FoodWorld

FSN

The alarm certainly sounded long and loud in 2022 when Abbott recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas after an FDA investigation found Cronobacter sakazakii in the powdered infant formulas. 

Do not use recalled product produced at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI, facility the FDA urged.

The largest supplier of infant formula in America withdrew its products from supermarket shelves nationwide. A suddenly very limited supply coupled with concern about the safety of what few products could still be found on supermarket shelves created consumer panic.

FSN

Researchers have documented the first enteroinvasive E. coli outbreak in Thailand.

An enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) outbreak affecting 154 people was identified among attendees at a wedding in Loei Province. The median time to symptom onset was 18 hours and ranged from seven to 72 hours. The epidemiological evidence suggested that larb-neua-dib, a spicy ground raw beef salad, was the probable source.

According to the study published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, EIEC outbreaks are underreported because of challenges with identification. 

FSN

Scientists have identified the most influential weather factors and combinations associated with an increase in Salmonella infections.

The study, led by a team of researchers at Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine, investigated the impact of different weather factors on the transmission of Salmonella. Their work was supported by animal health company Zoetis and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation funding program. Findings were published in the Journal of Infection.

Key factors linked to a predicted increase in salmonellosis cases, regardless of geographical location, included air temperature above 10 degrees C (50 degrees F), relative humidity, reduced precipitation, dewpoint temperature of 7 to 10 degrees C (44.6 to 50 degrees F), and longer day lengths (12 to 15 hours). 

FSN

— OPINION —

Listeria monocytogenes, a potent and pathogenic bacterium, poses a persistent threat to our food supply and public health. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can thrive at refrigeration temperatures, making it particularly challenging to control. With the ability to cause severe illness — especially among vulnerable populations such as newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems — it’s crucial for consumers, producers, and regulators to work together to minimize the risk of Listeria outbreaks.

Listeria-related illnesses, although not as common as those caused by other bacteria, often result in serious complications. This underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and heightened caution in every step of the food production and distribution process. Beyond just producing safer food, cultivating a culture of safety is key to preventing potential outbreaks.

FSN

A recall of tartlets in Canada is being conducted as part of an investigation into a Salmonella outbreak.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reporting that D. Effe T. brand Lemon Delight and Tartlet with Forest Fruits are under recall because of their link to a Salmonella illness. The recall is related to a larger outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to other recalled dessert items.

The dessert items were distributed in Ontario. Consumers are urged to not consume the products. Retailers are under order to not sell the products. Some of the products may have been sold clerk-served or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best before date. 

FSN

Eleven people have been sickened in a severe Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak in France linked to raw milk cheese. 

Nine hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases in adults have been confirmed by the National Reference Center for E. coli. HUS is a severe complication associated with E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.

Investigations by Santé publique France, the National Reference Centre for E. coli, the General Directorate of Food (DGAL) and General Directorate of Health (DGS) tracked illnesses to the consumption of Morbier cheeses made from raw milk produced by the company Perrin-Vermot.

FSN

Al-Watan brand tahini us being recalled in Canada because of Salmonella contamination.

The implicated tahini was distributed in Ontario, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The recall was triggered by the company. As of the posting of the notice, no illnesses had been confirmed in relation to the recalled tahini.

FSN

Beetroot salad contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus was the likely source of illness onboard two flights from Nepal.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health in Hong Kong said 43 passengers, 22 men and 21 women, on two flights from Kathmandu earlier this month were affected.

They developed symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, about 10 to 60 minutes after having inflight meals. Patients were aged between 11 and 75 and none of them required hospitalization.

FSN

Raw whole cow milk produced and packaged by Schoch Family Farmstead Inc. of Monterey County is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones.

The quarantine order came following the confirmed detection of the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni in the farm’s packaged raw whole milk sampled and tested by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The order applies to “Schoch Family Farmstead Grade A Raw Milk” distributed in half-gallon (64 oz) glass jugs with a code date “BEST BY 01/24” marked with a sticker on the cap.

FSA

Marks & Spencer is recalling Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burgers and 2 Chicken Kyivs because Salmonella has been found in the products. These products are only sold in Marks and Spencer in Northern Ireland.