Category Archives: Uncategorized

USA -Parasite risk in wraps, salads spurs warning; romaine blamed – Cyclospora

Posted on July 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News 

 

Federal officials issued a public health alert Monday night warning people to watch for signs of parasitic infections if they have eaten any of more than two dozen varieties of wraps and salads sold nationwide by retailers including Kroger and Trader Joe’s. 

The distributor of the ready-to-eat products said lettuce supplied by Fresh Express is responsible for the health alert. Indianapolis-based distributor Caito Foods LLC reported that officials with Fresh Express had issued a recall notice for chopped romaine that was used in the wraps and salads. The products are packaged under a variety of brand names.

It was unclear Monday night whether the Fresh Express recall is only for business-to-business romaine sales — such as those to other food producers, restaurants and facilities such as hospitals and schools — or if it includes products sold directly to consumers. 

Also, it was not known Monday night if the Fresh Express romaine is linked to an outbreak of Cyclospora parasite infections associated with salads from McDonald’s. 

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Posted in Uncategorized

Europe – Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Agona infections possibly linked to ready-to-eat food

Posted on July 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

ECDC 

 

A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Agona (S. Agona) is under investigation in the European Union (EU), with cases retrospectively identified back to 2014. Overall, 147 outbreak cases have been reported by five EU countries: 122 cases since 1 January 2017, and 25 historical cases between 2014 and 2016. The United Kingdom is reporting most outbreak cases (129), with Finland (15), Denmark, Germany and Ireland (one case each) reporting the other cases. The Irish case was probably infected while visiting the United Kingdom.

The outbreak was first detected in the United Kingdom using whole genome sequencing (WGS). All S. Agona isolates from the five countries are genetically close with a maximum difference of 2 alleles from any other single isolate by core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme (cgMLST) using the ECDC Enterobase pipeline. The cases peaked in April 2017 and 2018. The close genomic relationship and the distinct seasonal spring peaks suggest that cases are part of an intermittent common source outbreak.

Seventeen S. Agona food isolates from 2018, detected in the United Kingdom, were found to be closely genetically related to the human strains. The food isolates were from cucumbers sampled during processing before and after washing (11 isolates) and ready to eat (RTE) food products containing cucumbers (six isolates). The contaminated food isolates were sampled in the United Kingdom at four plants owned by Company A and a Company C plant.

At present, there is insufficient epidemiological information available on the consumption of contaminated products by humans to support the microbiological evidence provided by the isolation of the outbreak strain in food. The epidemiological investigations in the other affected countries did not generate any strong hypothesis about the vehicle or source of infection.

Although the cucumbers used in all final contaminated products originated from Spain for a limited period (from November 2017 to April 2018), no connection between supply chains was identified: primary producers of cucumbers were different (producers A and B), and cucumbers were delivered to different processing companies through different distributors in the United Kingdom. The laboratory results for Salmonella in all cucumber samples, taken either at primary production level in Spain or during distribution to/within UK, were negative.

Based on the information available, the microbiological evidence suggests RTE products containing cucumbers as a possible vehicle of infection but so far it has not been possible to identify the specific point in the production chain where the contamination occurred.

Further investigations along the food chain are needed to identify the source of contamination. These should include collection of information about various production and processing stages for the RTE products implicated in this event, as well as thorough sampling and testing.

ECDC Link

 

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Salmonella, Uncategorized

UK – Scotland -High levels of shellfish toxin

Posted on July 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

HPS Scotland 

Monitoring work undertaken on behalf of Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has identified raised levels of shellfish toxins in Loch Leurbost in Lewis.

Eating shellfish such as mussels, cockles, or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health and notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore. Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted by the Comhairle (Western Isles Council) and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.

The Comhairle is monitoring the situation and will remove warning notices when it improves.

[Source: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, 26 July 2018. https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/news/2018/july/high-levels-of-shellfish-toxin/]

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Posted in Algal Toxin, ASP, Biotoxin, DSP, Food Toxin, PSP, Uncategorized

Research -Occurrence, virulence factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Vibrio spp. isolated from live oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Korea

Posted on July 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

This study determined the incidence, virulence factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Vibrio spp. in live oysters (Crassostrea gigas) marketed in Korea. A total of 41 Vibrio spp. isolates including 23 Vibrio alginolyticus, 11 Vibrio fluvialis and 7 Vibrio antiquarius were isolated and identified. All Vibrio spp. isolates showed DNase, amylase, lipase, phospholipase, and gelatinase activities. For slime production, caseinase and β‐hemolysis isolates were positive in 68%, 78%, and 56%, respectively. PCR‐based assays showed that V. alginolyticus expressed collagenase, tlh, toxR, ctxAB, and VPI virulence genes in 100%, 100%, 78%, 39%, and 48% of the isolates, respectively. All V. fluvialis strains harbored hupO gene while 64% and 55% isolates were positive for toxR and vfh. Besides, V. antiquarius strains were positive for toxR, tlh, ctxAB, and VPI virulence genes in 57%, 86%, 43%, and 43% of the isolates, respectively. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index calculated with disk diffusion test results revealed that 54% of the isolates were having MAR indices >0.2. Our results reveal that consumption of raw oysters may cause potential risk for public health owing to the Vibrio spp. comprising putative virulence properties and antimicrobial resistance.

Practical applications

The genus Vibrio are most commonly associated with seafood‐borne diseases. Oysters are one of the most preferred seafood in Korea as well as throughout the world. However, it may harbor pathogenic Vibrio spp., can cause foodborne illnesses if consumed as raw or undercooked product. In this study, the prevalence and characteristics of Vibrio spp. isolated from oysters in Korean markets was investigated. Among a total of 41 isolates presumptively identified by biochemical tests as vibrios, the incidence of three Vibrio species was confirmed by gyrB sequencing. Most of the isolates showed positive results for pathogenicity tests and virulence gene tests indicating the putative virulence of Vibrio spp. Susceptibility for 14 antimicrobials were tested using disk diffusion method. All the isolates were resistant to ampicillin while resistance to some other antimicrobials were also observed. According to these results, it is worthwhile to raise consumer awareness that consumption of oysters from markets in Korea may pose a risk of Vibrio infection.

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Posted in Food Hygiene, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Uncategorized, Vibrio

Nigeria -NAFDAC Seizes 3,300kg of Banned Frozen Vegetables – DG – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on July 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

All Africa

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it had seized 3,300 kilogrammes of PINGUIN brand of frozen mixed vegetables across the country.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

Ms. Adeyeye explained that she was informed on July 11 by Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) that Rapid Alert System on Food and Feed (RASFF) had confirmed that the compromised food (frozen mixed vegetables) was shipped to Nigeria.

She said that her agency immediately gave a directive for a nation-wide surveillance and NAFDAC’s FSAN directorate went into action and confirmed that some of the implicated products actually arrived Nigeria.

“Teams dispatched to the field found large quantities of the implicated products and placed them on HOLD. Placing on HOLD means the item cannot be distributed or sold.

“The outbreak of Listeriosis in Europe was linked to frozen corn and other frozen mixed vegetables.

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

USA -Lipari Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Premo Brand & Fresh Grab Turkey & Swiss Submarine Sandwiches Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes

Posted on July 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

FDA 

Listeria kswfoodworld food safety food poisoning

Image CDC Enter a caption

Lipari Foods, LLC has issued a voluntary recall of Premo Brand and Fresh Grab turkey and Swiss submarine sandwiches produced and packaged by sister company JLM due to potential contaminatLipari Foods, LLC has issued a voluntary recall of Premo Brand and Fresh Grab turkey and Swiss submarine sandwiches produced and packaged by sister company JLM due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenesis 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 products were produced on July 17, 2018 and distributed to food service and retail stores throughout Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

 

Brand Product Lipari Product # Weight Sell By Date Lot # UPC
Premo Brand Turkey & Swiss Sub 915537 4/6 OZ 08/06/2018 17201807 612510001042
Fresh Grab Turkey & Swiss Sub 251694 18/6 OZ 08/06/2018 17201807 612510001042

Products were distributed under the following brand names: Premo Brand & Fresh Grab.

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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

India -42 fall ill after consuming prasadam at Kuvalaikal

Posted on July 30, 2018 by | Leave a comment

The Hindu

Forty-two persons were admitted to a government hospital in Nannilam with complaints of nausea and diarrhoea due to suspected food poisoning on Saturday. All of them had consumed the prasadam from a Mariamman Temple at Kuvalaikal, near Tiruvarur. Over 100 persons, who had consumed the prasadam distributed during a festival on Friday, were said to have taken ill on Saturday morning. Those with severe complaints were rushed to the Nannilam government hospital. In all, 42 persons, including 18 men, 20 women and four children, were admitted to the hospital. Food Minister R. Kamaraj visited the victims and enquired about their health.

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Posted in Uncategorized

USA -Loblaw recalls chicken nuggets due to Salmonella risk

Posted on July 30, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Poultry Med

Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling certain No Name brand Chicken Nuggets from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.There has been one reported illness associated with the consumption of this product. In addition, there has been one reported illness that may be associated with the consumption of this product.
According to an outbreak notice posted July 21 by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The implicated products are No Name brand “Chicken Nuggets” and unbranded “$10 Chicken Fries.”

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Posted in Salmonella, Uncategorized

Bahamas -Vibrio cases linked to conch in the dozens

Posted on July 30, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today  Vibrio_vulnificus_01

In a follow-up on the Vibrio parahaemolyticus outbreak linked to conch meat in the Bahamas, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands says the number of confirmed cases has risen to 27, according to local media.

In addition, there are 22 cases awaiting lab results.  Among those now suffering from the illness are tourists.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera. It lives in brackish saltwater and causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. V. parahaemolyticus naturally inhabits coastal waters in the United States and Canada and is present in higher concentrations during summer.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Uncategorized, Vibrio, Vibrio parahaemolyticus

USA -Salmonella Tainted Whey Prompts More Food Recalls

Posted on July 30, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Journal kswfoodworld salmonella

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that products may be contaminated with Salmonella from whey powder that has been recalled by the producer of the ingredient. FSIS is issuing this public health alert out of the utmost of caution to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed.

The whey powder is an FDA-regulated product that is being voluntarily recalled by the producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI). Additional FSIS-regulated products containing the recalled whey powder may be added to this public health alert as more information becomes available.

The product currently subject to the public health alert is produced by Pinnacle Foods, Inc., a Fayetteville, Ark. establishment and is listed below:

  • 15.25-oz. individual frozen microwavable dinners with “HUNGRY MAN CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCED BONELESS CHICKEN WYNGZ” printed on the label and bearing a best buy date of 9/6/19.

The product bears establishment number “EST. P138” or “P-138” on the side of the carton. These products were shipped to retail locations in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The problem was discovered on July 17, 2018, when Pinnacle Foods, Inc. was notified by their supplier that the recalled whey powder ingredient was used in the ranch dressing seasoning supplied to the firm. The ranch dressing seasoning was incorporated into mashed potatoes and packaged as a component with a boneless chicken dinner.

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Posted in food recall, Recall, Salmonella, Uncategorized