Tag Archives: health

USA-Further Recalls – Taylor Farms Organic Baby Spinach EHEC E.coli

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Sam’s Club, Walmart and some Kroger stores are recalling Taylor Farms organic baby spinach products sold under a a variety of names  due to possible contamination with E.coli. The brand names under recall include Central Market Organics, Full Circle Organic, Marketside Organic, Simple Truth Organic and Taylor Farms Organic.

Recalled Simple Truth Organic baby spinach was sold at stores owned by the Kroger company. They include King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Food4Less, FoodsCo, QFC and Smith’s in Texas and Louisiana.  At this time,  illnesses have not been reported in association with the recalled products. But consumers who have purchased any of them  should not eat them as E.coli can cause serious illness.  Symptoms of an E.coli infection include abdominal cramping anad diarrhea that is often watery or bloody. Consumers who have already eaten the spinach and develop these symptoms should see a doctor.

Research – HHP Inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Science Direct Vibrio

Abstract

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments on Vibrio parahaemolyticus cells were investigated using viability counting, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in order to determine optimal inactivation conditions and further understand the mechanisms of microorganism inactivation under HHP. The results showed that 300-MPa treatment for 10 min could extensively inactivate V. parahaemolyticus, with the number of viable bacteria decreasing from 109 CFU/mL to no viable bacteria. Damage to the cell wall, cell membrane, and cytoplasmic components by HHP treatments can be observed on scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy images. SDS-PAGE results showed that the protein bands differed between HHP untreated and treated V. parahaemolyticus, whereas HHP decreased protein content and caused partial protein degradation. Therefore, our results indicate that HHP can be applied to inactivate V. parahaemolyticus by inducing morphological changes in internal and external structures in the cell, as well as by causing cell membrane damage, cell wall rupture, and membrane protein degradation.

Israel – Foodborne Illness – Hepatitis A – Market Vegetables

Link

Dozens of hepatitis A cases reported in the Tel Aviv area in Israel since last year may be linked to vegetables health officials say, according to a Haaretz report Friday.

Israeli health officials say since the beginning of 2012, there have been 69 cases of the viral liver disease reported from the area, with the majority reported in the latter half of the year.

This is a dramatic increase from the seven cases reported in all of 2011.

According to the report, Health Ministry officials believe the source may be vegetables sold in open-air markets in the south of the city.

 

USA – Research – Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Found in Retail Meat

Food Poisoning BulletiniStock_000008493122Small

The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) has just released its annual meat report detailing the bacteria found on meat sold at the retail level. The report states that there are increases in antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on ground turkey and chicken.

Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY), a microbiologist, released a press statement about the report. She said, “we are standing on the brink of a public health catastrophe. The threat of antibiotic-resistant disease is real, it si growing and those most at risk are our seniors and children. We can help stop this threat by drastically reducing the overuse of antibiotics in our food supply, and Congress should act swiftly to do so today.” Rep. Slaughter is the author of the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA), which would phase out the use of medically important antibiotics in healthy food-producing animals.

USA – FDA Expanded Recall Sprouted Seeds – Listeria monocytogenes

FDAEurofins

Sprouters Northwest is voluntarily recalling all varieties of sprouts products, wheatgrass and pea shoots due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. There have been no illnesses reported to date.

All varieties of sprouts products including 3-Bean Munchie, Alfalfa, Bean, Broccoli, Brocco Sandwich sprouts, Clover, Deli, Spicy; Wheatgrass and Pea Shoots that were distributed through 1/30/2013 in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada through retail stores and food service distribution chain.

The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest, LifeForce and Brassica brand names and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers, plastic cups, plastic trays in 3 oz., 4 oz., 5 oz., and in plastic 1 lb. 2lb, or 5lb. bags. The Best by Dates are including all and up to 2/17/2013. Trader Joe’s Organic Pea Shoots (SKU 92756), packaged in a 4 oz. clamshell offered only in Oregon and Washington state are also affected. The Best by Dates are through 02/16/13. The Best by Date sticker is located in the top right hand corner, front of the package.

The problem was identified through surveillance finished products samples collected at retail locations and at the firm by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Sprouters Northwest is working with WSDA and the Food & Drug Administration on this recall.

Consumers who have purchased a specific lot of items mentioned above are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it. Consumers with questions may contact the Sprouters Northwest at 1-253-872-0577 from 7AM to 2PM PST.

USA – Walmart Cheese Recall – Salmonella

Food Poisoning Bulletin Salmonella

Walmart is recalling Stallings Head Cheese which has been linked to a cluster of Salmonella Uganda  illnesses in Louisiana.  Stallings, which is based in Houston, issued a recall for 4,700 pounds of the product on January 24 after health officials had discovered the link to the illnesses.

USA – The Listeria monocytogenes Issues keep Coming – Crab – Sea Salmon – Sprouted Seedss

PR Newswire

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, following a recall by GoldCoast Salads, announced it removed from sale Gold Coast Fresh Crab Spread due to possible contamination by listeria monocytogenes.

The following product is included in this recall:

  • Gold Coast Fresh Crab Spread, UPC 83355500325, 8 oz., expiration date of 1/31/2013

To date, Stop & Shop has received no reports of illness. Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to Stop & Shop for a full refund.

Listeria is a common organism found in nature.  Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis.  However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

FDA

Whole Foods Market is recalling four items made with Circle Sea Salmon Lox Trim sold in Oregon and Washington state store seafood departments due to possible Listeria Monocytogenes contamination. Listeria is an organism which can cause a sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer short term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products were sold before Jan. 29, 2013 in all Whole Foods Market stores in Oregon and Washington. No illnesses have been reported related to the recalled products.

The salmon lox trim products (cold smoked salmon lox trim — PLU 97629, Bagel Half with Lox Cream Cheese w/Capers – PLU 92811, Whole Bagel with Lox Cream Cheese with Capers – PLU 98437, Gravlox Cream Cheese Spread – PLU 95307) were sold in clear plastic containers or plastic wrapped with the label “Whole Foods Market.” The recall includes all of these products sold before Jan. 29, 2013.

Signage is posted in Whole Foods Market stores to notify customers of this recall. Consumers who have purchased these products in these two states should discard them, and may bring their receipt to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact 206-854-9880 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm PST.

FDA – This recall extends to Canada and CFIA also has a recall out

Sprouters Northwest of Kent, Washington is voluntarily recalling all varieties of sprouts products, wheatgrass and pea shoots due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

All varieties of sprouts products including 3-Bean Munchie, Alfalfa, Bean, Broccoli, Brocco Sandwich sprouts, Clover, Deli, Spicy; Wheatgrass and/or Pea Shoots were distributed through 1/30/2013 in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada through retail stores and food service distribution chain.

The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest and LifeForce brand names and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers, plastic cups, plastic trays in 3 oz., 4 oz., 5 oz., and in plastic 1 lb. 2lb, or 5lb. bags. The Best by Dates are including all and up to 2/17/2013.

The problem was identified through surveillance finished products samples collected at retail locations and at the firm by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Sprouters Northwest is working with WSDA and the Food & Drug Administration on this recall.

Consumers should not consume the recalled sprouts product, wheatgrass, pea shoots and are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-253-872-0577 from 7AM to 2PM PST.

 

 

USA – FDA Recall Alfalfa Sprouts – Listeria monocyotgenes

FDAEurofins

Sprouters Northwest of Kent, Washington is recalling 1953 pounds of alfalfa, clover, brocco sandwich sprouts, and spicy sprouts due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Products were distributed from 1/10/13 to 1/18/13 in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada through retail stores and food service distribution chain.

The affected products are sold under the Sprouters Northwest brand and are packaged in plastic clamshell containers and plastic 1 lb bags.

The problem was identified through a surveillance sampling and two samples collected at retail locations were tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

The firm is working with WSDA and the Food & Drug Administration on this recall.

Consumers should not consume the recalled sprouts products and are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-253-872-0577 from 7AM to 2PM PST.

Research UK – Poultry Vaccinations – Reduction in Salmonella Infections

Food Safety NewsSalmonella

The United Kingdom’s mass poultry vaccinations introduced to combat Salmonella infections have led to a dramatic fall in the number of cases since the late 1990s, according to a researcher at the University of Liverpool.

Salmonella are dangerous foodborne bacteria that affect people worldwide, causing diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever and abdominal pain. The European Union currently sees around 6 million Salmonella infections per year, the majority of which are linked to food items such as eggs, chicken, beef, pork, salad vegetables and dairy products.

Between 1981 and 1991, the number of salmonella infections rose by 170 percent in the UK, driven primarily by an epidemic of Salmonella Enteritidis which peaked in 1993.

USA – Raw Milk STEC Outbreak

 Food Poisoning Journal

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has become aware of several cases of diarrheal illness from northwest Missouri, possibly caused by Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), including one confirmed as E. coli O103. These may be related to the consumption of locally-produced, raw (unpasteurized) dairy products.

DHSS recommends that any person who has signs or symptoms of STEC infection seek medical care. Health care providers should evaluate patients adequately to determine if testing for STEC infection is warranted.

Symptoms of STEC infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which is often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high. Most patients’ symptoms improve within 5–7 days, but some patients go on to develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), usually about a week after the diarrhea starts. The classic triad of findings in HUS are acute renal damage, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia.