UK Confirms Sprouts Are Source Of Salmonella Outbreak

Health Protection Agency lab recovers outbreak strain from bean sprout sample

HPA's Centre for Infections has confirmed the link between contaminated bean sprouts and 141 cases of Salmonella Bareilly in the UK, according to a report just released by the Health Protection Agency.

In September, the Food Standards Agency learned that routine testing of salad produce by wholesalers had resulted in the detection of Salmonella in a small number of samples of raw bean sprouts. The type of Salmonella was not known. Nevertheless, on September 17th, the Food Standards Agency and HPA issued a joint reminder on safe handling practices for raw bean sprouts. And they told the British public – for the first time – that an outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly was under investigation.

HPA issued its initial investigation update on September 23rd. By then, the agency had received reports of 68 cases, including 19 in the North West of England, since the beginning of August; Scotland accounted for an additional 15 cases. Normally, HPA confirms fewer than 10 cases of this type of Salmonella per month.

As of September 29th, the number of confirmed cases had risen to 125, including 102 in England, 3 in Wales, 1 in Northern Ireland and 19 in Scotland. By then, HPA's Outbreak Control Team had produced epidemiological evidence of a link to bean sprouts. The Centre for Infections isolated Salmonella from a sample of raw bean sprouts, and was working on the genetic profile.

With today's announcement, the chain of evidence is complete. Consumption of raw or undercooked bean sprouts contaminated with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly has been firmly linked to 141 confirmed cases of Salmonella in the UK.

And what has the Food Standards Agency doing about the contaminated bean sprouts? More to the point, what has FSA not done?

• No bean sprouts have been recalled.
• No bean sprout producer has been named.
• No wholesalers and retailers of the implicated bean sprouts have been named.

As a result, the British public has no idea which brands of bean sprouts or salad preparations are responsible for this outbreak.

HPA and FSA simply have advised consumers that "...bean sprouts are safe to eat provided that they are washed and cooked until piping hot before consumption or are clearly labeled as ready-to-eat."

"The link with bean sprouts has been established," according to Professor Qutub Syed, Chairman of the Outbreak Control Team in charge of the investigation. "However, no one should be put off eating bean sprouts, provided they are properly cooked. The risk is in eating raw or under-cooked bean sprouts. The best advice is to follow the guidance on the packaging, but if there is any doubt or ambiguity about the instructions, cook the sprouts until they are piping hot.”

Well, after that reassuring advice, what is left to say?

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CDC Goes Public On Salmonella-Contaminated Rodents (Update)

Frozen rodents sold as reptile food blamed for 34 illnesses in US and more than 400 in the UK

Frozen rodents supplied by MiceDirect (Cleveland, GA) have been associated with 34 Salmonella (serotype I 4,[5],12:i:-) illnesses in 17 US states since December 2009. Half of the victims are children less than 12 years old.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of salmonellosis caused by the outbreak strain have been confirmed in Alabama (1), Arizona (1), Colorado (1), Georgia (7), Iowa (1), Illinois (3), Massachusetts (3), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), Nevada (1), New York (2), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), Virginia (1), Wisconsin (3), and Wyoming (1). Only one person has been hospitalized.

The Wyoming victim – a Natrona County child – became ill in December 2009, but was not hospitalized. It's not known whether or not the child had direct contact with MiceDirect frozen rodents. Neither of the two New York victims were hospitalized.

North Carolina's three victims included two boys – one of them just 2 years old – and a 63-year old man. One of the three was hospitalized. Tennessee's lone victim was a boy.

Biggers & Callaham LLC. (doing business as MiceDirect) recalled its frozen rodent products on July 23, 2010 (recall notice is dated July 26, 2010) – after FDA found the outbreak strain in the production plant environment and in samples of the frozen rodents. The company also announced that, beginning on July 24, 2010, all of its frozen rodents would be irradiated to ensure microbiological safety.

This outbreak should be viewed simply as the continuation of an outbreak that began in the United Kingdom in August 2008 and lasted well into 2009. More than 400 people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were infected with Salmonella Typhimurium that was transmitted through contact with frozen rodents used as reptile food. The frozen rodents were exported to the UK by MiceDirect. The strain responsible for the UK outbreak – though given a somewhat different name than in the United States – was indistinguishable from the US outbreak strain, according to CDC.

According to the New York Times, the UK Health Protection Agency advised CDC of the British outbreak, and its association with MiceDirect's frozen rodents, in May 2009. At that time, there were no cases reported in the United States that matched the British outbreak strain.

The most recent illness included in the tally of 34 cases occurred on June 9th. As the contaminated rodents were only recalled on July 23rd, it is likely that more cases will be reported. It is even more probable – given the relatively low hospitalization rate (only one case so far) – that the number of unreported cases far exceeds the official tally of 34 illnesses.

CDC has posted the following Advice To Consumers who keep reptiles as pets:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling frozen rodents used as food for reptiles, or anything in the area where they are stored, thawed, prepared, and fed to reptiles.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling live rodents and reptiles, or anything in the area where they live and roam.
• Running water and soap are best. Use hand sanitizers if running water and soap are not available. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as a sink is available.
• Keep frozen rodents away from areas where food and drink are stored, prepared, served, or consumed.
• Avoid using microwave ovens or kitchen utensils used for human food to thaw frozen rodents used for reptile feed. Any kitchen surfaces that come in contact with frozen rodents should be disinfected afterwards.
• Do not let children younger than 5 years of age or people with weakened immune systems handle frozen rodents.
• Use soap or a disinfectant to thoroughly clean any surfaces that have been in contact with frozen rodents. Children older than 5 years old should perform this task only under adult supervision.
• Recalled frozen rodents used as food for reptiles may still be in stores and in consumers' homes, including in the freezer. Any recalled product should be thrown away to prevent Salmonella infections in humans, pets, or other animals. This product should be disposed of in a closed plastic bag and placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating it.

Reptiles and amphibians – snakes, turtles, frogs, lizards, etc. – can carry Salmonella without displaying any symptoms or signs of illness. These animals should always be considered as high risk sources of Salmonella, whether or not they have been fed the frozen rodents that are behind this outbreak. These are not suitable pets for young children to handle without direct adult supervision.

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British Food Safety System: To Be ... Better Than Ever

New government retains and refines independent Food Standards Agency

The new British government has announced that the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) will retain its status as an independent body, reporting to the Minister of Health. There were fears that the government would decide to transfer responsibility for food safety to Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Instead, the Health Secretary announced that nutrition policy would be transferred to the Department of Health; Defra will handle food labeling. The FSA will be allowed to focus on its primary mandate of developing and enforcing food safety policy.

The significance of this decision is magnified in light of the stated intention of the new UK government to make major reductions in the number and scope of independent agencies in that country. In commenting on the government's decision, Lord Rooker (FSA Chair) said,

“Food safety and hygiene have always been at the heart of what the Agency does. They are our top priorities in protecting the interests of consumers.”

The UK Food Standards Agency is a rare bird in the food safety universe – an independent body with both policy development and enforcement authority. Fortunately, it is no longer an endangered species.


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British Food Safety System: To Be Or Not To Be?

UK Food Standards Agency May Disappear

Britain's new Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, is contemplating a major reshaping of the country's food safety landscape, including the possible abolition of the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), according to a report in the Farmers Guardian.

The Food Standards Agency was set up as an independent regulatory body in 2000, based on recommendations contained in a White Paper presented to Parliament in 1998. If the agency is axed, its regulatory functions would be handed back to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – formerly the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The government of the day had a clear vision of what it desired to achieve:

"... an Agency with a clear focus on protecting the public and a powerful statutory remit across the whole food chain.

• at arms length from Government and independent of sectoral interests
• governed by a Chairperson and Commission appointed openly on the basis of their personal standing and expertise
• operating under guiding principles which put the interest of the public unequivocally as the first priority
• able to make public its views on any issues related to food and public health
• taking a strategic view of food safety and standards issues across the whole food chain
• with wide-ranging powers to commission research and surveillance, propose legislation, monitor food law enforcement and take action to remedy problems
• with a clear responsibility to provide the public with information and advice."

We have seen, both in the United States and in Canada, what happens when the responsibility for enforcing food safety regulations falls to the same agency that is charged with promoting the country's agricultural products and food industry. Again and again, promotion takes priority over consumer protection.

UK's Food Standards Agency apparently has run foul of the food industry over new food labeling proposals. The Opposition Labour Party's Health spokesman, Andy Burnham, has accused the new Health Secretary of "... caving in to the food industry," adding that this possible policy change raises "... the question whether the health secretary wants to protect the public health or promote food companies.”

The creation of the Food Standards Agency in 2000 represented a major commitment to a national, independent, science-based approach to food safety. If this vision is abandoned by the new UK government – as appears distinctly possible – it would be a black day both for British consumers, and for food safety advocates around the world.


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Oh, Spanish Eggs!

Eggs From Spanish Flock Source of Salmonella Infections In UK

Since August of this year, the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) has received an unusual number of reports of Salmonella infections traced to catering establishments and one residential care facility. These reports include fourteen clusters, totaling 144 illnesses – all due to a type of Salmonella known as Salmonella Enteritidis (PT) 14b.

Today, HPA announced that these illnesses have been traced – with the assistance of the Spanish authorities – to a single laying flock at the Spanish egg producer Granja Avícola ‘El Angel’. All eggs from the affected flock will be laid aside and heat-treated to eliminate the risk of Salmonella, and HPA has advised UK companies that purchased these eggs to either destroy or heat-treat them.

There have been numerous egg-linked Salmonella outbreaks in the past; usually due to mishandling of eggs mixtures prepared in advance at restaurants, catering establishments, or residential care facilities. Due to actions taken over the years in the UK, the incidence of Salmonella in UK domestic eggs is very low, and there have been very few egg-associated outbreaks.

The United States has lagged behind the UK in improving egg safety. FDA promulgated an Egg Safety Final Rule just this year, and the provisions have not yet gone into effect.

Approximately one egg in 20,000 in the United States is contaminated with Salmonella. That incidence may seem low, but when a catering institution pools several hundred eggs together and holds the mixture for a few hours, the risk of infection increases many-fold.

It is especially important – when eating egg-based dishes in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service locations – to be sure that your eggs are well-cooked and, if at all possible, freshly prepared.

UK Reports New E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak

British Tourists Import Spanish Bug

At least 14 British tourists returned from Spain this month with an unwelcome souvenir of their holidays – E. coli O157:H7.

According to the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA), four of the returning travelers were admitted to hospital; two were later released. The 14 confirmed victims all had spent time at Spain's Benidorm resort.

Benidorm, Spain is a popular resort with UK tourists, and the town caters to their preferences, offering British style pubs and fish-and-chip eateries.

HPA is working with Spanish health authorities to establish the source of the infections. Additional cases relating to this outbreak may be uncovered – either in the UK or elsewhere – before the investigation is complete.

This is the latest of several E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks to hit UK consumers this year, including,

• Myers Bakery (Felling, Gateshead) – 7 confirmed and 6 suspected cases; one person hospitalized
• Going Places Day Nursery (Springhill Green, Pennycross) – 3 children ill; one hospitalized
• Dance Camp Wales (Pembrokeshire) – 2 adults and 2 children ill
• Unnamed Restaurant in Wales (Tenby, Pembrokeshire) – 2 children and 3 adults ill
• Godstone Petting Farm (Surrey) – 93 confirmed victims

HPA is urging travelers to Benidorm to take the following precautions against foodborne illness:

• Practice good hand hygiene procedures (wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water) especially before eating, after going to the toilet and after touching any animals
• Ensure food is cooked thoroughly to avoid contamination and avoid food outlets where uncooked meat is in contact with cooked food or food that isn't cooked prior to serving e.g. salads

Allergy Alert: Castle Chocolates Recalls Milk Chocolate Bars

March 10, 2009

Castle Chocolates has withdrawn the following product due to the presence of undeclared soy lecithin, according to an allergy alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.

• Castle Chocolate Milk Chocolate Bar (50 g): Best before date Jan 2010
  

The recalled chocolate bars were sold exclusively at Tesco stores in Wales.

Individuals who are allergic to soy may experience a severe reaction after consuming even a small portion of the mislabelled milk chocolate bar. Consumers should return the item to the place of purchase for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Ready-To-Eat Sausage Rolls

March 4, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to the presence of undeclared sulfur dioxide in a brand of ready-to-eat sausage rolls. Stobarts (Bradford) Ltd., the manufacturer, has withdrawn the following product from the marketplace.

• Stobarts (Bradford) Ltd. Sausage Rolls: Best before all dates up to and including 7 March 2009
  

Individuals who are sensitive to sulfur dioxide or sulfites may experience allergy-like symptoms after consuming the withdrawn product.

Consumers should return the sausage rolls to the retailer for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Hebrew National Vegetarian Soups

March 2, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency has advised consumers that the following Hebrew National canned soups contain undeclared ingredients and have been recalled.

• Hebrew National Continental Barley Soup (400g can): Best Before dates up until Aug 2010; Undeclared celery
  
• Hebrew National Continental Lentil Soup (400g can): Best Before dates up until Dec 2010; Undeclared soya and celery
  
• Hebrew National Beans in Tomato (400g can): Best Before dates up until Dec 2010; Undeclared mustard and celery
  

Individuals who are allergic to one or more of these undeclared ingredients may suffer severe symptoms as a result of consuming one of these recalled soup products.

The mislabelled Hebrew National canned soups were manufactured by Vegetarian World, Limited on behalf of the brand owner and distributed in the UK by Rakusens. The products were sold in Sainsbury stores and other retail stores.

Consumers who purchased the recalled items should return them to the store for a full refund.

Allergy Alert: Sainsbury's Recalls Breaded Ham

March 2, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to a decision by Sainsbury's to withdraw the following date code of breaded ham, due to the presence of undeclared wheat and eggs.

• Sainsbury's Taste the Difference British Yorkshire Breaded Ham (140 g): Use by date of 13 March 2009; Display until date of 11 March 2009
  

While most people can consume this ham safely, individuals who are allergic to egg protein or who are unable to tolerate wheat gluten may suffer severe symptoms as a result of eating this product.

Consumers who purchased this recalled date code of Sainsbury's Breaded Ham should return it to the retailer for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Sultana Raisins Contain Undeclared Sulfites

February 23, 2009

TRS Wholesale Co. Ltd. has withdrawn one batch code of Golden Sultana Raisins, due to the presence of undeclared sulfur dioxide, a preservative, according to an Allergy Alert issued by the UK Food Standards Agency.

Individuals who are sensitive to sulfur dioxide or sulfites may experience severe allergy-like symptoms after consuming raisins from the affected batch. 

The product recall is limited to:

• TRS brand Golden Sultana Raisins: Batch code L8046; Best before February 2009
  

Consumers should contact TRS by email (mail@trs.co.uk) for instructions on how to return the withdrawn product.

Allergy Alert: 'Dairy-Free' Chocolate Cookies

February 16, 2009

Rakusen's Ltd. has recalled one batch of 'Dairy-Free' Chocolate Chip Cookies, due to the presence of undeclared milk protein, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

The recalled product is described as follows:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies (200g): Batch code 8345; Best Before end December 2009
  

Rakusen has indicated that the presence of milk protein in the batch was due to cross-contamination, and the amount is very low (2 ppm). Nevertheless, an individual who is allergic to milk protein may experience symptoms after consuming the cookies.

Consumers should return the recalled cookies to the place of purchase for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Belgian Chocolate

February 6, 2009

Sweet Luxuries Ltd. has recalled has recalled one batch code of Belgian chocolate, due to the presence of undeclared milk protein, according to an Allergy Alert issued by the UK Food Standards Agency. 

Sweet Luxuries has withdrawn the following product from sale, and has arranged to relabel all future production to reflect the presence of milk protein.

• Sugar Lessss Belgian Plain Chocolate (42 g): Best Before 02/2009; Batch Code L0022
  

Individuals who are allergic to milk protein may suffer a severe allergic reaction shortly after consuming even a small portion of this product. Consumers who purchased the withdrawn item should either discard it or return it to the store for refund.

Allergy Alert: British Bakeries Recalls Crumpets

February 6, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers that some crumpets produced by British Bakeries contains traces of casein (a milk protein), not declared on the product label.

The following affected crumpets, identified by code X73, are being withdrawn and relabeled:

• ASDA ‘Smartprice’ 6 Crumpets
  
• ASDA 8 Crumpets
  
• ASDA 12 Crumpets
  
• Sainsbury’s Basics 6 Crumpets
  
• Morrisons 6 Crumpets
  
• Morrisons 12 Crumpets
  
• Mothers Pride 8 Crumpets
  

Individuals who are allergic to milk protein may experience a severe allergic reaction soon after consuming one of these products. 

Sainsbury's customers who purchased the recalled item should return their purchase to the store's customer service desk for a refund.

Allergy Alert: French-made Chocolate Recalled in UK

January 31, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency advised consumers yesterday that a single date code of Bovetti Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Beans (100g) contains undeclared casein, a milk protein, and is being recalled.

The chocolate was made in France and imported into the UK by Trans Manche Food Ltd. The recalled bars were sold in Waitrose, and may also have been available in other retail stores in the UK.

The recalled item is described as:

• Bovetti Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Beans, 100g: Best before 30 September 2009; Product code: L246
  

Individuals who are allergic to milk protein may experience severe symptoms shortly after consuming the recalled chocolate. Consumers should return the recalled Bovetti chocolate to the store for a refund.

The UK Food Standards Agency is working with its French counterpart to determine whether any additional actions are needed.

Toxin Alert: Arsenic in Fangocur mineral drink

January 16, 2009

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to the presence of dangerous levels of arsenic in Fangocur mineral supplement drink, a product of Austria.

Fangocur is sold only over the Internet, and is not available in stores in the UK.

The UK government has received two reports of illness in the Chelsea area that appear to be linked to consumption of these drinks. Reported symptoms included dizziness, heart palpitations and stomach cramps.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral with several industrial uses. Acute arsenic poisoning can produce gastrointestinal upsets, kidney failure and liver damage. Arsenic also is a know carcinogen. 

The Food Standards Agency offers the following advice to consumers:

"You should not drink this product. If you have consumed this product and feel ill as a result, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or speak to your doctor."

Allergy Alert: Waitrose Chicken Curry

January 7, 2009

Waitrose has recalled certain date codes of its Low Saturated Fat Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice (400g) due to the presence of undeclared nuts, according to an Allergy Alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.

The company has recalled all packages bearing "use by" dates of 14th Jan and 16th Jan.

While the products are safe for most individuals, people who are allergic to nuts may suffer a severe reaction upon consuming the recalled items. Waitrose has requested consumers to return the chicken products to the store for a refund.

Please contact the Waitrose Customer Services Department at 0800 188884 for answers to any questions about this recall.

Turkey Salami Recalled - Undeclared Salmonella

December 19, 2008

Aytac Halal Foods Ltd. has recalled a batch of pre-packaged, sliced turkey salami due to the presence of Salmonella in the ready-to-eat product, according to a Food Alert issued today by

the UK Food Standards Agency.

The Company has described the recalled item as follows:

Aytac Sliced Turkey Salami, 200g package: Use by date of 12 January 2009, Lot No. 330156

No other Aytac products are affected by this recall.

Consumers should check the in-store product recall notices to find out how to proceed in the event that they have purchased the recalled item.

Italian Style Bacon Recalled In UK

Richard Woodhall Ltd. has recalled one batch of traditional dry cured (smoked) Cumbrian Pancetta after low levels of Listeria monocytogenes were detected in a sample of the Italian style bacon, according to a Food Alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.

Consumers who purchased 100-gram packages of Richard Woodhall Cumbrian Pancetta, Traditional Dry Cured (smoked) with a best before date of 30 November 2008 should return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Alternatively, Richard Woodhall invites its customers to return the recalled product directly to the company by mail for a full refund. For more information, please telephone the company at 01229 717237, ext 386 between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Listeria monocytogenes typically produces no more than mild gastrointestinal or flu-like symptoms in healthy adults, but can cause life-threatening illness in the elderly, immune-compromised individuals, young children and pregnant women. In addition, pregnant women risk infecting their unborn children, premature birth, or stillbirth. Anyone who may have consumed the recalled product and begins to experience any symptoms of listeriosis should contact his or her primary care physician immediately.

Salmonella-Contaminated Chili Powder Recalled in UK

Co-operative Food has recalled all date codes of Co-op Mild Chili Powder, due to the presence of Salmonella Thompson in the product, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

The Salmonella was detected during routine testing. Anyone who has purchased a 45g or 90g container of Co-op Mild ChiliPowder should contact the company's Customer Relations, toll-free, at 0800-0686-727 to arrange a refund.