USDA Isolation of Non 0157 Shiga Toxin E.coli with Appendix
USDA Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes with Appendix
USDA Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes PCR
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Tag Archives: science
USDA – Revised Microbiology Methods Links
Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, E.coli O104, E.coli O145, E.coli O157, E.coli O26, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Safety, Food Testing, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Methods, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, STEC, USDA
Tagged e coli, isolation, Methods, science, toxin, usda methods
USA – Recall – Food Grade Limestone – Salmonella
Omya Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of food grade ground limestone products processed at its Superior, Arizona plant because of the possible presence of Salmonella. There have been no reports of any illnesses or adverse health effects associated with any of Omya’s food grade ground limestone products. Although an investigation is still ongoing, Omya is recalling specific lots of Omya-Cal FG-4 AZ, Omya-Cal FG-10 AZ and Omya-Cal FG-15 AZ in the U.S. as a precaution. Omya’s voluntary recall is being conducted in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The most common symptoms of Salmonella infection are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, which develop within eight to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, salmonellosis can be severe or even life threatening for infants, older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
Omya’s food grade ground limestone products were sold to distributors and/or manufacturers as ingredients for further processing in the U.S. The food grade products were not distributed for retail sale to consumers.
Omya is diligently investigating the possible problem and implemented additional precautionary food safety measures.
The products involved in this voluntary recall are:
| Product | Container Size | Lot numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Omya-Cal FG-10 AZ | 50 lb. bags 2500 lb. bulk bags 2000 lb. bulk bags |
Z227510511 Z227500511 Z227500511 |
| Omya-Cal FG-4 AZ | 50 lb. bags 50 lb. bags |
Z227510409 Z230310409 |
| Omya-Cal FG-15 AZ | 2500 lb. bulk bags 2500 lb. bulk bags |
Z228400712 Z228200712 |
CDC Letter – UK Shellfish Market and Viruses – Hepatitis E
CDC (full letter)
Bivalve mollusks (shellfish), such as mussels and oysters, are filter feeders; they concentrate microorganisms of human and animal origin (up to 100×) from the surrounding environment. Several recent reports have linked the incidence of human infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) to consumption of undercooked pork, game products, and shellfish (1,2). Infectious HEV has been found in swine manure and wastewater (3); therefore, application of manure to land and subsequent runoff could contaminate coastal water, leading to contamination of shellfish and, subsequently, possible human infection. Because they are filter feeders, bivalve mollusks are biologically relevant sentinels and can indicate potential pathogens that are contaminating the environment. It is essential to ensure that this sustainable resource of coastal areas, where mussels and oysters are farmed or collected wild, is not subjected to environmental contamination that could lead to public health risks.
Risk management for bivalve mollusks, aimed at control of fecal pollution, relies heavily on the use of Escherichia coli as an indicator of fecal (sewage) contamination and is enacted under European food regulations (Regulation 854/2004, www.cefas.co.uk/media/455777/extract_reg_no_854_2004.pdf 
). However, although these regulations probably reduce the number of infections, especially bacterial infections, they are not viewed as adequately controlling the risk for viral infections. Specific risks are posed by the robustness of viruses in the environment and the different behavior of viruses within bivalve mollusks compared with behavior within bacterial fecal indicators.
UK – HPA – Legionnaires Information and Research
Around half (116) of the 235 cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England and Wales in 2011 were in returning holiday makers. The annual number of Legionnaires’ cases has fallen from 355 cases in 2010, when around a third (114) were in returning travellers.
Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted by breathing in droplets of water or aerosols containing the legionella bacteria from water sources which may have had temperature problems, or where water has remained stagnant for a period of time. Spa pools, shower heads or taps can sometimes be the source of an outbreak.
The illness usually affects vulnerable people, such as the elderly and almost 70 per cent of the cases reported in 2011 were in people with an underlying health condition, including almost 30 per cent in people with heart disease. Smokers and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system were also at higher risk.
Research – E.coli Outbreak 2011 in Germany
HACCPEUROPA – Full Article
A novel strain of E. coli bacteria caused a serious outbreak of foodborne illness focused in Germany in 2011. In all, 3,950 people were affected and 53 died, including 51 in Germany. Authorities have identified vegetable sprouts as the source.
The recent outbreaks of food poisoning due to contamination of vegetables by dangerous strains of E. coli raised the concerns and questions about E. coli transmission strategies.
E. coli is most at home in the warm, moist, nutrient-rich environment found in the gastrointestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. But to disperse from one host to another these bacteria must get out into the world. There is evidence that some E. coli can survive for several weeks outside the host, and even grow in water or soil. But it is on plant matter that E. coli colonisation has become a concern, as although most types of E. coli are harmless, the presence of pathogenic strains on fruit and vegetables presents a food safety risk.
E. coli strains have adopted slightly different transmission strategies, with some being better adapted to live on plants than others.
USA – USDA Food Safety Severe Storm and Hurricane
Hurricane Sandy has prompted the USDA to issue a Food Safety PDF which can be found at the link above.
Posted in Bacteria, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Spoilage, Research, Uncategorized, USDA
Tagged climate, environment, Food Safety, nature, pdf guide, science
The African Union to Establish a Food Safety Authority.
The African Union announced an establishment of a food safety authority as well as a Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) yesterday in Kigali. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba, said the continent ought to have the food safety body based on the European model but tailor-made for Africa. The decision has been made following huge losses in international trade due to food safety issues. The minister pointed out that African food exports are at times destroyed or refused entry into developed markets thus leading to losses.
It is believed that the establishment of the authority would boost trade competence and avert food-borne diseases. It would uplift the living standards of Africans, especially those in rural areas.
USA – Petting Zoo – Another E.coli O157 Outbreak
An E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak linked to the Willow Grove Gardens Pumpkin Patch and petting zoo has been announced by the Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Department of Washington. Public health officials have confirmed one child is ill with the bacterial infection, and there is one probable case. One of the children was hospitalized for several days but is now recovering. Public health officials are asking that anyone who visited the facility and has symptoms of E. coli food poisoning such as diarrhea, which may be bloody, severe stomach cramps, vomiting, or a mild fever, contact them immediately at 360-414-5599.
Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, E.coli O157, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Testing, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen
Tagged animals, environment, nature, science
Canada – Recall Curry Spices Salmonella
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Clef Des Champs brand products described below because these products may be contaminated with Salmonellabacteria.
The following Clef Des Champs brand products are affected by this alert:
| Product | Size | UPC | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Ginger Ground root | 200 g | 6 97026 92441 2 | BF011441B08 BF011441B09 |
| Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix | 35 g | 6 97026 74967 1 | CC0112 967B07 CC0812 967B01 |
| Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix | 275 g | 6 97026 69967 9 | CC0112 967B08 CC0812 967B02 |
| Organic Curry Spices Culinary Mix | 500 g | 6 97026 70967 5 | CC0112 967B05 CC0112 967B06 CC0112 967B09 CC0812 967B03 |
| Organic Spice Cake Culinary mix |
45 g | 6 97026 74974 9 | CC0312 974B01 |
| Organic Ginger Root powder |
20 kg | 6 97026 70441 0 | BF011441B |
These products have been distributed nationally.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
USA – Pet Food Recall – Salmonella
Wildwood Seed & Specialties, Monroe, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of their Sleek and Sassy brand bird and small animal foods that contain raw in-shell peanuts. These products contain peanut ingredients recalled by Sunland Inc. due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of their commitment to safety and quality, Wildwood Seed & Specialties is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.
Posted in Bacteria, Eurofins Laboratories, Microbiology, Pathogen, Pet Food, Recall
Tagged science
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