Category Archives: Uncategorized

USA – Farm animals quarantined following reported illnesses at petting zoo – Cryptosporidium

Posted on April 23, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Turn to 10 crypto

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WJAR) — Animals at a Middletown farm are being quarantined after three people got sick, Rhode Island health officials announced Monday.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said one child and two adults came down with cryptosporidiosis after having contact with goats during “pet and cuddle” events at Simmons Farm on West Main Road on March 25 and 31.

“Cryptosporidiosis lives in the gut of infected humans or animals. It is spread through contact with the feces of an infected person or animal, typically when people touch their mouths with contaminated hands,” according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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Posted in Cryptosporidium, Uncategorized

USA – Recalled: OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce and Freeze Dried Sardines – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on April 23, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Petful

Maker: OC Raw Dog, LLC
Causes: Potential for listeria; potential for Clostridium botulinum
Announcement: FDA announcements (1) and (2), dated April 20, 2018
What was recalled: The following products:

  • OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce Meaty Rox, 3lb., UPC #022099069171, Lot #3652, Best by Oct. 11, 2018
  • OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce Doggie Sliders, 4lb., UPC #095225852640, Best by Oct. 11, 2018
  • OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce Doggie Dozen Patty Bag, 6.5 lb., UPC #022099069225, Best by Oct. 11, 2018
  • OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce Meaty Rox, 7 lb., UPC #095225852756, Best by Oct. 11, 2018
  • OC Raw Dog Freeze Dried Sardines, 3.2 oz bag, UPC #095225853043

OC Raw Dog announced this as 2 separate voluntary recalls. The Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation has the potential for listeria contamination — a state agriculture department has reported a positive test for listeria in a sample of the food, although there have been no reports to date of illnesses in pets or people.

The second OC Raw Dog recall, for the Freeze Dried Sardines, stems from the fact that the fish are larger than the FDA compliance guideline of 5 inches. The federal safety agency says larger fish like this carry a higher risk of botulism poisoning.

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Posted in Animal Feed, Clostridium botulinum, Pet Food, Recall, Uncategorized

Research – Retail Deli Slicer Inspection Practices: An EHS-Net Study – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on April 23, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection Listeria kswfoodworld food safety food poisoning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3,000 people die in the United States each year from foodborne illness, and Listeria monocytogenes causes the third highest number of deaths. Risk assessment data indicate that L. monocytogenes contamination of particularly delicatessen meats sliced at retail is a significant contributor to human listeriosis. Mechanical deli slicers are a major source of L. monocytogenes cross-contamination and growth. In an attempt to prevent pathogen cross-contamination and growth, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created guidance to promote good slicer cleaning and inspection practices. The CDC’s Environmental Health Specialists Network conducted a study to learn more about retail deli practices concerning these prevention strategies. The present article includes data from this study on the frequency with which retail delis met the FDA recommendation that slicers should be inspected each time they are properly cleaned (defined as disassembling, cleaning, and sanitizing the slicer every 4 h). Data from food worker interviews in 197 randomly selected delis indicate that only 26.9% of workers (n = 53) cleaned and inspected their slicers at this frequency. Chain delis and delis that serve more than 300 customers on their busiest day were more likely to have properly cleaned and inspected slicers. Data also were collected on the frequency with which delis met the FDA Food Code provision that slicers should be undamaged. Data from observations of 685 slicers in 298 delis indicate that only 37.9% of delis (n = 113) had slicers that were undamaged. Chain delis and delis that provide worker training were more likely to have slicers with no damage. To improve slicer practices, food safety programs and the retail food industry may wish to focus on worker training and to focus interventions on independent and smaller delis, given that these delis were less likely to properly inspect their slicers and to have undamaged slicers.

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Posted in food death, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Safety, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, listeriosis, Research, Uncategorized

Canada – Updated Food Recall Warning – Montana brand frozen strawberries recalled due to Hepatitis A

Posted on April 23, 2018 by | Leave a comment

CFIA Hepatitis A kswfoodworld

Recall details

Ottawa, April 20, 2018 – The food recall warning issued on April 14, 2018 has been updated to include additional distribution and product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Phoenicia Group Inc. is recalling Montana brand frozen strawberries from the marketplace due to possible Hepatitis A contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

The ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) transmitted an alert to the news media on April 14, 2018 concerning the affected product. Please click on the following link for details: https://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/Consommation/rappelsaliments/2018/04/Pages/3682.aspx (French only).

Recalled products

Brand Name Common Name Size Code(s) on Product UPC
Montana Strawberry (frozen) 1 kg All codes purchased on or before April 20, 2018 6222000401487

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Posted in CFIA, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Hepatitis A, Uncategorized

Research – Evaluation of enumeration and MPN prediction methods for Staphylococcus aureus

Posted on April 22, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

Staphylococcal food poisoning is among the most prevalent causes of foodborne intoxication. To monitor the safety and quality of food, rapid and reliable enumeration procedures for Staphylococcus aureus are essential. Here, we assess culture‐based methods for the isolation and enumeration of S. aureus, testing different pre‐enrichment broths, plated media, and the automated TEMPO instrument. We evaluated enumeration of S. aureus in seven different food commodities, including two naturally contaminated foods, at levels ranging between 100 and 1,500 cfu/g of inoculated target and nontarget organisms. Sixty‐four food samples were analyzed. Duplicate test portions of 25 g each were homogenized with 225 ml of Butterfield’s phosphate buffer (1:10). Five tube most probable number (MPN) predictions comparing two pre‐enrichment broths, tryptic soy broth containing 10% NaCl and 1% sodium pyruvate (PTSBS) and modified Giolitti and Cantoni (GC) were assessed alongside the TEMPO STA card and the direct plate count method. The direct plate count method using Baird Parker agar and BP with Rabbit Plasma Fibrinogen versus TEMPO STA demonstrated the highest proportion of agreement at 89.19%. The two different pre‐enrichment broths assessed, PTSBS versus GC exhibited the lowest proportion of agreement at 47.5%. The TEMPO STA yielded results in 24 hr versus the current 4‐day PTSBS MPN method for S. aureus, with an 84.62% agreement.

Practical applications

Overall food quality, recalls, and other regulatory decisions are often contingent upon enumeration results. A prompt turnaround time can assist in expediting the release of unadulterated foods, and the swift removal of adulterated foods out of the food supply chain. This is paramount to the microbiology and food safety community who must consider which methods will provide more accurate and timely assessments of food contamination.

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Posted in Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Safety, Research, Staphylococcus aureus, Uncategorized

USA – Hepatitis A cases in Charleston area linked multistate outbreak

Posted on April 22, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today

The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department reports recent cases of acute hepatitis A occurring in Kanawha and Putnam counties have been linked to an ongoing, multistate Hepatitis A outbreak

Since January, more than 20 cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in Kanawha and Putnam counties. Prior to this outbreak, Janet Briscoe, KCHD director of epidemiology, called Hepatitis A cases rare in the region.

KCHD recently received notification specimens submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the local investigation match a specific genotype identified in the California and Kentucky outbreaks. The multistate outbreak, for the most part, is occurring in persons who use illicit drugs and who may be homeless or without a permanent residence. The disease spread may also be attributed to the lack of access to proper hygiene or sanitation.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hepatitis A, outbreak, Uncategorized

Research – Incidence, species and antimicrobial resistance of naturally occurring Campylobacter isolates from quail carcasses sampled in a commercial processing facility

Posted on April 22, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

There is limited information about Campylobacter in commercially processed quail (Coturnix coturnix). The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of Campylobacter on carcasses in a commercial quail processing plant. Carcasses were collected prior to chilling and/or the application of any antimicrobials, transported to the laboratory, and individually bagged. Following the standard protocol for recovering Campylobacter, three typical colonies were selected, confirmed as Campylobacter and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Nine replicates were conducted. Of the 85 carcasses obtained (n = 5 for first visit, n = 10 for 8 subsequent visits), 28 (32.9%) carcasses were found to be positive for Campylobacter. On four visits, no Campylobacter was found; on two visits, all samples were positive; and 1/5, 1/10, and 6/10 samples were positive for the remaining visits. Of the 28 isolates recovered, 18 (64%) were C. jejuni and 10 (36%) were C. coli. Tetracycline resistance was detected in all 28 isolates. Future work in the breeder flocks, hatchery, and grow‐out houses is planned to further understand Campylobacter ecology in quail production and processing which could also be useful to the broiler industry.

Practical applications

Very little published information exists for the presence of Campylobacter spp. on processed quail. Most of the studies involve cloacal swabs and ceca from samples obtained from hunters. This study involves sampling processed quail carcasses from a large commercial integrated company and also determined the species and antibiotic resistance profile of the Campylobacter isolates. There is considerable debate concerning the ecology of Campylobacter on poultry and perhaps our data can be used by the broiler industry to develop a better understanding of the ecology and to assist in the application of effective intervention strategies. Presently, there is slightly under 100,000 million commercially processed and domestically grown quails in the United States each year, most of which is marketed in Europe as a frozen product. So the presence of an important foodborne pathogen on this food is significant information.

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Posted in Campylobacter, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Safety, Research, Uncategorized

Research – Evaluation of microbial quality of dried foods stored at different relative humidity and temperature, and effect of packaging methods

Posted on April 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

wiley online

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of relative humidity (RH) and temperature on microbial populations in dried foods (seaweed, kelp, and pumpkin) during storage. The products were stored at different RH (RH 50, 70, or 100%) and at 25 or 35°C for 15 days. Overall, populations of total mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli/coliform, and yeast/mold in dried seaweed, dried kelp, and dried pumpkin were higher at RH 90% than at RH of 50 or 70% after 15 days of storage at 25 or 35°C. Effects of packaging methods (open bag, closed bag, and airtight container) on microbial populations in dried pumpkin were also evaluated. At RH of 90% and 25 or 35°C, stored closed bags or airtight containers was effective at maintaining the initial levels of total mesophilic bacteria, E. coli/coliform, and yeast/mold in dried pumpkin after 15 days. Thus, microbial survival and growth depends on storage conditions including storage temperature, relative humidity, time, and packaging methods. These results could be used for developing safe storage conditions for dried foods.

Practical applications

The result of this study could be used for improving the safety of dried foods with appropriate storage conditions.

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Posted in Uncategorized

Research – Co‐occurrence of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in nuts, dry fruits, and nuty products

Posted on April 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

A total of 320 samples of edible nuts (poppy seed, peanut, pistachio, cashew, almonds) and dry fruits (plum, raisins, figs, dates, apricot, watermelon seed, melon seeds, pomegranate seeds) collected from major cities of Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Sample extracts were purified using immunoaffinity columns and analyzed by reversed phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) were found in 128 (40%) samples, and total AFs exceeded levels of 4 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg in 34 and 25% of samples. The highest mean levels of total AFs (7.30 ± 1.80 µg/kg) were found in peanuts without shell, the lowest mean levels (2.90 ± 1.50 µg/kg) were found in watermelon seeds with shell samples. OTA was found in 18 (5%) samples, the highest levels (5.60 ± 1.34 µg/kg) were found in raisins (maximum 18.5 µg/kg). Only four samples of edible nuts and dry fruits were contaminated with OTA at levels above the recommended limit of 10 µg/kg. The results have revealed the co‐occurrence of OTA and total AFs in 25% total samples of dry fruits and nuts with a mean level of OTA 3.58 ± 1.30 µg/kg and total AFs mean level of 4.13 ± 0.48 µg/kg, respectively. The high frequency especially of AFs in dry fruits and edible nuts is regarded as a health issue for consumers.

Practical applications

The manuscript has provided the current status on the levels of AFs and OTA in dry fruits and nuts in Pakistan. The results of current finding revealed that the levels of AFs and OTA in those samples which have stored in shells are significantly less as compared to those samples of nuts and dry fruits which have been stored without shells. Therefore, to use good storage practices, farmers, venders, and traders can eliminate or minimize the levels of these toxins in their products. Furthermore, the study will provide the awareness and levels of AFs and OTA in nuts and dry fruits and help to implement strict regulations for these toxins by law enforcement agencies.

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Posted in Aflatoxin, Food Safety, Ochratoxin, Research, Uncategorized

Research – Pork juice promotes biofilm formation in Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on April 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Abstract

A total of 47 Listeria monocytogenes isolates were separated and identified from 153 retailed raw meat samples in Shanghai area with the highest contamination rate in pork meat (20.34%). Using multiplex PCR, these isolates were divided into 3 serogroups: 1/2a‐3a, 1/2b‐3b‐7, and 1/2c‐3c, and 1/2a‐3a was predominant in these isolates. Calgary device was introduced to cultivate biofilm, and crystal violet staining and viable cell enumeration was used to determine the quantity of biofilm formation. Meat juices significantly impacted the biofilm formation, and L. monocytogenes had the highest biofilm‐forming ability in pork juice. However, there was no significant difference on biofilm formation among different serotypes and sources. When cocultured in pork juice, the cell numbers of Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and L. monocytogenes had a significant decrease or decreasing tendency compared to monospecies biofilm, which revealed a competitive interaction among the three species.

Practical applications

It is aimed to investigate the biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes on plastic surface in different meat juices (beef, chicken, and pork) and the interaction among the multispecies biofilm of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and L. monocytogenes in pork juice. Meat juice was used as a simulation of the real condition in meat processing environment, and the result can give suggestions to meat industry to keep a close eye on raw pork product.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Safety, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Research, Uncategorized