Showing posts with label Yersinia enterocolitica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yersinia enterocolitica. Show all posts

Friday, May 13, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: May 11, 2011

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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.


United States
  • Food Safety Recall Update: Publix Supermarkets recalls Shell On Oysters harvested from Area 1642 in Apalachicola Bay, FL between March 21 and April 6th, because the raw oysters have been linked to eight confirmed and one possible case of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O75 infection (cholera).

  • Food Safety Enforcement Action: FDA seeks permanent injunction against American Mercantile Corp., Ingredients Corporation of America, and Damon S. Arney, owner and president of the companies. According to FDA's complaint, the companies - which deal in a variety of products, including spices, herbs and sauces - and their owner "...violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by preparing, packing and holding food under insanitary conditions where it may have become contaminated with filth."

  • Food Recall: Tri-City Cheese and Meats (Kawkawlin, MI) recalls Troll Smokehouse Kippered Beef Original Flavor (1-lb and 5-oz. pkgs; Sell by June 9, 2011 through Sept. 2, 2011) because the ingredient label does not mention sodium nitrate.

  • Water Contact Health Advisory (Oregon): The Oregon Department of Health has issued public health advisories were issued Thursday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County and Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County.

  • Outbreak Alert (Michigan): An increase in the number of Norovirus illnesses has been reported across Kalamazoo County, with cases recorded in nursing homes, schools and in the community. Spring Arbor University postponed its commencement for one week and canceled all nonacademic activities after more than 170 students fell ill with norovirus or "norolike" virus.


Canada
  • Food Safety Recall: Alimentarus Import Export Inc. (Montreal, QC) recalls Dar Al Assala brand Piment doux moulu (Mild ground paprika; Imported from Morocco; Lot code PD17-F278; Best before 05/10/2012). because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled product was sold to various retail stores in Quebec in 5-kg bags.


Europe
  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Lidl recalls St. Maarten Classic Belgian Cheese Slices (200g; Imported from Belgium; all date codes), because the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled cheese was manufactured by Belgomilk and is part of a larger recall.

  • Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Delhaize Belgique recalls Delhaize brand Nazareth Sliced Cheese (180g; all dates), Delhaize brand Belgo-Français Cheese Platter (400g; Best if used by dates prior to 18/04/2011 and 02/05/2011), Nazareth Brick Cheese (250g; all dates), and Brugge Kaas Cheese Platter (450g; Best if used before 13/04/2011) because the cheeses, which were produced by Belgomilk scrl, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

  • Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): The Colruyt Group recalls a number of Grimbergen, Affligem, Nazareth, Bruges d'Or and Kievit Light cheeses (all dates) produced by Belgomilk scrl, because the cheeses may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled cheeses were available for sale in Colruyt, Collivery, OKay and Spar stores.

  • Dietary Supplement Safety Recall (Sweden): The National Food Administration warns consumers that the dietary supplement Redux Retinalin 500mg has been found to contain unacceptably high levels of the B vitamin, nicotinic acid. Several reports of adverse reactions have been received.

  • Outbreak Alert (Norway): Bagged salad mix containing radicchio rosso (Italian chicory) was flagged as the probable source of an outbreak of 21 cases of Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 illnesses between February and April 2011. The implicated DOLE brand salad mixes were recalled from the market by Bama.

  • Animal Feed Safety Notification (EU #2011.0623): Dioxins in complementary feed for calves from France; distributed to Switzerland.

  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2011.0624): Undeclared milk ingredient in vegetable product resembling Edam cheese from Belgium; distributed to Cyprus.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0626): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of chilled catfish fillets from Iceland; distributed to France.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0627): Salmonella in cardamon seed from Guatemala; distributed to Sweden.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Alert (Philippines): The public is warned not to use glutathione IV as a skin whitening agent, as its use is unsafe and may result in serious health consequences, including kidney failure.

  • Outbreak Alert (Guam): A total of 274 school children - most of them from Marcial Sablan Elementary School in Agat - were either sent home or taken to hospital with symptoms of food poisoning after consuming breakfast at the school. Other affected schools were Harry S. Truman Elementary, Southern High, Oceanview Middle, and J.P. Torres Alternative School. The implicated meal consisted of an egg sandwich, milk and a slice of fresh melon, and was supplied by King's Restaurant. A sample of the breakfast meal was taken for testing.

  • Outbreak Alert (India): A cholera outbreak has been reported from five villages in the Sonitpur district of Assam; 245 people have been diagnosed with the illness so far. Officials suspect contaminated water as the source of the outbreak.

  • Outbreak Alert (Singapore): An air-con maintenance technician has died of food poisoning a couple of days after eating fish ball noodles from a food stand near the Joo Koon MRT station.

  • Food Safety Labeling Infractions (PRC): Staff members of a Shanghai location of the Carrefour supermarket chain were found replacing changing production dates on meat to extend the apparent shelf life of the products. Separately, the Spanish-based supermarket chain, Dia, was found selling expired dairy products.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, May 13, 2011 0 comments
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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: April 17, 2011

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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.


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Organic Food Bar, Inc. (Fullerton, CA) recalls Chocolatey Chocolate Chip RAW Organic Food Bars (Lot #3071210 & 2071210, exp 12 Jul 2011; Lot #02081610 & 01081610, exp. 08/11; Lot #04092710, exp. 27 Sep 2011), because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins. The recalled product was distributed nationally in the United States and Canada through retail stores, mail order and direct delivery.

  • Allergy Alert: La Fiesta Food Products, Inc. recalls all La Fiesta brand and Mi Pueblo brand Dried Shredded Shrimp products, because the products contain undeclared sulfites.

  • Food Safety Recall: B&M, Inc. (Mount Vernon, MO) recalls Archer Farms Ground Turmeric, 2.6 oz. (Lot numbers 1740901A, Best By 6/23/2011; 2180902A, Best By 8/6/11; 2780906A, Best By 10/5/2011; 2920903A, Best By 10/19/11; 3060903A, Best By 11/2/2011; 0071003A, Best By1/7/2012), because the product contains excessive levels of lead. The recalled Ground Turmeric was distributed to Target retails stores nationwide, and was sold from June 2009 to February 2010 in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI.

  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Ortho-McNeil Neurologics Division recalls TOPAMAX®, 100mg tablets (Lot #0KG110, Exp 06-2010; and Lot #0LG222, Exp. 09-2012), after receiving consumer complaints of an uncharacteristic odor thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA (2,4,6 tribromoanisole). The recalled TOPAMAX® tablets were distributed in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

  • Food Safety Advisory (Connecticut): The Department of Public Health releases an updated guide on safely eating fish caught in Connecticut, including in Long Island Sound.

  • Food Safety Recall/Outbreak Investigation Update: On Friday, March 25th, the Rhode Island Department of Health issued a recall of all baked goods from DeFusco's Bakery in Johnston. The recalled products have been implicated in a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 77 residents of Rhode Island and one person in Massachusetts. Forty-six of the cases have been lab-confirmed; 29 people were hospitalized, and two people have died as a result of their infection.

  • Norovirus Outbreak Alert (Hawaii): Cholo's Homestyle Mexican Restaurant (Haleiwa, HI) closed temporarily after the restaurant was found to be the source of an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis that has sickened as many as 42 people. The restaurant has since reopened after undertaking a clean-up.

  • Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation (Indiana): An unspecified number of Indiana State University (ISU) students and employees developed gastroenteritis after consuming food at the April 4th Ethics and Social Responsibility Conference at ISU. Sodexo, the ISU food service provider, has denied that contaminated food is to blame for the illnesses.

  • Food Recall: Food City advises its customers that Bakers Bright Sheen (Gallon bottles) has been recalled.

  • Food Recall: Price Chopper recalls Price Chopper Sour Neon Worms (6 oz., Code date 3103561), because the packages contain another candy, Spearmint Leaves.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: Organic Food Bar, Inc. (Fullerton, CA) recalls Chocolatey Chocolate Chip flavour Raw Organic Food Bars, due to the presence of undeclared peanuts. The Allergy Alert first issued by CFIA on March 17th has been expanded to include all of the following lot codes: 01081610, 2071210, 04092710, 3071210, and 02081610. The recalled product is known to have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario, and may be distributed nationally.

  • Allergy Alert: Olympic Distributors recalls Sparkle Dried Bean Curd Sheet, 170g, due to the presence of undeclared sulphites. The recalled product was distributed through retailers in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon.

  • Allergy Alert: Diners Express (Senneterre, QC) recalls several sandwiches, subs and snacks, because the products may contain undeclared milk, wheat or soy. The recalled products were sold in a number of retail establishments in Abitibi.

  • Food Safety Recall: Charcuterie La Tour Eiffel recalls Summersweet Fine Foods seafood mousses and dips, because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The following products, which were sold in various sizes at retail locations nationally, have been recalled: Smoked Salmon & Spinach Mousse; Mousse Smoked Salmon & Spinach; Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse; Dip Crab & Roasted Red Pepper; Dip Lobster & Shrimp; Smoked Salmon & Roasted Artichoke Dip; and Dip Crab & Three Cheese.


Europe
  • Food Safety Alert (Denmark): The Danish Food Authority warns the public that meat and meat products sold from Kappendrupvej 12, 5450 Otterup came from animals that were not subject to control by food authorities either before or after slaughter. Furthermore, the animals from which the meat came were slaughtered without authorization and in dirty and poorly maintained premises. Anyone who purchased meat or meat products from this premises should discard it.

  • Food Safety Alert (Denmark): The Danish Food Authority warns the public that Riz Gluant Noir Perfume, 1kg (Product of Thailand, via France; Best Before 17/2-2012; Lot #100217 122 000 331), contains black dye that has not been approved for use in rice.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Jinghua shop recalls Black Rice, 400g (Schwarzer reis; Product of China, via Germany; Best before 12.2011), because the rice contains the dye Black PN, which is not approved for use in rice.

  • Consumer Product Safety Recall (Denmark): SCANPAN A/S recalls SCANPAN Black Nylon Palette Knife (Made in China), sold in hardware stores throughout Denmark, because the tools release primary aromatic amines at quantities above the permitted threshold.

  • Outbreak Alert (UK): Dorset County Hospital has closed two wards to new admissions due to an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis that has affected more than 20 patients in the Barnes and Day Lewis wards. The public has been asked to avoid any non-essential visits to the hospital.

  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2011.0500): Undeclared egg in shell pasta from Croatia; distributed to Slovenia.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0501): Mercury in chilled swordfish (Xiphias gladius) loins from Chile; distributed to Belgium, France and Germany.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0502): Unauthorized ivermectin in corned beef from Brazil; distributed to the United Kingdom.

  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2011.0503): Undeclared milk ingredient in broth of vegetables in grains from Greece; distributed to Cyprus.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0504): Salmonella Mbandaka in sesame seeds from Turkey; distributed to Austria.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0505): Yersinia enterocolitica in radicchio from Italy, via the United Kingdom; distributed to Norway.

  • Allergy Alert Notification (EU #2011.0506): Traces of milk ingredient in vegetarian margarine from Greece; distributed to Cyprus.

  • Allergy Alert Notiifcation (EU #2011.0507): Undeclared milk ingredient in chocolate cake mixture from Greece; distributed to Cyprus.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0508): Parasitic infestation with Anisakis of chilled anchovy (Engraulis enchrasicholus) from Croatia; distributed to Italy.

  • Food Safety Notification (EU #2011.0509): Salmonella Dublin in chilled veal meat from the Netherlands; distributed to Denmark.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Pharmaceutical Product Recall (Hong Kong): Actavis (China) Holding Limited recalls Amitriptyline Tablets, 10mg (Imported from the U.K.; Batch No. AA750), due to a printing error in some labels, resulting in incorrect indication of expiry dates.


Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Pharmaceutical Product Safety Recall: Ortho-McNeil Neurologics Division recalls TOPAMAX®, 100mg tablets (Lot #0KG110, Exp 06-2010; and Lot #0LG222, Exp. 09-2012), after receiving consumer complaints of an uncharacteristic odor thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA (2,4,6 tribromoanisole). The recalled TOPAMAX® tablets were distributed in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.


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 Sunday, April 17, 2011 0 comments
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Friday, April 8, 2011

Recalls and Alerts: April 8, 2011

This is a mirror of eFoodAlert on WordPress. To subscribe to automatic email alerts, please go to the eFoodAlert on WordPress blog page and complete the EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION form.


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.

United States
  • Allergy Alert: Le Bon Patissier (La Crescenta, CA) recalls several Le Bon Patissier products, due to the presence of undeclared wheat, egg, pistachios, walnuts, and/or milk. The recalled products were distributed in Southern California from 03/16/2011 to 03/26/2011. Please see the recall notice for a detailed list of recalled products.

  • Allergy Alert: The New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets advises consumers that Jamaican Fruit Cake, sold at Farmbria Food Center (217-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights, NY) contains undeclared eggs. The identity of the manufacturer is unknown.

  • Allergy Alert: Waco's Bestyett Sandwiches (Waco, TX) recalls Pimento Cheese Sandwiches and Chicken Salad Sandwiches, due to the presence of undeclared eggs. All products (3.5 oz., clear plastic wrap) shipped prior to April 6, 2011 are affected.

  • Allergy Alert: Tri-Union Seafoods LLC recalls Chicken of the Sea brand Chopped Clams (6.5 oz; Best By dates 12/18/11, 03/11/12, 03/12/12, 05/18/12, 05/27/12), because the product may contain tiny shrimp that are not declared on the label. The recalled product was shipped in November and December 2010 to the following retail distribution centers: Wakefern in Pennsylvania; C&S in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont; MDV/Nash Finch in Virginia; Food Lion in Pennsylvania and Virginia; and Jefferson Wholesale in Pennsylvania.

  • Food Safety Recall: Ingles Markets Inc. advises consumers that Laura Lynn Salad Dressing (32 oz.; #97931; June 17 11 Date) has been recalled due to mold growth under the safety seal lid.

  • Food Recall: Ingles Markets Inc. advises consumers that Luzianne Unsweet Tea (96 oz.; Code #904296; Best By 2/24/12 14:23 and Best By 2/28/12) has been withdrawn due to a flavor concern.

  • Food Recall: Price Chopper advises consumers that Annie's Honey Bunny Grahams, 7 oz. size, has been recalled due to unspecified quality concerns.

  • Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak Investigation: CDC reports that between April 1, 2009 and April 5, 2011, a total of 217 individuals from 41 states have been infected with a single strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. The infections are associated with contact with African dwarf frogs from a single California water frog breeder. Environmental samples obtained at the frog breeder's facility were found to be positive for Salmonella. It's not yet known whether the strain found at the breeder's location is the outbreak strain. Some 34% of the outbreak victims were hospitalized as a result of their illness.

  • FDA Enforcement Action: At the behest of FDA, U.S. Marshals have seized more than $6 million in products distributed by Triad Group Inc. Since December 2010, H & P Industries, which is owned and managed by the same party as Triad Group) has initiated three voluntary product recalls due to various types of bacterial contamination found in the products. A recent FDA inspection of H & P Industries found multiple sanitary violations at the company's manufacturing facility.


Canada
  • Allergy Alert: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns consumers that certain Assi brand Wheat Flour Mix products (#02081K, #02082K and #92083K) have been recalled by the importers due to the presence of undeclared milk and peanuts.

  • Allergy Alert: Maple Leaf Foods Inc. recalls Wild Wing Boneless Bites, Wild Wing Tenders, and Harvey's Crispy Chicken (distributed in 10 kg packages to hotels, restaurants and institutions nationally), due to the presence of undeclared egg.

  • Allergy Alert: Aliments Trigone Inc. recalls Les Moissonneries du Pays Organic Whole White Buckwheat Groats (450g; Best before JN 2012336604) due to the presence of undeclared gluten. The recalled product was distributed only in the province of Québec.

  • Food Safety Recall: Organic Meadow Inc. recalls certain Organic Meadow Traditions Organic milk products (946mL glass bottles; Best Before AL 17) and Farm Boy Organic milk products (946mL glass bottles; Best Before AL 17), because the products may contain harmful glass fragments. The recalled bottles of milk were distributed in Ontario. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

  • Food Safety Recall / Outbreak Investigation (Update): The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) advises consumers that 14 cases of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses have been reported in Quebec (10 cases, including 1 death), Ontario and New Brunswick. Ten of the 14 outbreak victims have been hospitalized - 3 with hemolytic uremic syndrome. The individual who died suffered from an underlying medical condition. The outbreak is suspected to be linked to the consumption of bulk and prepackaged raw shelled walnut products distrubited in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario (and perhaps nationally). The walnuts were imported from the USA by Amira Enterprises Ltd. and were recalled by the importer on April 3rd.

  • Health Supplement Safety Recall: Sunnylife International Inc. recalls U-Prosta Natural Support for Prostate Health, after FDA detects undeclared terazosin hydrochloride (a prescription drug) in the "natural" health product. The recalled U-Prosta was sold at various natural health retail outlets in Western Canada.


Europe
  • Allergy Alert (Finland): Semper Oy Ab recalls SmaFolk Majspuffar, cheese and herbs flavor, due to the presence of traces of undeclared celery.

  • Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Food Solution Ltd. recalls Sandwich Spread with Olive Oil (Product of Lithuania; Best before 25/8-2011), because the lids on the jars are not sealed, and may leak.

  • Food Safety Recall (Finland): Siam House Ky recalls Monika Sotanghon Lungkow called vemiselliä (Best before 31.12.2011) due to an excessive level of aluminum.

  • Food Safety Recall (UK): Everest Dairies recalls certain brands of Paneer Cheese (Use by dates: 12 April 2011, 19 April 2011, 26 April 2011, 3 May 2011, 9 May 2011, 16 May 2011), because milk used to make the paneer might contain residues of veterinary medicines.

  • Food Safety Recall / Outbreak Investigation (Norway): The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reports that 20 people in Norway have been infected with the identical strain of Yersinia enterocolitica since February. Patient interviews pointed toward pre-packaged lettuce mixes as the most probable source of the outbreak. The (unnamed) manufacturer has withdrawn a total of 10 lettuce mixes from the market.

  • Cosmetic Product Safety Recall (France): The manufacturer has recalled SOCAP professionnel Paris Lissage Ultime hair straightener (Product of Brazil; Lot #1984HO41) due to the presence of excessive formaldehyde in the product.

  • Food Withdrawal (Denmark): BB Canteen Service withdraws Mini Milk 0.5% UHT-treated (10mL; Best Before 18/6-2011 and 7/7-2011) because some of the containers are not sealed.

  • Food Withdrawal (Denmark): Rieber & Son Denmark A/S withdraws certain lots of Salad Master Horseradish Salad, due to changes in taste and texture over time.

  • Outbreak Investigation (Russia): Investigators have uncovered unsanitary conditions at a small day care located in a two-bedroom apartment in Pervouralsk (Sverdlovsk region), after three of the twelve children were stricken with acute gastroenteritis.

  • Outbreak Investigation (Ukraine): Fifty-six children have developed an acute intestinal infection after consuming dairy-based baby food in Donetsk. Twenty-six of the children are suffering mild symptoms; the condition of the other thirty is described as "moderate" and none of the children are considered to be in danger. Preliminary findings suggest that the children were infected with rotavirus, which was transmitted by contaminated cottage cheese. The investigation is continuing.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
  • Cosmetic Product Safety Recall (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Food & Drug Authority has requested the recall of Ramie Black Eyeliner and Bodic Cool Eyeliner, produced in India by Attari Brothers Factory, because the products are contaminated with a high concentration of lead and high levels of bacteria.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Allergy Alert (Australia): David Jones department stores recalls Marshmallow Hearts (150g; Product of Belgium; Best before 10/10/2011, due to the presence of undeclared wheat. The recalled product was distributed in David Jones department stores in the Australia Capital Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and West Australia.

  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Patties Foods Ltd. recalls Four 'n Twenty Traditional Pie (6-pack and single pie; Best before 12 JUL 12, 13 JUL 12, and 14 JUL 12), because the product may contain some pieces of plastic. The products were sold across Australia.


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.
Posted by Phyllis E at Friday, April 08, 2011 0 comments
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Friday, July 18, 2008

eFoodAlert World Tour: Misery Loves Company

Our tour this week begins and ends in Australia, which has been playing host to World Youth Day, a week-long international convention of Roman Catholic youths. Large gatherings often attract unwanted visitors, and this one has been no exception.

Australia
On July 16th, health authorities told of scattered cases of influenza and gastroenteritis among the pilgrims. By the next day, there were 22 cases of gastroenteritis among the attendees. According to today's report, 23 more attendees were suffering from gastroenteritis.

These number are not large, given the thousands of young people who have gathered for this convention. But they are a useful reminder that one need not be traveling in an underdeveloped country to become exposed to food-borne or water-borne pathogens.

Hong Kong
A regular stop on our tour, Hong Kong has reported another series of incidents of food poisoning linked to restaurant meals. Five groups of victims – 21 people in all – became ill after eating at a Yau Ma Tei restaurant between July 11th and July 14th. And 10 people required treatment for symptoms of gastroenteritis after dining at a restaurant in Sha Tin on July 15th and 16th. One of the Sha Tin victims remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Russia
An outbreak of yersiniosis in Krasnoyarsk has continued to grow. Two more kindergarten-age children have been added to the list, which now totals 141 victims – most of them young children. Twenty-two children and two adults remain in hospital for treatment.

Elsewhere in Russia – in Tatarstan – smoked or dried fish has been fingered as the source of at least 6, and possibly 7, cases of botulism. The fish was either prepared in the home, or purchased from unlicensed stalls.

Philippines
Forty-eight students taking part in a school lunch program began to feel ill on July 10th, minutes after eating a meal that consisted of munggo, bananas, malunggay, sardines and rice. The students became dizzy, complained of stomachaches, and later vomited. Samples of food from the meal were submitted to a government lab for analysis, but no specific source of the food poisoning has been determined.

One week after this incident, four people became ill after eating sardines – one of the items on the menu in the student outbreak. The individuals began to complain of dizziness and stomachaches and also experienced vomiting about two hours after eating the sardines.

Australia
The country is dealing with the aftermath of two outbreaks of gastroenteritis in a nursing home west of Sydney last month that sickened 80 residents and claimed 10 lives. According to the New South Wales communicable diseases director, investigators found evidence of Clostridium perfringens toxin in samples from the nursing home. This toxin usually forms when cooked food is allowed to stand for a few hours at room temperature.















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Sunday, June 29, 2008


          

        







Russia's Time Bomb






There's been a third food poisoning outbreak this month among school children in Siberia. In all three cases, the culprit has been Yersinia enterocolitica.

In the most recent outbreak, 11 children, between 3 and 6 years old, were hospitalized in Krasnoyarsk (eastern Siberia) with symptoms of yersiniosis. A few days before, 65 children from a summer camp in Solnechny also were hospitalized in Krasnoyarsk with similar symptoms. And an outbreak of yersiniosis in Shaktyor sent 21 children from a summer camp to hospital.

While authorities suspect contaminated cabbage salad to be the source of these outbreaks, Yersinia enterocolitica infections most often result from consuming contaminated water, raw or undercooked meats, raw milk, or improperly pasteurized milk.

Rospotreb­nadzora, described by the Moscow News Weekly as Russia's consumer rights agency, recently inspected 2,409 of the country's dairies. Fewer than 58% of the dairies were satisfactory; 19% needed immediate structural renovations, according to the Rospotreb­nadzora report.

The inspections uncovered instances of lack of temperature control during pasteurization and delivery, as well as evidence of unsanitary conditions. The problems were especially severe in Far-Eastern, Siberian, and Ural federal regions, where 12.5% of milk samples failed to meet sanitary standards.

These major lapses in the safety of dairy processing and products translate into frequent, large outbreaks of food poisoning. Last year, several hundred children in the Stavropol region (in southern Russia) were hospitalized in two food poisoning outbreaks that were traced to contaminated kefir, a fermented dairy product.  Several dairies in the region had allowed employees suffering from dysentery to continue working, and had fallen short of sanitation requirements in other respects as well.

Gennadiy Onishchenko, Russia's chief sanitarian, has suggested that the dairy industry return to an older method for delivering fresh, clean milk to consumers. He is advocating that consumers be allowed to fill milk jugs directly from parked trucks that haul milk in large refrigerated vats. Pilot projects to test this approach in North Osetia and Krasnodar proved successful, according to Onishchenko.

It's unclear how this "Back to the Future" approach would solve the problems of poor sanitation and lack of pasteurization temperature control that were reported by Rospotreb­nadzora. I suspect that it would simply substitute a different set of control problems, shifting the onus to the Russian consumer to keep their milk jugs clean and to maintain correct storage temperatures.

Until Russia solves the structural and sanitation problems in its dairy industry, its people can expect a regular diet of news articles about yersiniosis, as well as other food poisoning outbreaks.











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