Saturday, July 31, 2010

Outbreaks and Alerts: July 31, 2010

A daily digest of international outbreaks, alerts and food safety news

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Mokena, IL. July 29: At least four people were hospitalized and 53 others reported illnesses after attending wedding parties this month at Di Nolfo's Banquet Inn and Catering on July 16 and 17. Health officials believe that Norovirus is behind the outbreak. No significant food safety violations have been noted, and non of the Di Nolfo employees have reported illnesses.
  • Nemaha County, KS. July 29: Due to a toxic blue-green algae bloom in the lake, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is advising the public to avoid contact with water in the Centralia City Lake, located two miles southwest of Centralia, in Nemaha County.
  • Jewell County, KS. July 29: While the conditions at Lovewell Reservoir in Jewell County continue to improve, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is continuing to advise the public to avoid contact with water in Lovewell Reservoir in Jewell County, due to the presence of a toxic blue-green algae bloom.
  • Meade County, KS. July 30: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is advising the public to avoid contact with water in Meade State Lake, located twelve miles southwest of Meade, in Meade County, due to the presence of a toxic blue-green algae bloom.
  • St. Paul, MN. July 30: Officials reopened the beach at Diamond Point Park in Bemidji on Friday afternoon, after testing found that water quality was within normal levels.The beach was closed Thursday after three people became ill July 12 and 13 from E. coli. Health officials determined that the common link was that all three had visited the beach sometime from July 8-11.
  • Silver Spring, MD. July 30: FDA is warning consumers not to take Miracle Mineral Solution, an oral liquid also known as “Miracle Mineral Supplement” or “MMS.” The product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm to health. The FDA has received several reports of health injuries from consumers using this product, including severe nausea, vomiting, and life-threatening low blood pressure from dehydration. MMS is distributed on Internet sites and online auctions by multiple independent distributors. Although the products share the MMS name, the look of the labeling may vary.
  • Gallatin County, MT. July 30: County and state health officials on Friday said several people have become ill after consuming water from a privately owned public water supply near Hebgen Lake. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has confirmed 14 cases of Campylobacter gastrointestinal illness.
  • Baton Rouge, LA. July 30: The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced the reopening of oyster harvesting areas 1, 4 and 6 after working with a specialist with the federal Food and Drug Administration and determining there was no oil intrusion.
  • Olympia, WA. July 30: Several cases of illness from eating raw oysters and lab detection of the foodborne pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus has led state health officials to close two Hood Canal growing areas. While no illnesses have been linked to oysters from this area this summer, at least four cases of vibriosis have been confirmed in people who ate raw oysters harvested in the neighboring Hood Canal Five, which runs from Clark Creek (about a mile north of Hoodsport) north to Cummings Point.
  • Oregon. July 30: The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have reopened a portion of the coast to recreational razor clam harvesting, from Tillamook Head south to Cascade Head. Shellfish samples taken from the area indicate levels of the marine toxin domoic acid have dropped below the alert level. Recreational razor clamming remains closed on the Oregon coast from Tillamook Head north to the mouth of the Columbia River and from Cascade Head south to Bandon.
  • Coos County, OR. July 30: A health advisory for contact with marine water at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County was lifted today after testing showed that fecal bacterial levels have subsided at the beach after testing showed that fecal bacteria levels have subsided.


Europe
  • Dublin, Ireland. July 29: The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reissued its advice on the safe consumption of duck eggs, following the confirmation of five new cases of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8. The FSAI states that these five cases are in addition to the thirteen cases associated with duck egg consumption during an outbreak earlier in the year. The bacteria found in these five cases are similar to those that caused that outbreak and the source of these cases is under investigation.
  • Stockholm, Sweden. July 29: The National Food Administration and the National Chemicals Inspectorate will jointly investigate and evaluate the feasibility and advisability of introducing a national ban on bisphenol A in some plastics. The outcome of the investigation will be reported to the Environment Ministry by 31 March 2011.
  • London, UK. July 30: The Food Standards Agency advises that people should consider avoiding drinking bottled water described or labelled as Zam Zam water. This is because tests have shown ‘Zam Zam’ water sold in the UK, or brought into the UK for personal consumption, contains high levels of arsenic or nitrates. Zam Zam water is sacred to Muslims and comes from a specific source in Saudi Arabia. Under Saudi law, Zam Zam water cannot be exported from Saudi Arabia for sale. Any water on sale in the UK that is labelled as Zam Zam is therefore of uncertain origin.
  • Lisbon, Portugal. July 30: Portugal's Directorate General of Health is investigating several cases of listeriosis in the region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley.
  • London, UK. July 30: The Food Standards Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children. Another two manufacturers producing product lines free of the colours have been added to the list: Minara Foods Ltd and PoleStar Foods Ltd. In addition, the Subway chain of sandwich shops and restaurants has been added to the list, along with Legoland Windsor's pick 'n' mix sweets.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Yaounde, Cameroon. July 28: The cholera outbreak in the northern part of Cameroon has claimed 86 lives and sickened 1221 people since early May.
  • Hong Kong. July 29: A spokesman for the Department of Health has advised members of the public in possession of Radix Strobilanthis Forrestii, which was involved in an atropine poisoning case reported by the Hospital Authority on July 22, to find out from their Chinese medical practitioner or Chinese herbal medicine retailer whether the herb originated from wholesaler Wong Chak Kee Limited and if so, immediately stop using it.
  • Hong Kong. July 30: The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) released the findings of its food safety report for June. Of the 6,100 food samples tested, 13 samples were found to be unsatisfactory and the overall satisfactory rate was 99.8%. A CFS spokesman said that about 4,100 food samples were taken for chemical tests and the remaining 1,900 for microbiological and other tests. Among the 13 unsatisfactory samples, four samples of soft ice-cream and scoop ice-cream were announced earlier.
  • Hong Kong. July 30: The findings of a study conducted by the Centre for Food Safety revealed that the levels of nitrate and nitrite in vegetables consumed locally were unlikely to pose any immediate health risk to the general population. Moreover, blanching was found to be more effective than soaking in reducing nitrate in vegetables.
  • Beijing, China. July 30: The Ministry of Health said at a news conference that efforts will be made to strengthen the tracking assessment system, and, in line with the opinions from all sectors and international standards, constantly revise and improve the 66 national safety standards on dairy products published by the ministry on March 26 this year.
  • Hong Kong. July 30: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is investigating a gastroenteritis outbreak in an elderly home and reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe environmental and personal hygiene to prevent norovirus gastroenteritis. The gastroenteritis outbreak is affecting 17 residents and three staff members (6 men and 14 women) in an elderly home in Mong Kok. Stool samples from three residents tested positive for norovirus.
  • Orissa, India. July 30: At least 25 people, including six women, and a child have fallen ill with suspected anthrax contracted from dead animals in Orissa's Sundergarh district, health official said Friday.


Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, July 31, 2010 0 comments
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Of Mice and Men . . . And Snakes and Salmonella

Frozen reptile feed fingered in multiple Salmonella outbreaks

People who keep pet snakes are a special breed. It takes a certain kind of person to use live critters as pet food.

Fortunately for many reptile owners, a couple of companies discovered that there was a market for frozen or freeze-dried reptile feed, in the form of mice, rats and chicks. Unfortunately, the entrepreneurs that filled this niche market have since learned what any microbiologist could have told them in a heartbeat.

Freezing does not kill Salmonella.

The latest company to find this out is MiceDirect (Cleveland, GA), whose "frozen reptile feed" has been linked to 30 or more cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections in 17 states, including two victims in New York State. MiceDirect recalled the implicated frozen critters and has announced that "Products shipped after 07/24/2010, will be irradiated in a similar manner as raw food for human consumption in order to address the Salmonella issue associated with these products."

The recall encompasses product codes M-SP100, M-P100, M-PF100, M-F100, M-H100, M-W50, M-A50, M-JA25, R-P100, R-F50, R-PUP50, R-W50, R-S50, R-M20, R-L10,R-J5, R-C5, R-M3 followed by E9, F9, G9, H9, I9, J9, K9, L9 or A10, B10, C10, D10, E10, F10, G10 and whole frozen chicks in 25 count bags. Recalled products were distributed in 49 states (none were shipped to Hawaii) through pet stores and by mail order and direct delivery.

In contrast to the official recall notice, the explanation that is posted on the MiceDirect web site makes no mention whatsoever of the Salmonella outbreak that triggered the company's action. Instead, it gives the following explanation:
This is to inform you that MiceDirect has issued a voluntary recall. Over the years we have regularly tested our rodents for any potential issues. During one of these recent tests it was detected that a portion of our rodents may be potentially carrying Salmonella. Because of this we are offering a voluntary recall option to our customers.

Facts:

This particular type of Salmonella cannot be passed to your reptile. Reptiles carry other specific strains.

  • Salmonella is common in almost all groups of both domestic and wild animals
  • Salmonella can make you sick, small children and frail or elderly people are more susceptible.
  • Washing your hands prevents this risk of illness from Salmonella. Please wash your hands when handling.

When handling raw product, such as rodents, chicken, pork, beef or any dead animal, it is very important to thoroughly wash your hands. Washing your hands should keep you from becoming sick in the event you come into contact with Salmonella.

Really?!?!

Where did MiceDirect uncover the "Fact" that this strain of Salmonella Typhimurium cannot be passed to reptiles? And what difference does that make, anyway? It clearly can be – and has been – passed to humans.

Indeed, according to an article in the New York Times, frozen reptile food supplied by MiceDirect was responsible for a large and enduring outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses in the United Kingdom that has sickened more than 400 people – two-thirds of them children less than 10 years old – since August 2008.

The UK's Health Protection Agency detected the appearance of the outbreak strain in December 2008, and followed its progress across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Patient interviews unearthed a link between the illnesses and exposure to pet reptiles – especially snakes. In most cases, the snakes had been fed frozen mice that had been imported from a single US company. And, notwithstanding MiceDirect's assurances, the outbreak strain was recovered from two snakes that belonged to outbreak victims.

The New York Times reports that, in May 2009, UK authorities advised the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the outbreak and of its link to MiceDirect. CDC, upon checking its database, found no matching US cases but says that it advised FDA of the British report.

The first US case was reported to CDC in January 2010. The agency realized in the spring that something was brewing, and began its investigation. In May, CDC notified FDA that an outbreak was in progress, but only established a link to MiceDirect at the beginning of July. FDA and CDC visited the MiceDirect facility on July 6th to inspect the location and take samples of the environment and the rodents. On July 21st, FDA notified MiceDirect that the agency had found Salmonella in the company's products and facility.

CDC has not yet posted an investigation report on its web site, but expects to do so in the near future. At that time, we'll learn the scope of the outbreak and more about the victims and the investigation.

The MiceDirect outbreak is not the first time that Salmonella-contaminated rodents were linked to an outbreak of human disease. Between December 2003 and September 2004, 28 people in 10 states were infected with Salmonella Typhimurium after being exposed to pet rodents, including mice and hamsters. Nor is it the first outbreak that has been linked to frozen reptile food.

From December 2005 to August 2006, 21 people in Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wyoming developed infections with Salmonella Typhimurium. Most of the victims reported exposure to snakes. Nineteen of the 21 outbreak victims were interviewed and seven of the 19 reported contact with frozen vacuum-packed rodents from a single Internet-based supplier located in Texas. Upon investigation, the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service traced the rodents to a single, unlicensed facility in the central part of the state. Inspection of the facility revealed numerous problems, including rodents that were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.

The authors of the 2005/06 outbreak investigation report had this to say:
This outbreak, along with the previously reported outbreak, demonstrate the need for more detailed oversight of the commercially distributed rodent industry. We recommend that states assess the feed rodent facilities in their states and require that proper infection control procedures be maintained. Efforts need to be made to educate rodent breeders and distributors about proper infection control and biosecurity practices, and to develop regulations of this industry that will facilitate control of zoonotic diseases in rodents. Public education regarding the risk of salmonellosis after handling rodents, especially in vulnerable populations at risk for severe complications, is another key component in preventing such outbreaks in the future.

Thoughtful recommendations, but was anybody listening? Obviously not MiceDirect or the company's home state of Georgia.


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Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, July 31, 2010 4 comments
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Recall Roundup: July 31, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Bay Valley Foods recalls 10.5 oz cans of Chef's Cupboard Chicken with Rice Soup (BEST BY 01 05 12) because some cans are mislabeled and may contain Vegetarian Vegetable Soup. The mislabeled product contains undeclared egg and wheat.
  • Allergy Alert: Giant Eagle recalls Market District brand Couscous (UPC 3003400014; Best By Nov. 10) due to undeclared wheat and incorrect cooking instructions.
  • Pet Food Safety Recall: The Procter & Gamble Company expands its earlier recall to include additional veterinary and some specialized dry pet food that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company has recalled all sizes and varieties (Best by 01Jul10 – 01Dec11) of Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas, Eukanuba Naturally Wild, Eukanuba Pure, and Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin. The recalled products all were manufactured in a single facility in the United States and are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada.
  • USDA Enforcement Action: USDA ordered Murray's Chicken to cease processing at its South Fallsburg poultry plant Tuesday, citing unspecified food safety concerns. The action follows earlier written warnings to the company regarding sanitation and regulatory compliance issues.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: G. Brandt Meat Packers Ltd. of Brampton, ON (Establishment No. 164) recalls ready-to-eat cooked meat products sold under the Borges, Brandt, Longo's and The Smoke Master brand names, because the deli meats may be contaminated with unspecified foodborne pathogens. The products were distributed nationally. This follows an earlier recall of Freybe and Brandt brands of headcheese, after the Freybe headcheese was associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Chester in British Columbia and Ontario. Brandt is the manufacturer of Freybe headcheese. Freybe brand Ham Suelze – also manufactured by Brandt – was recalled recently due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. It is likely, therefore, that the extensive list of products encompassed by this latest recall are at risk of both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been associated with this latest list of recalled meats.
  • Pet Food Safety Recall: The Procter & Gamble Company expands its earlier recall to include additional veterinary and some specialized dry pet food that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company has recalled all sizes and varieties (Best by 01Jul10 – 01Dec11) of Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas, Eukanuba Naturally Wild, Eukanuba Pure, and Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin. The recalled products all were manufactured in a single facility in the United States and are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada.



Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.



Posted by Phyllis E at Saturday, July 31, 2010 0 comments
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Friday, July 30, 2010

Recall Roundup: July 30, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Dulcería Chepito (Cabo Rojo, PR) recalls Chepito Dulces Tropicales - Almejas (6 oz. pkg), because the product contains undeclared egg. The recalled Almejas was distributed locally to retailers in the western part of the Commonwealth.
  • Food Safety Recall: Specialty Farms LLC expands its earlier recall to include Specialty Farms brand Organic Alfalfa Sprouts Blend and Organic Sprout Salad (4 oz. plastic containers best if sold by 8/3/2010), Natures Promise Organic Alfalfa Sprouts (4 oz. container and 8 oz. bag, best if sold by 8/1/2010), and Natures Promise Organic Zesty Sprouts (4 oz., best if sold by 8/1/2010), because the recalled sprouts may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Natures Promise is a Stop & Shop brand. The recalled sprouts were supplied to distributors and to retail stores in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
  • Food Safety Recall: The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company recalls Nature's Promise Alfalfa and Zesty Sprouts (all date codes) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The sprouts were produced for Stop & Shop by Specialty Farms (see above), and were sold in Stop & Shop stores in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall: Nutraloid Labs Inc. recalls two dietary supplement products sold under the names: ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II after an FDA lab analysis determined that the products contain sulfoaildenafil, similar in structure to Sildenafil, which is an active ingredient of an FDA-approved drug for male Erectile Dysfunction. The undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Nutrisoya Inc. (St- Hyacinthe, QC) recalls Maple flavour natur-a Glacé brand non-dairy frozen dessert (946 mL containers; UPC 0 63667 80124 3; lot code 16810), because the non-dairy dessert contains undeclared milk. The recalled product was distributed only in Ontario.
  • Food Safety Recall: Cowichan Valley Meat Market (Duncan, BC) recalls five pepperoni products (PKGD. ON (packaged on) dates up to and including JL 28) because they may be contaminated with with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by these bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness. The affected products were sold only at Cowichan Valley Meat Market, 5191 Koksilah Frontage Road, Duncan, BC.


Europe


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Herbal Medicine Recall (Hong Kong): The Department of Health has instructed a licensed Chinese herbal medicine wholesaler Wong Chak Kee Limited to recall Radix Strobilanthis Forrestii from retailers as it was found to contain atropine.The recall was made following DH’s investigation into a case of poisoning involving a 79-year-old woman who had a history of taking Chinese herbs bought from Wing Woo Hing, a licensed Chinese herbal medicines retailer in Sheung Wan for eczema. The Radix Strobilanthis Forrestii was imported from Fo Shan by Wong Chak Kee Limited and was supplied to local retailers including Wing Woo Hing.



Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.



Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, July 30, 2010 0 comments
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Outbreaks and Alerts: July 29, 2010

A daily digest of international outbreaks, alerts and food safety news

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Newark, NJ. July 27: Thomas George, the former Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Seafood Corporation, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for importing falsely labeled fish from Vietnam and evading over $60 million in federal tariffs, as well as selling over $500,000 in similarly misbranded fish purchased from another importer.
  • Multnomah County, OR. July 27: A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Fairview Lake, located 20 miles east of Portland and directly south of Blue Lake, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Multnomah County Health Department officials.
  • Coos County, OR. July 28: A public health advisory has been issued due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County. While this advisory is in effect at Sunset Bay State Park Beach visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean for 48 hours after a rainstorm.
  • Olympia, WA. July 28: Fair season is here and state health officials are reminding people to have a good time seeing animals close-up at petting zoos and educational farms, but don’t get sick from them.
  • Miami, FL. July 28: A yearlong beach study led by a team of University of Miami researchers suggests that swimmers at sub-tropical beaches face an increased risk of illness. The multi-disciplinary team examined the risk of illness that beachgoers face when exposed to recreational marine water at sub-tropical beaches with no known source of pollution or contamination.
  • New York, NY. July 28: The UN has declared that access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right. About 1.5m children under five die each year from water and sanitation-related diseases. The resolution was passed with 122 nations in favour, none against and 41 abstentions.
  • USA. July 29: NRDC's annual survey of water quality and public notification at U.S. beaches finds that the number of beach closings and advisories in 2009 hit their sixth-highest level in the 20-year history of the report. The number of closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches topped 18,000 for the fifth consecutive year, confirming that our nation's beaches continue to suffer from bacterial pollution that puts swimmers at risk.
  • Silver Spring, MD. July 29: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that inadvertent exposure to Evamist through skin contact with patients using this product has the potential for adverse effects in children and pets. Evamist contains estradiol, an estrogen hormone, and is used in women to reduce hot flashes during menopause. The drug is sprayed on the skin between the elbow and wrist, on the inside of the forearm. The FDA currently is reviewing reports of adverse events in children and pets who were inadvertently exposed to this topical estrogen product.





Canada
  • Ottawa, ON. July 27: Health Canada is reminding Canadians that raw or undercooked sprouts should not be eaten by children, older adults, pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems, as these foods, however, may carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7, which can lead to serious illness.
  • Ottawa, ON. July 29: Health Canada is informing Canadians that Marché Euromix, a retail store in Pierrefonds (Montréal), was found to be selling a health product that was not authorized for sale by Health Canada and that closely resembled in appearance an authorized drug, Viagra. As such, Health Canada worked with the Canadian licensee of Viagra, Pfizer Canada Inc., to confirm that Marché Euromix’s product was not Viagra and can therefore be considered to be counterfeit.


Europe
  • United Kingdom. July 28: The Food Standards Agency is reminding caterers to make sure chicken livers are handled hygienically and cooked thoroughly when used in products such as pâté or parfait, following a number of outbreaks of Campylobacter food poisoning linked with chicken liver products where the livers may have been undercooked. The most recent figures suggest that 65% of shop-bought chicken is contaminated with Campylobacter. Food safety experts at the Agency advise that chicken liver should not be treated like a piece of steak; rather it must be cooked all the way through, as Campylobacter can be present throughout the liver, not just on the surface.
  • Lanarkshire, Scotland. July 29: Health officials in Lanarkshire are investigating a rise in local cases of cryptosporidiosis - an infection which causes diarrhoea.Three pools have been closed as a precautionary measure at Cumbernauld's Tryst Sports Complex, after it emerged that some people who were infected with Cryptosporidium had been swimming there.
  • Stavropol, Russia. July 29: Thirty-five people, including two children suffered acute gastrointestinal infections after attending a wedding feast in the village of Upper Dubivka. One victim has been hospitalized.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Abu Dhabi. July 25: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has opened channels of communication with Islamic organizations in all the countries that export meat to Abu Dhabi. The establishment of contact with the religious bodies is to ascertain the animals are slaughterd in these countries according to the Islamic rules concerning that sphere.
  • Hong Kong. July 27: The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a suspected food poisoning case affecting 10 people. The victims – six men and four women aged between 26 and 33 – developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea about five to 14 hours after attending a banquet at a restaurant in Sha Tin on July 11. Three of them sought medical attention. No hospitalisation was required. All are in stable condition.
  • Singapore. July 28: Bonsoy soy milk products that are currently available for sale in Singapore have been reformulated without the “Kombu” seaweed. This product has been tested and found to be safe for consumption.
  • Hong Kong. July 28: The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 13 members of a tour group. The victims – five males and eight females aged from 12 to 70 – were members of a tour group visiting Hong Kong. They had meals at a restaurant in Wan Chai on July 26 and subsequently developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.Eleven of them sought medical treatment. No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.
  • Abu Dhabi. July 28: In a major inspection campaign targeting bakeries and confectionaries in the city of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority's inspection units visited 52 shops in different parts of the capital, issued 39 food safety warnings and detected 2 violations. A total of 11 shops were found in full compliance with the mandatory safety standards.
  • Muzaffarnagar, India. July 29: Two kawad pilgrims died due to suspected food poisoning at Shamli town after consuming milk en route.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Berwick, Australia. July 28: The Victorian Department of Health has been notified of a number of cases of Hepatitis A in the Berwick area, in families associated with the Berwick Early Learning Centre. Physicians are asked to consider the diagnosis of Hepatitis A in any person presenting with Acute Hepatitis, especially if they have links to the centre, and are reminded that Hepatitis A is a notifiable disease.
  • New South Wales, Australia. July 29: The NSW Government’s Name and Shame register has attracted more than four million hits since its inception two years ago, successfully meeting the increasing public demand for safe food information, Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan said today. Not bad, considering that the population of the entire state at the last census was less than 7 million people!


Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Cosoleacaque, Mexico. July 28: Residents of calle Luís Echeverría are upset and disappointed that municipal authorities have done nothing to resolve a problem with raw sewage runoff in their neighborhood. The problem has existed since September 2009, and residents are worried that the putrid waters will cause disease in infants and elderly people.
  • Chile. July 28: Seven people showed up at a hospital emergency room with food poisoning symptoms after eating sandwiches from Golditos, a local sandwich fast food chain. The Department of Health has begun an investigation.


Posted by Phyllis E at Thursday, July 29, 2010 0 comments
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Recall Roundup: July 28, 2010

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.


United States
  • Food Safety Recall (Update): USDA posts revised retail distribution list for Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken & Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce that have been recalled by ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC due to Salmonella contamination.
  • Pet Food Safety Recall: Biggers & Callaham LLC., D/B/A Mice Direct (Cleveland, GA) recalls frozen reptile feed (mice, rats, chicks), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The frozen reptile feed was distributed in all states, except Hawaii, through pet stores and by mail order and direct delivery. CDC is investigating 30 or more cases of Salmonella infections in 17 states that may be linked to the recalled reptile feed.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: Dats Déli Européen (Montreal, QC) expands its earlier recalls to include additional products and "best before dates" for the recalled products. The recalled items, which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, are known to have been distributed in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia and may have been distributed nationally.
  • Food Safety Recall: Freybe Gourmet Foods (Langley, BC) recalls Freybe brand Ham Suelze (all codes purchased up to and including July 28, 2010), because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Ham Suelze was manufactured for Freybe by G. Brandt Meat Packers (Mississauga, ON). Freybe already had suspended sales of the Ham Suelze as part of its response to the Salmonella Chester outbreak that has been linked to Freybe Headcheese (also manufactured for Freybe by Brandt Meat).


Europe


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Cosmetic Product Safety Recall (Singapore): The Health Sciences Authority has detected an undeclared western medicinal ingredient (minoxidil) in “Hair Growth Formula D-2653-B” and “Hair Growth Tonic E-0583-D”, used as haircare therapies by Beijing 101 Hair Consultants. Both “Hair Growth Formula D-2653-B” and “Hair Growth Tonic E-0583-D” are manufactured by Beijing Zhangguang 101 Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd in Beijing, China. In Singapore, minoxidil is a pharmacy-only medicine and can only be used under the supervision of doctors or sold by pharmacists for the treatment of hair loss. The affected batches of the two products have since been recalled from Beijing 101 Hair Consultants haircare centres.



Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.



Posted by Phyllis E at Wednesday, July 28, 2010 0 comments
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