Category Archives: Uncategorized

USA – Vibrio Death Not Caused by NC Shellfish

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Coastal review

No North Carolina shellfish products were involved in the death of a state resident who consumed oysters contaminated by Vibrio vulnificus in the Wilmington area.

Jenkins explained that some early media reports about the Vibrio-related death lead to speculation about North Carolina oysters being the source of contamination because the shellfish product was consumed in the Wilmington area, but his agency along with the involved county health departments and the state Department of Health and Human Services learned that the oysters were not from North Carolina waters.

“The main clarification we tried to get out was that it was not North Carolina oysters that were served at the restaurant,” he said. “The implicated shellfish were from several other states in this case.”

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Posted in food contamination, food death, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized, Vibrio, Vibrio vulnificans

Information – Washing poultry not worth the risk

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Sabatha Herald Campylobacter kswfoodworld

The practice of washing or rinsing raw poultry can actually put you and others at a higher risk of foodborne illness. Quite simply, there’s no need to do this.

Participants in an observational study were observed in handling and preparation to see how bacteria moves from raw foods to other foods or surfaces. They were divided into a control group and a treatment group. Food safety messages were sent via email prior to observation sessions to learn how to effective those messages were in preparing chicken.

Some reasons consumers feel rinsing raw poultry is necessary is to remove blood/slime, because a family member said to do so, or it washes off the germs or bacteria. Most do this under the faucet with water running without any other container. Because of this, water splashes onto other items or food causing cross contamination. Then, many improperly washed their hands by not using water or soap, or did not rub their hands with soap at least 20 seconds. They also were ineffective at cleaning and sanitizing equipment and countertops.

Bottom line. There is no need to wash poultry or meat prior to cooking. Cooking to safe temperatures is the best and safest defense against foodborne illness. All poultry should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit; ground meat should reach 160 degrees; and roasts, steak and chops should reach 145 degrees.

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Posted in Contaminated water, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Uncategorized, water microbiology

USA – Norovirus most common foodborne pathogen in 2017

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Barf Blog

Food Borne Illness - Norovirus -CDC Photo

Image CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) late last week released a summary of foodborne illnesses in 2017 based on an annual analysis of data from the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System, and Norovirus was the most common pathogen reported, responsible for 46% of illnesses. Salmonella and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli were also linked to a substantial number of outbreaks.  

In 2017, the CDC tracked 841 foodborne outbreaks, which included 14,481 illnesses, 827 hospitalizations, 20 deaths, and 14 food product recalls. A single etiologic agent was confirmed in 395 outbreaks (47%), which are defined as two or more related cases.

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Posted in E.coli, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Food Virus, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Norovirus, outbreak, Research, Salmonella, Uncategorized

USA – Dorset Cheese Voluntarily Recalled by North Atlantic and Northeast Whole Foods Market Stores Due to Possible Health Risk – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

In response to a recall from Consider Bardwell Farm, Whole Foods Market stores in the Northeast and North Atlantic regions are voluntarily recalling Dorset cheese because of a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenesis an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant women 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, stillbirths and fetal infection among pregnant women.

The affected product was sold at Whole Foods Market stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. The affected product was cut and wrapped in plastic with a Whole Foods Market scale label, identifiable by PLU code 97776 with sell-by dates through 10/30/2019.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Customers who purchased this product at Whole Foods Market can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions can call 1-844-936-8255 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, or 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 1-844-936-8255
Media:
Olivia Petersen
 Olivia.Petersen@wholefoods.com

Product Photos

  • Whole Foods Market scale label Consider Bardwell Farm Dorset

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

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Certain Quality Fast Foods brand Sandwiches recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, October 1, 2019 – HQ Fine Foods is recalling sandwiches from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Name Common Name Size UPC Code(s) on Product
Quality Fast Foods Deli Chicken Salad Sandwich White 188 g 0 58578 47537 9 Best Before
OC 03
OC 10
Quality Fast Foods Deli Roast Beef & Cheese Sandwich White 196 g 0 58578 47533 1 Best Before
OC 03
OC 10
Quality Fast Foods Deli Egg Salad Sandwich White 188 g 0 58578 47535 5 Best Before
OC 03
OC 10

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products but there have been illnesses associated with imported diced chicken.

Quality Fast Foods - Deli Chicken Salad Sandwich White

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

Canada -Food Recall Warning – Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. brand raw beef and raw veal products recalled due to E. coli O157:H7

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, October 1, 2019 – Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. is recalling Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. brand raw beef and raw veal products from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Food service establishments, retailers, distributors and manufacturers should not serve, use, or sell the recalled products described in the link above.

Background

This recall was triggered by the CFIA’s inspection activities. 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

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

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Posted in CFIA, E.coli, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Various Gordon Choice brand frozen, diced chicken products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, October 1, 2019 – Gordon Food Service is recalling various Gordon Choice brand diced frozen chicken products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume and distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes should not sell or use the recalled products described below. If you have received the recalled products and have further transformed or repackaged them, you are advised to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Gordon Choice - Diced Chicken Meat 13mm (1/2”) 80% Dark 20% White

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

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Certain Sandwiches recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, October 1, 2019 – The food recall warning issued on September 30, 2019 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

A Bis Gourmet is recalling certain sandwiches from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination of the diced chicken used to make these products.  Consumers should not consume the recalled products described in the link above.

ONroute - Chicken Salad Wedge Sandwich White Bread A Bis Gourmet - Chicken Salad

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

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Certain Deli Chef brand Sandwiches recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on October 2, 2019 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Recall details

Ottawa, October 1, 2019 – Les aliments Deli Chef is recalling sandwiches from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume and distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes should not sell or use the recalled products described in the link above. If you have received the recalled products and have further transformed or repackaged them, you are advised to contact the CFIA.

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

USA – North Carolina Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak rises to 79 cases, 1 death

Posted on October 1, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today Legionella_Plate_01

North Carolina state health officials were first notified about an increase in the number of Legionnaire’s disease cases in Buncombe and Henderson counties about one week ago.

To date, health officials have reported 83 Legionella cases (79 Legionnaires’ disease and 4 Pontiac fever), including one fatality.

The most cases have been reported from Buncombe (34) and Henderson (21) counties, with 11 other counties affected plus 5 South Carolina cases.

Legionnaires’ disease gained national notoriety in 1976 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered it during an epidemic of pneumonia among American legion members at a convention in Philadelphia.

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Posted in Contaminated water, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Legionella, microbial contamination, Uncategorized, Water, water microbiology, Water Safety