Tag Archives: science

Research – Food Safety – Irradiation

Posted on April 29, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Iotron Industries – CanadaIotron

When electron beam technology is used to process food, it is called food irradiation. Food Irradiation, like pasteurization, can prevent countless infections because it destroys the pathogens than cause the illness.

Food borne illness is one of the most common preventable public health problems in the world today. Several measures can be taken in processing plants to help mitigate the problems, but none have the potential to be more effective than irradiation processing. Common pathogens such as e.coli and salmonella are easily destroyed when irradiated.

Today, 38 countries, including the United States, have approved the use of irradiation processing for a wide variety of food items. Test market studies have shown that the general public accepts irradiated items and actually prefers them over non-irradiated items when educational materials are available at point of purchase.

Media scrutiny about e.coli outbreaks and salmonella poisonings are becoming a common occurrence. People are becoming more aware of these very real concerns. In time, the general public will readily accept this valuable technology. With all the endorsements and proof that irradiated foods are 100% safe to consume, how could they not?

In today’s world, we have the proven technology that is capable of eliminating common food borne diseases.

These diseases cause sickness and death to countless numbers of people the world over.

 

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Technology, Food Testing, Irradiation, Microbiology, Pathogen, Research, Salmonella

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USA – CDC Drinking Water Toolbox

Posted on April 29, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CDCWater

Water systems and state or local agencies issue drinking water advisories when they believe water quality is or may be compromised. Advisories tell individuals, schools, hospitals, businesses, and others about the situation and how to take immediate action—to boil tap water before drinking, for example, or to avoid drinking or even using tap water.

The Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox provides a  practical guide and protocol  for communicating with stakeholders and the public about water advisories that is based upon research and identified practices. It focuses on water systems and addresses the spectrum of situations that generate drinking water advisories—from a water main break to a hurricane, a drop in pressure, or intentional contamination.

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Posted in Bacteria, Boil Water Notice, CDC, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Methods, Microbiology, Water

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Europe – Norovirus Ongoing Outbreak in Frozen Berries Report -Hepatitis A

Posted on April 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

EurosurvaillanceClose up 3d render of an influenza-like virus isolated on white

A food-borne outbreak of hepatitis A in Denmark was notified to other countries on 1 March 2013. A case–control study identified frozen berries eaten in smoothies as potential vehicle. In the following weeks, Finland, Norway and Sweden also identified an increased number of hepatitis A patients without travel history. Most cases reported having eaten frozen berries at the time of exposure. By 17 April, 71 cases were notified in the four countries. No specific type of berry, brand or origin of berries has yet been identified.

As of 17 April 2013, 36 cases, of whom 15 were confirmed, have been identified in Finland, Norway and Sweden, giving a total of 71 cases in the four countries (Table 1). Finland and Norway have reported confirmed cases with sequence 1 and 2. In Sweden, two of the eight confirmed cases have an HAV IB sequence with 2% difference to sequence 1 and 1% difference to sequence 2 (called sequence 3).
The overall median age for cases and the median age for confirmed cases is 25 years (range: 3–78 years); 43 cases are female. In Norway and Sweden (but not Finland), more women are affected than men. The distribution of cases by month and HAV sequence type is shown in Figure 1. As of 17 April 2013, Sweden is the only country with cases with symptom onset in April. An increased number of travel-related hepatitis A patients in the same time period (Table 1) may be explained in part by patients infected in Egypt [1].

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Posted in Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, Food Virus, Hepatitis A, Hygiene, Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen, Research, Virus

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USA – Raw Milk – E.coli O157 Outbreak

Posted on April 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety NewsimagesCAZ9J1WP

Health officials in Wisconsin suspect three patients sickened by the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 contracted their illnesses after consuming raw milk, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Raechelle Cline told Food Safety News Thursday.

All three patients reside in Manitowoc County, and they include a three year-old child and his or her mother. Officials are currently testing samples of milk from the suspected dairy and will not identify it unless they prove a connection.

“Raw milk was the most likely commonality we’ve been able to identify,” Cline said. The illnesses occurred in March, and the officials are unaware of any additional cases.

Health institutions such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against drinking raw milk, as it has not been pasteurized to eliminate potentially harmful pathogens.

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Posted in Bacteria, E.coli, E.coli O157, Eurofins Laboratories, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Illness, Microbiology, outbreak, Pathogen, Recall

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USA – Salmonella Outbreak in Cucumbers

Posted on April 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

At least 73 people in 18 states have fallen ill with Salmonella Saintpaul infection thought to be connected to imported cucumbers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fourteen of the patients were hospitalized.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration placed the firms Daniel Cardenas Izabal and Miracle Greenhouse of Culiacán, Mexico on import alert on April 24. Those cucumbers are no longer believed to be on the market.

The number ill by state is as follows: Arizona (9), California (28), Colorado (1), Idaho (2), Illinois (3), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Maryland (1), Minnesota (8), Nevada (1), New Mexico (2), North Carolina (1), Ohio (1), Oregon (2), South Dakota (2), Texas (6), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (2).

Illness onset dates ranged from January 12, 2013 to April 6, 2013. The ill range in age from less than 1 year to 80 years old, with a median age of 23. Sixty percent are female.

Cucumbers are historically not associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. During a massive German E. coli outbreak in the summer of 2011, cucumbers were briefly suspected as the source before the blame was ultimately blamed on fresh sprouts.

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

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Research – China Shellfish – Virus – Fresh Cut Salad Quality – Seasonal Campylobacter – Salmonella Control

Posted on April 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Prevalence of Human Enteric Viruses and a Potential Indicator of Contamination in Shellfish in China.

Science Direct

Influence of working conditions and practices on fresh-cut lettuce salads quality

Cambridge Journals

Identifying the seasonal origins of human campylobacteriosis

University of Cambridge

Researchers plan to use data collected to develop vaccines to control Salmonella in animals and humans

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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 Technology, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, Hygiene, Illness, Methods, Microbiology, Norovirus, outbreak, Pathogen, Research, Salmonella, Virus

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USA – Salmonella Outbreak – Baby Ducklings

Posted on April 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning BulletinSalm

An outbreak of salmonellosis in Minnesota has been linked to ducklings purchased from the Tractor Supply Company store in Inver Grove Heights, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The cases are associated with a multistate outbreak that is being investigated by the CDC.

The patients range in age from 18 to 60 years. All three cases are caused by Salmonella Infantis. The illness onset dates range from late March through early April 2013.

MDH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Joni Scheftel said that anyone who handles ducklings, chicks, or other birds should wash their hands thoroughly after contact. “Chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children and families this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness. That is why it is so important for people handling them to take steps to prevent infection.”

Young children are more at risk for these infections and are also more likely to develop serious complications from a Salmonella infection. The Salmonella bacteria is carried in the intestines of animals and is shed into the environment. Live birds are a recognized source of Salmonella. The birds can shed the pathogenic bacteria even when they look healthy.

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

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Canada – Recall

Posted on April 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

CFIACIFA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Desco Services Alimentaires Inc. are warning the public not to consume the Le Champ du Coq brand Seasoned, Cooked Chicken Breast Strips because they may be undercooked and, therefore, contaminated with Salmonella.

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

The distributor, Desco Services Alimentaires Inc., Boisbriand, Québec, 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, Microbiology, Pathogen, Recall, Salmonella

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UK – Isle of Man Campylobacter – Animal Rescue ?

Posted on April 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

BBC NewsCampylobacter

Manx health officials have issued a hygiene warning after several people tested positive for illnesses normally associated with handling livestock.

About five cases of Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter have been reported on the island during the past three months.

It is thought some of those affected may have been involved in helping farmers to rescue livestock after heavy snow last month.

Food Safety Manager Ivan Bratty said simple precautions must be taken.

“These recent cases serve as a timely reminder of the importance of thorough hand washing after handling livestock and before preparing or handling food to prevent infection and the spread of disease in the community,” he said.

“It is also important for anyone suffering from diarrhoea to avoid swimming pools as Cryptosporidium can survive in chlorinated water”.

Cryptosporidium is a disease that is very common in young farm animals and can easily be passed to people who come into contact with those animals- it can lead to sickness and diarrhoea, but is rarely a serious condition for healthy people.

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

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USA – Multi State Salmonella Outbreak – Baby Chicks

Posted on April 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News104px-More_chicks

A Salmonella outbreak suspected to be linked to live baby chickens may be under investigation in several states, according to a spokesman for the South Dakota Department of Health.

At least four patients in South Dakota — three adults and one child under the age of four — have fallen ill in connection to the outbreak.

The Salmonella bacteria in all four South Dakota cases share the same genetic fingerprint, and some of the patients have had direct contact with baby chicks, state health department spokesman Lon Kightlinger told Food Safety News Monday morning.

The cases came from different parts of the state, and Kightlinger said it was not immediately clear if the chicks involved originated from the same hatchery.

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

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