Research – Inhibitory Activity of Essential Oils against Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio parahaemolyticus

MDPI

Vibriosis, caused by Vibrio strains, is an important bacterial disease and capable of causing significant high mortality in aquatic animals. Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as an alternative approach for the treatment of aquatic bacterial diseases. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of essential oils (n = 22) or essential oil components (EOCs, n = 12) against Vibrio strains belonging to the harveyi clade. It was verified by three different approaches, e.g., (i) a bacterial growth assay, comparing Vibrio growth with or without EO(C)s at various concentrations; (ii) a vapor-phase-mediated susceptibility assay, comparing the effect of EO(C)s on bacterial growth through the vapor phase; and (iii) a quorum sensing-inhibitory assay, based on specific inhibition of quorum sensing-regulated bioluminescence. The results showed that, in the bacterial growth assay, EOs of Melaleuca alternifolia and Litsea citrata at 0.0001%, Eucalyptus citriodora at 0.01% can inhibit the growth of Vibrio campbellii BB120. These EOs can also prevent the growth of V. parahaemolyticus strains but need to be present at a higher concentration (0.1%). Moreover, in the vapor-phase-mediated susceptibility assay, EOs of M. alternifolia, L. citrata and E. citriodora can inhibit the growth of V. campbellii BB120 through their vapor phase. However, V. parahaemolyticus strains (CAIM170, LMG2850 and MO904) cannot be inhibited by these EOs. Additionally, in the quorum sensing-inhibitory assay, EOs of Mentha pulegium, Cuminum cyminum, Zingiber officinalis, and E. citriodora, all at 0.001%, have quorum sensing-inhibitory activity in V. campbellii BB120. Taken together, our study provides substantial evidence that usage of the major components, individually or in combination, of the tested commercial EOs (extracted from M. alternifolia, L. citrata, and E. citriodora) could be a promising approach to control V. campbellii BB120.

UK – Relatives hope inquest will end wait for answers over deaths linked to Salmonella outbreak

Gazette Live

The families of two people whose deaths were linked to a salmonella outbreak are hoping an inquest will provide them with answers they have longed for.

Sandra Blake and Stewart Graham died in February 2018.

Sandra’s husband, Heath, also fell ill on the same day as his wife with similar symptoms but survived.

Tests later confirmed that all three had salmonella.

Public Health England said there were 19 confirmed cases of salmonella and three suspected cases in East Durham and Hartlepool in early 2018.

An inquest into Sandra’s and Stewart’s deaths is due to take place at Teesside Coroner’s Court in Middlesbrough, on Wednesday.

Husband and wife Heath and Sandra Blake, from Blackhall Colliery, both began feeling unwell on February 11, 2018, with symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea.

The 68-year-old was admitted to North Tees Hospital on 14 February and died two weeks later.

Following tests it was revealed that the couple, who have two daughters, had salmonella.

USA – Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks – Update (CORE

FDA

In the link above is a list of outbreak investigations being managed by FDA’s CORE Response Teams. The investigations are in a variety of stages, meaning that some outbreaks have limited information, and others may be near completion.

A public health advisory will be issued for outbreak investigations that have resulted in specific, actionable steps for consumers to take to protect themselves. Please direct your attention to those pages for the most up to date information on the investigation and for consumer protection information.

Guidelines – Hygiene guidelines for the control of Listeria monocytogenes in the production of quick-frozen vegetables.

PROFEL

Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to control the environmental pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in the production of quick-frozen vegetables. A food safety management system, based on Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs, focusing on the hygiene and organization of the production environment) and a HACCP-plan (focusing on the process control), need to have a full focus on Listeria monocytogenes in order to prevent the organism from colonizing and persisting in complex biofilm formations, or to prevent contamination with the organism after (thermal) processing during further handling before packaging. Figure 1 illustrates the different PRPs and the HACCP-plan relevant in the prevention and control of Listeria monocytogenes. Environmental control needs to be established in order to verify the effectiveness of the implemented PRPs and HACCP-plan and to evaluate the potential accumulation of Listeria monocytogenes in the broader production environment. Finally, end product specifications must help Food Business
Operators (FBOs) to set intermediate levels towards L. monocytogenes, achievable in end products when a proper food safety management system is in place. Risk communication and information sharing towards the users of quick-frozen vegetables must clearly state the proper use of the frozen products to avoid potential abuse. Apart from these technomanagerial activities, an FBO also needs to establish a safety culture and create awareness throughout the whole production organization and all its aspects in the prevention and control of food safety hazards and hygiene disruptions.
The presented guidelines cover frozen vegetables, blanched and unblanched, which are considered as Non Ready-To- Eat (nRTE). FBOs intending to market frozen vegetables as Ready-To-Eat (RTE), would also benefit from following these guidelines. Such FBOs, however, should follow additional preventive and control measures to assure the safety of RTE products, but these are not included in the current guidelines.

Ireland – Recall of a Batch of Castlewood Farm Organic Apple Juice due to an Elevated Level of Patulin – Mycotoxin

FSAI

Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2020.95
Product: Castlewood Farm Organic Apple Juice; pack size 750ml
Batch Code: Best Before October 2021
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message:

Castlewood Farm is recalling the above batch of its Organic Apple Juice due to an elevated level of patulin.  Patulin is a toxic contaminant produced naturally by a number of moulds found in and on fruit. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.

Nature Of Danger:

While patulin does not present an immediate risk to consumers, its presence is unacceptable and long-term consumption could cause an effect on human health. If consumed in large quantities over a period of time, patulin may cause damage to the immune system, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and to display a point-of-sale recall notice in stores where the affected batch was sold.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to consume the implicated batch.

Apple Juice Label
Apple Juice Bottle

Singapore – 3 children hospitalised after outbreak of Salmonella and stomach flu at Newton pre-school

Straits Times

SINGAPORE – Three children from a pre-school in Newton were hospitalised following an outbreak of salmonella and stomach flu among its charges aged between 18 months and six years old.

One of them was discharged on Tuesday (Dec 8), said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in a statement later in the day.

Its spokesman also said it is working with the Health Ministry on the case at Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse @ Newton.

Canada – Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections linked to shellfish

Finance Yahoo

Food Illness

Image CDC

Final Update

This notice has been updated to reflect that the outbreak appears to be over and the investigation is winding down.

Why you should take note

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) collaborated with provincial and territorial public health and food safety partners to investigate an outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections that occurred in four provinces. The outbreak appears to be over and the investigation is winding down.

Investigation findings identified exposure to shellfish as a likely source of the outbreak. The majority of the individuals who became sick reported eating shellfish, mainly raw oysters, harvested from Atlantic Canadian coastal waters, before their illnesses occurred.

Although the outbreak appears to be over, this event is a reminder that you can get sick from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. To prevent the risk of illness, shellfish should be cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before eating or serving it.

This notice contains more advice on how to avoid getting sick.

What is Vibrio

Vibrio is a naturally-occurring bacterium that can be present at high levels in coastal waters during periods of increased water temperatures. Most people come in contact with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.

Investigation summary

In total, 23 confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illness were reported in the following provinces: Saskatchewan (1), Quebec (7), New Brunswick (10), and Prince Edward Island (5). Individuals became sick between early July and late October 2020. One individual was hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Individuals who became ill were between 11 and 92 years of age. The majority of illnesses (61%) were male.

Canada – Kandy brand Tuna Dry Fish recalled due to Histamine

CFIA

Recall / advisory date:
December 2, 2020
Reason for recall / advisory:
Chemical
Hazard classification:
Class 2
Distribution:
Ontario
Extent of the distribution:
Retail
Reference number:
14125

Affected products

Brand Name Common Name Size UPC Code(s) on Product
Kandy Tuna Dry Fish 200 g 4 796000 574936 Date of Manufacture: 12.10.2020
Date of Expiry: 11.10.2021
Batch No. HP/CA010/2020

Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

USA – WishGarden Herbs Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Cord Care and Goldenseal Powder Due to Bacterial Contamination – Cronobacter sakazakii

FDA

WishGarden Herbs, Inc. is voluntarily recalling, to the consumer level, 14 lots of Cord Care and Goldenseal Powder products produced after 7/26/18 with expiration dates between 7/26/18 and 9/1/20. After receiving notice of a supply chain issue, WishGarden has determined these products were manufactured using ingredients potentially contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.

Use of these products, when contaminated with this bacteria, may cause serious infections with severe outcomes, including death, especially in vulnerable patients with compromised immune systems and infants.

Catherine Hunziker, WishGarden President, stated, “As a leading herbal product company for more than 40 years, we take the safety of our products seriously and we feel it is important to recall this product out of an abundance of caution. Consumer safety is our highest priority.”

Cord Care Powder is marketed to dry umbilical cords and is applied externally to skin. It is packaged in 1oz containers and labeled with UPC 6-56490-24730-4. The affected product lots are P227-P235. The lot and expiration date can be found below the label barcode.

Goldenseal Powder is marketed as a drying powder applied externally to skin. It is packaged in 1oz containers and labeled with UPC 6-56490-64137-9. Affected product lots are P116-P120. The lot and expiration date can be found below the label barcode.

These products were distributed nationwide in the USA through select practitioners.

WishGarden Herbs has notified its distributors and customers by phone, mail and email. Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should discontinue use immediately and not open any sealed packages. The product should be mailed directly to WishGarden Herbs corporate headquarters at 321 South Taylor Ave. Suite 100 Louisville, CO 80027 for a full refund.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact WishGarden Herbs by calling the company’s recall hotline at 720-889-9878 (M-F, 9am – 5pm MST) or Email: recall@wishgardenherbs.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using this product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

  • Complete and submit the report Online
  • Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
WishGarden Herbs
 720-889-9878
 recall@wishgardenherbs.com

Product Photos

France – Product recall: Roquette and Mesclun salads from Auchan brand – Salmonella

Oulah

Product recall: Roquette and Mesclun salads from Auchan brand

ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM

Presence of Salmonella

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Those in possession of this product are asked not to consume it and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased for reimbursement.

Foodborne illness caused by salmonella results in gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever; these symptoms may be more severe in young children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. The incubation period can range from 6 to 72 hours.
People who have consumed the products mentioned below and who have these symptoms are invited to consult their doctor, notifying him of this consumption.

FURTHER INFORMATION

▸ Arugula 125g
• Barcode: 3596710294947
• Lot: 27631324 – 27631325
• BBD: 12/10/2020

▸ Mesclun 125g
• Barcode: 3596710294961
• Lot: 27631328
• BBE: 12/10/2020

▸ Consumer service contact
Bonduelle makes itself available to consumers to answer any questions at the following telephone number: 0 800 081 081 Free service and calls

▸ Source
https://www.auchan.fr/