Clostridium perfringens behind illness at New Zealand University

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

Clostridium perfringens has been confirmed as the cause of more than 100 students falling ill at a university in New Zealand.

Health New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigated the outbreak among pupils at the University of Canterbury’s University Hall in Christchurch. Students fell ill a few weeks ago during the end-of-year exam period.

Laboratory testing and survey data confirmed New Zealand Food Safety’s theory that the outbreak was likely caused by unsafe preparation of shredded chicken served to students as part of a meal.

Leave a comment

Posted in Clostridium, Clostridium perfringens, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, MPI

Quebec – Warning not to consume various Szafran brand soups sold by the Exo-Fruits company – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Quebec

QUEBEC CITY , Nov. 15 , 2024  The Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ), in collaboration with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal and the company Exo-Fruits, located at 5192, chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, in Montreal, is warning the public not to consume the products listed in the table below, as they have not been stored in a manner that ensures their safety. In fact, the retailer did not follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the method of storing the products, which could promote the proliferation of the bacteria  Clostridium botulinum . 

Product name

Format

Target lot

VEGAN CHICKEN SOUP

1 L

Units sold
until
November 15, 2024

VEGAN VEGETABLE SOUP

The products that are the subject of this warning were offered for sale until November 15, 2024, and only at the establishment designated above. The products were packaged in a glass jar with a metal lid and sold at room temperature.

The operator is recalling the products in question. It has agreed with the MAPAQ and the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal to issue this warning as a precautionary measure. In addition, people who have one of these products in their possession are advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where they purchased it or throw it away.

Even if the affected products do not show signs of spoilage or have a suspicious odor, they could be a breeding ground for  Clostridium botulinum bacteria . Food contaminated with the toxin from this bacteria can cause the following symptoms when ingested: facial paralysis, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and impaired vision and speech. In severe cases, the illness can be fatal.

It should be noted that no cases of illness associated with the consumption of these foods have been reported to MAPAQ to date.

Leave a comment

Posted in Clostridium, Clostridium botulinum, food recall, mapaq, product recall, Recall

France – SARDINE FILLETS – Histamine

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov France

Product Category
Food
Product subcategory
Fishery and aquaculture products
Product brand name
WITHOUT
Model names or references
SARDINE FILLETS
Product identification
Batch
343040270
Packaging
RETAIL
Start/End of marketing date
From 05/11/2024 to 08/11/2024
Storage temperature
Product to be kept in the refrigerator
Additional information
SARDINE FILLETS SOLD FROM NOVEMBER 5 TO 8
Geographic area of ​​sale
SARTHE
Distributors
INTERMARCHE LE MANS BEAUREGARD

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Histamine

France – Sheep’s cheese – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov France

Product Category
Food
Product subcategory
Milk and dairy products
Product brand name
Pierucci
Model names or references
Sheep’s Tomme 200 g portion
Product identification
Batch
9114 appearing on the back label
10094 appearing on the back label
Packaging
Under film
Start/End of marketing date
Since 09/11/2024
Storage temperature
Product to be kept in the refrigerator
Health mark
FR 2B 346 003 CE
Geographic area of ​​sale
Whole France
Distributors
GMS, retail stores

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria France, Listeria in Cheese, Listeria monocytogenes

New Zealand – Shellfish biotoxin warning for part of Bay of Plenty

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MPI

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from an area of the Bay of Plenty due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins.

“Routine tests on tuatua from Waihi Beach have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins more than double the safe limit,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

The warning extends from the southern end of Pauanui Beach down to the entrance of Tauranga Harbour, by Mount Maunganui. The warning also includes Tauranga Harbour.

“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick.

“Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban. Kina are still safe to eat.

“It’s also important to know that cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin.”

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:

  • numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • dizziness and headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.

Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking.

NZFS has had no notifications of associated illness.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

“NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation, says Mr Arbuckle.

Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by NZFS to ensure they are safe to eat.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP, Shellfish, shellfish toxin

Tagged , , , ,

France -Half-Reblochon from Savoie AOP – STEC E.coli

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov France

Product Category
Food
Product subcategory
Milk and dairy products
Product brand name
Flavors of our Regions
Model names or references
Half-Reblochon from Savoie AOP
Product identification
GTIN Batch Date
14334035219837 C42840469 Minimum durability date 11/11/2024
Packaging
Plastic film
Start/End of marketing date
From 10/11/2024 to 11/11/2024
Storage temperature
Product to be kept in the refrigerator
Health mark
FR 74 289 050 CE
Geographic area of ​​sale
see list of stores in PJ
Distributors
some Lidl supermarkets see list of stores attached

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli, food recall, product recall, Recall, STEC, STEC E.coli

Austria – Pumpkin Organics Organic Oat Bar Carrot-Orange, 20g – Mold/Mould

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Ages

We at Pumpkin Organics GmbH are committed to the highest quality standards. During random checks, isolated cases of mold were found in Pumpkin Organics Organic Carrot-Orange Oat Bar, 20g. For reasons of consistent and precautionary consumer protection, we have initiated a precautionary recall of the following product: Pumpkin Organics Organic Carrot-Orange Oat Bar, 20g with the GTIN: 4260526593783 with a best-before date of January 12, 2025 and the batch number 12012025. Only this best-before date/batch number is affected by the recall. The best-before date can be found on the side of the package.

Consumption is not recommended because mold can be harmful to health.

Other products from Pumpkin Organics and other product batches of the Carrot-Orange Oat Bar, 20g are not affected.

To be on the safe side, we ask you not to consume the affected bars of the Pumpkin Organics Organic Oat Bar Carrot-Orange, 20g variety.

Of course, all products with the best-before date mentioned above can be returned. Customers will receive a refund of the purchase price even without a proof of purchase.

If you have any questions, please contact Pumpkin Organics GmbH on the German phone number +49 89 215415210 (Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00) or by email to  hello@pumpkin-organics.com .

Pumpkin Organics regrets the inconvenience caused and apologizes to all customers.

The warning does not indicate that the risk was caused by the producer, manufacturer, importer or distributor.

original recall

Leave a comment

Posted in AGES, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, mold, Mold/ MouldAscospores, Mould/Mold, Visible Mould/Mold

Canada – Nut works brand raw whole pistachios recalled due to Salmonella

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Gov Canada

Product
Raw whole pistachios
Issue
Food – Microbial contamination – Salmonella
What to do

Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products

Distribution
Ontario
Nut works - Pistachios - Front
Nut works - Pistachios - Side
Nut works - Pistachios - Code

Issue

The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.

What you should do

  • If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
  • Check to see if you have recalled products
  • Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
  • Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Salmonella, Salmonella in Nuts

USA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H9: Organic Carrots (November 2024)

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Cal-Organic Farms Carrots

Product

Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots.

  • Organic whole carrots were available for purchase at retail from August 14 through October 23, 2024 (365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry).
  • Organic baby carrots include specific best-if-used-by dates printed on the bags ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024 (365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Kroger, LIDL, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry).

A full list of recalled products is below. These products are likely no longer available for sale in stores but could be in people’s homes.

Symptoms of E. coli

Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later.

The severity or presence of certain symptoms may depend on the type of pathogenic E. coli that is causing the infection. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.

Stores Affected

These products were sold nationwide but are likely no longer available for sale in stores.

Status

Ongoing

Recommendation

  • Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers and should not eat recalled bagged whole or baby carrots. If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched. If you purchased organic whole or baby carrots and stored them without the original packaging and don’t know what brand they are, you should not eat them and should throw them away.
  • Retailers and distributors that purchased recalled bagged whole or baby carrots should not sell this product and should notify their customers. These products are likely past shelf-life and no longer available for sale in stores, but distributors and retailers should check their refrigerators and freezers and should not serve or sell recalled bagged whole or baby carrots.
    • Retailers that are unsure if they received these products may need to contact their supplier. If you are unable to determine whether or not recalled product was received, you should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling.
  • Retailers, distributors, and consumers should follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of an E. coli infection after eating organic carrots.

Current Update

November 17, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H9 infections linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 27 people interviewed, 26 (96%) reported eating carrots.

FDA’s traceback investigation identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier of organic whole and baby carrots in this outbreak. On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of multiple quantities and brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots and contacted their distributing customers. The retail-packaged organic whole carrots were in stores for purchase from August 14 through October 23, 2024. The organic baby carrots have different best-if-used-by-dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024. A full list of recalled products is below.

Although product is likely no longer on the market, carrots can last a long time when refrigerated or frozen. Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers and discard these recalled products. Distributors and retailers that may have received recalled bagged organic whole and baby carrots should follow the recommendations above and contact their customers.

FDA is working with the firm to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are affected. This advisory will be updated as information becomes available.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli O121, FDA, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121

USA – Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers’ Homes Due to Potential STEC E. coli Contamination – O121:H19

Posted on November 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

These products may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. E. coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans can range from 24 hours to as much as ten days. The average incubation period is 3 to 4 days.

Leave a comment

Posted in E.coli O121, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, product recall, Recall, STEC, STEC E.coli, STEC E.coli O121