Research – Destruction of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium in Microwave-cooked Soups

Science Direct

Abstract

Single serving (i.e. 200 ml) portions of tomato soup, vegetable soup, and broth inoculated with Escherichia coli or Salmonella typhimurium at about 107 organisms/ml were exposed to 915 MHz microwaves. After various timed exposures the temperature of the top, middle, and bottom regions as indicated by changes in previously positioned assemblies of temperature sensitive paper strips were noted and aliquots were removed from the same regions for standard plate count determination of survivors. For any given exposure time, the temperature of the middle region was warmest; that of the bottom, intermediate; and the temperature of the top, coolest. Despite the relative temperatures of the regions, however, the consistent finding was that, for any exposure time, the closer the sampled organisms were to the top, the lower their level of survival. In terms of temperature, it was noted that organisms in the top had declined to a given level of survival at a temperature lower than the temperature corresponding to the same survival level in the middle or bottom soup regions. These data suggest that the heat generated during the microwave exposure alone is inadequate to fully account for the nature of the lethal effects of microwaves for microorganisms.

Research – Inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in apple juice using pulsed light

Science Direct

We aimed to investigate the effect of pulsed light (PL) on inactivating Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in apple juice, the mechanism behind the inactivation, and the resultant effects on the quality of the juice. Our results showed that PL had a good inactivation effect on both spores and vegetative cells of A. acidoterrestris in apple juice, with a reduction of 3.5 ± 0.1 and 2.1 ± 0.1 log CFU/mL, respectively, following 3 s of treatment. This effect was better when lower concentrations of apple juice and lower liquid layer depths were used. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the morphology and structure of A. acidoterrestris spores did not change significantly before and after treatment. When we compared the dipicolinic acid (DPA) release rate and death rate of the spores, we hypothesized that PL might have damaged the cortical proteins on A. acidoterrestris that are associated with the resistance of the spores, thus leading to their death. However, TEM revealed that the cell membranes of vegetative cells of A. acidoterrestris were intact and smooth before the treatment, but significantly wrinkled afterward. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the main targets of PL on A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells were: amide I on the proteins, nucleic acids [adenine(A) and guanine (G), in particular] and DNA (O–P–O‾ stretching) structures, and lipids (C–H2 deformation). The PL treatment increased the sugar content significantly, while having little to no effect on the other basic physicochemical parameters of apple juice.

Czech Republic – SALTY POPCORN Salts – Corn for preparing popcorn – Aflatoxin B1

Potravinynapranyri

Illustrative photo #1

Place of inspection:
Studénka ( Unification 846, 742 13 Studénka )
ID: 64945880
Food group: Milled cereal products / Cereals for direct consumption

SALTY POPCORN Salts – Corn for preparing popcorn
Category: Dangerous foods
Invalid parameter:

aflatoxin B1

The maximum permitted limit for the content of aflatoxin B1 was exceeded in the food.

Aflatoxins are contaminants, specifically mycotoxins produced by the fungus  Aspergillus.  These are genotoxic and carcinogenic substances that primarily affect the liver. 

Batch: dmt: 10.05.2025
Best before date: 10/05/2025
Packaging: PAP box
Quantity of the product in the package: 300 g
Manufacturer: Natais SAS, Domaine de Villeneuve, 321 30 Bezeril
Country of origin:  France
Date of sample collection: 2/19/2024
Reference number: 24-000174-SZPI-CZ
The sample was detected by the official control of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection.

104 hospitalized for food poisoning in Sierra Leone

Xinhua

FREETOWN, May 19 (Xinhua) — A total of 104 people have been hospitalized in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, after consuming contaminated food from a cookery shop.

According to a statement by the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex late Saturday, the 104 patients from the Mabella community, including 26 children, are all in stable condition, and no deaths have been reported.

The hospital said the patients have shown various symptoms, including vomiting, weakness, dizziness, malaise, and bloody stools, and an emergency response team was immediately activated to provide prompt and comprehensive care to those affected.

The police assisted with crowd control and the investigation of the suspected source of the contamination, which was traced to a local cookery shop, where the owner and his daughters were also affected by the incident.

Further investigation is still underway.

USA – Whole Foods Market in Beverly Hills linked to Hepatitis A scare

Food Poison Journal

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a report of hepatitis A virus infection in an employee of Whole Foods Market in Beverly Hills (239 N. Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210).

No additional cases have been identified at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Based on the employee’s job duties and symptoms while at work, Public Health is recommending that anyone who purchased products from the seafood counter section of the store between April 20th and May 13th receive hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already immune. People who have not received the hepatitis A vaccine or had a previous hepatitis A infection may not be protected from the virus.

UK – Cases double in cryptosporidium parasite outbreak as ‘100 more have symptoms’

UK News Yahoo

The number of confirmed cases of a waterborne disease caused by a microscopic parasite has more than doubled, while more than 100 further people have reported similar symptoms. Around 16,000 households and businesses in the Brixham area of Devon have been told not to use their tap water for drinking without boiling and cooling it first.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday that 46 cases of cryptosporidium had now been confirmed in the fishing town, up from 22 cases on Thursday, and that more cases were anticipated. It added other reported cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in residents and visitors to Brixham were also under investigation.

Dr Bayad Nozad, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said the Government agency was aware of further reports of illness above their confirmed numbers.

P&O Ventura cruise ship on lockdown plagued by Norovirus with hundreds of cases

Mirror Online

A cruise ship plagued with hundreds of cases of Norovirus has been placed on lockdown while health agencies investigate, insiders have told the Mirror.

Countless passengers have shared horror stories in recent weeks after boarding the P&O Ventura from Southampton. Holidaymakers described violent bouts of sickness, toilets “covered in excrement” and slammed the cruise ship company for its “disgraceful handling” of the situation. The outbreak allegedly started six weeks ago, during which time several cruises have gone ahead.

India – 90 persons hospitalised after eating food during temple feast in Maharashtra’s Nanded

Indian Express

“A feast was organised and food was served to devotees just outside a Shiva temple. They were given ‘ambil’ (porridge) and ‘khir’ (a sweet dish made from milk) to eat,” a police official said.

USA – Update to Palmer Candy Company Recall of White Confectionary Products Because of Possible Health Risk – Salmonella

FDA

The firm previously issued a public notification on 05/06/2024. The firm is issuing this public notification to include additional best by dates and products.

This press release was updated to include additional best by dates of the products:

Caramel Swirl Pretzels 4oz
Cookies & Cream Yummy Chow 14#
Munchy Medley 4oz
Peanut Butter Snack Mix 12oz
Vanilla Yogurt Covered Pretzels 10oz
Zebra Fudge Cookies 7oz

and to include the following two items:

Patriotic White Fudge Cookies 13.5oz
Drizzled Caramel Corn 5oz and 12oz

The revisions are identified in bolded and highlighted text.

The recalled confectionary items were distributed nationwide in Walmart, HyVee, Target, Dollar General, and to distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The product comes in a variety of retail packaging like bags, pouches and tubs.

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

Palmer Candy was notified by its liquid coating supplier that there was a potential for contamination with salmonella from an ingredient that was potentially contaminated from one of their suppliers.

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased White coated confectionary items manufactured by Palmer Candy Company are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-831-0828 Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm.

PRODUCTS BEST BY DATES
CARAMEL SWIRL PRETZELS 4oz 12/18/24-12/28/24
CARAMEL SWIRL PRETZELS 6oz 12/19/24, 12/20/24 and 1/19/25
CLASSIC YOGURT PRETZELS 28# 12/11/24 – 1/8/25
COOKIES & CREAM YUMMY CHOW 14# 12/6/24 – 1/23/25
ENROBED PRETZEL RODS 8oz 1/22/2025
FAVORITE DAY BAKERY WHITE FUDGE MINI COOKIES 7oz 4/4/25, 4/5/25, 4/15/25 – 4/18/25
FROSTED MUNCHY MEDLEY BOWL 15oz 1/3/2025
FROSTED PATRIOT FROSTED PRETZELS 28# 1/2/25, 1/3/25
FROSTED PRETZELS 6oz 1/23/2025
MUNCHY MEDLEY 15# 12/14/24, 1/3/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 4oz 12/25/24 – 12/28/24 and 1/19/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY TO GO 4oz 12/25/24 – 1/19/25
MUNCHY MEDLEY 6oz 12/20/24, 4/25/25
PATRIOTIC MUNCHY MEDLEY BOWL 15oz 1/19/2025
PATRIOTIC PRETZELS 14oz 1/25/25, 1/26/25
PATRIOTIC PRETZELS 6oz 1/19/2025
PATRIOTIC RED, WHITE & BLUE PRETZEL TWISTS 14oz 12/13/24 – 1/15/25
PATRIOTIC SNACK MIX 13oz 1/19/25 – 2/1/25
PATRIOTIC WHITE FUDGE COOKIES 13.5oz 4/22/2025
PATRIOTIC WHITE FUDGE COOKIES 7oz 4/23/25, 4/24/25
PEANUT BUTTER SNACK MIX 12oz 11/13/24 – 12/22/24
PEANUT BUTTER SNACK MIX TO GO 4.5oz 1/18/2025
SNACKIN’ WITH THE CREW! MIZZOU MUNCHY MEDLEY 7oz 12/18/24, 12/19/24
SNACKIN’ WITH THE CREW! TIGER TREATS 7oz 12/18/24, 12/19/24
STAR SNACKS CHOW DOWN 25# 12/6/24, 12/7/24
STRAWBERRY YOGURT COATED PRETZELS 10oz 1/5/25, 1/23/25
SWEET SMILES YOGURT COVERED PRETZELS 3.25oz 12/18/24 – 1/4/25
VANILLA YOGURT COVERED PRETZELS 10oz 12/18/24, 1/5/25, 1/22/25
YOGURT PRETZEL 14# 12/14/24 – 12/21/24
ZEBRA FUDGE COOKIES 7oz 3/20/25 – 4/30/25
DRIZZLED CARAMEL CORN 5oz 1/22/2025
DRIZZLED CARAMEL CORN SNACK MIX BOWL 12oz 1/22/2025

Original Press Release


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Palmer Candy Company
 1-800-831-0828

Germany – Sliced ​​Cloud Ear Fungus – dried mushrooms – Salmonella

Lebensmittelwarnung

Alert type: Groceries
Date of first publication: May 17, 2024
Product name:

Sliced ​​Cloud Ear Fungus – dried mushrooms

Manufacturer (distributor):

Hung Van Do Halberstädter Straße 183, 39112 Magdeburg

Reason for warning:

Detection of salmonella

Packaging Unit: 1 kg
Durability: Best before: April 16, 2025
Production date: October 16, 2023
Additional Information:

We have determined that this product is contaminated with Salmonella Weltevreden. If prepared incorrectly, salmonella causes symptoms such as sudden diarrhea, headaches, stomach aches, general malaise and occasionally vomiting, and often a slight fever. If symptoms persist, please seek medical help immediately.
We ask all customers who have purchased this product not to consume or resell it and to return it immediately to the following store:
Address:
Hung Van Do Halberstädter Straße 183, 39112 Magdeburg Tel.:0172 8186146
You will be refunded the full purchase price, too without presenting the receipt.

Click to access SOFORTIGER+PRODUKTR%DCCKRUF.pdf