Category Archives: Uncategorized

RASFF – aflatoxins (B1 = 19.18; Tot. = 21.89 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled pistachios from Iran, via Turkey in Italy

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 5.4 µg/kg – ppb) in groundnuts from China in the UK

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 11.4; Tot. = 12 µg/kg – ppb) in chilli powder from India in Germany

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 29.8; Tot. = 33.2 / B1 = 60.4; Tot. = 70.6 µg/kg – ppb) in peanuts from Egypt in Italy

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 9.1 µg/kg – ppb) in pistachios in shell from Iran in Germany

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 249; Tot. = 279 µg/kg – ppb) in roasted and salted pistachios from Spain in Portugal

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 28.9; Tot. = 32.1 µg/kg – ppb) in pistachios in shell from Iran in Germany

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 17.19; Tot. = 37.31 µg/kg – ppb) in pistachios from Turkey in Germany

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 3.5; Tot. = 4.1 µg/kg – ppb) in blanched peanut kernels from China in Malta

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 23 µg/kg – ppb) in hazelnuts from Azerbaijan in Italy

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 5.5; Tot. = 6.2 / B1 = 7.3; Tot. = 8.1 µg/kg – ppb) in blanched peanuts from China in Greece

RASFF-aflatoxins (B1 = 136; Tot. = 155 µg/kg – ppb) in shelled pistachios from Iran, via Turkey in Italy

Eurosurveillance

In 2014, a total of 2,976 Enterobacteriaceae isolates with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems were received at the French Associated National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance (NRC) and were characterised for their molecular resistance mechanism to carbapenems and compared with results obtained during 2012 and 2013.The overall number of enterobacterial isolates with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems received at the NRC rapidly increased (more than twofold in two years) with a growing proportion of carbapenemase producers (23.1% in 2012 vs 28.6% in 2013 vs 36.2% in 2014). Between 2012 and 2014, the main carbapenemase type was OXA-48, with an increase in OXA-48 variants (mostly OXA-181) and NDM producers, whereas the number KPC producers decreased. We identified a potential spread of OXA-181 producers in the tropical region of Africa. Finally, OXA-48 and OXA-48-related enzymes remained the predominant carbapenemases in France. The number of carbapenemase-producing Escherischia coli isolates was multiplied by fivefold between 2012 and 2014, suggesting a possible dissemination in the community.

Outbreak News Today

Every year, millions of travelers visit countries with poor hygiene, and approximately one third of them return home carrying antibiotic-resistant ESBL intestinal bacteria. Most of them remain unaware of this, as the bacteria cause no symptoms. High-risk areas for contracting ESBL bacteria are South and South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Diarrhea is the most common health complaint for people who travel to poor regions of the world. Those contracting diarrhea have an increased risk of ESBL acquisition, and if they choose to they treat it with antibiotics, the risk becomes multiplied. A Finnish study led by Professor Anu Kantele and published two years ago showed that among people travelling to high-risk areas, those contracting diarrhea and taking antibiotics, up to 80% brought ESBL super bacteria home with them.

FDA

Ruth’s Salads Charlotte, NC is expanding the recall of Ruth’s Salads Pimento Cheese Spreads packed in Chester, SC. The products involved include: Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 7oz; Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 12 oz.; Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 24 oz.; Ruth’s Old Fashion Pimento Spread 16 oz.; Ruth’s Jalapeno Pimento Spread 12 oz.; Ruth’s Lite Pimento Spread 12 oz.; and Ruth’s Cream Cheese with Pineapple-Pecans 12 oz. All lot numbers are included in this recall.  The products are packed in plastic containers and labeled as “Packed by B&H Foods, Inc., Chester, SC”.  The products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.

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

The recalled products were distributed in grocery stores in NC, SC, GA, TN, AL, KY, and parts of Virginia and Tennessee.

The contamination was discovered during random testing by the NC Department of Agriculture.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-532-0409 between the hours of 7AM and 3 PM Monday-Friday.  After hours, consumers may leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

RASFF -Salmonella (presence /25g) in ovine meal from New Zealand in the Netherlands

RASFF-Salmonella Senftenberg (in 2 out of 10 samples /25g) in rapeseed meal from Denmark in Sweden

RASFF-Salmonella Tennessee (in 1 out of 10 samples /25g) in rapeseed meal from Germany in Sweden

RASFF-Salmonella Senftenberg (presence /25g) in organic toasted soybean meal from Italy in Sweden

RASFF-Salmonella Tennessee (presence /25g) in rapeseed meal from Russia in Finland

RASFF-Salmonella Liverpool (presence /25g) in rapeseed meal from Germany in Finland

FSA

Food Safety News 

Pride & Joy Dairy is recalling its organic, unpasteurized, raw milk after state inspectors investigating E. coli illnesses found toxin-producing E. coli bacteria in the dairy’s milk, which has best-by dates of Feb. 10 through 24.

Neither a statement from the company owners, Allen and Cheryl Voortman, nor a notice on the Washington State Department of Agriculture website mentioned the illnesses.

Poultry Med 

Salmonella outbreaks in five locations across the state has prompted a warning to Queenslanders to stop playing Russian roulette with uncooked eggs and meat.
Health Minister Cameron Dick said more than 70 people were infected by the five outbreaks of the food-borne bacteria, which can lead to death in those with weakened immune systems. “While eggs are a great source of protein and are important for a healthy diet, if you eat them raw or undercooked, you really are playing Russian roulette with your health,” Mr Dick said.
The Minister said three of the current outbreaks across the State have been linked to more than 30 confirmed cases from raw or undercooked egg in Brisbane, while a further 37 people were infected after consuming undercooked pork in Mount Isa. Around 5000 cases of Salmonella are reported in Queensland each year. Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young said the rate of Salmonella infection in Queensland is concerning.
Statistics surrounding Queensland cases of Salmonella:
•Total Salmonella notifications for 2015 = 5418 cases
•Total Salmonella notifications for 2016 = 4823 cases
•5 year average (2012 – 2016) = 4217 cases
• Hospitalisations in 2015 = 878
• Hospitalisations in 2016 (Jan-Nov) = 676

Wiley Online Library

Wiley Online Library