Kareem Mart of Garden City, Michigan is recalling Kareem Chef Tahina because it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date to the company in connection with this problem.
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Belgium – Turkey roulade (700g) from the Tupelo farm brand – Salmonella
Recall of Aldi
Product: Turkey roulade (700g) from the Tupelo farm brand.
Problem: possible presence of Salmonella.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Name: TURKEY ROULADE 700 G (frozen product)
EAN code: 270 5360 7
Brand: Tupelo farm
Expiration date (DDM): 11/12/2021
Lot: RPS 27615
Sale period: 03/02/2021 – 03/05/2021
Points of sale: ALDI stores
NATURE OF THE PROBLEM
An internal analysis has shown the presence of Salmonella in the product “Turkey roll 700G (frozen)”.
ALDI has therefore decided, in consultation with the AFSCA, to withdraw this product from the market and to recall it to consumers.
Other ALDI products are not affected by this product recall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RISK
Possible symptoms of salmonella poisoning are fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within 12 to 48 hours of consuming the contaminated food. The risk of infection is higher in the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
ADVICE FOR CONSUMERS
Please do not consume these products and bring them back to the store.
The returned products will be reimbursed (also without receipt).
For any further information, you can contact ALDI via serviceclients@aldi.be .
Luxembourg – BARRIQUET GOAT CHEESE FROM THE MONS FROMAGER AFFINEUR BRAND- Listeria monocytogenes
The Luxembourg food safety authorities are informing about the following reminder:
| Last name | Barriquet |
| Mark | Mons Fromager Affineur |
| Unit | 400 g |
| Date of Minimum Durability (DDM) | 03/23/21 |
| Lot | 130121; 140121; 260122 |
Danger : Detection of Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes can cause fever, headache, and gastroenteritis. Vulnerable people such as the immunocompromised and the elderly and young children may experience neurological symptoms due to meningitis. Pregnant women should also pay special attention to these symptoms. Gastroenteritis can appear between a few hours and 3 days after consumption, while neurological symptoms can only appear after 3 months. People who have consumed these products and who have these symptoms are advised to consult a doctor, notifying him of this consumption.
Sale in Luxembourg by: Cactus
A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.
Luxembourg – TUPELO FARM BRAND TURKEY ROULADE -Salmonella
The ALDI company recalls the following product:
| Last name | Turkey roulade |
| Mark | Tupelo farm |
| Unit | 700 g |
| Use by date (DLC) | 12/11/2021 |
| Lot | RPS 27615 09:46 |
Danger : Presence of Salmonella
Salmonella can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and headache within 6 to 72 hours after consumption. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. People who have consumed these products and who have these symptoms are advised to consult a doctor, notifying him of this consumption.
Sale in Luxembourg by: ALDI
A sale by other operators cannot be excluded.
Information source: ALDI recall notification
Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken
Research – Assessment of aflatoxin B1 in animal feed and aflatoxin M1 in raw milk samples of different species of milking animals from Punjab, Pakistan
The research was designed to investigate the amount of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in animal feed (corn, wheat bran, peanut cake, soybean meal, and cotton seed meal) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk of animals (cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk and sheep milk), from Punjab, Pakistan collected March 2017 till February 2018. The samples were examined with liquid chromatography, with a fluorescence detector. The findings demonstrated that 126 (65.3%) out of 193 samples of animal feed were found positive with AFB1, and 88 (45.6%) samples have levels higher than 5 μg/kg; positive samples are those whose levels of AFM1 ≥ LOD. The highest average amount of AFB1 was found in mustard oil cake meal (25.0 ± 4.5 μg/kg). Out of 278 samples of milk, 134 (48.2%) were found positive with AFM1, and 48 (17.3%) samples have levels of AFM1 higher than the European Union legal limit (i.e., 50 ng/L). The highest mean level of 70.5 ± 10.5 ng/L was found in raw milk of buffalo. The levels of AFM1 in milk from the urban region versus suburb region showed a significant difference (at α 0.05) except sheep milk samples, which presented a significant difference at α 0.01. Samples, 65 (64.4%) out of 140 from the urban region, and 69 (50%) from the suburb region were found positive with AFM1 in milk samples. The amount of AFB1 in animal feed and AFM1 in milk samples are comparatively high and could pose health hazards for local consumers.
Research – Persistence of Foodborne Pathogens on Farmers Market Fomites
The number of farmers markets registered by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has seen a significant increase, jumping from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019. Microbial studies have found evidence that produce sold at farmers can yield higher microbial counts than their retail counterparts; however, no previous literature explored the efficacy of microbial (bacteria and virus) persistence on a variety of different farmers market fomites over a 2-month period. The objectives of the current study were to conduct observations to determine the most commonly used food contact surface fomites at farmers markets and to investigate the persistence of key foodborne pathogens ( Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and MS2 bacteriophage) on these fomites. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the persistence rates of foodborne pathogens on cardboard, plastic, tablecloth, molded pulp fiber, and wicker baskets used to store, transport, and display produce at farmers markets. In general, molded pulp fiber, plastic and wicker surface materials supported the persistence of foodborne pathogens the most, with S. aureus demonstrating the highest log concentrations over the longest period of time. Additionally, Salmonella and E. coli strains also persisted for a significant period of time (approximately 32-days) on all fomites with the exception of tablecloth. The results suggest that foodborne pathogens on these fomites pose a high-risk of cross-contamination particularly if the fomites cannot be washed, rinsed, and sanitized effectively (e.g. cardboard). The results highlight the need avoid using porous, single-use storage containers such as cardboard, molded pulp fiber and wicker containers for extended periods of time and suggest the use of easily cleanable materials such as plastic containers.
Research – Ultrasonic cleaning of salad could reduce instances of food poisoning
A new study has shown that gentle streams of water carrying sound and microscopic air bubbles can clean bacteria from salad leaves more effectively than current washing methods used by suppliers and consumers. As well as reducing food poisoning, the findings could reduce food waste and have implications for the growing threat of anti-microbial resistance.
Salad and leafy green vegetables may be contaminated with harmful bacteria during growing, harvesting, preparation and retail leading to outbreaks of food poisoning which may be fatal in vulnerable groups.
Because there is no cooking process to reduce the microbial load in fresh salads, washing is vital by the supplier and the consumer.
Washing with soap, detergent bleach or other disinfectants is not recommended and the crevices in the leaf surface means washing with plain water may leave an infectious dose on the leaf. Even if chemicals are used, they may not penetrate the crevices.
In this new study, published in the journal Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, scientists used acoustic water streams to clean spinach leaves directly sourced from the field crop, then compared the results with leaves rinsed in plain water at the same velocity.
Professor Timothy Leighton of the University of Southampton, who invented the technology and led this research, explains: “Our streams of water carry microscopic bubbles and acoustic waves down to the leaf. There the sound field sets up echoes at the surface of the leaves, and within the leaf crevices, that attract the bubbles towards the leaf and into the crevices. The sound field also causes the walls of the bubbles to ripple very quickly, turning each bubble into a microscopic ‘scrubbing’ machine. The rippling bubble wall causes strong currents to move in the water around the bubble, and sweep the microbes off the leaf. The bacteria, biofilms, and the bubbles themselves, are then rinsed off the leaf, leaving it clean and free of residues.”
The results showed that the microbial load on samples cleaned with the acoustic streams for two minutes was significantly lower six days after cleaning than on those treated without the added sound and bubbles. The acoustic cleaning also caused no further damage to the leaves and demonstrated the potential to extend food shelf life, which has important economic and sustainability implications.
Improving how food providers clean fresh produce could have a major role to play in combating the threat of anti-microbial resistance. In 2018 and 2019, there were fatal outbreaks of different strains of E. coli on romaine lettuce in the USA and Canada and samples from humans infected showed strains that are resistant to antibiotics.
University of Southampton PhD student Weng Yee (Beverly) Chong, who was part of the research team added: “I am very grateful to Vitacress and EPSRC for funding my PhD. I came from an engineering background, and took Professor Leighton’s classes, but he told me that I could be a trans-disciplinary PhD student, and become a microbiologist whilst increasingmy engineering skills. I am also very grateful to Sloan Water Technology Ltd.: They opened up their laboratories for use by students like me, so that I can keep working on my experiments. It is an exciting environment to work in because they are doing so much inventive work to combat the pandemic and infections as a whole.”
Previously as part of her PhD Beverly has studied how the technology could reduce the infection risk to horses and other livestock through hay cleaning.
The work was sponsored by Vitacress, whose Group Technical Director Helen Brierley said: “Ensuring food safety for our products is an essential requirement. At Vitacress, we wash our produce in natural spring water, and this type of ground-breaking new technology helps to enhance our process whilst ensuring our commitment to protect the environment is maintained. We are always interested in new developments and are excited to see the results of this research.”
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Southampton. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Weng Yee Chong, Thomas J. Secker, Craig N. Dolder, Charles W. Keevil, Timothy G. Leighton. The Possibilities of Using Ultrasonically Activated Streams to Reduce the Risk of Foodborne Infection from Salad. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 2021; DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.01.026
Research – Prevalence of Listeria species on food contact surfaces in Washington State apple packinghouses
The 2014 caramel apple listeriosis outbreak was traced back to cross-contamination between food contact surfaces (FCS) of equipment used for packing and fresh apples. For Washington State, the leading apple producer in the U.S with 79% of its total production directed to the fresh market, managing the risk of apple contamination with Listeria monocytogenes within the packing environment is crucial. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Listeria spp. on FCS in Washington State apple packinghouses over two packing seasons, and to identify those FCS types with the greatest likelihood to harbor Listeria spp. Five commercial apple packinghouses were visited quarterly over two consecutive year-long packing seasons. A range of 27 to 50 FCS were swabbed at each facility to detect Listeria spp. at two timings of sampling, (i) post-sanitation and (ii) in-process (three hours of packinghouse operation), following a modified protocol of the FDA’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual method. Among 2,988 samples tested, 4.6% (n=136) were positive for Listeria spp. Wax coating was the unit operation from which Listeria spp. were most frequently isolated. The FCS that showed the greatest prevalence of Listeria spp. were polishing brushes, stainless steel dividers and brushes under fans/blowers, and dryer rollers. The prevalence of Listeria spp. on FCS increased throughout apple storage time. The results of this study will aid apple packers in controlling for contamination and harborage of L. monocytogenes and improving cleaning and sanitation practices of the most Listeria-prevalent FCS.IMPORTANCE Since 2014, fresh apples have been linked to outbreaks and recalls associated with post-harvest cross-contamination with the foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes These situations drive both public health burden and economic loss and underscore the need for continued scrutiny of packinghouse management to eliminate potential Listeria spp. niches. This research assesses the prevalence of Listeria spp. on FCS in apple packinghouses and identifies those FCS most likely to harbor Listeria spp. Such findings are essential for the apple packing industry striving to further understand and exhaustively mitigate the risk of contamination with L. monocytogenes to prevent future listeriosis outbreaks and recalls.
Posted in food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Testing, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, listeriosis, Research
Research – Giardiasis Outbreaks — United States, 2012–2017
Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia duodenalis, the most common cause of intestinal parasite infections in the United States.
What is added by this report?
During 2012–2017, public health officials from 26 states reported 111 giardiasis outbreaks involving 760 cases. Leading causes of outbreaks were waterborne and person-to-person exposures. Private residences and child care facilities were the most common settings of giardiasis outbreaks across all transmission modes.
What are the implications for public health practice?
To prevent and control giardiasis outbreaks, CDC recommends prompt diagnosis, maintaining good hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting home environments and child care facilities, and monitoring water quality in private well
Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia duodenalis, the most common cause of intestinal parasite infections in the United States. Transmission occurs when Giardia cysts spread from feces to water, food, surfaces, or skin and are then ingested. Illness is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, greasy stools, bloating or gas, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. Approximately 50% of infections are asymptomatic (1,2). Most symptomatic Giardia infections are self-limited in duration; however, some persons might experience a reoccurrence of symptoms or develop long-term complications (3). During 2012–2017, public health officials from 26 states reported 111 giardiasis outbreaks (760 cases) to the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). Three main modes of transmission for these outbreaks were identified: water exposure in 29 (26%) outbreaks, person-to-person contact in 28 (25%) outbreaks, and contaminated food in six (5%) outbreaks. A single transmission mode could not be determined in 48 (43%) of the outbreaks. Private residences and child care facilities were the most common settings of outbreaks for all the transmission modes combined. To prevent and control giardiasis outbreaks, CDC recommends prompt diagnosis, maintaining good hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting home environments and child care facilities, and monitoring water quality in private wells.
A giardiasis outbreak is defined as the occurrence of two or more cases of illness epidemiologically linked to a common exposure (1). Health department officials from across the United States (state, local, and District of Columbia), U.S. territories,* and freely associated states† voluntarily report outbreaks to NORS. This study included giardiasis outbreak reports submitted to NORS by December 30, 2019 and data reported during 2012–2017 (the year of the earliest case illness onset date through the most recent year for which data were available). NORS data summarized in this study include primary case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths; transmission mode; exposures and settings; and earliest onset date. Negative binomial regression analysis was conducted to assess for annual trends in outbreak counts using SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute). This activity was reviewed by CDC and conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.§
During 2012–2017, public health officials from 26 states reported 111 giardiasis outbreaks with 760 primary cases, 28 hospitalizations, 48 emergency department visits, and no deaths. Among the 703 cases with available data, 370 (53%) persons were male and 333 (47%) persons were female. Pennsylvania reported the largest number of outbreaks with 44 (40%), followed by Minnesota with 11 (10%); no other state reported >10 outbreaks (Figure 1). There was no significant trend in giardiasis outbreaks by year (χ2 = 0.67, p = 0.98) (Figure 2).
Among 29 (26%) waterborne outbreaks (370 cases), exposure sources included tap water systems (e.g., municipal systems or private wells) in nine outbreaks, outdoor freshwater consumption in seven outbreaks, treated recreational water in five outbreaks, untreated recreational water in four outbreaks, and “other” in four outbreaks (Table). Reported settings for waterborne outbreaks included 12 (41%) outdoor areas (e.g., parks and forests) five (17%) private residences, four (14%) camps or cabins, three (10%) community/municipality settings, three (10%) unknown, and two (7%) other settings. Person-to-person transmission was the primary mode identified in 28 (25%) outbreaks, resulting in 129 cases. The primary exposure settings for these outbreaks were 14 (50%) private residences and 12 (43%) child care facilities (Table). Among the 14 settings in private homes, nine (64%) were in households with children aged ≤5 years; two (14%) were in homes with only adults. Among the six (5%) foodborne outbreaks, all foods associated with the five known food exposures were eaten raw or with minimal or no processing. No outbreaks were attributed to animal contact or environmental contamination other than food and water (i.e., contact with objects or surfaces with Giardia). Among all 111 outbreaks, 48 (43%) had an indeterminate or unknown transmission mode, meaning that there was insufficient evidence to implicate one specific primary mode of transmission; 33 (69%) of these outbreaks occurred in private residences (Table).
Research – Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in Partially Cooked Battered Chicken Nuggets as a Function of Storage Temperature
Battered poultry products may be wrongly regarded and treated by consumers as ready-to-eat and, as such, be implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks. This study aimed at the quantitative description of the growth behavior of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh, partially cooked (non-ready-to-eat) battered chicken nuggets as function of temperature. Commercially prepared chicken breast nuggets were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and stored at different isothermal conditions (4, 8, 12, and 16 °C). The pathogen’s growth behavior was characterized via a two-step predictive modelling approach: estimation of growth kinetic parameters using a primary model, and description of the effect of temperature on the estimated maximum specific growth rate (μmax) using a secondary model. Model evaluation was undertaken using independent growth data under both constant and dynamic temperature conditions. According to the findings of this study, L. monocytogenes may proliferate in battered chicken nuggets in the course of their shelf life to levels potentially hazardous for susceptible population groups, even under well-controlled refrigerated storage conditions. Model evaluation demonstrated a satisfactory performance, where the estimated bias factor (Bf) was 0.92 and 1.08 under constant and dynamic temperature conditions, respectively, while the accuracy factor (Af) value was 1.08, in both cases. The collected data should be useful in model development and quantitative microbiological risk assessment in battered poultry products. View Full-Text
