CDC Adds Man's Death to Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak Count
Monitoring of Emerging Food Safety Issues Newsletter July 2012
Microbiological Outbreaks
Listeria
CDC Adds Man's Death to Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak Count
The unofficial death count of last year's Listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes rose from 32 to 33 the Montana Department of Health confirmed that the death of an outbreak victim there was a result of his Listeria infection.
Salmonella
More Salmonella Cases Linked to Tiny Turtles
Investigations into five ongoing Salmonella outbreaks - all linked to contact with small turtles - have revealed 19 more cases and a sixth outbreak from another strain of the bacteria.
Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Tuna Grows to 425
Salmonella from a recalled raw tuna product served in sushi and known as Nakaochi scrape has now sickened at least 425 individuals in 28 states and,of those ill, 55 have been hospitalized.
E.coli
Victims in Ohio E. coli Outbreak Linked to Picnic
An outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 thought to have originated at a picnic in Germantown, Ohio has expanded from 68 victims to 75, according to the local health department.
Shigella
Upstate New York Shigella Outbreak Expands to 45
Almost three weeks after health officials in Upstate New York announced they were investigating a Shigella outbreak affecting 25 people, the estimated victim count has grown to 45.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Missouri Investigates Vibrio Outbreak
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) have announced that it is investigating a cluster of cases of Vibriosis in eastern Missouri.
Not defined
60 Hospitalized in Denver AfterEating Charity Dinner
At least 60 people have been hospitalized after eating at a Denver homeless shelter.
Clostridium botulinum
Opening Day of Olympic Games Includes Olives With Botulism
About the worst thing the British Olympics would want was a few jars of Italian olives contaminated with deadly botulism showing up at the start of the London Games.
New Food Regulations
New Consultation
MPI and the meat industry have been working on changes to post-mortem examination requirements for bovines and ovines/caprines. This proposed amendment outlines a number of those changes.
Codex Adopts Ractopamine Limits for Beef and Pork
After years of scientific and political stalemate, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a UN food standards-setting body, narrowly voted to advance a residue limit for ractopamine hydrochloride, a controversial veterinary drug used in food animal production. The 69-67 vote to adopt a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for the beta agonist -- which is approved for boosting growth and increasing leanness in pigs, cattle and turkeys -- is a big win for the United States', Brazil's and Canada's trade interests.
Surveillance, Monitoring & Evaluation
Farmers Should Rein in Antibiotic Use Worldwide
The prestigious journal Nature this week called for reining in the use of antibiotics in agriculture, adding to the growing chorus of scientists and public health advocates seeking reforms.
China Sneaks its Chicken in on Man's Best Friend
On July 18, there was a meeting at the USDA to get an update on the status of poultry exports to the U.S. from the People's Republic of China.
USDA is to Enhance Consumer Safeguards with Expanded Testing for Illegal Drug Residues in Meat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced new steps to safeguard the food supply and to protect consumers nationwide. Later this summer, the Department will launch a new approach to its testing to protect the public from exposure to harmful levels of chemical residues in meat, poultry, and egg products.
USDA to Enhance Consumer Safeguards with Expanded Testing for Illegal Drug Residues in Meat
Emerging Science
Salmonella's pH Sensors Trigger Virulence
Salmonella bacteria rely on internal pH sensors to initiate their virulent traits after sensing heightened acidity in their environment, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine and the Yale Microbial Diversity Institute.
Research Linking Chicken to Bladder Infections Gets National Attention
There is growing evidence that there may be a link between bacteria on meat and antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections in people and that link is starting to get high profile media attention.
Copper Kills Salmonella, Other Microbes
Preparing food on copper surfaces may significantly reduce the risk of spreading foodborne pathogens, according to a study by researchers at the University of Arizona.
Food Processing Trends Underscore Need for Additional Safety
The current trend of minimization in food formulation and processing - such as the reduction of salt levels in products like meat and cheese and milder processing techniques designed to preserve fresh characteristics of products - should trigger a renewed look at food safety measures in the food industry, and might attract the attention of government regulators.
Genome Sequencing of 100,000 Foodborne Pathogens Underway:New database will speed up outbreak investigations
Over the past three years, scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have conducted whole genome sequencing on hundreds of foodborne pathogens to get a detailed map of their DNA. Now, with the help of university researchers and a private company, they're expanding that figure to 100,000.
New Publications
Latest Research Published by the Food Standards Agency
The Agency has produced a summary of its research published in June 2012. This includes a comparison of aflatoxin levels between Brazil nut kernels and their shells, and a study evaluating the levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in samples of fruit and vegetables grown in the UK.
A New Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today unveiled a new Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline that will help scientists improve the quality of data collected and used to protect consumers from pathogen-related risks in food and water.
Australian & New Zealand Issues
Guidance on the Addition of Nutritive Substances Derived from Milk in Infant Formula Products MPI has issued interpretative advice against Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Standard 2.9.1. The advice relates to the addition of nutritive substances derived from milk in Infant Formula Products. This advice was developed in response to requests for clarification about the application of the standard, particularly for addition of lactoferrin to infant formula products.
July Food Connect
The July issue of Food Connect - MPI's food safety e-newsletter - is now available fromthewebsite.
Threat to Truth in Labelling of Food
A proposal to require all health claims on packaged food to be substantiated before they go on the market may have been derailed by the billion-dollar grocery industry, which is proposing that it be allowed to sell first, prove later.
The Hype on Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 is one of today's nutritional buzz words, touted as good for all manner of ills. Charmian Smith takes a closer look at this essential fatty acid, sorts through the hype and gets back to basics.
New Zealand Bovine Colostrum Factsheet and New Zealand Bovine Colostrum Fast Facts
MPI has recently developed factsheets briefly outlining the history of manufacture and sale of NZ bovine colostrum products, and how colostrum processing is regulated in NZ.
Survey Report of Sulphites and Labelling of Imported Wine
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), formerly MAF, conducted a survey to assess the general compliance with labelling and sulphite requirements of imported wines as set out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Food Standards Code).
(Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code) Food Standards 2002, Amendment No. 45
This standard revokes Amendment 44 which was issued on 22 May (adopts 130 & 131 of Australia NZ Food Standards Code)
Chicken Vaccines Combine to Create Deadly Virus
Australian scientists have found that two different vaccines used to control an infectious disease in chickens can recombine to create new lethal virus strains.
Australia's Food and Nutrition 2012
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King today launched Australia’s Food and Nutrition 2012, a comprehensive report on the key components of Australia’s food and nutrition system.
Ms King said the report highlighted the importance of considering the food and nutrition system as a coherent whole.
How Food Labelling Could Change
Health claims on food could become more common if the billion-dollar Australian grocery industry has its way. But don't expect anything to happen very quickly.
Food Recalls
USA – FDA
Salmonella In the Mix Brings Recall of Dietary Supplements
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) is a "highly pure food grade powder derived from milk lactose" with uses including being an ingredient in dietary supplements for kids.Corn Products issued a recall in early May because almost 20 tons of GOS may be contaminated with Salmonella.
New Jersey Firm Recalls Various Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Buona Vita, Inc., a Bridgeton, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 72,510 pounds of various frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Cargill Meat Solutions, a Wyalusing, Pa., establishment, is recalling 29,339 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
USA – FSIS
Recall of Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products
Buona Vita, Inc., a Bridgeton, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 324,770 pounds of various frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
New Jersey Firm Recalls Various Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
UK – UKFSA
Breckland OrchardRecall of Fruit-based Drinks
Breckland Orchard recalls certain date codes of various fruit-based drinks due to the potential risk of bottle breakage. Due to a process failure; there is a risk of fermentation of the above products, which may result in breakage of the glass bottle.
Cott Recall of Sports Drink
Cott recalls one batch of Emerge Isotonic Orange Flavour Sports Drink due to possible contamination with pieces of plastic.
The Co-opRecall of Dark Chocolate
The Co-op recalls two batches of its own–brand Fairtrade Peruvian dark chocolate with dried sweetened cranberries due to undeclared milk.
Prompt Thai 2000 Recalls All Batches of its Kraft Cheez Whiz
This is due to the product containing a non-approved dairy ingredient.
Prompt Thai 2000 (Wholesale) Recalls All Batch Codes of a Range of Lady's Choice Spreads and Knorr Soups
In the absence ofnecessary import approvals, the products will be withdrawn from the UK market. All batches of each of the above products are manufactured in the Philippines using dairy, egg and meat ingredients in premises which do not have the necessary approvals for import to the EU.
Sainsbury’s Withdraws All Batch Codes of its 8 Chunky Caramel Chocolate Bars Cue to the Undeclared Presence of Peanuts
Customer notices will be displayed in stores to alert consumers to the reasons for the withdrawal and the actions they can take if they have purchased this product.
Single Jar of Olives Tested Positive for Type B Clostridium Botulinum
A single consumer is recovering from C.botulinum poisoning having consumed olives from a jar that tested positive for C.botulinum type B toxin.
Canada – CFIA
Undeclared Almond in Lotte Brand Choco Pie
The affected product is being recalled as itmay contain almond which is not declared on the label.
Certain Alkanater Brand Tahina May Contain Salmonella Bacteria
The affected product sold in 454 g containers is being recalled as it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Undeclared Milk in Mille-Feuilles Pastries Produced by Patisseries Sanda Inc
The affected product is being recalled as it may contain milk which is not declared on the label.
Healthy Times Brand Brown Rice Cereal For Baby May Contain Undeclared Wheat and Gluten
The affected product is being recalled as it may contain wheat or gluten which is not declared on the label.
Fresh Shelled Peas May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
The affected product sold from Thomas Bros. Farm Market is being recalled as it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
St Fidele Brand Cheese Curds May Contain a Toxin Produced by Staphylococcus Bacteria
The affected product is being recalled as it may be contaminated with Staphylococcus toxin.
Undeclared Wheat and Milk in Certain Melinda’s Biscotti Brand Almond Biscotti
The affected product is being recalled as it contains wheat and milk which are not declared on the label.
Earth Greens Brand Organic Italian Blend Salad May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
The affected product is being recalled as it may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.
Baby Move Brand Prune Concentrate May Contain Salmonella Bacteria
The affected product is being recalled as it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Several Gills Onions Brand ProductsMay Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
The affected products including Fresh Diced Red Onions, Fresh Diced Yellow Onions, and Fresh Diced Celery & Onions are being recalled because these products may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.
Australia – FSANZ
Coles Supermarketsis conducting a consumer level recall on Lite Sour Cream 300g due to the potential presence of microbial (E.coli) contamination.
True Foods Pty Ltd (trading as Empower Foods) is conducting a consumer level recall on Empower Power Wraps and Tony Ferguson High Fibre Wraps for possible foreign matter contamination (small metal pieces).
Simplot Australia Pty Ltd is conducting a consumer level recall asvegetable shortening used in the manufacture of I&J Crispy Battered Flathead in Beer Batter
contains milk which has not been listed on the label. This is the result of ingredient information not being provided to Simplot by the manufacturer in Thailand.
Peter Magee Pty Ltd (trading as VIC State Distributors) is conducting a consumer level recall on Kanga Kandy Choc Winter Mix due to undeclared allergen . To date there has been one case of illness reported to FSANZ by the sponsor associated with this product. This allegation is currently unsubstantiated.
FSANZ has been informed that the distribution of the product is wider than initially thought. As per the distribution list provided the retail outlets are not limited to Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. Victoria Health has advised that the product has been distributed to rural Victoria.
New Zealand – NZFSA
Waikato Valley ‘Forest Fruit’ Chocolate Bar Recall
Waikato Valley Chocolate Ltd are recalling one batch of Waikato Valley ‘Forest Fruit’ 200g chocolate bars after discovering the product contains almonds which is not labelled as required.
Consumer Recall Notification of Ready-To-Eat Meat Products - by Bay Cuisine Ltd
Bay Cuisine Ltd is initiating a recall of the above products after discovering that these products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria.
Recalled Food Products: Sea Cuisine Oysters
United World Foods Ltd is initiating a recall of their Sea Cuisine Frozen Oyster Products due to the potential presence of norovirus.
FSANZ makes the material in this newsletter available on the understanding that users exercise their own skill, care and judgement with respect to its use. Before relying on the material, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purposes, and should obtain appropriate expert advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
Links to external web sites are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of any information, product or services at those sites. FSANZ makes no representations or warranties regarding, the source, quality, accuracy or completeness of the materials on any website to which a hyperlink is provided above.
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