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| Dec 12 2011, 3:00 PM EST | CaitlinCatella | 129 words added |
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France – Nationwide outbreak of Salmonella associated with dried pork sausage consumption
2 Feb. 2012
Eurosurveillance, Volume 17, Issue 5 [edited]
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20071
An outbreak of Salmonella entericaserotype 4,[5],12:i:- occurred in November and December 2011 in France. Epidemiological investigation and food investigation with the help of supermarket loyalty cards suggested dried pork sausage from one producer as the most likely source of the outbreak. Despite the absence of positive food samples, control measures including withdrawal and recall were implemented. Between October 31st and December 18th a total of 337 cases were identified.
2 Feb. 2012
Eurosurveillance, Volume 17, Issue 5 [edited]
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20071
An outbreak of Salmonella entericaserotype 4,[5],12:i:- occurred in November and December 2011 in France. Epidemiological investigation and food investigation with the help of supermarket loyalty cards suggested dried pork sausage from one producer as the most likely source of the outbreak. Despite the absence of positive food samples, control measures including withdrawal and recall were implemented. Between October 31st and December 18th a total of 337 cases were identified.
Netherlands- Aetiology of acute gastroenteritis in adults requiring hospitalization
08 Dec. 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8453217
Infectious gastroenteritis causes a considerable burden of disease worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and aetiology of gastroenteritis in adults requiring hospital admission in The Netherlands. Five hospitals enrolled patients admitted with gastroenteritis for about 1 year during the period May 2008 to November 2009. Participants completed questionnaires and provided a fecal sample. The hospital completed a clinical questionnaire. In total, 44 adults hospitalized for gastroenteritis were included in the study. The cases had serious symptoms, with 31% subsequently developing kidney failure. One or more pathogens were found in 59% of cases. Overall, rotavirus (22%) was the most common infection. Co-infections were observed relatively often (22%).
08 Dec. 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8453217
Infectious gastroenteritis causes a considerable burden of disease worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and aetiology of gastroenteritis in adults requiring hospital admission in The Netherlands. Five hospitals enrolled patients admitted with gastroenteritis for about 1 year during the period May 2008 to November 2009. Participants completed questionnaires and provided a fecal sample. The hospital completed a clinical questionnaire. In total, 44 adults hospitalized for gastroenteritis were included in the study. The cases had serious symptoms, with 31% subsequently developing kidney failure. One or more pathogens were found in 59% of cases. Overall, rotavirus (22%) was the most common infection. Co-infections were observed relatively often (22%).
UK- Campylobacteriosis reports and rates increasing
26 Nov 2011
Gideon [edited] [ProMed]
http://www.gideon.com
Reports of campylobacteriosis in the United Kingdom have increased since the 1990s and continue to exceed the combined incidence of all other reportable gastrointestinal pathogens. Campylobacteriosis rates in Scotland are similar to those of England and Wales, while those of Northern Ireland more closely resemble rates reported by the Irish Republic.
26 Nov 2011
Gideon [edited] [ProMed]
http://www.gideon.com
Reports of campylobacteriosis in the United Kingdom have increased since the 1990s and continue to exceed the combined incidence of all other reportable gastrointestinal pathogens. Campylobacteriosis rates in Scotland are similar to those of England and Wales, while those of Northern Ireland more closely resemble rates reported by the Irish Republic.
France- Food poisoning outbreaks linked to mussels contaminated with okadaic acid and ester dinophysistoxin-3 in France, June 2009
17 Nov. 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20020
In June 2009, 11 outbreaks of food poisoning occurred in France, involving 45 individuals who had consumed mussels harvested in Northwestern France. Because the toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis spp. had been detected in the area from mid-May, okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins were suspected to be the cause of these outbreaks, although the weekly monitoring tests by mouse bioassay had been negative. With the help of the French reporting system for food-borne disease outbreaks, the detailed data on epidemiology, mussel consumption and complete product traceback, were collected for 11 individuals involved in three reported outbreaks. The batch of mussels identified as the source of these three outbreaks contained concentrations of toxins of the okadaic acid group that were approximately eight times higher than the European regulatory limit.
17 Nov. 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20020
In June 2009, 11 outbreaks of food poisoning occurred in France, involving 45 individuals who had consumed mussels harvested in Northwestern France. Because the toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis spp. had been detected in the area from mid-May, okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins were suspected to be the cause of these outbreaks, although the weekly monitoring tests by mouse bioassay had been negative. With the help of the French reporting system for food-borne disease outbreaks, the detailed data on epidemiology, mussel consumption and complete product traceback, were collected for 11 individuals involved in three reported outbreaks. The batch of mussels identified as the source of these three outbreaks contained concentrations of toxins of the okadaic acid group that were approximately eight times higher than the European regulatory limit.
Norway- Health Risk from Eating Well-Done Meat May Be Underestimated
9 Nov. 2011
Science Daily [edited] [CAHFS-DailyNews]
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125945.htm
Researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have adopted a mouse type where human enzymes have been inserted to examine whether people may be more sensitive to certain carcinogenic substances from heat-treated foods. Results show that the incidence of intestinal tumors increased from 31% to 80% in the mice who consumed substances from meat crust (i.e. the surface formed during heat-treatment). Intestinal expression of the tested human genes might increase the susceptibility to these compounds.
9 Nov. 2011
Science Daily [edited] [CAHFS-DailyNews]
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125945.htm
Researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have adopted a mouse type where human enzymes have been inserted to examine whether people may be more sensitive to certain carcinogenic substances from heat-treated foods. Results show that the incidence of intestinal tumors increased from 31% to 80% in the mice who consumed substances from meat crust (i.e. the surface formed during heat-treatment). Intestinal expression of the tested human genes might increase the susceptibility to these compounds.
Croatia- First report of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in mussels from eastern Adriatic Sea
02 Nov. 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
http://bites.ksu.edu/news/151244/11/11/03/first-report-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-psp-mussels-mytilus-galloprovinciali
The chromatographic HPLC-FLD method was introduced for the first time to identify and quantitatively determine individual Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins accumulated in aquacultured shellfish from Croatian coastal waters. Populations of Mediterranean mussels were contaminated with PSP toxins throughout January to April 2009 leading to the positive test results. Until 2009, there was no evidence of PSP toxins in the examined samples. For the first time an instrumental method revealed the PSP toxin profile of samples taken along the eastern Adriatic coast and identified saxitoxin (STX) as the main representative of this toxin group that may cause paralysis and death in consumers of contaminated shellfish. This phenomenon may have serious health and economic consequences.
02 Nov. 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
http://bites.ksu.edu/news/151244/11/11/03/first-report-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-psp-mussels-mytilus-galloprovinciali
The chromatographic HPLC-FLD method was introduced for the first time to identify and quantitatively determine individual Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxins accumulated in aquacultured shellfish from Croatian coastal waters. Populations of Mediterranean mussels were contaminated with PSP toxins throughout January to April 2009 leading to the positive test results. Until 2009, there was no evidence of PSP toxins in the examined samples. For the first time an instrumental method revealed the PSP toxin profile of samples taken along the eastern Adriatic coast and identified saxitoxin (STX) as the main representative of this toxin group that may cause paralysis and death in consumers of contaminated shellfish. This phenomenon may have serious health and economic consequences.
Germany- Epidemic Profile of Shiga-Toxin producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 Outbreak
28 Oct. 2011
New England Journal of Medicine [edited] [CAHFS-DailyNews]
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1106483
The article describes an outbreak of gastroenteritis and the hemolytic–uremic syndrome caused by Shiga-toxin–producing Escherichia coli in Germany in May, June, and July, 2011. The consumption of sprouts was identified as the most likely vehicle of infection. A total of 3816 cases (including 54 deaths) were reported in Germany. The outbreak strain was typed as an entero-aggregative Shiga-toxin–producing E. coli O104:H4, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase.
28 Oct. 2011
New England Journal of Medicine [edited] [CAHFS-DailyNews]
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1106483
The article describes an outbreak of gastroenteritis and the hemolytic–uremic syndrome caused by Shiga-toxin–producing Escherichia coli in Germany in May, June, and July, 2011. The consumption of sprouts was identified as the most likely vehicle of infection. A total of 3816 cases (including 54 deaths) were reported in Germany. The outbreak strain was typed as an entero-aggregative Shiga-toxin–producing E. coli O104:H4, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase.
France- 600 sick from salmonella in hamburgers: a cohort study in Poitiers, France, Oct. 2010
03 Oct. 2011
Barfblog [edited] [BITES]
http://www.barfblog.com/blog/150732/11/10/03/600-sick-salmonella-hamburgers-cohort-study-poitiers-france-oct-2010
In Oct. 2010, a massive outbreak of Salmonella enterica sickened about 600 students in schools in Poitiers, France. During the outbreak, there was criticism regarding the failure to communicate the severity of the outbreak. The epidemiological investigation of the outbreak is presented in this report. Environmental investigations identified frozen beef burger meat from a single brand served in schools as the cause of the outbreak and food trace-back investigation led to identification and recall of beef burger. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was filled by students and personnel attending the four exposed schools with cases. Clinical cases were defined as anyone reporting diarrheal or fever with at least one digestive sign within 5 days after school meal.
03 Oct. 2011
Barfblog [edited] [BITES]
http://www.barfblog.com/blog/150732/11/10/03/600-sick-salmonella-hamburgers-cohort-study-poitiers-france-oct-2010
In Oct. 2010, a massive outbreak of Salmonella enterica sickened about 600 students in schools in Poitiers, France. During the outbreak, there was criticism regarding the failure to communicate the severity of the outbreak. The epidemiological investigation of the outbreak is presented in this report. Environmental investigations identified frozen beef burger meat from a single brand served in schools as the cause of the outbreak and food trace-back investigation led to identification and recall of beef burger. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was filled by students and personnel attending the four exposed schools with cases. Clinical cases were defined as anyone reporting diarrheal or fever with at least one digestive sign within 5 days after school meal.
Scotland- Highly virulent Escherichia coli O26
24 Aug. 2011
Emerging Infectious Diseases [edited] [BITES]
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, microthrombi, and multiorgan injury. HUS is one of the commonest causes of acute renal failure in children worldwide and is most frequently precipitated by infection with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) such as E. coli O157. However, non-O157 VTEC serotypes have been increasingly found in the development of HUS. Although previous surveillance of childhood HUS in Scotland identified E. coli O157 in >90% of cases, non-O157 serotypes have also been associated with HUS. In 2010, several particularly severe cases of HUS were reported to Health Protection Scotland by a consultant pediatric nephrologist. Subsequent tests identified the pathogen in these cases as E. coli O26. However, in a recent study of pediatric HUS cases in Europe, children infected with E. coli O26 did not exhibit different clinical signs and symptoms from patients infected with other VTEC serotypes. To establish whether the host pathophysiologic responses to E. coli O157 and E. coli O26 strains differed, researchers analyzed a cohort of children with HUS who were infected with these VTEC serotypes. In Scotland, most patients with pediatric thrombotic microangiopathy are referred to a specialist pediatric hospital, which immediately reports cases of HUS to Health Protection Scotland as part of national surveillance. To test the hypothesis that E. coli O26 was more virulent than E. coli O157, researchers performed an age-matched, nested case–case study of HUS patients and compared host clinical markers, treatment, and outcomes from pediatric cases in 2010.
24 Aug. 2011
Emerging Infectious Diseases [edited] [BITES]
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, microthrombi, and multiorgan injury. HUS is one of the commonest causes of acute renal failure in children worldwide and is most frequently precipitated by infection with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) such as E. coli O157. However, non-O157 VTEC serotypes have been increasingly found in the development of HUS. Although previous surveillance of childhood HUS in Scotland identified E. coli O157 in >90% of cases, non-O157 serotypes have also been associated with HUS. In 2010, several particularly severe cases of HUS were reported to Health Protection Scotland by a consultant pediatric nephrologist. Subsequent tests identified the pathogen in these cases as E. coli O26. However, in a recent study of pediatric HUS cases in Europe, children infected with E. coli O26 did not exhibit different clinical signs and symptoms from patients infected with other VTEC serotypes. To establish whether the host pathophysiologic responses to E. coli O157 and E. coli O26 strains differed, researchers analyzed a cohort of children with HUS who were infected with these VTEC serotypes. In Scotland, most patients with pediatric thrombotic microangiopathy are referred to a specialist pediatric hospital, which immediately reports cases of HUS to Health Protection Scotland as part of national surveillance. To test the hypothesis that E. coli O26 was more virulent than E. coli O157, researchers performed an age-matched, nested case–case study of HUS patients and compared host clinical markers, treatment, and outcomes from pediatric cases in 2010.
Greece- Risk-based estimate of effect of foodborne diseases on public health
24 Aug. 2011
Emerging Infectious Diseases [edited] [BITES]
The public health effects of illness caused by foodborne pathogens in Greece during 1996–2006 was quantified by using publicly available surveillance data, hospital statistics, and literature. Results were expressed as the incidence of different disease outcomes and as disability-adjusted life years (DALY), a health indicator combining illness and death estimates into a single metric. It has been estimated that each year 370,000 illnesses/million inhabitants are likely caused because of eating contaminated food; 900 of these illnesses are severe and 3 fatal, corresponding to 896 DALY/million inhabitants. Ill-defined intestinal infections accounted for the greatest part of reported cases and 27% of the DALY. Brucellosis, echinococcosis, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis were found to be the most common known causes of foodborne illnesses, being responsible for 70% of the DALY.
24 Aug. 2011
Emerging Infectious Diseases [edited] [BITES]
The public health effects of illness caused by foodborne pathogens in Greece during 1996–2006 was quantified by using publicly available surveillance data, hospital statistics, and literature. Results were expressed as the incidence of different disease outcomes and as disability-adjusted life years (DALY), a health indicator combining illness and death estimates into a single metric. It has been estimated that each year 370,000 illnesses/million inhabitants are likely caused because of eating contaminated food; 900 of these illnesses are severe and 3 fatal, corresponding to 896 DALY/million inhabitants. Ill-defined intestinal infections accounted for the greatest part of reported cases and 27% of the DALY. Brucellosis, echinococcosis, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis were found to be the most common known causes of foodborne illnesses, being responsible for 70% of the DALY.
UK- Scientists unlock secrets of E. coli outbreak strain
13 June 2011
Health Protection Agency [BITES]
Scientists at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have produced the most accurate and detailed genetic analysis to date of the E. coli O104 strain which is causing the outbreak in Germany. Cases are also being seen other European countries. Their findings, which have been uploaded onto the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website to assist in the international effort to control this outbreak, confirm earlier research that E. coli O104 has evolved to produce a new variant of this infectious agent. This new strain of E. coli O104 has a unique combination of features containing genes from two different types of E. coli as well as its own genes. The HPA team identified that these gene combinations produce a dangerous mix of properties. Insight into the genome may help to explain why this outbreak is so virulent - previous cases of E. coli O104 have not been associated with severe outbreaks in the past. Researchers have been able to map the exact location of the genes contained within the strain and their relation to one another.
UK- New strain of MRSA superbug may have spread from cattle to humans
3 June 2011
Guardian.co.uk [edited]
Scientists in the UK have discovered a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that appears to spread to humans from cattle and can cause life-threatening illness. The drug-resistant strain was identified in cows' milk during a study of the udder infection mastitis in dairy herds. It is the first time any form of the MRSA has been found on British farms. Milk from infected cows was safe to drink because the bug, along with other bacteria, can be killed by pasteurization. More than 99% of milk consumed in the UK is pasteurized. But the presence of MRSA in the national herd will put farm workers at risk of becoming carriers of the infection and spreading it to the wider community.
Croatia- Veterinary drug residues in raw milk study
27 May 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
A total of 1259 raw milk samples were examined over a three-year period for various antibiotics. Microbiological and immunoassay methods were used to determination if the antibiotics were used according to the guidelines provided by European Commission. In total, 37 positive samples were determined, which was equal to a frequency of 0.69% of the total number of targeted analyses. These findings suggest that raw milk in Croatia contain very low levels of veterinary drugs so that toxicological risk with regard to consuming of milk could not be considered a public health problem.
England- A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalized adults, February 2011
19 May 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
Hospital-acquired listeriosis cases are not commonly reported but remain a significant public health problem. The study reports on three cases in patients with underlying conditions occurring during one week in February 2011. The cases had common exposure to pre-packed sandwiches and salads. It is thought that cold chain and shelf life controls at the hospital were key contributing factors.
UK- Incidents report published
24 May 2011
Food Standards Agency [edited] [BITES]
The Food Standards Agency published its Annual Report of Incidents 2010. It outlines future challenges, such as working to ensure food at the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics venues is safe to eat. In 2010, there were nearly 300 more incidents than in 2009. The incidents included food fraud investigations and the subsequent seizures of illicit alcohol, a Salmonella outbreak associated with bean sprouts, and amnesic shellfish poisoning. More information about the action taken to protect consumers is given in the report.
France- Investigation of waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak
09 May 2011
Institut de Veille Sanitaire [edited] [BITES]
Because of an increase in the number of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases reported and the pollution of the public drinking water system, an outbreak of waterborne AGE was studied. Epidemiological and environmental investigations were conducted to describe the outbreak, the cases’ use of health care and waterborne pathogen origin. The environmental survey was used to describe the pollution in the water system and to identify potential sources of contamination. The epidemiological survey (n=433 subjects) confirmed the association between the occurrence of AGE and consumption of tap water and the risk increased with the amount of water absorbed. One third of the cases consulted a doctor. The microbiological examination of stool was positive for a single pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni. Late microbiological tests performed on water samples showed the presence of E.coli (STEC). This report enabled researchers to make several recommendations regarding the security system of water production, improved detection methods and investigations of outbreaks of waterborne infection.
Austria- Lessons to be learned from an outbreak of foodborne Listeriosis, 2009 to 2010
06 May 2011
Food Protection Trends Vol.31, No.5, Pages 268–273 [edited] [BITES]
From June 2009 to February 2010, an outbreak of listeriosis affected 25 people in Austria, 8 in Germany and 1 in the Czech Republic. The source of this outbreak linked to 8 deaths was initially identified based only on epidemiological findings. Grocery receipts of purchases from 7 patients were collected prospectively during 3 weeks after discharge from hospital and were compared. This generated a hypothesis tested by a case control study, which revealed Austrian ‘Quargel’ cheese as the source of infection. At least two patients had consumed the contaminated product after it was withdrawn from the market. Of 63 food samples of the product analyzed, 20 were positive for L. monocytogenes and 10 samples harbored >100 CFU/g (max. 92,000 CFU/g). A leftover specimen, stored in a patient’s refrigerator, yielded 2,100,000 CFU/g of L. monocytogenes, which matched the patient’s isolate.
Sweden- Cryptosporidium strikes Sweden again with 1,500 sick
21 April 2011
Barfblog [edited] [BITES]
In 2010, up to 11,000 people were sickened by cryptosporidium in Sweden. Recently, it has been reported that as many as 1,500 inhabitants in a municipality in northern Sweden have confirmed in a survey that they have experienced stomach flu symptoms probably caused by a parasite outbreak. The web survey was answered by 2,300 residents of the municipality. Of those who responded, about 60 percent confirmed that they experienced stomach flu symptoms. The survey has confirmed theories that the stomach flu has probably been caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium that could have originated in the municipal water supply, local authorities confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday.
England- National outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b, September to December 2009: case–control study
14 April 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
Researchers conducted an unmatched retrospective case–control study to investigate an upsurge of non-travel-related sporadic cases of infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Enteritidis phage type 14b with antimicrobial resistance to nalidixic acid and partial resistance to ciprofloxacin (S. Enteritidis PT 14b NxCpL) that was reported in England between September 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. The findings led to a prohibition of imports from a particular source of eggs in order to control the outbreak.
Germany- An outbreak of emetic syndrome after a kindergarten excursion linked to pudding, December 2007
14 April 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
An outbreak of food poisoning (emetic syndrome) occurred in three kindergartens in Berlin, Germany, on 3 December 2007 after an excursion during which food was served. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study among the kindergarten children and personnel who participated in the trip. The overall illness rate among the 155 participants was 30%. The consumption of rice pudding was significantly associated with disease. Among those who ate rice pudding, the illness rate was 36%, compared with 0% for non-eaters.
Romania- Epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Romania 1980–2009
15 April 2011
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited] [BITES]
In 2007, Romania reported the highest notification rate of botulism cases in the European Union, which was 18 times higher than the reported rate in the United States. This report aims to analyze surveillance data on foodborne botulism in Romania from 1980 to 2009. The mean annual incidence rate of botulism cases was significantly lower during the late communist period, 1980–1989 (0.06±0.03 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), than during the years 1990–1999 (0.1±0.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and 2000–2009 (0.12±0.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).
Finland- Norovirus genotypes in endemic acute gastroenteritis of infants and children between 1994 and 2007
14 April 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
Noroviruses are the second most common causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in young children. Researchers studied norovirus genotypes in fecal specimens collected from Finnish children followed-up prospectively in rotavirus vaccine trials. Researchers found that genotypes GII.4 and GIIb have emerged as predominant norovirus genotypes in endemic gastroenteritis affecting young infants and children in Finland.
France- Hepatitis A outbreak linked to the consumption of semi-dried tomatoes, 2009-2010
12 April 2011
Institut de Veille Sanitaire [edited] [BITES]
In January 2010, two clusters of hepatitis A cases were identified through mandatory notification in two French districts. The cases infected by a single IB strain reported having eaten in sandwich shops of the same chain. Additional cases were identified by the National Reference Centre (NRC) for hepatitis A virus (HAV) in other districts. A national epidemiological, virological and veterinary investigation was carried out to identify the source of infection, and to propose appropriate control measures. Fifty-nine cases were identified in 19 districts. Cases were more likely than controls to have eaten sandwiches or salads from a sandwich shop and to have eaten semi-dried tomatoes (SDT). The sandwich shops were supplied with SDT imported from Turkey by a common wholesaler located in France. The researchers stated that their results suggest that the nationwide outbreak was associated with consumption of SDT imported from Turkey.
Sweden- Study raises concerns about trace elements in baby foods
11 April 2011
FoodProductionDaily [edited]
Swedish scientists have expressed concern about the quantity of certain elements, especially arsenic, in popular infant formulas and foods. Researchers investigated the concentration of trace elements in nine infant formulas and nine infant foods produced by well-known companies. The survey revealed wide variations between different products intended for babies of less the four months old. Rice-based products were highlighted as being of particular concern because of the levels of arsenic found in them. The scientists also expressed concern about the levels of two other toxic elements in infant formulas and foods: cadmium and lead.
Netherlands- Cost of illness and disease burden in The Netherlands due to infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157
01 April 2011
Journal of Food Protection [edited] [BITES]
Infections due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) are associated with hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the study, researchers extend previous estimates of the burden of disease associated with STEC O157 with estimates of the associated cost of illness in The Netherlands. Annually, approximately 2.100 persons per year experience symptoms of gastroenteritis, leading to 22 cases of HUS and 3 cases of ESRD. The disease burden at the population level was estimated at 133 DALYs (87 DALYs discounted) per year. Total annual undiscounted and discounted costs of illness due to STEC O157 infection for the Dutch society were estimated at €9.1 million and €4.5 million, respectively. Average lifetime undiscounted and discounted costs per case were both €126 for diarrheal illness, both €25,713 for HUS, and €2.76 million and €1.22 million, respectively, for ESRD. Compared with other foodborne pathogens, STEC O157 infections result in relatively low burden and low annual costs at the societal level, but the burden and costs per case are high.
Italy- Ochratoxin A in cocoa and chocolate products from the Italian market, occurrence and exposure assessment
31 March 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Three hundred samples of cocoa and chocolate based products were randomly collected in South, Center and North Italy. One hundred and seventy nine, out of the 300 samples analyzed, were positive for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination, representing 60% of the purchased products. All 40 cocoa samples showed OTA contamination, while grouping all the chocolate products the positive samples accounted for 53%. The mean OTA concentration levels for cocoa and chocolate products were well below the corresponding Italian legal limits. On the basis of the risk assessment carried out in this study, the exposure to OTA, due to the consumption of cocoa and chocolate products, is to be considered not a major concern. Therefore, the Italian Superior Council of Health considered the data arising from this study, adequate to repeal the existing Italian legal limits and to align national legislation with the EU provisions.
EU- The European Union Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Food-borne Outbreaks in 2009
22 March 2011
EFSA Journal [edited]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published their annual report on zoonoses and foodborne outbreaks in the EU for 2009. The report shows Salmonella cases in humans fell by 17% in 2009, marking a decrease for the fifth consecutive year. The report also shows that between 2008 and 2009 the number of laying hen flocks infected with Salmonella fell by 9%. Campylobacteriosis remained the most reported zoonotic disease in humans, showing a slight increase in 2009 compared to 2008 (+4%). Listeria infections in humans showed an increase of 19% in 2009 compared to 2008. Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) accounted for 3,573 human disease cases in 2009, marking a slight increase from 2008. The report says that 5,550 foodborne outbreaks were recorded in the EU in 2009, affecting 48,964 people and causing 46 deaths. The largest sources of outbreaks were eggs and egg products, mixed and buffet meals, and pork and pork-derived products.
France- Psittacosis outbreak after participation in a bird fair, Western France, December 2008
14 March 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
In December 2008, three hospitalized cases of suspected psittacosis-related infections were found in a local hospital and reported to the Regional Epidemiology Unit in France. All the patients had attended a bird fair. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among exhibitors and organizers to identify potential risk factors in relation to this fair. Environmental and veterinary investigations were implemented to trace potential sources of infection.
Belgium- Virulence profiling and quantification of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O145:H28 and O26:H11 isolated during an ice cream–related hemolytic uremic syndrome outbreak
07 March 2011
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited] [BITES]
From September to October 2007, a mixed-serotype outbreak of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O145:H28 and O26:H11 occurred in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. Five girls developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and seven other exposed persons with bloody diarrhea were identified. The epidemiological and laboratory investigations revealed ice cream as the most likely source of the outbreak. The ice cream was produced at a local dairy farm using pasteurized milk. VTEC of both serotypes with indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were isolated from patients, ice cream, and environmental samples. Based on the data analysis, it is likely that O145:H28 played the most important role in this outbreak.
Spain- 26 percent of herbs eaten in Spain are contaminated with bacteria
03 March 2011
Eurekalert.org [edited] [BITES]
A research team from the University of Valencia has discovered that up to 20% of spices and 26% of herbs sold in Spain are contaminated by various bacteria, reducing their quality. The study, which is the first of its kind in Spain, suggests that health and hygiene control systems should be put in place, from cultivation of these products through to when they reach the market.
UK- Food Attitudes Survey
03 March 2011
Food Standards Agency [edited] [BITES]
The Agency has published the first wave of an extensive new survey called Food and You, which reveals information about people’s behaviors and attitudes towards food issues such as food safety and healthy eating, and their knowledge of these issues. This wide-ranging survey involved more than 3,000 face-to-face interviews with randomly selected adults across the UK between March and August 2010. The key findings on food safety are: * The majority of respondents reported that they follow recommended practices in relation to cleaning, cross-contamination, chilling and cooking. * The FSA advises that people shouldn’t wash raw meat and poultry. However many respondents said that they did – 41% said that they always wash raw meat and poultry, and 42% wash raw fish and seafood. * There is a lack of knowledge around safe food storage – just under half (46%) correctly stated that the temperature of a fridge should be between 0 and 5°C. * There is some uncertainty around the best way to tell whether food was safe to eat, with respondents commonly saying they used the smell (72%) and look (56%) of food to decide if it was safe. The recommended practice of checking the ‘use by’ date was mentioned by a quarter of people (25%).
France- Hepatitis A associated with semidried tomatoes, France, 2010
03 March 2011
CDC [edited] [BITES]
In January 2010, two clusters of non-traveler associated hepatitis A were reported in three districts of southwestern France. An investigation was conducted to describe the outbreak, identify the vehicle of transmission and source of infection, and propose appropriate control measures. Cases were identified through mandatory notification or through the National Reference Centre for HAV. A total of 59 cases were identified: 49 confirmed cases (resident of France and infected with the outbreak strain) and 10 probable cases (resident of southwestern France and with a locally acquired infection). Twelve (20%) persons were secondary case-patients (symptom onset 2–6 weeks after contact with a case-patient). Twenty-eight (47.5%) case-patients were hospitalized, and all recovered. The epidemiologic curve suggested a persistent common source of contamination, followed by person-to-person transmission. Of the 47 persons with non-secondary cases (primary cases and cases that were not able to be classified), 27 (57%) reported having eaten in a sandwich shop. Twenty-four (51%) reported eating semidried tomatoes, 20 of 566m reported purchasing semidried tomatoes in 1 of 3 different sandwich shop chains. Trace-back investigations identified a supplier in France that imported frozen semidried tomatoes from Turkey and supplied the three sandwich shop chains. In France, the frozen semidried tomatoes were defrosted and processed with oil and herbs before distribution. No heat treatment, disinfection, or washing was conducted after defrosting. The period of distribution of one batch matched the estimated period of contamination of non-secondary cases. This batch was no longer available at the supplier or at the sandwich shops for virologic analysis or for recall. Our results suggest that this nationwide hepatitis A outbreak was associated with eating one batch of semidried tomatoes imported from Turkey and processed in France. Infected food handlers are the most frequently documented source of contamination by HAV of food items, but food also can be contaminated by contact of products or machinery with contaminated water. Semidried tomatoes should be considered a potential vehicle of transmission in foodborne outbreaks of HAV.
Scotland- Escherichia coli O157 infection and secondary spread, Scotland, 1999–2008
03 March 2011
CDC [edited] [BITES]
To determine the proportion of Escherichia coli O157 cases in Scotland attributable to secondary spread, data obtained through entire-population enhanced surveillance was analyzed. It was identified that 11% of cases are secondary. Secondary cases in single households were younger than secondary cases in outbreaks affecting >1 household and had similar risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome. Escherichia coli O157 remains a substantial public health challenge worldwide, particularly because of its association with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In 1999, Health Protection Scotland (HPS), in collaboration with the Scottish E. coli O157/VTEC Reference Laboratory, established enhanced surveillance of E. coli O157 covering the entire population. HPS defines a case as a single-person infection episode with laboratory confirmation of infection as either culture positive or serum positive for E. coli O157. Researchers analyzed data for all cases reported to HPS during 1999–2008 using χ2 and Mann-Whitney tests and considered pFrom January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2008, a total of 2,228 E. coli O157 cases were reported to HPS (mean 223 annually); the mean annual incidence rate was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population. Ages of the 2,228 cases ranged from 4 months to 97 years (median 21 years). The reasons for high incidence rates of E. coli O157 in Scotland are undoubtedly complex and multifactorial. Influences affecting real incidence may include the relative population densities of livestock and humans and reliance on private water supplies. Researchers strongly recommend increased efforts to prevent secondary transmission within individual households. This would reduce not only the overall health and social costs of E. coli O157 infection but also the number of, and distress to, HUS cases attributable to secondary spread.
Germany- Choice of litter material can decrease Salmonella in poultry flocks
3 March 2011
WorldPoultry.net [edited] [CAHFS-DailyNews]
Researchers at the Department of Animal Sciences from Georg-August-University Göttingen in Germany studied the effect of four types of litter material on the frequency of Salmonella in broilers. Wood shavings showed the highest prevalence of Salmonella.
EU- Analysis of the baseline survey on the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler batches and of Campylobacter and Salmonella on broiler carcasses, in the EU, 2008 - Part B: Analysis of factors associated with Salmonella contamination of broiler carcasses
18 Feb. 2011
EFSA Journal [edited] [BITES]
A European Union-wide baseline survey on Campylobacter in broiler batches and on Campylobacter and Salmonella on broiler carcasses was carried out in 2008. In the Salmonella sub-survey a total of 10,035 broiler batches were sampled from 561 slaughterhouses in 26 European Union Member States and two countries not belonging to the European Union. From each randomly selected batch one carcass was collected after chilling and the neck skin together with the breast skin was examined for the presence of Salmonella. The risk for contamination of carcasses with Salmonella varied significantly between countries and between slaughterhouses within a country, even when other associated factors were accounted for. The most commonly reported serovars were S. Infantis, S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium.
France- Human botulism in France, 2007-2009
22 Feb. 2011
BEH [edited] [BITES]
In France, 22 outbreaks of botulism involving 45 cases were identified and 2 outbreaks (2 cases) were clinically suspected between 2007-2009. The source of botulism was foodborne in most of the cases (89%), with the exception of 4 cases of infant botulism and one case of wound botulism. Although rare, botulism is still present in France, with unusual and severe forms, justifying continued surveillance.
The Netherlands- Low seroprevalence of Q fever in The Netherlands prior to a series of large outbreaks
16 Feb. 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
The Netherlands has experienced large community outbreaks of Q fever since 2007. Questionnaires containing epidemiological data from 5654 individuals were obtained in a nationwide seroprevalence survey used to evaluate the National Immunization Programme in 2006–2007.
Iceland- A national epidemic of Campylobacteriosis in Iceland, lessons learned
17 Jan. 2011
Zoonoses and Public Health
13 June 2011
Health Protection Agency [BITES]
Scientists at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have produced the most accurate and detailed genetic analysis to date of the E. coli O104 strain which is causing the outbreak in Germany. Cases are also being seen other European countries. Their findings, which have been uploaded onto the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website to assist in the international effort to control this outbreak, confirm earlier research that E. coli O104 has evolved to produce a new variant of this infectious agent. This new strain of E. coli O104 has a unique combination of features containing genes from two different types of E. coli as well as its own genes. The HPA team identified that these gene combinations produce a dangerous mix of properties. Insight into the genome may help to explain why this outbreak is so virulent - previous cases of E. coli O104 have not been associated with severe outbreaks in the past. Researchers have been able to map the exact location of the genes contained within the strain and their relation to one another.
UK- New strain of MRSA superbug may have spread from cattle to humans
3 June 2011
Guardian.co.uk [edited]
Scientists in the UK have discovered a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that appears to spread to humans from cattle and can cause life-threatening illness. The drug-resistant strain was identified in cows' milk during a study of the udder infection mastitis in dairy herds. It is the first time any form of the MRSA has been found on British farms. Milk from infected cows was safe to drink because the bug, along with other bacteria, can be killed by pasteurization. More than 99% of milk consumed in the UK is pasteurized. But the presence of MRSA in the national herd will put farm workers at risk of becoming carriers of the infection and spreading it to the wider community.
Croatia- Veterinary drug residues in raw milk study
27 May 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
A total of 1259 raw milk samples were examined over a three-year period for various antibiotics. Microbiological and immunoassay methods were used to determination if the antibiotics were used according to the guidelines provided by European Commission. In total, 37 positive samples were determined, which was equal to a frequency of 0.69% of the total number of targeted analyses. These findings suggest that raw milk in Croatia contain very low levels of veterinary drugs so that toxicological risk with regard to consuming of milk could not be considered a public health problem.
England- A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalized adults, February 2011
19 May 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
Hospital-acquired listeriosis cases are not commonly reported but remain a significant public health problem. The study reports on three cases in patients with underlying conditions occurring during one week in February 2011. The cases had common exposure to pre-packed sandwiches and salads. It is thought that cold chain and shelf life controls at the hospital were key contributing factors.
UK- Incidents report published
24 May 2011
Food Standards Agency [edited] [BITES]
The Food Standards Agency published its Annual Report of Incidents 2010. It outlines future challenges, such as working to ensure food at the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics venues is safe to eat. In 2010, there were nearly 300 more incidents than in 2009. The incidents included food fraud investigations and the subsequent seizures of illicit alcohol, a Salmonella outbreak associated with bean sprouts, and amnesic shellfish poisoning. More information about the action taken to protect consumers is given in the report.
France- Investigation of waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak
09 May 2011
Institut de Veille Sanitaire [edited] [BITES]
Because of an increase in the number of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases reported and the pollution of the public drinking water system, an outbreak of waterborne AGE was studied. Epidemiological and environmental investigations were conducted to describe the outbreak, the cases’ use of health care and waterborne pathogen origin. The environmental survey was used to describe the pollution in the water system and to identify potential sources of contamination. The epidemiological survey (n=433 subjects) confirmed the association between the occurrence of AGE and consumption of tap water and the risk increased with the amount of water absorbed. One third of the cases consulted a doctor. The microbiological examination of stool was positive for a single pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni. Late microbiological tests performed on water samples showed the presence of E.coli (STEC). This report enabled researchers to make several recommendations regarding the security system of water production, improved detection methods and investigations of outbreaks of waterborne infection.
Austria- Lessons to be learned from an outbreak of foodborne Listeriosis, 2009 to 2010
06 May 2011
Food Protection Trends Vol.31, No.5, Pages 268–273 [edited] [BITES]
From June 2009 to February 2010, an outbreak of listeriosis affected 25 people in Austria, 8 in Germany and 1 in the Czech Republic. The source of this outbreak linked to 8 deaths was initially identified based only on epidemiological findings. Grocery receipts of purchases from 7 patients were collected prospectively during 3 weeks after discharge from hospital and were compared. This generated a hypothesis tested by a case control study, which revealed Austrian ‘Quargel’ cheese as the source of infection. At least two patients had consumed the contaminated product after it was withdrawn from the market. Of 63 food samples of the product analyzed, 20 were positive for L. monocytogenes and 10 samples harbored >100 CFU/g (max. 92,000 CFU/g). A leftover specimen, stored in a patient’s refrigerator, yielded 2,100,000 CFU/g of L. monocytogenes, which matched the patient’s isolate.
Sweden- Cryptosporidium strikes Sweden again with 1,500 sick
21 April 2011
Barfblog [edited] [BITES]
In 2010, up to 11,000 people were sickened by cryptosporidium in Sweden. Recently, it has been reported that as many as 1,500 inhabitants in a municipality in northern Sweden have confirmed in a survey that they have experienced stomach flu symptoms probably caused by a parasite outbreak. The web survey was answered by 2,300 residents of the municipality. Of those who responded, about 60 percent confirmed that they experienced stomach flu symptoms. The survey has confirmed theories that the stomach flu has probably been caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium that could have originated in the municipal water supply, local authorities confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday.
England- National outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b, September to December 2009: case–control study
14 April 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
Researchers conducted an unmatched retrospective case–control study to investigate an upsurge of non-travel-related sporadic cases of infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Enteritidis phage type 14b with antimicrobial resistance to nalidixic acid and partial resistance to ciprofloxacin (S. Enteritidis PT 14b NxCpL) that was reported in England between September 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. The findings led to a prohibition of imports from a particular source of eggs in order to control the outbreak.
Germany- An outbreak of emetic syndrome after a kindergarten excursion linked to pudding, December 2007
14 April 2011
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
An outbreak of food poisoning (emetic syndrome) occurred in three kindergartens in Berlin, Germany, on 3 December 2007 after an excursion during which food was served. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study among the kindergarten children and personnel who participated in the trip. The overall illness rate among the 155 participants was 30%. The consumption of rice pudding was significantly associated with disease. Among those who ate rice pudding, the illness rate was 36%, compared with 0% for non-eaters.
Romania- Epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Romania 1980–2009
15 April 2011
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited] [BITES]
In 2007, Romania reported the highest notification rate of botulism cases in the European Union, which was 18 times higher than the reported rate in the United States. This report aims to analyze surveillance data on foodborne botulism in Romania from 1980 to 2009. The mean annual incidence rate of botulism cases was significantly lower during the late communist period, 1980–1989 (0.06±0.03 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), than during the years 1990–1999 (0.1±0.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and 2000–2009 (0.12±0.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).
Finland- Norovirus genotypes in endemic acute gastroenteritis of infants and children between 1994 and 2007
14 April 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
Noroviruses are the second most common causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in young children. Researchers studied norovirus genotypes in fecal specimens collected from Finnish children followed-up prospectively in rotavirus vaccine trials. Researchers found that genotypes GII.4 and GIIb have emerged as predominant norovirus genotypes in endemic gastroenteritis affecting young infants and children in Finland.
France- Hepatitis A outbreak linked to the consumption of semi-dried tomatoes, 2009-2010
12 April 2011
Institut de Veille Sanitaire [edited] [BITES]
In January 2010, two clusters of hepatitis A cases were identified through mandatory notification in two French districts. The cases infected by a single IB strain reported having eaten in sandwich shops of the same chain. Additional cases were identified by the National Reference Centre (NRC) for hepatitis A virus (HAV) in other districts. A national epidemiological, virological and veterinary investigation was carried out to identify the source of infection, and to propose appropriate control measures. Fifty-nine cases were identified in 19 districts. Cases were more likely than controls to have eaten sandwiches or salads from a sandwich shop and to have eaten semi-dried tomatoes (SDT). The sandwich shops were supplied with SDT imported from Turkey by a common wholesaler located in France. The researchers stated that their results suggest that the nationwide outbreak was associated with consumption of SDT imported from Turkey.
Sweden- Study raises concerns about trace elements in baby foods
11 April 2011
FoodProductionDaily [edited]
Swedish scientists have expressed concern about the quantity of certain elements, especially arsenic, in popular infant formulas and foods. Researchers investigated the concentration of trace elements in nine infant formulas and nine infant foods produced by well-known companies. The survey revealed wide variations between different products intended for babies of less the four months old. Rice-based products were highlighted as being of particular concern because of the levels of arsenic found in them. The scientists also expressed concern about the levels of two other toxic elements in infant formulas and foods: cadmium and lead.
Netherlands- Cost of illness and disease burden in The Netherlands due to infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157
01 April 2011
Journal of Food Protection [edited] [BITES]
Infections due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) are associated with hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the study, researchers extend previous estimates of the burden of disease associated with STEC O157 with estimates of the associated cost of illness in The Netherlands. Annually, approximately 2.100 persons per year experience symptoms of gastroenteritis, leading to 22 cases of HUS and 3 cases of ESRD. The disease burden at the population level was estimated at 133 DALYs (87 DALYs discounted) per year. Total annual undiscounted and discounted costs of illness due to STEC O157 infection for the Dutch society were estimated at €9.1 million and €4.5 million, respectively. Average lifetime undiscounted and discounted costs per case were both €126 for diarrheal illness, both €25,713 for HUS, and €2.76 million and €1.22 million, respectively, for ESRD. Compared with other foodborne pathogens, STEC O157 infections result in relatively low burden and low annual costs at the societal level, but the burden and costs per case are high.
Italy- Ochratoxin A in cocoa and chocolate products from the Italian market, occurrence and exposure assessment
31 March 2011
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Three hundred samples of cocoa and chocolate based products were randomly collected in South, Center and North Italy. One hundred and seventy nine, out of the 300 samples analyzed, were positive for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination, representing 60% of the purchased products. All 40 cocoa samples showed OTA contamination, while grouping all the chocolate products the positive samples accounted for 53%. The mean OTA concentration levels for cocoa and chocolate products were well below the corresponding Italian legal limits. On the basis of the risk assessment carried out in this study, the exposure to OTA, due to the consumption of cocoa and chocolate products, is to be considered not a major concern. Therefore, the Italian Superior Council of Health considered the data arising from this study, adequate to repeal the existing Italian legal limits and to align national legislation with the EU provisions.
EU- The European Union Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Food-borne Outbreaks in 2009
22 March 2011
EFSA Journal [edited]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published their annual report on zoonoses and foodborne outbreaks in the EU for 2009. The report shows Salmonella cases in humans fell by 17% in 2009, marking a decrease for the fifth consecutive year. The report also shows that between 2008 and 2009 the number of laying hen flocks infected with Salmonella fell by 9%. Campylobacteriosis remained the most reported zoonotic disease in humans, showing a slight increase in 2009 compared to 2008 (+4%). Listeria infections in humans showed an increase of 19% in 2009 compared to 2008. Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) accounted for 3,573 human disease cases in 2009, marking a slight increase from 2008. The report says that 5,550 foodborne outbreaks were recorded in the EU in 2009, affecting 48,964 people and causing 46 deaths. The largest sources of outbreaks were eggs and egg products, mixed and buffet meals, and pork and pork-derived products.
France- Psittacosis outbreak after participation in a bird fair, Western France, December 2008
14 March 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
In December 2008, three hospitalized cases of suspected psittacosis-related infections were found in a local hospital and reported to the Regional Epidemiology Unit in France. All the patients had attended a bird fair. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among exhibitors and organizers to identify potential risk factors in relation to this fair. Environmental and veterinary investigations were implemented to trace potential sources of infection.
Belgium- Virulence profiling and quantification of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O145:H28 and O26:H11 isolated during an ice cream–related hemolytic uremic syndrome outbreak
07 March 2011
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited] [BITES]
From September to October 2007, a mixed-serotype outbreak of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O145:H28 and O26:H11 occurred in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. Five girls developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and seven other exposed persons with bloody diarrhea were identified. The epidemiological and laboratory investigations revealed ice cream as the most likely source of the outbreak. The ice cream was produced at a local dairy farm using pasteurized milk. VTEC of both serotypes with indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were isolated from patients, ice cream, and environmental samples. Based on the data analysis, it is likely that O145:H28 played the most important role in this outbreak.
Spain- 26 percent of herbs eaten in Spain are contaminated with bacteria
03 March 2011
Eurekalert.org [edited] [BITES]
A research team from the University of Valencia has discovered that up to 20% of spices and 26% of herbs sold in Spain are contaminated by various bacteria, reducing their quality. The study, which is the first of its kind in Spain, suggests that health and hygiene control systems should be put in place, from cultivation of these products through to when they reach the market.
UK- Food Attitudes Survey
03 March 2011
Food Standards Agency [edited] [BITES]
The Agency has published the first wave of an extensive new survey called Food and You, which reveals information about people’s behaviors and attitudes towards food issues such as food safety and healthy eating, and their knowledge of these issues. This wide-ranging survey involved more than 3,000 face-to-face interviews with randomly selected adults across the UK between March and August 2010. The key findings on food safety are: * The majority of respondents reported that they follow recommended practices in relation to cleaning, cross-contamination, chilling and cooking. * The FSA advises that people shouldn’t wash raw meat and poultry. However many respondents said that they did – 41% said that they always wash raw meat and poultry, and 42% wash raw fish and seafood. * There is a lack of knowledge around safe food storage – just under half (46%) correctly stated that the temperature of a fridge should be between 0 and 5°C. * There is some uncertainty around the best way to tell whether food was safe to eat, with respondents commonly saying they used the smell (72%) and look (56%) of food to decide if it was safe. The recommended practice of checking the ‘use by’ date was mentioned by a quarter of people (25%).
France- Hepatitis A associated with semidried tomatoes, France, 2010
03 March 2011
CDC [edited] [BITES]
In January 2010, two clusters of non-traveler associated hepatitis A were reported in three districts of southwestern France. An investigation was conducted to describe the outbreak, identify the vehicle of transmission and source of infection, and propose appropriate control measures. Cases were identified through mandatory notification or through the National Reference Centre for HAV. A total of 59 cases were identified: 49 confirmed cases (resident of France and infected with the outbreak strain) and 10 probable cases (resident of southwestern France and with a locally acquired infection). Twelve (20%) persons were secondary case-patients (symptom onset 2–6 weeks after contact with a case-patient). Twenty-eight (47.5%) case-patients were hospitalized, and all recovered. The epidemiologic curve suggested a persistent common source of contamination, followed by person-to-person transmission. Of the 47 persons with non-secondary cases (primary cases and cases that were not able to be classified), 27 (57%) reported having eaten in a sandwich shop. Twenty-four (51%) reported eating semidried tomatoes, 20 of 566m reported purchasing semidried tomatoes in 1 of 3 different sandwich shop chains. Trace-back investigations identified a supplier in France that imported frozen semidried tomatoes from Turkey and supplied the three sandwich shop chains. In France, the frozen semidried tomatoes were defrosted and processed with oil and herbs before distribution. No heat treatment, disinfection, or washing was conducted after defrosting. The period of distribution of one batch matched the estimated period of contamination of non-secondary cases. This batch was no longer available at the supplier or at the sandwich shops for virologic analysis or for recall. Our results suggest that this nationwide hepatitis A outbreak was associated with eating one batch of semidried tomatoes imported from Turkey and processed in France. Infected food handlers are the most frequently documented source of contamination by HAV of food items, but food also can be contaminated by contact of products or machinery with contaminated water. Semidried tomatoes should be considered a potential vehicle of transmission in foodborne outbreaks of HAV.
Scotland- Escherichia coli O157 infection and secondary spread, Scotland, 1999–2008
03 March 2011
CDC [edited] [BITES]
To determine the proportion of Escherichia coli O157 cases in Scotland attributable to secondary spread, data obtained through entire-population enhanced surveillance was analyzed. It was identified that 11% of cases are secondary. Secondary cases in single households were younger than secondary cases in outbreaks affecting >1 household and had similar risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome. Escherichia coli O157 remains a substantial public health challenge worldwide, particularly because of its association with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In 1999, Health Protection Scotland (HPS), in collaboration with the Scottish E. coli O157/VTEC Reference Laboratory, established enhanced surveillance of E. coli O157 covering the entire population. HPS defines a case as a single-person infection episode with laboratory confirmation of infection as either culture positive or serum positive for E. coli O157. Researchers analyzed data for all cases reported to HPS during 1999–2008 using χ2 and Mann-Whitney tests and considered pFrom January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2008, a total of 2,228 E. coli O157 cases were reported to HPS (mean 223 annually); the mean annual incidence rate was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population. Ages of the 2,228 cases ranged from 4 months to 97 years (median 21 years). The reasons for high incidence rates of E. coli O157 in Scotland are undoubtedly complex and multifactorial. Influences affecting real incidence may include the relative population densities of livestock and humans and reliance on private water supplies. Researchers strongly recommend increased efforts to prevent secondary transmission within individual households. This would reduce not only the overall health and social costs of E. coli O157 infection but also the number of, and distress to, HUS cases attributable to secondary spread.
Germany- Choice of litter material can decrease Salmonella in poultry flocks
3 March 2011
WorldPoultry.net [edited] [CAHFS-DailyNews]
Researchers at the Department of Animal Sciences from Georg-August-University Göttingen in Germany studied the effect of four types of litter material on the frequency of Salmonella in broilers. Wood shavings showed the highest prevalence of Salmonella.
EU- Analysis of the baseline survey on the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler batches and of Campylobacter and Salmonella on broiler carcasses, in the EU, 2008 - Part B: Analysis of factors associated with Salmonella contamination of broiler carcasses
18 Feb. 2011
EFSA Journal [edited] [BITES]
A European Union-wide baseline survey on Campylobacter in broiler batches and on Campylobacter and Salmonella on broiler carcasses was carried out in 2008. In the Salmonella sub-survey a total of 10,035 broiler batches were sampled from 561 slaughterhouses in 26 European Union Member States and two countries not belonging to the European Union. From each randomly selected batch one carcass was collected after chilling and the neck skin together with the breast skin was examined for the presence of Salmonella. The risk for contamination of carcasses with Salmonella varied significantly between countries and between slaughterhouses within a country, even when other associated factors were accounted for. The most commonly reported serovars were S. Infantis, S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium.
France- Human botulism in France, 2007-2009
22 Feb. 2011
BEH [edited] [BITES]
In France, 22 outbreaks of botulism involving 45 cases were identified and 2 outbreaks (2 cases) were clinically suspected between 2007-2009. The source of botulism was foodborne in most of the cases (89%), with the exception of 4 cases of infant botulism and one case of wound botulism. Although rare, botulism is still present in France, with unusual and severe forms, justifying continued surveillance.
The Netherlands- Low seroprevalence of Q fever in The Netherlands prior to a series of large outbreaks
16 Feb. 2011
Epidemiology and Infection [edited] [BITES]
The Netherlands has experienced large community outbreaks of Q fever since 2007. Questionnaires containing epidemiological data from 5654 individuals were obtained in a nationwide seroprevalence survey used to evaluate the National Immunization Programme in 2006–2007.
Iceland- A national epidemic of Campylobacteriosis in Iceland, lessons learned
17 Jan. 2011
Zoonoses and Public Health
