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| Mar 25 2011, 4:32 PM EDT | CaitlinCatella | 1053 words deleted |
| Mar 17 2011, 2:59 PM EDT | CaitlinCatella |
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Mali- Improving microbiological food safety in peri-urban Mali; an experimental study
12 March 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Twenty years ago, a WHO review of the literature assumed that most foodborne disease transmission in developing countries takes place within the home, and advocated a major program of interdisciplinary research to develop and test cost-effective interventions to promote food hygiene. The HACCP approach was applied step by step, to two selected weaning foods prepared by 15 volunteer mothers in peri-urban Mali. After setting Critical Control Points (CCP), actions were taken to control, reduce or eliminate microbial growth at these points. There were 432 food samples collected and examined for coliforms in a local laboratory to assess the effectiveness of the approach. Traditional cooking was very effective in eliminating fecal contamination; reheating was as effective as cooking when adopted, because there was no significant difference in the temperatures reached in both cases. Behavioral corrective actions were effective in controlling fecal contamination at the other CCPs (serving the child after cooking and after reheating). Researchers conclude that the experiment improved significantly the bacterial safety of both weaning foods studied.
Africa- Dust from Africa may increase risk of seafood poisoning
20 Feb. 2011
Telegraph [edited] [BITES]
Researchers have found that harmful bacteria found in seawater flourish in the presence of dust that comes from the Sahara desert in western Africa, as well as other areas of continent. Researchers warn that climate change can cause desert areas to grow so the risk of seafood poisoning could rise around the world. At the same time, rising sea temperatures could further increase the chances of these bacteria occurring in shellfish caught in British waters. Huge quantities of the dust can be carried long distances across the sea by the trade winds. Although much of it is deposited in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean, some reaches northern Europe and the UK. Species of harmful bacteria including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and even cholera showed significant growth spurts two days after African desert dust was added to the water they grew in.
Uganda- Practices, Knowledge and risk factors associated of street food vendors
03 Feb. 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Street food vendors in Kampala, Jinja and Masaka districts in Uganda were surveyed to assess risk factors, practices and knowledge of street food vendors with respect to food safety and hygiene. A total of 225 street food vendors were investigated from August 2008 and May 2009.
Cameroon- Multiple contaminations of chickens with Campylobacter, Escherichia coli and Salmonella
1 Feb. 2011
The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries [edited] [BITES]
Food-borne diseases associated with Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella are mainly caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked poultry meat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella in chickens. One hundred and fifty chickens collected from eight retail markets were examined for the presence of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella using standard bacteriological procedures. Of the 150 chickens collected, 135 (90%) were contaminated with Campylobacter (68.9% C. coli and 31.1% C. jejuni). All the chickens were positive for E. coli. Among the 150 isolates, 17 (11.3%) were enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Additionally, 103 Salmonella strains were recovered from 90 chickens. Salmonella Enteritidis (45.6%) and Salmonella Hadar (28.1%) were the most frequent serotypes. These results show that chickens in Cameroon are highly contaminated with Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. The multiple contaminations of chickens is a potential risk of infection for consumers and highlights the necessity of public awareness for food safety.
Congo- Fight against tapeworm-caused epilepsy intensified
13 Jan. 2011
Alpha Galileo, ITM [edited] [BITES]
The Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp increased its fight in the Congo against the pork tapeworm (which is also a human parasite that causes epilepsy). The ITM scientists received a grant from the Gates Foundation. Humans are infected by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, by eating undercooked pork meat, containing larvae. Problems develop when a human ingests the eggs, through contaminated water or food. In humans, these eggs grow into cysts in the tissues, including the brain, where they can cause severe neurological problems such as epilepsy. The incidence of epilepsy has increased in sub-Saharan Africa as pig keeping and pork consumption have become more widespread in the past decade. A recent study in Tanzania shows that 14% of all epilepsy may be caused by this parasite. Last year, ITM scientists found the pork tapeworm in four Congolese pigs out of ten, a worrying number. Also last year, researchers at ITM showed that pigs can be vaccinated against the tapeworm, so for the first time breaking the cycle. The vaccine is not yet on the market.
Nigeria- Detection of arcobacter in feces of healthy chickens
06 Jan. 2011
Journal of Food Protection [edited] [BITES]
Isolation of arcobacters in foods, with the highest prevalence reported in poultry, has underscored its importance as a potential food safety problem. To estimate its prevalence in live birds, fresh stool samples from healthy chickens were screened by enrichment and plating on Arcobacter selective medium containing cefoperazone, amphotericin B, and teicoplanin. The low prevalence of Arcobacter in the fecal samples of healthy chickens concurs with earlier studies suggesting that Arcobacter appears to be a transient colonizer of poultry intestines and therefore might not be the major source of chicken carcass contamination.
Ghana- Investigation into the risk of exposure to antibiotic residues contaminating meat and egg 27 Nov. 2010 Food Control [edited] [BITES] In Ghana little is known about food safety in relation to antibiotic residues. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of antibiotic residues in animal source food and estimate the risk to consumers and identify factors predisposing animal source food to contamination with antibiotic drug residues. A total of 634 samples of various animal source foods, including beef, pork, and egg were screened for drug residues. Additionally, epidemiological data related to antibiotic usage on animals and consumption patterns of animal source food was collected from animal farmers and consumers of animal source food respectively. The findings of this study underscore the importance of health education of farmers in dealing with the problem of drug residues contaminating animal source food.The scale of illegal meat importation from Africa to Europe via Paris 21 June 2010 Wiley Interscience [edited] [ProMED] A new research study in the scientific journal, Conservation Letters, estimates that five tones of illegal bushmeat from Africa is smuggled in personal luggage each week through one of Europe's busiest airports. Working alongside customs officials at France's Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), The Royal Veterinary College (RVC), and The National Veterinary School and the Natural History Museum of Toulouse, identified 11 bushmeat species from confiscated luggage, including species of primates, crocodiles, and pangolins. Thirty-nine percent of the confiscated bushmeat was identified as being listed under the Convention for the Trade in Endangered Species, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the trade and its potential impact on species of conservation concern. In addition, the illegal trade of such large quantities of bushmeat raises serious questions about the importation of pathogens into Europe. This is the first systematic study of the scale and nature of this international trade. Much of the bushmeat smuggled into Europe is for personal consumption.Ethiopia- Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolates from humans and chickens in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 01 Jun 2010Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 7(6): 667-670. doi:10.1089/fpd.2009.0433 [edited][FSNet]In this study, the isolation and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains from chickens and humans in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, were analyzed. Two hundred and ten human and 220 chicken samples were analyzed between October 2007 and April 2008. Seventeen human and 160 chicken Campylobacter species were isolated. The overall prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters was 8% and 72.7% in humans and chickens, respectively. In humans, 94.1% of the isolates were C. jejuni and 5.9% were C. coli. C. jejuni was a predominant species of thermophilic campylobacters in all categories of patients. In chicken, 92.5% of thermophilic campylobacters isolated were C. jejuni and 7.5% were C. coli. Among the 16 isolates of C. jejuni in humans, 18.8%, 12.5%, 12.5%, 18.8%, 25%, and 22.2% were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively, whereas among the 148 C. jejuni isolates from chicken, 17.5%, 14.9%, 12.2%, and 13.5% were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. Among the 12 isolates of C. coli in chicken, 16.6%, 8.3%, and 16.6% were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. The overall level of resistance was not significantly different in C. jejuni and C. coli isolates of both humans and poultry. The detection of resistant isolates for commonly used antimicrobials may cause a threat to humans and chickens by limiting therapeutic options. Ethiopia-Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance ofCampylobacterisolates from human and chickens in Bahir Dar18 May 2010 Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]In this study, the isolation and antimicrobial resistance ofCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter colistrains from chickens and human in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, were analyzed. Two hundred and ten human and 220 chicken samples were analyzed between October 2007 and April 2008. Seventeen human and 160 chickensCampylobacterspecies were isolated. The overall prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters was 8% and 72.7% in human and chickens, respectively. In human, 94.1% of the isolates wereC. jejuniand 5.9% wereC. coli.C. jejuniwas a predominant species of thermophilic campylobacters in all categories of patients. In chicken, 92.5% of thermophilic campylobacters isolated wereC. jejuniand 7.5% wereC. coli. Among the 16 isolates ofC. jejuniin human, 18.8%, 12.5%, 12.5%, 18.8%, 25%, and 22.2% were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively, whereas among the 148C. jejuniisolates from chicken, 17.5%, 14.9%, 12.2%, and 13.5% were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. Among the 12 isolates ofC. coliin chicken, 16.6%, 8.3%, and 16.6% were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. The overall level of resistance was not significantly different inC. jejuniandC. coliisolates of both human and poultry. The detection of resistant isolates for commonly used antimicrobials may cause a threat to humans and chickens by limiting therapeutic options.
Senegal-Microbiological quality of milk from small processing units 08 Feb 2010Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. doi:10.1089/fpd.2009.0442 [edited][FSNet]Sebastien Breurec, Rodrigue Poueme, Cheikh Fall, Adama Tall, et al.Consumption of milk and dairy products has increased significantly in Senegal in the last decade, and a large part of the local production comes from small processing units spread all over the country. Researchers collected 85 bulk-tank milk samples from 68 smallholder dairy farms throughout the territory. Microbiological quality of milk samples was analyzed according to the official standards. Further, raw milk and pasteurized milk were screened for Mycobacterium bovis, Coxiella burnetii, and anti–Brucella abortus antibodies. Ninety-three percent of pasteurized milk samples, 92% of raw milk samples, and 81% of sour milk samples failed to meet official standards. Pathogens detected in milk were C. burnetii (6/41, 15%), which seems to be endemic in Senegal, coagulase-positive staphylococci (18/70, 26%), and Salmonella Johannesburg in one sample. Further analysis of coagulase-positive Staphylococci isolated from samples containing more than 104 colony-forming units per gram showed the presence of enterotoxigenic strains in 9 of the 10 samples. These results confirm the poor microbiological quality of milk produced by small units in Senegal, especially and surprisingly of pasteurized milk. This highlights the need to implement good hygiene practices, particularly in the postpasteurization process, and an effective monitoring throughout the production and delivery chain.12 March 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Twenty years ago, a WHO review of the literature assumed that most foodborne disease transmission in developing countries takes place within the home, and advocated a major program of interdisciplinary research to develop and test cost-effective interventions to promote food hygiene. The HACCP approach was applied step by step, to two selected weaning foods prepared by 15 volunteer mothers in peri-urban Mali. After setting Critical Control Points (CCP), actions were taken to control, reduce or eliminate microbial growth at these points. There were 432 food samples collected and examined for coliforms in a local laboratory to assess the effectiveness of the approach. Traditional cooking was very effective in eliminating fecal contamination; reheating was as effective as cooking when adopted, because there was no significant difference in the temperatures reached in both cases. Behavioral corrective actions were effective in controlling fecal contamination at the other CCPs (serving the child after cooking and after reheating). Researchers conclude that the experiment improved significantly the bacterial safety of both weaning foods studied.
Africa- Dust from Africa may increase risk of seafood poisoning
20 Feb. 2011
Telegraph [edited] [BITES]
Researchers have found that harmful bacteria found in seawater flourish in the presence of dust that comes from the Sahara desert in western Africa, as well as other areas of continent. Researchers warn that climate change can cause desert areas to grow so the risk of seafood poisoning could rise around the world. At the same time, rising sea temperatures could further increase the chances of these bacteria occurring in shellfish caught in British waters. Huge quantities of the dust can be carried long distances across the sea by the trade winds. Although much of it is deposited in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean, some reaches northern Europe and the UK. Species of harmful bacteria including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and even cholera showed significant growth spurts two days after African desert dust was added to the water they grew in.
Uganda- Practices, Knowledge and risk factors associated of street food vendors
03 Feb. 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Street food vendors in Kampala, Jinja and Masaka districts in Uganda were surveyed to assess risk factors, practices and knowledge of street food vendors with respect to food safety and hygiene. A total of 225 street food vendors were investigated from August 2008 and May 2009.
Cameroon- Multiple contaminations of chickens with Campylobacter, Escherichia coli and Salmonella
1 Feb. 2011
The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries [edited] [BITES]
Food-borne diseases associated with Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella are mainly caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked poultry meat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella in chickens. One hundred and fifty chickens collected from eight retail markets were examined for the presence of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella using standard bacteriological procedures. Of the 150 chickens collected, 135 (90%) were contaminated with Campylobacter (68.9% C. coli and 31.1% C. jejuni). All the chickens were positive for E. coli. Among the 150 isolates, 17 (11.3%) were enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Additionally, 103 Salmonella strains were recovered from 90 chickens. Salmonella Enteritidis (45.6%) and Salmonella Hadar (28.1%) were the most frequent serotypes. These results show that chickens in Cameroon are highly contaminated with Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. The multiple contaminations of chickens is a potential risk of infection for consumers and highlights the necessity of public awareness for food safety.
Congo- Fight against tapeworm-caused epilepsy intensified
13 Jan. 2011
Alpha Galileo, ITM [edited] [BITES]
The Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp increased its fight in the Congo against the pork tapeworm (which is also a human parasite that causes epilepsy). The ITM scientists received a grant from the Gates Foundation. Humans are infected by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, by eating undercooked pork meat, containing larvae. Problems develop when a human ingests the eggs, through contaminated water or food. In humans, these eggs grow into cysts in the tissues, including the brain, where they can cause severe neurological problems such as epilepsy. The incidence of epilepsy has increased in sub-Saharan Africa as pig keeping and pork consumption have become more widespread in the past decade. A recent study in Tanzania shows that 14% of all epilepsy may be caused by this parasite. Last year, ITM scientists found the pork tapeworm in four Congolese pigs out of ten, a worrying number. Also last year, researchers at ITM showed that pigs can be vaccinated against the tapeworm, so for the first time breaking the cycle. The vaccine is not yet on the market.
Nigeria- Detection of arcobacter in feces of healthy chickens
06 Jan. 2011
Journal of Food Protection [edited] [BITES]
Isolation of arcobacters in foods, with the highest prevalence reported in poultry, has underscored its importance as a potential food safety problem. To estimate its prevalence in live birds, fresh stool samples from healthy chickens were screened by enrichment and plating on Arcobacter selective medium containing cefoperazone, amphotericin B, and teicoplanin. The low prevalence of Arcobacter in the fecal samples of healthy chickens concurs with earlier studies suggesting that Arcobacter appears to be a transient colonizer of poultry intestines and therefore might not be the major source of chicken carcass contamination.
Ghana- Investigation into the risk of exposure to antibiotic residues contaminating meat and egg 27 Nov. 2010 Food Control [edited] [BITES] In Ghana little is known about food safety in relation to antibiotic residues. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of antibiotic residues in animal source food and estimate the risk to consumers and identify factors predisposing animal source food to contamination with antibiotic drug residues. A total of 634 samples of various animal source foods, including beef, pork, and egg were screened for drug residues. Additionally, epidemiological data related to antibiotic usage on animals and consumption patterns of animal source food was collected from animal farmers and consumers of animal source food respectively. The findings of this study underscore the importance of health education of farmers in dealing with the problem of drug residues contaminating animal source food.The scale of illegal meat importation from Africa to Europe via Paris 21 June 2010 Wiley Interscience [edited] [ProMED] A new research study in the scientific journal, Conservation Letters, estimates that five tones of illegal bushmeat from Africa is smuggled in personal luggage each week through one of Europe's busiest airports. Working alongside customs officials at France's Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), The Royal Veterinary College (RVC), and The National Veterinary School and the Natural History Museum of Toulouse, identified 11 bushmeat species from confiscated luggage, including species of primates, crocodiles, and pangolins. Thirty-nine percent of the confiscated bushmeat was identified as being listed under the Convention for the Trade in Endangered Species, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the trade and its potential impact on species of conservation concern. In addition, the illegal trade of such large quantities of bushmeat raises serious questions about the importation of pathogens into Europe. This is the first systematic study of the scale and nature of this international trade. Much of the bushmeat smuggled into Europe is for personal consumption.Ethiopia- Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolates from humans and chickens in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 01 Jun 2010Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 7(6): 667-670. doi:10.1089/fpd.2009.0433 [edited][FSNet]In this study, the isolation and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains from chickens and humans in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, were analyzed. Two hundred and ten human and 220 chicken samples were analyzed between October 2007 and April 2008. Seventeen human and 160 chicken Campylobacter species were isolated. The overall prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters was 8% and 72.7% in humans and chickens, respectively. In humans, 94.1% of the isolates were C. jejuni and 5.9% were C. coli. C. jejuni was a predominant species of thermophilic campylobacters in all categories of patients. In chicken, 92.5% of thermophilic campylobacters isolated were C. jejuni and 7.5% were C. coli. Among the 16 isolates of C. jejuni in humans, 18.8%, 12.5%, 12.5%, 18.8%, 25%, and 22.2% were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively, whereas among the 148 C. jejuni isolates from chicken, 17.5%, 14.9%, 12.2%, and 13.5% were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. Among the 12 isolates of C. coli in chicken, 16.6%, 8.3%, and 16.6% were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. The overall level of resistance was not significantly different in C. jejuni and C. coli isolates of both humans and poultry. The detection of resistant isolates for commonly used antimicrobials may cause a threat to humans and chickens by limiting therapeutic options. Ethiopia-Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance ofCampylobacterisolates from human and chickens in Bahir Dar18 May 2010 Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]In this study, the isolation and antimicrobial resistance ofCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter colistrains from chickens and human in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, were analyzed. Two hundred and ten human and 220 chicken samples were analyzed between October 2007 and April 2008. Seventeen human and 160 chickensCampylobacterspecies were isolated. The overall prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters was 8% and 72.7% in human and chickens, respectively. In human, 94.1% of the isolates wereC. jejuniand 5.9% wereC. coli.C. jejuniwas a predominant species of thermophilic campylobacters in all categories of patients. In chicken, 92.5% of thermophilic campylobacters isolated wereC. jejuniand 7.5% wereC. coli. Among the 16 isolates ofC. jejuniin human, 18.8%, 12.5%, 12.5%, 18.8%, 25%, and 22.2% were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively, whereas among the 148C. jejuniisolates from chicken, 17.5%, 14.9%, 12.2%, and 13.5% were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. Among the 12 isolates ofC. coliin chicken, 16.6%, 8.3%, and 16.6% were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, respectively. The overall level of resistance was not significantly different inC. jejuniandC. coliisolates of both human and poultry. The detection of resistant isolates for commonly used antimicrobials may cause a threat to humans and chickens by limiting therapeutic options.
