Montefiore Cheese Plays Recall Hopscotch With Salmonella

Australian company recalls two non-consecutive batches of cheese.

On April 12th, Montefiore Cheese (Aust) P/L recalled two production batches of Montefiore Cheese Mozzarella Fiorello due to Salmonella contamination. The recalled cheeses consisted of batch #076 and #078, bearing Best Before dates of 17.06.10 and 19.06.10, respectively. Batch #077 was NOT recalled.

Montefiore is a producer of Italian-style cheeses and is based in Victoria, Australia.

According to information provided by Lydia Buchtmann of Food Standards Australia, Montefiore initiated the mozzarella recall after the company's own routine testing detected Salmonella in batches 076 and 078, but not in batch 077. The Australian government is not aware of any associated cases of Salmonella illness.

That's the good news. But there is a downside to this story.

The recalled cheese was produced on March 17th and March 19th. It took more than three weeks for Montefiore to complete its Salmonella tests, in an era when Salmonella tests can be completed easily within 48 hours. What took so long? And why, with rapid testing so readily available, would Montefiore not follow a test-and-hold policy – an approach that would have vastly reduced the risk of contaminated products entering the food supply?

Of equal concern is Batch #077 – the supposedly "safe" production batch – as well as the batches of mozzarella cheese that were produced immediately prior to and following the recalled batches. If past experience is any indication of future performance, there is a heightened risk that these neighboring batches may also harbor Salmonella.

I would refer Montefiore's management to the 2008 experience of Canada's Maple Leaf Foods. That company initially recalled just two batches – produced two weeks apart – of ready-to-eat deli meat, after those batches were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes. The recall quickly expanded to include additional production dates and deli meat varieties. Ultimately, the entire production facility was shut down for extensive cleaning and sanitation, and several months worth of ready-to-eat meats were recalled. Fifty-seven illnesses were linked to the contaminated deli meats. Twenty-two people died.

I tried to contact Montefiore by email earlier today in order to ask a few questions. The email address posted on the company's web site is not functioning. These are the questions that I wanted to ask:

1. Does Montefiore routinely test every batch of finished cheese for Salmonella and/or other harmful bacteria?
2. Does Montefiore routinely carry out environmental/equipment sampling for Salmonella and/or other harmful bacteria?
3. Does Montefiore plan to make any changes to its sanitation program or microbiological testing program as a result of having found Salmonella in two batches of mozzarella cheese?
4. Is there any additional information or comment that Montefiore would wish to share with eFoodAlert's many Australian readers?

In the absence of answers to these questions, if I were living in Australia, I would switch to a different brand of Italian-style cheese until it's clear that the company has fully resolved its contamination problem.

A bit more transparency would be helpful here.

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Excess Iodine Prompts International Bonsoy Soy Milk Recall

Ten Australians in New South Wales Develop Thyroid Problems After Drinking Bonsoy

(Updated December 26, 2009 with additional recall details.)

Bonsoy Soy Milk has been linked to at least ten instances of thyroid problems. One of the victims is a newborn, whose mother drank Bonsoy milk during her pregnancy. The soy milk was found to contain excessive amounts of iodine.

All 1-litre TetraPak cartons of Bonsoy Soy Milk labeled with the APN/EAN/TUN Number: 9312336049037 and Best Before dates up to and including 03.11.11 have been recalled. Bonsoy was distributed in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The recalled soy milk was sold throughout Australia in Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Metcash, Health Food Shops and cafes.

According to Victoria health authorities, daily consumption of as little as 5mL (for a child) or 30mL (for an adult) of Bonsoy milk would exceed the recommended daily intake of iodine.

What is iodine and why is it important?

Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral that is necessary to the function of the thyroid gland. This gland regulates our metabolism. Too much or too little iodine in the diet can disturb the normal operation of the thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

An overactive thyroid produces symptoms such as palpitations, weight loss and fatigue. Hypothyroidism – a condition to which babies appear more susceptible and which is more difficult to detect – can result in fatigue, weight gain and mental clouding.

We need only very small amounts of iodine to ensure correct functioning of the thyroid. It is found most commonly in seawater and seafood, particularly in kelp (seaweed). Often, table salt is iodine-fortified to ensure its presence in the daily diet.

What is Bonsoy, and why did it contain excess iodine?

Bonsoy is a soy milk that is distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Spiral Foods Pty Ltd., a Victoria-based self-proclaimed organic food company. Spiral Foods, which is a distributor of domestic and imported specialty food products, describes Bonsoy thus:

"Bonsoy has a Natural, full bodied mellow aroma and a subtle, mildly sweet flavour. Made from a selected variety of soybeans and processed to a unique and original Japanese recipe."

"What we mean by a "traditional recipe" is that soy and grain give a complete protein profile. Kombu (sea-veg), known for its mineral content, is also used when beans are consumed. Job's tears (also known as Hato Mugi) is held in high regard in Chinese medicine for its properties. These ingredients form the corner stone of a "traditional recipe" in that all these products work together not only for taste and texture but also for nutrition."

The iodine in Bonsoy derives from Kombu, a common variety of edible seaweed, much used in Japanese cuisine. The level of iodine in any given batch of Kombu will vary, depending mainly on the iodine content of the seawater where the Kombu grew and, to some extent, the way in which the seaweed was processed and handled after harvest.

So far this year, three separate food alert notifications have been issued by European Union countries due to excessive iodine in seaweed or sea algae from Japan – in January, in April, and in August.

Where was Bonsoy manufactured, and where else is it sold?

Neither the Spiral Foods web site nor the Food Standards Australia recall notice states whether Bonsoy Soy Milk is manufactured in Australia or elsewhere (perhaps Japan). And while the recall notice mentions overseas distribution to New Zealand only, we already have learned that some of the Bonsoy milk was imported into Hong Kong. Distribution of the recalled milk elsewhere in the region would not be surprising.

What should consumers do?

Stop using Bonsoy Soy Milk immediately. Discard any remaining product, or return it to your retailer for a refund. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as fatigue, or unusual weight loss or weight gain, seek immediate medical attention.

If you live outside of Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong and you encounter Bonsoy Soy Milk for sale, please advise your local health authorities – and either email me directly or post a comment at the end of this article to warn other eFoodAlert readers.

Victoria Tackles Hepatitis Outbreak

Chief Health Officer issues "Order" under Part VII of the Food Act of 1984

November 13, 2009

Australia has been experiencing an unusually high number of cases of Hepatitis A infections this year. Most of the victims have reported eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes – usually in salads or sandwiches. Most of the victims live in the state of Victoria. A few cases also have been reported in New South Wales and West Australia.

Victoria issued its first hepatitis alert on April 8, 2009. A second alert – advising Victorians, for the first time, to avoid eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes – was released to the media on October 9th.

Epidemiological investigation has been unable to pinpoint the source of the tomatoes that are at the bottom of the outbreak. Domestic producers are pointing to imported products. It is thought that loose, semi-dried tomatoes sold by large supermarket chains are safe, since the hepatitis outbreak has been limited mostly to Victoria.

One week ago, Dr John Carnie, Victoria's Chief Health Officer, issued an Order under the Food Act in an effort to abort the outbreak. The Order, which will expire in 90 days, places special requirements on both domestic and imported semi-dried tomatoes, including:

• Raw tomatoes must be washed and sanitized in chlorinated water prior to drying;
• Semi-dried tomatoes must be pasteurized under conditions that will destroy the Hepatitis virus;
• Manufacturers, distributors, importers, suppliers and commercial recipients of semi-dried tomatoes must ensure full traceability of the tomatoes; and
• Businesses that receive semi-dried tomatoes must take all reasonable measures to satisfy themselves that the tomatoes have been processed and pasteurized in accordance with the requirements of the Order

A food-borne hepatitis outbreak – especially one that is not associated with a specific restaurant – is an epidemiologist's nightmare. The virus has a long incubation period of anywhere from less than 2 weeks to nearly 2 months. The symptoms of an infection with Hepatitis A may be non-existent (an asymptomatic infection), may resemble a mild gastroenteritis, or can produce more severe illness, resulting in hospitalization. Symptoms can last for several weeks.

Individuals who become infected with Hepatitis A virus begin to shed the virus in their stools midway through the incubation period, and well before symptoms of the illness show themselves. Many children never develop any symptoms of their infection at all, yet shed the virus anyway.

Hepatitis outbreaks can be expensive. A recent study estimated the cost per case at US$3,824 to US$200,480 – depending on the severity of the disease, size of the outbreak, economic impact on the source of the outbreak (e.g., a restaurant), complexity of the epidemiological investigation, and so forth.

The government's hope is that last Friday's Order will put an eventual end to the outbreak. But the impact of Victoria's action is likely to be gradual; there has been no recall – nor is there likely to be one, unless further investigation pinpoints the source of the Hepatitis virus. Victorians will have to wait until the remainder of the Hepatitis-contaminated semi-dried tomatoes work their way through the food supply system.

Meanwhile, Australian consumers – especially those in Victoria, New South Wales and West Australia – should not eat any uncooked semi-dried tomatoes.

The Downside of Irradiation: The Australian Experience

June 5, 2009

Virbac (Australia) Pty. Ltd. has recalled Veggie Dent™ Chews For Dogs after the dental chews were tentatively linked to cases of Fanconi-like syndrome (a kidney disease) in an undisclosed number of pet dogs. No kidney illnesses have been reported in other countries among dogs who were fed Veggie Dent™ chews.

Last December, we reported on a similar situation – a recall of KraMar chicken jerky dog treats. Then, too, the treats were associated with Fanconi-like syndrome. Then, too, only dogs in Australia appeared to be affected.

In November 2008, Orijen cat food was recalled in Australia when at least 40 Orijen-fed cats became paralyzed in a nine-month period. Again, no Orijen-related problems were reported in other countries where the cat food was available.

What is the common element that links these three episodes?

• It's not the animal species. Cats were affected in the first episode and dogs in the other two.
• It's not the country of origin. The Orijen was made in Canada, the KraMar chicken jerky came from China, and the Virbac dog chews were manufactured in Vietnam.
• It's not the symptoms. Cats were paralyzed, whereas the dogs experienced kidney problems.

The common element is Australia's import requirement that these pet foods and pet treats be treated with high levels of irradiation in order to be allowed into the country.

In 1985, Czech researchers reported that treating dog food with radiation levels similar to those specified by Australia resulted in:

• 35% degradation of essential amino acids;
• destructive changes in the lipid component;
• partial decomposition of the saccharide part; and
• decomposition of fats with a release of free fatty acids.

In addition to its effect on amino acids and fats, irradiation reduces vitamin A levels and increases peroxides. And cats fed an exclusive diet of irradiated food developed the same paralysis syndrome suffered by the Orijen-fed cats in Australia.

The evidence is piling up. Australia's insistence on irradiating imported pet foods and pet treats is sickening some of the very pets that the policy is meant to protect. The government already has backed away from requiring irradiation of cat food. Why are dogs not receiving equal treatment?

The Australian experience also raises a fundamental question about the safety of irradiating food for human consumption. Irradiated food doesn't glow in the dark, but neither should we be left in the dark about the downside of an irradiated diet.

Bits & Pieces: Metal Fragments in Australian Mince Meat

March 10, 2009

Food Standards Australia is alerting consumers to a recall of the following mince meats sold at Woolworths Plainland Supermarket, 3 Gehrke Road, Plainland, QLD, 4341. 

• Woolworths labelled Minced Lamb, Veal, Pork, Heart Smart Beef, Regular Beef or Premium Beef: Various tray sizes, styrofoam base with plastic cling film cover; Packed 06/03/09 (March 6, 2009); Use By date of 08/03/09 (March 8, 2009)
  

Some of the recalled packages of mince meats may contain metal fragments.

Consumers are requested to return the recalled mince meats to the Plainland Supermarket for a full refund. 

McCain Healthy Choice Apricot Chicken Recalled in Australia

March 4, 2009

McCain Food Pty Ltd has recalled a single production code of its Healthy Choice Apricot Chicken due to the presence of Bacillus cereus in the food, according to Product Recalls Australia.

The recalled item is described as follows:

• McCain Healthy Choice Apricot Chicken (350g; cardboard box outer with plastic tray inner): Best Before 24 Aug 2010
  

According to a news release issued by the company and reported by WA Today, the recalled cartons of Apricot Chicken were shipped by mistake from an independent distribution outlet before lab tests were undertaken. 

The recalled products were available for purchase at Woolworths and Safeway stores in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.

Consumers should return the recalled item to their retailer for a refund.

More Sliced Meats Recalled in Australia

March 3, 2009

Pendle Ham and Bacon Curers Pty Ltd. has recalled the following sliced meats that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to a report by Product Recalls Australia.

• Sliced Mortadella (1 kg vacuum sealed bags): Use by 18/03/09
  
• Sliced Pancetta (1 kg vacuum sealed bags): Use by 18/03/09
  
• Sliced Danish Salami (1 kg vacuum sealed bags): Use by 18/03/09
  

The meats were distributed only in New South Wales.

Consumers should be aware that Listeria monocytogenes may cause life-threatening symptoms in individuals who are elderly, very young or already suffering from weakened immunity to disease. Pregnant women are at risk of transmitting the infection to unborn children, resulting in possible premature births, miscarriages or stillbirths.

Anyone who purchased one of the recalled sliced meats should either discard the product or return it to the retailer for a refund.

Sliced Pressed Brisket Recalled in Australia

March 3, 2009

James St. Butchers has recalled 250g cryovac packs of Sliced Pressed Brisket that was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to Product Recalls Australia.

The recalled meat, which bears a Use By date of 25 February 2009, was sold only in the following Queensland stores:

• James St. Butchers
  
• Charlie's Corner Store
  
• Woody's Supermarket
  
• Cedar Park Supermarket, Yeppoon
  

Healthy adults infected by Listeria monocytogenes usually suffer no more than mild flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms. But the elderly, the very young, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women may suffer severe consequences if infected by this microbe. A pregnant woman may also transmit the infection to her unborn child, resulting in premature birth, miscarriage or stillbirth.

Consumers who purchased the recalled sliced brisket should either discard it safely (and out of the reach of children), or return it to the store.

Allergy Alert: Undeclared Shrimp Paste in Cooking Sauce

February 23, 2009

Ayam Thai Massaman Curry Cooking Sauce has been recalled in Australia due to the presence of undeclared shrimp paste.

The importer, A. Clouet Pty Ltd., has recalled the following:

• Ayam Thai Massaman Curry, Cooking Sauce (400 mL can): Use By 26/12/2010
  

The cooking sauce was distributed across Australia only in Coles stores.

Individuals who are allergic to seafood may experience a severe allergic reaction shortly after consuming this cooking sauce. Consumers are urged to return the recalled product to the store for a full refund.

Allergy Alert: Chocolate Mudcake Mix Recalled

Updated February 19, 2009

Original article posted February 18, 2009

Naturally Good Products Pty Ltd. has recalled Naturally Good, Deliciously Free - Moist Chocolate Mudcake Mix due to the presence of undeclared traces of peanuts.

The recalled cake mix is packaged in a 450g cardboard box, and is labeled with a Best Before date in April 2010 or July 2010. The product is sold nationally across Australia in all Safeway & Woolworths Stores and in selected Coles Supermarkets, and in health stores and selected supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

Individuals who are allergic to peanuts may experience a severe allergic reaction soon after consuming this product.

Consumers are advised to return the recalled product to the retailer for a full refund.

Allergy Alert: Heinz Australia Recalls Mustard Sauce

February 3, 2009

Heinz Australia has recalled a single batch of Heinz brand Dijon Mustard Sauce with Orange, due to the presence of undeclared egg and milk.

The recalled mustard sauce was sold nationwide in Woolworths stores only, and has been on store shelves for approximately two months.

The recall applies to:

• Heinz Dijon Mustard Sauce with Orange (370mL plastic bottle): Batch Code 3248; Best Before 19/11/10
  

Individuals who are allergic to eggs or milk may experience a severe allergic reaction shortly after ingesting even a small quantity of the recalled product. Consumers are asked to return this item to the place of purchase for a refund. 

Chicken Jerky Dog Treats Recalled In Australia

December 10, 2008

The Australian Veterinary Association has warned pet owners and veterinarians to watch for dogs exhibiting signs of acquired Fanconi-like syndrome after KraMar announced that it was withdrawing its Supa Naturals Chicken breasts strips from the Australian market. 

The dog treats were imported from China.

The withdrawal comes as a result of an unusually high number of dogs being reported as suffering from symptoms consistent with this relatively uncommon syndrome. University of Sydney researchers have pointed an epidemiological finger linking the problem to the consumption of the chicken treat.

While KraMar has withdrawn the implicated product, the company was careful to point out that there is no direct scientific evidence linking the chicken treats to the problem. KraMar routinely tests these products for the presence of melamine, Salmonella and E. coli.

Fanconi's syndrome, most often an inherited disease, is characterized by elevated levels of glucose in urine, but not in blood. The high glucose level is an indicator of damage to the kidney's ability to reabsorb nutrients and electrolytes back into the body. 

Non-hereditary Fanconi-like symptoms can be triggered – at least in humans – by a number of factors, including exposure to heavy metals or other chemicals, vitamin D deficiency, or multiple myeloma, among others. While the definition of a "heavy metal" is somewhat arbitrary, this category of chemical elements includes arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium and zinc.

The situation in Australia is eerily reminiscent of a similar incident that took place last year in the United States. In September 2007, FDA warned consumers that as many as 95 dogs might have been sickened – some fatally – as a result of having been fed chicken jerky treats imported from China. Extensive chemical and microbiological testing carried out by the agency failed to reveal anything unusual. At least some of the dogs exhibited symptoms consistent with Fanconi-like syndrome. But FDA never was able to tie down a cause for the illnesses.

KraMar has told ABC News that it is considering moving the production of their Supa Naturals Chicken treat to Australia. Meanwhile dog owners should be watchful for symptoms such as excessive drinking and urination, lethargy and vomiting, and should contact their veterinarian immediately should these symptoms appear.

For more information about the precautionary recall, consumers can contact KraMar by email at customerservice@kramar.com.au or by telephone at 02 4648 8500.

Orijen Pet Food Recalled In Australia

In a classic illustration of the law of unintended consequences, an attempt by the Australian government to ensure the microbiological safety of a premium pet food imported from Canada may have resulted in the illness and death of a number of Australian cats.

Described by the manufacturer as a "biologically appropriate real-food kibble," Orijen pet food is processed using a proprietary low temperature (90ºC) steam-cooking procedure. The pet food is produced in Alberta, Canada and sold in 50 countries around the world.

In the 9 months since Orijen dry pet foods have been available in Australia, at least 40 cats have been stricken with a form of paralysis. Five of the cats had to be euthanized. The manufacturer (Champion Petfoods, Alberta, Canada), while recalling all outstanding Australian stock of its cat and dog foods, is pointing an accusatory finger at the government's import policies.

Because of the relatively mild heat treatment used in the production of Orijen foods, Australian import rules mandated that the pet foods be irradiated at a level of 50 kGray (5 Mrad) upon arrival. Champion claims that the high-dose radiation treatment is destroying vitamin A and promoting free-radical formation in the pet foods. According to the company, the resulting deficient diet is the cause of the symptoms that are being reported in Australian cats.

Champion cites its own tests of the effect of irradiation dosage on vitamin A depletion, and a small research study that was published last year to support its claims. The peer-reviewed study, published in Veterinary Pathology, examined the effect of an exclusive diet of gamma-irradiated food on a colony of 8 cats. The authors reported "...  a possible association [of progressive hind limb ataxia] with the long-term feeding of cats exclusively on a gamma-irradiated dry diet deficient in vitamin A."

A spokesperson for the Australian government has pointed out, in reply, that no other imported pet foods brands have experienced similar issues. And a Sydney veterinarian was skeptical of the vitamin A deficiency argument when interviewed by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Is radiation-induced vitamin A depletion the explanation, or might the problem be something else? Champion Petfoods claims that paralysis syndrome has not been reported in any other country where Orijen is sold, and that only Australia demands irradiation. The company has decided to withdraw completely from the Australian market, and promises to continue its study into the effects of irradiation on Orijen dry pet foods.

Only time, and additional research, will provide some answers.

Allergy Alert: Spice Blends Recalled in Australia

Country Cuisine Pty Ltd. has recalled two varieties of Malouf's Spice Mezza due to the presence of undeclared tree nuts in the spice blends. The products were distributed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland

The recall covers 100g jars of Jordanian Za'atar and Cumin Za'atar spice blends, bearing a Best Before date of September 2010. Pictures of the recalled items can be seen on the Greg Malouf website.

Individuals who are allergic to nuts may experience a severe reaction upon consuming this product. Consumers are asked to return the mislabeled spice blends to the store for a refund. 

The China Syndrome: Australia Announces Product Withdrawals

The Australian importers of two more dairy based food items from China have withdrawn products from sale.

Orion brand Tiramisu Italian Cake with Cheese Cream and Dali Yuan brand First Milk vanilla flavoured drink both have been withdrawn from sale after the Australian government detected low levels of melamine in samples of the items. All production lot codes and date codes have been withdrawn, and retailers have been advised to remove the products from sale.

No consumer-level recall has been announced. Consumers are asked to dispose of these products safely in a manner that will prevent their consumption by children or pets.

These latest withdrawals bring the total number of withdrawn or recalled Chinese-produced food items to six, including White Rabbit candy, Cadbury Eclairs, Lotte Koala biscuits, and Kirin milk tea.

The China Syndrome: Australia Recalls Kirin Milk Tea

Food Standards Australia has issued its first consumer-level recall resulting from melamine contamination.

The agency announced this morning that Kaisi Australia Pty Ltd was recalling 340 mL cans of Kirin Milk Tea labeled with a Best Before date of OCT/06/2009. The tea is a product of China and is contaminated with melamine.

The Kirin Milk Tea was distributed in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Consumers should return the recalled product to the store for a full refund. 

Kirin Milk Tea is the fourth food item that has been withdrawn from sale in Australia due to melamine contamination, but the first to be subject to a consumer-level recall. White Rabbit Creamy Candy, Cadbury Eclairs, and Lotte Koala Biscuits also have been withdrawn from sale, but not recalled from consumers.

Australian consumers should check their food pantries and discard any of the three withdrawn items they may have. Under no circumstances should these foods be offered to children, or discarded in a way that children may find and eat them.

Australia Sliced Meat Recall: Listeria monocytogenes

Coles Group Ltd. has recalled a single production batch of Coles branded sliced chicken breast 2 x 50g in plastic twin packs due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled meat bears a Best Before date of 07/10/08.

The products were sold in Coles, BI-LO, and Pick 'n Pay stores in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Consumers should return the recalled merchandise to the store for a full refund.

Listeria monocytogenes causes mild flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms in most of its victims. But the very young, the elderly, people with compromised immune defenses, and pregnant women are at heightened risk of serious – even life-threatening – disease. Listeria monocytogenes may trigger premature births and stillbirths, and can infect infants in the womb.

Anyone with questions about this recall can contact Coles at 1800 061 562.

Fonterra Recalls Feta Cheese - Listeria Strikes Again

Fonterra Brands (Australia) recalled all 200g and 500g packages of Mainland Feta Crumble earlier today (Sept 1) due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

The cheese was distributed nationally. The 200g packages of Crumble were sold through Coles supermarkets and through independent markets, while the 500g packages were supplied to cafés and restaurants. 

The recall was initiated after the company detected Listeria monocytogenes in a "... limited number of samples ..." as part of its routine testing program. No illnesses have been associated with the product, and the company has suspended shipments until it can determine the source of the contamination.

Customers – individual consumers, retail establishments or food service operators – who have purchased the recalled cheese should return it to the store for a refund or contact their supplier. Under no circumstances should anyone consume or serve this product.

Deli Meats Recalled In Australia

Never let it be said that pathogenic bacteria play favorites. An Australian company, P & M Quality Smallgoods Pty Ltd., has just recalled 100g packages of "Primo Roast Beef Thinly Sliced" and Primo Pastrami Thinly Sliced", due to the chance that they contain Listeria monocytogenes.

The meats are packaged in plastic containers with laminate tops, and are labeled with a "use by" date of 16/09/08. The roast beef was distributed in the states of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria; the pastrami was sold in Tasmania and South Australia, in addition to the other three states.

The recalled meats should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

There is no indication in the recall notice of any illnesses associated with these products. But the lethal Canadian outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes is a vivid reminder to take these recall notices seriously. Anyone who has eaten one of these recalled products and who has experienced any symptoms consistent with Listeria monocytogenes infection, should seek medical attention immediately.

Norovirus In The News

The Rhode Island Department of Health announced yesterday that Greenwich Bay Gourmet, of East Greenwich, RI has recalled all prepared food sold by the establishment between August 1st and August 5th, inclusive. Any food that was purchased during this period may be contaminated with Norovirus and should be discarded.

The recall came after nearly 40% of the guests at a weekend function catered by Greenwich Bay Gourmet became ill. The illnesses were diagnosed as Norovirus infections and were traced back to food supplied by the caterer.

Norovirus, which is often associated with gastrointestinal outbreaks in nursing homes, day care centers, on cruise ships and in hotels and restaurants, has been in the news this week.

The New York State Department of Health issued an advisory yesterday to warn that there has been a "significant increase" in the number of viral gastroenteritis incidents in summer camps in that state. The advisory was addressed to camp directors, medical staff, infirmary staff and emergency medical personnel at overnight summer camps, and included specific recommendations on preventing and containing Norovirus outbreaks.

An infected guest at a wedding reception in Rochester, MN was the source of another Norovirus outbreak. The guest – whose personal hygiene left something to be desired – grabbed handfuls of tortilla chips and deposited some Norovirus in exchange. At least 20 people who ate chips from the same source after the infected guest had helped himself were rewarded with an unexpected soupçon of seasoning in the form of Norovirus.

This virus also has been busy on the other side of the world, both in Australia and in New Zealand, where a suspected Norovirus outbreak forced the closure of a Dunedin hospital ward, and forced postponement of some surgical procedures. The ward was closed to both visitors and new patients after seven staff members and three patients began to exhibit symptoms of gastroenteritis. One additional patient and one more staff member fell ill after the ward was closed. Hospital authorities hope that their quick action will prevent spread of the virus to other parts of the hospital.

An outbreak of gastroenteritis, also caused by Norovirus, has struck the Dubbo Base Hospital in Australia. Fourteen patients and six staffers have fallen ill so far. The highly contagious virus, which appears to have been contained in one ward, may have been carried into the hospital either by a newly admitted patient, or by a visitor to the ward.

Finally, at least five outbreaks of gastroenteritis hit nursing homes in Blacktown area, Australia in July. The Sydney West area of Australia has suffered numerous nursing home gastroenteritis outbreaks in the last several months, some due to Clostridium perfringens and others caused by Norovirus. Staff members and residents of nursing homes in the area – and their families – have been notified of the outbreaks, which are being investigated by local health authorities.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. It has an incubation period of 24-48 hours, ending in an abrupt onset of gastroenteritis – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea – which lasts for 24-48 hours. The virus is very hardy, and can survive on dry surfaces for days. It can be spread in aerosols produced during vomiting, or by fecal material following diarrhea. Thorough disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces, quarantine of contaminated areas, scrupulous attention to personal hygiene, and frequent hand washing are the most effective ways to contain an outbreak.