

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is the coordinating agency for this recall.

USA – Listeria positives prompt recall of ready-to-eat product including smoked pork loins, ham hocks, and smoked hams

Food Poison Journal listeria

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is alerting consumers that a voluntary recall will be issued on Monday by Clay Center Locker Plant for any ready-to-eat product including smoked pork loins, ham hocks, and smoked ham from the Clay Center Locker Plant produced on Nov. 21, 2019, because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

KDHE urges the public not to consume any product that will be part of this recall. This includes products purchased at the retail counter in the plant and the hams that were delivered to the Future Farmers of America Clay Center and Chapman chapters.

This recall was initiated after Listeria monocytogenes was found in a food sample tested as part of a routine sampling program by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. All known affected distributors and retail and food service customers are being notified. Some of the products were sold through FFA chapters in Chapman and Clay Center. To date, no illnesses have been linked with this recall.