Tag Archives: health

USA – Alaska – More Ill from Raw Milk – Campylobacter

Posted on March 6, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Campylobacter BlogCampylobacter

News reports that Alaska State health officials report a total of 24 people have fallen ill, two of whom were hospitalized, after drinking tainted raw milk from a Kenai Peninsula dairy. Among the ill is an infant who did not directly imbibe the raw milk, but got sick through a secondary transmission from an adult who had.  State epidemiologists said the illnesses are the result of milk tainted with campylobacter, a bacterium commonly found in cow manure.  After receiving multiple reports of sick people, state health officials traced the source of the outbreak to a cow share program at the Peninsula Dairy. State veterinarians visited the farm to take samples and said the farm owner is being cooperative with their investigation.

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Posted in Bacteria, Campylobacter, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen

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Food Safety During Pregnancy Advice

Posted on February 28, 2013 by | Leave a comment

BCCDCLayout 1

Pregnancy is an important time for mother and baby.  There are many things to consider when choosing and preparing food.  This booklet is designed to help you make the best choices for you and your baby.

What you should know –

  • Bacteria that can cause foodborne illness include Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli
  • Foodborne illness can be caused by eating contaminated food.  It can affect everyone, but it can be more serious for you and your baby when you are pregnant.
  • Foodborne illness can make your baby sick before and after birth
  • Proper food handling, eating foods which are safe for pregnant women and taking steps to SEPARATE, CHILL, CLEAN and COOK will help to prevent foodborne illness including listeriosis

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Testing, Microbiology, Miscarriage, Pathogen, Research

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USA – FDA Recalls – More Pet Food Salmonella – Chocolate Cream Eggs Salmonella

Posted on February 28, 2013 by | 3 comments

FDASalmonella

United Pet Group, Inc., announces that it has voluntarily withdrawn a limited
quantity of the products “Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets,” “ēCotrition
Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets,” “ēCotrition Grains
& Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches,” and “ēCotrition
Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels.” These products
contain small quantities of dried parsley flakes supplied to United Pet Group by
Specialty Commodities, Inc. On February 11, 2013, Specialty Commodities, Inc.
initiated a voluntary product recall of parsley flakes distributed to United Pet
Group and other pet food suppliers because the products may have the potential
to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specialty Commodities, Inc.
distributed the products to United Pet Group on May 30, 2012, and August 29,
2012. Above listed products were distributed throughout the USA and Canada
between Oct 2012 and Feb 2013.

FDA

Zachary Confections, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of certain
production lots of its Zachary Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Eggs because they
have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism
which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail
or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons
infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be
bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection
with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream
and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected
aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

No other Zachary Confections products are involved in this recall.

To date Zachary Confections has not received any consumer illness complaints associated with its products. As part of its priority to ensure the safety and quality of all of its products, Zachary Confections is issuing the voluntary recall.

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

 

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – Two Pet Food Recalls – Aflatoxin – Salmonella

Posted on February 25, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Hy-Vee, Inc. is recalling certain bags of dog food due to elevated levels of aflatoxin, a chemical contaminant found in corn. Consumers who have purchased these products should not feed them to their dogs.

Aflatoxins cause cancer in animals, but are allowed at extremely low levels in nuts, seeds and legumes because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers them “unavoidable contaminants” that pose little risk if small amounts are eaten over a lifetime. The problem with the dog food products was discovered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. At the time if the recall no illnesses had been reported in association with the recall.

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Honest Kitchen today is recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products for possible contamination with Salmonella. The recalled products were produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the U.S. and Canada in retail stores, online and through mail order.

Pets who have Salmonella infections may have symptoms including lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some may only have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pets have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms,  contact your veterinarian.

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Posted in Aflatoxin, Bacteria, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall

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USA – Alaskan Raw Milk Outbreak Expands – Campylobacter

Posted on February 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Alaskan Government

Campylobacter Outbreak Associated with Consumption of Raw Milk Kenai Peninsula, January – February 2013

The purpose of this Health Advisory is to inform you of a recent and potentially ongoing outbreak of Campylobacter infections that have been associated with consuming raw milk.

What is the outbreak?

Campylobacter infection is reportable by state regulations to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services’ Section of Epidemiology (SOE). Since late January, 2013, four people with confirmed Campylobacterinfection and at least one person with probable infection reported consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk in the few days preceding illness. One infant with close contact to a confirmed case-patient is also suspected of having Campylobacter infection. All six reside on the Kenai Peninsula. The Campylobacter isolated from the four lab-confirmed cases are a match by molecular techniques (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE). This strain of Campylobacter has not been previously identified in Alaska.

What is Campylobacter and how do people become infected?

Campylobacter are bacteria that can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramping/pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The illness typically lasts from several days to over a week, with variable severity. Some people, especially young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, can develop severe or even life-threatening illness. Infrequently, Campylobacter infection leads to long-term consequences. Some people with Campylobacter infection develop arthritis, and rarely, some develop a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome that inflames the nerves of the body beginning several weeks after the onset of diarrhea.

Outbreaks of Campylobacter are often associated with consumption of unpasteurized milk —one such outbreak, traced to a Mat-Su Valley farm, resulted in 18 illnesses in Alaska in 2011. Other sources ofCampylobacter infection include consumption of undercooked meat, consumption of food or water cross-contaminated by raw meat, or contact with feces from infected animals. Human to human transmission can also occur.

 

 

 

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Posted in Campylobacter, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, outbreak

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USA – FDA – Recalls – More Pet Food Salmonella – Fish Spreads Listeria

Posted on February 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAFDA

GoldCoast Salads, a Naples Florida firm, is voluntarily recalling Blue Crab Spread, Maine Lobster Spread, Lobster and Shrimp Spread, and Smoked Salmon Spread that may be contaminated with Listeria.

The Blue Crab Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/14/13 B. The Maine Lobster Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/16/13 LA. The Lobster and Shrimp Spread being recalled is coded EXP 2/23/13 L&S1 and EXP 3/30/13 L&S1. The Smoked Salmon Spread being recalled is coded 3/10/13 S2.

The following products are being recalled: Blue Crab Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, Maine Lobster Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, Lobster and Shrimp Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces, and Smoked Salmon Spread in containers with a weight of 1 pound and containers with a weight of 8 ounces.

The products in question were produced 12/17/12, 12/19/12, 12/26/12, 1/31/13, and 1/25/13 respectively and distributed to stores in the North East and South East United States.

Because of the potential for food borne illness, we urge consumers who have purchased the suspect products not to eat them, but to return them to the point of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact GoldCoast Salads by calling (239) 513-0430.

FDA

The Honest Kitchen today announced that it is voluntarily recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the US and Canada via retail stores, mail order and online after August 2012 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No other Honest Kitchen batches, production dates or products are affected.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The Company is taking this action after learning that one of its raw ingredients suppliers has recalled a batch of human-grade parsley that may contain Salmonella. The batch of parsley was shipped to the Company in 2012 and used in the production of five lots of finished Honest Kitchen products.

The Honest Kitchen regularly tests for Salmonella and other pathogens as part of its quality control process and has not received to date any reports of illness associated with these lots of products. Nonetheless, the Company is proceeding with this action in order to ensure the full safety and quality of its products.

“We are committed to providing the highest-quality human-grade food available to our customers’ pets,” said Lucy Postins, founder, CEO and CMO of The Honest Kitchen. “While our quality control tests did not find evidence of Salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make, and are taking precautionary action to ensure the safety and integrity of our products.”

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, FDA, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall, Salmonella

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USA – FDA – Recall More Pet Food Products – Salmonella

Posted on February 20, 2013 by | Leave a comment

FDAFDA

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling ALL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AT ITS DENVER, COLORADO FACILITY FROM APRIL 20, 2012 THRU SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled Products of Dog Treats were distributed nationwide through various retailers from April 20th to September 19th.

Kasel Industries is recalling Boots & Barkley, BIXBI, Nature’s Deli, Colorado Naturals, Petco, and Best Bully Stick items. Lot numbers as shown in 1 Year Best By Date Table and 2 Year Best By Date Table, which are attached.

Kasel Industries has not received any reports of illnesses to date in connection with these products.

No other products made by Kasel Associated Industries are included in the recall. Specifically no products with best by dates after the specified ranges are included in the recall.

Consumers who have purchased any listed products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at (800) 218-4417 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall

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India – 400 Ill After Food Poisoning

Posted on February 19, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Times of Indiaimages

GUWAHATI: At least 400 people, including children, were taken ill after food poisoning in North Dimoria block of Kamrup (Metro) district on Friday.

Children of Durung ME School, Koraiguri LP School and Koikari LP School went to their respective institutions for Saraswati Puja on Friday. They fell ill after they consumed grams and khichri. On Saturday morning, the patients were admitted to the 30-bed Khetri Hospital and Sonapur Primary Healthcare Centre from where the critical ones were referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital(GMCH).

Principal of GMCH Kabul Saikia, said: “More than 400 people fell ill after consuming grams and khichri. The figure may increase. In our hospital, about 23 patients were admitted till 7.30 pm and more patients are on their way. Among the 23 patients, 15 are adults. It is difficult to tell the exact figure now.”

“We have opened one relief camp at Khetri and five doctors have been sent to the site. The critical patients are being brought here for treatment. The patients complained of vomiting, fever, dizziness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain,” he added.

He said: “We are making all arrangements to provide best possible treatment.”

Bhojan Das, the father of Vikram who has been admitted to GMCH, said: “My son who studies in Durong ME School went to his institution on Friday and ate grams and khichri. From early morning, he complained of vomiting and abdominal pain and his body turned pale. Noticing this, we took him to the nearby clinic from where he was referred to GMCH.”

According to the report made available by the GMCH superintendent, Ramen Talukdar around 8.30 pm: “More than 100 patients have been admitted to the hospital and 300 are on their way. As there is limited capacity of beds in our hospital, around 50 patients have been sent to Mohendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital .

Ambulance have been called in from Morigaon, Guwahati and Jagiroad. Moreover, five buses have been engaged to bring patients to the hospital.”

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen

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European RASFF Alerts – Norovirus

Posted on February 18, 2013 by | 1 comment

RASFF– Norovirus in Clams in Italy sourced in Turkey

RASFF – Norovirus in Oysters in Italy sourced in France

RASFF – Salmonella in Frozen Turkey and Poultry Kebab in Italy sourced in Germany via Poland

 

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Hygiene, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Microbiology, Norovirus, Pathogen, RASFF, Recall, Salmonella, Virus, Water

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USA – Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak

Posted on February 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Alaska PublicCampylobacter

The State Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of a food borne illness linked to raw milk. Officials have confirmed four cases of Campylobacter infection in people who drank raw milk on the Kenai Peninsula. The illness causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Dr. Brian Yablon is a medical epidemiologist with the state. He says the cases have all been identified by the state lab in the last three weeks:

“When they looked at these strains, they found that the four specimens were all exactly the same type, so that is consistent with a cluster of illnesses and when we found out additional information it seemed that all of the people who developed the infection had consumed raw milk or unpasteurized milk in the proceeding several days before they got sick,” Yablon said.

The state is still working to identify the source of the raw milk. A farmer named Kevin Byers in Kasilof distributes raw milk to families around the state. He did not agree to a recorded interview, but said he doesn’t know if his milk is responsible for the outbreak. He says his customers drink his milk for the perceived health benefits. According to a recent newspaper article, Byers has 150 customers as far away as Sitka.

Selling raw milk is illegal in Alaska. But farmers have found ways to do it legally.

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Posted in Bacteria, Campylobacter, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen

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