Research – Risks for animal health related to the presence of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in feed

Posted on November 12, 2023 by | Leave a comment

EFSA

Abstract

In 2004, the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) adopted a Scientific Opinion on the risks to animal health and transfer from feed to food of animal origin related to the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in feed. The European Commission requested EFSA to assess newly available scientific information and to update the 2004 Scientific Opinion. OTA is produced by several fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. In most animal species it is rapidly and extensively absorbed in the gastro‐intestinal tract, binds strongly to plasma albumins and is mainly detoxified to ochratoxin alpha (OTalpha) by ruminal microbiota. In pigs, OTA has been found mainly in liver and kidney. Transfer of OTA from feed to milk in ruminants and donkeys as well as to eggs from poultry is confirmed but low. Overall, OTA impairs function and structure of kidneys and liver, causes immunosuppression and affects the zootechnical performance (e.g. body weight gain, feed/gain ratio, etc.), with monogastric species being more susceptible than ruminants because of limited detoxification to OTalpha. The CONTAM Panel considered as reference point (RP) for adverse animal health effects: for pigs and rabbits 0.01 mg OTA/kg feed, for chickens for fattening and hens 0.03 mg OTA/kg feed. A total of 9,184 analytical results on OTA in feed, expressed in dry matter, were available. Dietary exposure was assessed using different scenarios based on either model diets or compound feed (complete feed or complementary feed plus forage). Risk characterisation was made for the animals for which an RP could be identified. The CONTAM Panel considers that the risk related to OTA in feed for adverse health effects for pigs, chickens for fattening, hens and rabbits is low.

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Mould Toxin, Animal Feed Mould/Mold, Animal Feed Testing, Food Microbiology Research, Mycotoxin, Ochratoxin, Ochratoxin A, Research

Research – New Insights into Inhibiting the Spread of Cholera-causing Bacteria

Posted on November 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Express Health Care Management

A recent research article published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has provided new insights into inhibiting the spread and infection of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for causing cholera. The study, titled “A peptide-binding domain shared with an Antarctic bacterium facilitates Vibrio cholerae human cell binding and intestinal colonization,” was coauthored by Karl Klose, director of The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), and Cameron Lloyd, a UTSA doctoral student.

Traditionally, V. cholerae is found naturally on various surfaces within marine environments. When contaminated water or food is consumed by humans, the bacteria colonize the gastrointestinal tract and cause cholera, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and circulatory collapse. If left untreated, severe cases of cholera can be fatal.

The research team, in collaboration with other international laboratories, identified a peptide, a short chain of amino acids, that can inhibit the virulence of V. cholerae. They discovered that the peptide inhibitors, which bind to an Antarctic bacterium called Marinomonas primoryensis, can disrupt V. cholerae from adhering to human cells, forming biofilms, and colonizing the gastrointestinal tract.

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Posted in Biofilm, Contaminated water, Food Microbiology Research, Research, Vibrio cholera, vibrio cholerae, water microbiology

Research -Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Campylobacter Species Contamination in Poultry, Meat, and Processing Environments in South Korea

Posted on November 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Campylobacter spp. constitute a significant global threat as a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with poultry meat as a prominent reservoir for these pathogens. South Korea is known for its diverse poultry consumption habits, and continuous outbreaks make it a matter of concern to perform a meta-analysis to identify the primary source of contamination. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of Campylobacter in various poultry and meat types while also considering the importance of environmental factors in South Korea. The meta-analysis revealed that duck meat exhibited the highest prevalence of Campylobacter, with a pooled estimate of 70.46% (95% CI: 42.80% to 88.38%), followed by chicken meat at a pooled prevalence of 36.17% (95% CI: 26.44% to 47.91%). Additionally, our analysis highlighted the predominance of C. jejuni and C. coli in South Korea. These findings underscore the importance of implementing rigorous food safety measures and establishing robust surveillance programs in the poultry industry to mitigate the risk of Campylobacter-related foodborne illnesses associated with meat consumption in South Korea.

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Posted in Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Illness, Food Microbiology Research, Foodborne Illness, Illness, Research

Research – Monophasic Variant of Salmonella Typhimurium 4,[5],12:i:- (ACSSuGmTmpSxt Type) Outbreak in Central Italy Linked to the Consumption of a Roasted Pork Product (Porchetta)

Posted on November 11, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium 4,[5],12:i:- (MVST) is the third most commonly reported Salmonella serovar involved in human infections (8.8%) in the EU and ranks after S. Enteritidis (54.6%) and S. Typhimurium (11.4%). In Italy, in contrast, the MVST has achieved peculiar epidemiological and ecological success which has allowed it to be, since 2011, the serovar most frequently isolated from humans. In the summer of 2022, a foodborne outbreak of the MVST involving 63 people occurred in the Marche Region (Central Italy). A common food exposure source among some human cases was a roasted, ready-to-eat (RTE) pork product, porchetta, which is a typical product of Central Italy. This paper describes the results of investigations conducted to clarify this outbreak. The porchetta was produced by a local manufacturing plant and distributed to at least two local retail stores, one of which was the retail outlet for the manufacturing plant. The MVST was isolated from surface samples collected at the porchetta manufacturing plant and at both local retail stores via bacterial analysis, and the porchetta sampled at one store contained the MVST. These data confirm this type of RTE pork product can be a source of Salmonella infection in humans.

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Posted in food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Microbiology Research, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Research, Salmonella

Italy – Sweet Provolone Valpadana DOP – Listeria monocytogenes

Posted on November 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Salute

Brand : Vale

Name : Sweet Provolone Valpadana DOP

Reason for reporting : Recall due to microbiological risk

Publication date : 10 November 2023

Documentation

Documentation

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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, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes

Canada – HO-YA brand Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce recalled due to bursting lids

Posted on November 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
Issue
Food – Microbial Contamination
What to do

Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product.

Audience
Retail
Distribution
Alberta
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec

Issue

HO-YA brand Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce recalled due to bursting lids.

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Posted in bacterial contamination, cross contamination, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Testing, microbial contamination

Sweden – Crown eggs recall eggs – may contain Salmonella

Posted on November 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Livsmedelsverket

2023-11-10

Kronegg recalls Eggs from indoor free range hens stamped with 2SE672-34, 2SE672-35, best before date up to and including 11/26/2023. 

Salmonella has been found in the stable environment in one of the stables where the eggs were laid. 
Read Kronägg’s press release here. 

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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, livsmedelsverket, Salmonella, Salmonella in Eggs

USA – Sofia Produce, LLC DBA Trufresh Recalls Fresh Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Salmonella

Posted on November 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Image 1: “Picture of PLU sticker Malichita label”

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:
Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh
Brand Name:
Malichita
Product Description:
Fresh Cantaloupe

Company Announcement

SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC, of Nogales, Arizona which does business under the name “Trufresh” (“Trufresh”) is recalling all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the “Malichita” label, sold under the following sales order numbers between October 16, 2023 and October 23, 2023 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella:

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the subject cantaloupes, to date.

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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 Technology, Food Testing, Salmonella

USA – Mid America Pet Food Expands Voluntary Recall to Include Additional Dog and Cat Food Products Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Posted on November 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages
Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:
Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Company Name:
Mid America Pet Food
Brand Name:
Multiple brand names
Product Description:
Dog and Cat Food

Company Announcement

Mid America Pet Food, Mount Pleasant, Texas, is expanding its October 30, 2023, voluntary recall to include additional pet food products, with Best By Dates before 10/31/24, made at its Mount Pleasant facility, due to the products’ potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products, and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Salmonella, Animal Feed Testing, Pet Food, Pet Food Recall, Pet Food Salmonella, Pet Food Testing

New Zealand – Public health warning: shellfish biotoxin alert for Northland and East Cape

Posted on November 10, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MPI

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Northland east coast because of paralytic shellfish toxins.

In addition, it has extended an existing shellfish biotoxin warning from Cape Kidnappers right up to East Cape.

“Routine tests on mussels from Houhora have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins over the safe limit,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

The warning extends from Cape Karikari north to Kokota (the Sandspit), just south of Parengarenga Harbour.

The current warning in Hawkes Bay has now been extended to extend from Cape Kidnappers right up to East Cape. Levels of paralytic shellfish toxins are increasing and the latest results from Tolaga Bay mussels have risen dramatically and are now 11 times over the safe limit.

As algal blooms increase in size, the levels of toxins in shellfish can reach higher levels.

“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from these affected areas because anyone doing so could get seriously sick.”

“Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from these areas should not be eaten.”

See a map of the warning for Northland region

See a map of the warning for East Cape

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.

New Zealand Food Safety 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.

“New Zealand Food Safety 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 New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.

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Posted in food recall, MPI, paralytic shellfish poisoning, product recall, Recall, Shellfish, shellfish toxin