Tag Archives: science

USA – Petfood Recall – Salmonella

Posted on March 19, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Natura Pet is recalling several brands of pet food for possible contamination with Salmonella, the company announced today. The recall includes both dog and cat food sold under the brand names Innova, EVO, Healthwise and California Natural. To see a complete list of the recalled products, click here.

The company posted the recall on its webpage, saying “it pains us to inform you of the first recall in our company’s 21-year history.”  During recent testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),  Salmonella was discovered in one of the products. The company believes that the problem is not widespread and at this time, no human or pet illnesses had been reported in conjunction with the recalled products.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall, Salmonella

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Research – Contaminated Sponges in Kitchens

Posted on March 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

JDCStaphylococcus

Introduction: Contaminated sponges might lead to cross-contamination in kitchens since they can transfer microorganisms to surfaces where microorganisms can survive for hours or days and contaminate food. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the transfer and the survival of bacteria from kitchen sponges to surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel and polyethylene.

Methodology: Twenty-four sponges were collected from industrial kitchens in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and aseptically split into two equal parts. One part was subjected to enumeration of heterotrophic microorganisms, faecal coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and search detection of Salmonella enterica. The other part was rubbed on surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel (12 sponges) or polyethylene (12 sponges). The transfer and survival of microorganisms was quantified by swab collection and pour-plate method using plate count agar.

Results: All sponges were contaminated by heterotrophic microorganisms (average of 6.8 log CFU/sponge) and 83.3% with faecal coliforms (average of 5 log CFU/sponge). None of the sponges were contaminated by S. enterica and/or coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. The average transfer of microorganisms varied between 3.3 and 5.5 log CFU/cm2 for stainless steel and from 3.5 to 5.6 log CFU/cm2 for polyethylene. Although the survival rate decreased over time, more than 1 log CFU/cm2 of heterotrophic microorganisms survived after 24 hours on both surfaces.

Conclusions: The sponges used in food services were significantly contaminated and could transfer large amounts of microorganisms to surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel and polyethylene.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Micro Blog, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research

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USA – Petfood Recall – Salmonella

Posted on March 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Jones Natural Chews of Rockford, Illinois is recalling 245 boxes of Woofers beef patties pet food because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. No illnesses have been reported relating to this product.

The recalled products include Jones Natural Chews Co. Woofers (beef patties) in 50 count boxes, with UPC number 741956008657, with Lot number 3102 and ‘best by’ date of 11/05/15. The patties may be sold individualy and are individually shrink-wrapped. Also recalled are Jones Natural Chews Co. Woofers (beef patties) in 1 pack shrink wrap, 50 count box, with UPC number 741956008183, Lot 2892BF with ‘best by’ date of 10/15/15; Lot 2962PWV with ‘best by’ date of 10/22/15; Lot 2962ASC with ‘best by’ date of 10/22/15; and Lot 3032ASL with ‘best by’ date of 10/29/15. Finally, Jones Natural Chews Co. Woofers (beef patties) 2 pack shrink wrap in 25 count boxes, with UPC number 741956008190, Lot 2962ASC, with ‘best by’ date of 10/22/15 and Lot 3032ASL with ‘best by’ date of 10/29/15 are recalled.

Pets with Salmonella infections can be lethargic, with diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, and vomiting. Infected pets, who may appear healthy, can spread the bacteria to people, and people can get salmonellosis from handling the contaminated product. If you purchased any of these products, return to the place of purchase for a refund. For qestions, call the company at 1-877-481-2663 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm CT.

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Posted in Bacteria, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall, Salmonella

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Canada – CFIA Recalls – Walnuts – Salmonella – Clams – Clostridium botulinum

Posted on March 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the walnuts described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected walnuts were sold in bulk from Produce Depot, 2446 Bank St., Ottawa ON between February 26 and March 15, 2013, inclusive.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and St. Thomas Fish Market are warning the public not to consume the Bar Clams described below because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  Toxins produced by these bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The manufacturer, St. Thomas Fish Market Inc., Saint-Thomas-De-Kent, New Brunswick, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

 

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Posted in Bacteria, CFIA, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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Research – Poultry Control of Salmonella

Posted on March 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Wiley OnlineSalm

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most prevalent foodborne pathogen, its main reservoir being considered the shell egg. As the concerns related to the increasing human salmonellosis cases grow, the need for an application of preventive methods either at the farm level or during the processing steps is crucial for a better control of the foodborne outbreaks due to the consumption of this specific food product. This review focuses on the application of preventive methods at the farm level, on preharvest step, in order to reduce the risk of shell eggs contamination with Salmonella, especially S. Enteritidis, through a better control of the laying hens’ infection with this pathogen. As postharvest methods, a 1st approach is the egg storage conditions and the prevention of Salmonella spp. growth and multiplication. In addition, shell eggs may be subjected to eggshell decontamination, to reduce the risk of foodborne outbreaks. Several of these latter mentioned methods are already authorized to be put in place in different countries, as it is the case in the United States of America and Canada. Their efficacy has been proven and their use is regarded by some as mandatory for ensuring shell eggs safety for the consumers.

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Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Technology, Food Testing, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research, Salmonella

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New Zealand – Fresh Fish Recall – Histamine Poisoning

Posted on March 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

New Zealand Herald

Foodstuffs has recalled a batch of its fresh trevally fillets after they are suspected to have given two people histamine poisoning.

According to the Ministry for Primary Industries website, histamine, or scombroid, poisoning is due to a buildup of toxins that occurs when certain types of fish, including kahawai, mackerel, tuna, bonito and butterfly kingfish, have not been chilled adequately.

Symptoms can include tingling and burning around the mouth, facial flushing, diarrhoea, skin rash, nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting, and can last for 12 hours.

Foodstuffs has initiated a voluntary recall of their in-store processed trevally fish fillets sold before March 6 and with a best before date up to March 7.

A spokeswoman said two people had potentially contracted histamine poisoning as a result.

Affected products were sold in New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square stores throughout the Upper North Island.

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Posted in Allergic Reaction, Food Hygiene, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Histamine, Microbiology, Recall

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UK -HPA -Burger Vans – Ecoli Contamination

Posted on March 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

ITV News

HPA Report

Research from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed that food, water, chopping boards, cleaning cloths and security wristbands sampled from mobile and outdoor food vendors were contaminated with a range of bacteria including E.coli.

The bacteria, which originates from human or animal faeces is usually an indicator of either poor hygiene, undercooking or cross-contamination in the kitchen.

The events where samples were taken included 50 concerts or music festivals, 20 sports events, 39 carnivals, fetes and fairs and 44 ‘other’ events.

8% of food samples were of an unsatisfactory quality with a further 1% containing potentially hazardous levels of bacteria.

Water samples tested revealed that 27% contained unacceptable levels of coliform bacteria which can be found in the environment in soil, water and on plants and may also be a sign of faecal contamination.

E.coli and/or enterococci bacteria (of faecal origin) were found in 8%.

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hand Washing, HPA, Hygiene, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research

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Research – Pesticide Application as Potential Source of Noroviruses

Posted on March 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

HACCP EuropaNorwalk_Caspid

Human norovirus (hNoV), also known as the winter vomiting bug, is one of the most common stomach bugs in the world. The virus is highly contagious, causing vomiting and diarrhea, and the number of affected cases is growing. Currently there is no cure; sufferers have to let the virus run its course for a few days.

The consumption of fresh produce is frequently associated with outbreaks of hNoV but it remains difficult to identify where in the supply chain the virus first enters production.

A new study, published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology investigated whether contaminated water used to dilute pesticides could be a source of hNoV. Farmers use various water sources in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables, including well water and different types of surface water such as river water or lake water — sources which have been found to harbour hNoV.

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Posted in Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Technology, Food Testing, Food Virus, Microbiology, Norovirus, Pathogen, Research

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USA – MDA Issues Salmonella Consumer Advisory for Raw Pet Food

Posted on March 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Journal

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid feeding or handling two separate brands of poultry-based raw pet food after the MDA laboratory found Salmonella bacteria in routine sample tests. The brand varieties include:

Bravo! Raw Food Diet 2 lb. Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats manufactured by Bravo!, LLC, of Manchester, Connecticut. This is a frozen pet food product with the production code of 06/14/12, which is located on the white tag on the end of the package. This advisory is for the 2 lb. size of Bravo! Chicken Blend with the “best used by date” of 6/12/14 only. No other products, sizes, or production dates are involved.

Turducken Canine Diet 8oz. Patties, manufactured by Steve’s Real Food, Inc., of Murray, Utah. This is a frozen pet food product with the “Use By” date code of 10/27/13 B209, which is located on the lower front panel of package.

There are no reports of human or animal illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Consumers are asked to discard any of these products they may have.

 

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

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USA – Cuise Ship Norovirus Yet Again?

Posted on March 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning NewsNorovirus

The Princess Cruise line Ruby Princess has reported a stomach illness outbreak on its latest cruise. The ship had voyage dates of March 3 to March 10, 2013. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. There is no known cause, although the cause of most outbreaks on cruise ships is norovirus. Symptoms of that highly contagious virus include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, along with possible headache and low grade fever.

Two hundred sixty six passengers (out of 3,129) and 10 crew (out of 1,189) reportedly became ill during the voyage. The outbreak was communicated to the Vessel Sanitation Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 10, 2013, so no on board response to the outbreak was conducted.

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Posted in Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Food Virus, Microbiology, Norovirus, outbreak, Pathogen

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