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Europe: Food Safety Studies 2010
Turkey- Incidence and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from different kinds of cheese
30 Nov. 2010
Journal of Food Safety [edited] [BITES]
Cheese is one of the major protein sources consumed in Turkey. In this study, 120 samples cheese were evaluated for Escherichia coli contamination and antibiotic resistance.
Greece- Antimicrobial resistance of major foodborne pathogens from major meat products
1 Nov. 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited] [BITES]
The bacterial contamination of raw and processed meat products with resistant pathogens was studied. The raw samples included sheep (40), goat (40), pork (120), beef (80), and chicken (19) meat, and the processed samples included turkey filets (33), salami (8), readymade mincemeat (16), stuffing (22), and roast-beef (50). The samples were collected from retail shops in Northwestern Greece over a period of 3 years. The isolated pathogens were evaluated for susceptibilities to 19 antimicrobial agents used in humans. The results indicate that meat can be a source of resistant bacteria, which could potentially be spread to the community through the food chain.
Norway- Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in Norwegian raw milk cheese production
28 Oct. 2010
Food Microbiology [edited] [BITES]
The aim of this study was to survey the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes during the cheese making process in small-scale raw milk cheese production in Norway. The prevalence of S. aureus in bovine and caprine raw milk samples was 47.3 % and 98.8 %, respectively. An increase in contamination during the first 2 to 3 hours resulted in a 73.6 % prevalence of contamination in the bovine curd, and 23 out of 38 S. aureus-negative bovine milk samples gave rise to S. aureus-positive curds.
Turkey- Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in different cheese types produced in Turkey
1 Nov. 2010
British Food Journal [edited] [BITES]
Researchers saught to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in several cheese varieties. A total 280 cheese samples (105 white cheese, 70 processed cheese, 45 dil cheese and 60 kasar cheese) were purchased from supermarkets in six provinces of Turkey and were collected at intervals between March 2007 and February 2008. The results showed that 1.9% of white cheese samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp, whereas the L. monocytogenes prevalence was 4.8% in this type of cheese sample.
France- Bioniche scientists present at Modern Vaccine & Adjuvant Formulation Conference
15 Oct. 2010
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. [edited] [BITES]
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced that two of its senior research scientists gave presentations at the Modern Vaccine and Adjuvant Formulation Conference in Cannes, France. A Chief Veterinary Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., presented a paper that he co-authored, Vaccination with Type III Secreted Proteins Leads to Decreased Shedding in Calves Following Experimental Infection with Escherichia coli O157. The presentation summarized the results of a study of the Company's E. coli O157 vaccine in an experimental infection model, whereby thirty calves were immunized with the vaccine and commingled with thirty calves that were administered a saline-adjuvant placebo. Calves were vaccinated three times in a 42-day period, then were infected with E. coli O157. Fecal shedding was monitored daily for 14 days. During this period, vaccinates were shown to have a mean log shedding reduction. Researchers concluded that vaccination significantly reduced the number of animals shedding E. coli O157, as well as the number of organisms shed. The Senior Vice-President, Scientific Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., also gave a presentation about the Company's oligonucleotide development program and the latest oligonucleotide sequences that have been shown to have immune adjuvant activity. He highlighted the fact that these oligonucleotide sequences contain non-DNA-bases and, unlike other oligonucleotide immune adjuvants, do not require chemical modifications such as backbone protection or terminal modification. The Company's sequences have demonstrated immune adjuvant activity in animal models using hepatitis B surface antigen and H1N1 virions. These models have shown that they are capable of inducing antiviral antibodies using very limited amounts of antigen and short-term immunization protocols.
Portugal- Meat handlers training: a survey on knowledge and practice
08 Oct. 2010
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Professional training for meat handlers is an European Community food law requirement in order to apply HACCP principles and achieve food safety goals. A self-administered questionnaire designed to assess “Knowledge” and “Practice” of public hygiene measures was completed by meat handlers (MH) (n=159) in slaughterhouses in Portugal. A significant proportion of the group (72.7%) has had professional training in two different areas. However 24.5% of the subjects have never had training. The results of this study point to the need to improve training, particularly in Good Practice in Food Industry, thus enabling meat handlers to achieve more correct answers in Knowledge and Practice.
Denmark- Consumers’ willingness to pay for safer meat depends on the risk reduction methods – a Danish case study on Salmonella risk in minced pork
19 September 2010
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
An experiment was conducted to find out the willingness of consumers to pay for reducing Salmonella risks in minced pork. Three different risk reduction methods were analyzed: Risk reduction on the farm and decontamination of carcasses using either hot water/steam or lactic acid. The sample consisted of 844 Danish consumers who participated in an Internet based survey. The study found that consumers were willing to pay for risk reductions, but they disliked all the risk reduction methods. Indeed, consumers were willing to pay a price premium for a complete elimination of Salmonella in minced pork but only if it was obtained at the farm level. Hence, our results indicate that consumers demand safer meat although it depends on the risk reduction method.
UK-PRION DISEASE UPDATE 2010
11 Sept. 2010
UK National CJD Surveillance Unit [edited] ProMED
The number of deaths due to definite or probable vCJD cases remains 169. A total of 4 definite/probable patients are still alive so that the total number of definite or probable vCJD cases is still 173. So far, 2 fatalities have been recorded in 2010. The overall picture is consistent with the view that the vCJD outbreak in the UK is in decline. The first cases were observed in 1995, and the peak number of deaths was 28 in the year 2000, followed by 20 in 2001, 17 in 2002, 18 in 2003, 9 in 2004, 5 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 5 in 2007, one in 2008, 3 in 2009, and now 2 so far in 2010.
UK- Researchers quantify effects of drying to measure bacteria after hand wash
07 September 2010
The Medical News University of Bradford [edited] [BITES]
Not drying your hands thoroughly after washing could increase the spread of bacteria. Also, rubbing your hands at the same time as using a electric hand dryer could be a contributing factor. Frequently people give up drying their hands and wipe them on their clothes instead, but hand-hygiene is a key part of infection control and drying hands after washing is a very important part of the process. A study by researchers at the University of Bradford and published today in the Journal of Applied Microbiology looked at different methods of hand drying, and their effect on transfer of bacteria from the hands to other surfaces.
Scotland- Farmers hold clue to vaccine against E coli
08 August 2010
Scotsman.com News [edited] [BITES]
Scientists have found that up to a fifth of Scottish farmers are immune to infection with E coli. Researchers conducting tests on farmers in the Grampian region found that one in five showed signs of immunity to the naturally-occurring organism, which is spread mainly through cattle dung. The findings suggest that repeated exposure to the bug has given farmers protection and may help in the search for a vaccine against the condition. More than 20 people died in Scotland in the world's worst outbreak of fatal E coli 0157 in 1996. Researchers hope that a vaccine will protect at-risk groups, such as food industry workers and those working with children. The elderly and young children, whose natural immune systems are not as strong, are most susceptible to the disease.
EU- EFSA evaluates factors contributing to Campylobacter in chicken
5 August 2010
EFSA [edited] [BITES]
EFSA has published an evaluation of factors that may contribute to the spread of Campylobacter in live chickens and chicken carcasses in the European Union. The scientific report follows the publication of the first EU-wide survey carried out by Member States on the occurrence of this bacterium in chickens and their carcasses. The findings will be utilized by risk assessors to further investigate the role of chicken meat in human campylobacteriosis. It will also help inform the definition of possible control options by risk managers at Member States and EU level. In the EU, campylobacteriosis is the most frequently reported food-borne illness in humans. Poultry meat appears to be a major source of Campylobacter infection in humans, according to a recent opinion of EFSA’s Biological Hazards Panel.
France-Foodborne outbreaks between 2006 and 2008
29 July 2010
Institut de Veille Sanitaire [edited] [BITES]
Between 2006 and 2008, there were 3,127 foodborne outbreaks reported to France's health authorities. The the outbreaks affected 33,404 people, 2,302 of these people were admitted to hospitals, and 15 died. A pathogenic agent was isolated from human or food specimen in 26.5% of these outbreaks. The number of reported outbreaks almost doubled between 2006 and 2008 (period during which the reporting system was reinforced) compared to the three previous years. Salmonella represented almost half of the confirmed outbreaks, with S Typhimurium representing 40% of Salmonella outbreaks.
Germany and France- Hyglos honored with 2010 Food Safety Innovation award for technology used in bioMerieux's VIDAS® UP E. coli O157 (Including H7)
29 July 2010
PR Newswire [edited] [BITES]
BioMerieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, and Hyglos GmbH, the leader in applied phage protein technology, announced that a team of scientists who developed a new diagnostic tool for food microbiologists is the recipient of the 2010 Food Safety Innovation Award given by the International Association of Food Protection. The scientists are recognized for the development of phage recombinant proteins, which offer best-in-class specificity and sensitivity for the targeted capture and detection of bacteria from a sample. Bacteriophages are highly specific viruses that only infect bacteria. For the first time in history, a phage protein has replaced antibodies in a commercially diagnostic test, bioMerieux's VIDAS® UP E. coli O157 (including H7). The assay is able to detect even low levels of contamination by E. coli O157:H7, a potentially lethal strain of Escherichia coli that has caused many food outbreaks in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe.
UK- New strategy to tackle food poisoning bug
21 July 2010
FSA [edited] [BITES]
The UK’s main public funders of food safety research have joined together to publish a coordinated strategy to investigate the food bug campylobacter. This is the first time these organizations have agreed to a common set of objectives to tackle the problem. The most recent figures suggest that 65% of raw shop-bought chicken is contaminated with campylobacter. Although cooking chicken properly will kill the bug, it is responsible for more than 300,000 cases of food poisoning and 15,000 hospitalizations a year in England and Wales.
Europe- Application of EC Regulation n° 2073/2005 regarding Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods in retail and catering sectors
21 July 2010
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
This research covers the key elements regarding the risks factors for Listeria monocytogenes causing listeriosis in food prepared in the retail and catering sectors in Europe. This article specifically considers the application of EC Regulation N° 2073/2005 Listeria monocytogenes criteria in ready- to-eat foods to these sectors, and presents preventive measures to be applied to guaranty food safety prevention measures applicable to these sectors. The current approach could be integrated in to the 2009 Codex international standard for L. monocytogenes in RTE foods.
Germany- Contaminated pork spreads Salmonella
14 July 2010
Emerging Health Threats [edited] [BITES]
As reported in the journal, Applied and Environmental Microbioloby, a type of Salmonella enterica found originally in pigs can be transmitted to people when they eat pork contaminated by the bacteria. Also, the substrain, known as 4,[5],12:i:–, has widened its reach in Europe over recent years. The study observed that the substrain is an emerging hazard for humans and is linked directly to the consumption of contaminated pork. S. enterica 4,[5],12:i:– was first seen in Europe during the 1990s in Spanish pigs, and in recent years it has been an increasing cause of gastroenteritis in people worldwide. It is now one of the top 10 Salmonella substrains found in pigs and people in several European countries and the USA, and the strain's prevalence may still be underreported due to its genetic diversity.
England and Wales- Emergence of pregnancy-related listeriosis amongst ethnic minorities
8 July 2010
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
Listeriosis is a severe food-borne disease that predominantly affects pregnant women, the unborn, newborns, the elderly, and immune-compromised individuals. Following a large outbreak in the 1980s, specific food safety advice was provided to pregnant women and the immune-compromised in the UK. Following two cases of pregnancy-related listeriosis in eastern European in 2008, a review of the role of ethnicity in pregnancy-related listeriosis in England and Wales was undertaken in 2009. The study found that the reported incidence among the ethnic population was higher than that among the non-ethnic population in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Increased immigration and/or economic migration in recent years appear to have altered the population at risk of pregnancy-related listeriosis in England and Wales. These changes need to be taken into account in order to target risk communication strategies appropriately to the populations most at risk.
European Union- 2008 Community Summary Report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from animals and food
7 July 2010
EFSA [edited] [BITES]
Zoonoses are infections and diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans. The infection can be acquired directly from animals, or through the ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. The zoonotic bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials are of concern since they might compromise the effective treatment of infections in humans. In order to follow the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria isolated from animals and food, information is collected and analysed from all European Union Member States. In 2008, 25 Member States submitted information on the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria to the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority. In addition, two countries that were not European Union Member States provided information for the report. Resistance to antimicrobials was commonly found among Salmonella, Campylobacter, and indicator E. coli and enterococci isolates from animals and food in the EU. For many tested antimicrobials, large differences in the occurrence of resistance were observed between the Member States.
Northern Ireland- Food surveillance sampling report
7 July 2010
Food Standards Agency [edited] [BITES]
The Northern Ireland Strategic Committee on Food Surveillance has published its 2nd report on sampling activity. The results of sampling in 2008 show there have been few detections of food borne pathogens besides a significant outbreak of Listeria that year. The report gives a comprehensive insight into food sampling activities by district councils within Northern Ireland.
England- Listeria monocytogenes infection in the over-60s in England between 2005 and 2008: A retrospective case–control study utilizing market research panel data
29 June 2010
BITES [edited] Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
Abstract: A retrospective case-control study of listeriosis in patients in England aged over the age of 60 is described. The incidence of listeriosis in patients aged 60 years in England has doubled since 2001, therefore, an investigation of risk factors for infection in this group is important to inform prevention and control. The exposures of listeriosis cases aged 60 years reported in England from 2005 to 2008 were compared to those of market research panel members representing the same population (i.e., residents of England aged 60 years and over) and time period. Exposures were grouped to facilitate comparison. Cases were more likely than panel members to report the consumption of cooked meats (beef and ham/pork, but not poultry), cooked fish (specifically smoked salmon) and shellfish (prawns), dairy products (most noticeably milk but also certain cheeses), and mixed salads. They were less likely to report the consumption of other forms of seafood, dairy spread, other forms of dairy, sandwiches, and fresh vegetables. The diversity of high-risk food exposures reflects the ubiquity of the microorganism in the environment and/or the susceptibility of those at risk, and suggests that a wider variety of foods can give rise to listeriosis.
France- Campylobacter hotspots highlighted
29 June 2010
FoodQualityNews.com [edited]
The study titled, Prevalence of and risk factors for Campylobacter ssp contamination of broiler chicken carcasses at the slaughterhouse, highlights evisceration as the factor contributing most to the spread of contamination. The findings, published in the journal Food Microbiology, could be used in HACCP risk management techniques.
European Union- New food safety regime success
29 June 2010
FoodQualityNews.com [edited]
The recent introduction of tougher border controls on fruit and vegetables, along with the banning of 700 pesticides has boosted food safety in the European Union. Since the new regime was introduced in January, 13,600 consignments of imported and domestic fruit and vegetables have been checked and 10% of these have been tested. As a result, 10 % of the produce tested have been rejected by European authorities. Under the new regulations, member states are responsible for implementing and funding the heightened inspection systems based on a list reviewed every quarter by the Commission.
Germany- Packaged sprouts and salads risks
29 June 2010
FoodQualityNews.com [edited]
High bacteria loads were observed in fresh packaged sprouts and ready-to-eat salads in a study by the Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR), a German food safety body. They believe the high bacteria loads are due to a combination of factors including poor processing hygiene and humid conditions inside plastic packaging. Also, contamination can occur during the growth and harvesting of the products. Studies by the group found that while both products are stored under refrigerated conditions they still carry a risk of contamination with bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes, salmonella and E.coli, as well as viruses such as Norovirus and hepatitis A. A study of 59 samples of fresh packaged sprouts and shoots found the numbers of bacteria in sprouts increased within a few days and have an above average microbial load when they reach the best before date. The body concluded that the risk from sprouts and ready-to-eat salads is lower that that from pork and poultry and they recommend washing of the packaged vegetables before consumption to reduce the bacterial load.
Sweden- Small amount of common preservative increases toxins from harmful bacteria in food, study finds
24 June 2010
Science Daily
In response to consumer demand for natural food, the food industry has reduced the amount of preservatives in food over recent years. The preservative acetic acid is used to stop bacterial growth in dressings, sauces, cheese and pickles. In a new research study, it was found that a small amount of acetic acid does not have the intended effect of reducing bacterial growth, but instead, it increases the amount of toxin from the harmful bacteria in the food. A small amount of acetic acid causes the bacteria to become stressed, which makes it produce more toxin, but if a large amount of acetic acid is added, as was done in the past, the acidity increases and the bacteria do not survive. The study was done using two of the most common food poisoning bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni.
France-The scale of illegal meat importation from Africa to Europe via Paris
21 June 2010
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 airport in Paris, 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.
Denmark- Upsurge of infections caused by Salmonella Concord among Ethiopian adoptees in Denmark, 2009
10 Jun 2010 Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 23 [edited][FSNet]
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Concord has been associated with adoptees from Ethiopia. In 2009, Denmark saw an increase in MDR S. Concord infections: all eight cases reported in 2009 were among Ethiopian adoptees. The upsurge was linked to an increased number of infants adopted from Ethiopia. Data from other European countries suggests that they may face a similar problem.
Two studies from seven European countries and the United States (US) have shown an increased number of infections with Salmonella Concord from 2003 to 2007 among mainly Ethiopian adoptees. Isolates associated with patients of Ethiopian origin were all multi-resistant to antimicrobials including third generation cephalosporins.
In 2009, researchers recognised an increase in S. Concord infections in Denmark by querying the central Salmonella database at Statens Serum Institut. The recent investigation of this upsurge indicates that multidrug-resistant S. Concord continues to be imported from Ethiopia and therefore represents a concern for international public health.
To get an overview of the situation in other European countries, researchers obtained data from the TESSy database at ECDC for 2006-2008. Case-based data on S. Concord serotype, importation status, probable country of infection and resistance against 11 antimicrobials were analysed from European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
Eight patients were female and age ranged from less than one year up to 30 years. Eight patients were infants less than one year of age and all were Ethiopian adoptees. The two adult patients were a 30 year-old male who had been infected during a visit to Africa (country not specified) and a 23-year–old female who had neither history of recent international travel nor contact with children or adults arriving from Ethiopia. General practitioners and parents of seven infants and the two adults were interviewed. Four infant patients were asymptomatic and were examined due to underweight, relatives with diarrhea and for general screening purposes. Five patients including both adults were suffering from non-bloody diarrhea and one infant from urinary tract infection (UTI). Two infants, including the one suffering from a UTI were hospitalised.
Researchers recommend that physicians assess the health status of international adoptees, with special attention to Ethiopian adoptees, on arrival into the country of destination.
Spain- Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on salad products irrigated with contaminated water
01 Jun 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 6, pp. 1138-1140(3) [edited][FSNet]
A field study in Valencia, Spain, was done to determine the occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium on salad products that are frequently eaten raw, such as lettuces and Chinese cabbage, and in irrigation waters. Four water samples were taken weekly 1 month before harvesting the vegetables. In this study, researchers analyzed vegetables using a recently reported method for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on salad products. The waters tested were positive for both Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Of 19 salad products studied, we observed Cryptosporidium in 12 samples and Giardia in 10 samples. The method was useful in the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on the vegetables tested, and it provides a useful analytical tool for occurrence monitoring.
Romania-Trichinellosis, a Romanian Never-Ending Story. An Overview of Traditions, Culinary Customs, and Public Health Conditions
24 May 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Over the years, pork was the most frequent source of human trichinellosis in Romania. Cases generally occurred in foci, family, and group clusters and were rarely aggregated in extensive outbreaks. A study regarding the social consequences of trichinellosis in humans concluded that 84.8% of the patients diagnosed with the condition required an average of 53 days of sick leave. Cardiac complications are the most frequent causes of significant health status impairment. “Pig's alms,” a specific custom representing the thanksgiving meal offered to relatives, friends, or neighbors who participated in the slaughtering process may be a very good source of infection withTrichinellaparasites, leading to unfortunate consequences, especially when animals are not veterinary tested. Beside pork, other concerns for acquiring the disease are represented by game meat and horsemeat, the latter was introduced in public consumption in 2001. Although in RomaniaTrichinella sp. infection was documented for the first time in horses in 1993, no consequent human cases were detected at that time. Numerous trichinellosis outbreaks involve individuals from the gipsy community, most of whom are very poor, illiterate, unemployed, and live in unsanitary conditions raising backyard pigs without any compliance with hygienic rules. Measures aimed at limiting the spread of the infection in humans and animals should be widely available to be known, understood, and adequately applied by the great mass of pig breeders, hunters, and consumers.
Portugal- Public perceptions of food-related hazards: an application to consumers
23 May 2010
British Food Journal [edited][FSNet]
The purpose of this research was to assess public perception of food-related hazards by Portuguese consumers at major metropolitan areas. A contrast was searched between controllable and non-controllable hazards.
The Perceived Food Risk Index developed by Fife-Schaw and Rowe, was administered to a sample of 666 subjects through a door to door interview using a random route walk procedure and following a quota sampling controlled for sex, age and location. Risk perception was evaluated over ten risk characteristics, for each of the hazards.
Through principal component analysis, two main components were identified: “Knowledge” and “Dread”. A perceptual map of the hazards was built over these two dimensions. A high level of worry and concern associated with fatty foods was found, clearly contradicting the expected attenuation of risk perception associated to greater perceived personal control. Contrarily to previous findings for other populations, GMOs yielded lower levels of both “Knowledge” and “Dread”. Based on risk perceptions, consumers were grouped in four segments: optimists, unconfident, fearless, and fearful.
This work adds to knowledge on the Portuguese consumer and its risk perceptions, a fairly unreported topic, thus helping to the success of food safety communication by different stakeholders.
UK: Incidents report published
24 May 2010
FSA [edited][FSNet]
The Agency today publishes its 'Annual report of incidents 2009', which provides details of more than 1,200 investigations into food incidents and outlines proposals for the future.
There were 1,208 incidents last year, a slight decrease from 1,298 in 2008, although the total figures have remained relatively constant for the past four years. The incidents included the high profile case of Salmonella associated with some eggs from Spain and a successful prosecution of people operating an unapproved meat plant in West Yorkshire. The report gives details of these cases and what action was taken to protect consumers.
The report gives a breakdown of incidents by category, with the major categories being: microbiological (18% of incidents), environmental contamination (17%), natural chemical contamination (12%) and on-farm incidents (12%).
To improve the means by which the Agency prevents and responds to incidents, five incident-handling workshops were held with local authorities to clarify roles and responsibilities and strengthen working relationships. Similar workshops are also planned for this year.
The Agency also reviewed its communications with local authorities during incidents and, as a result, is changing its procedures regarding food alerts.
Action taken by the Agency in 2009 included the issuing of 91 Alerts, of which 49 were Allergy Alerts. Alerts give consumers and enforcement officers the information they need directly by email or SMS text message, as well as online.
The Agency uses the following definition of an incident: 'Any event where, based on the information available, there are concerns about actual or suspected threats to the safety or quality of food that could require intervention to protect consumers’ interests.'
Incidents fall broadly into two categories:
Incidents involving contamination of food or animal feed in the processing, distribution, retail and catering chains. These incidents may result in action to withdraw the food from sale and, in certain circumstances, to recall, alerting the public not to consume potentially contaminated food.
Environmental pollution incidents, for example fires, chemical/oil spills and radiation leaks, that may involve voluntary or statutory action (such as orders made under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985).
Consumer perceptions of best practice in food risk communications and management: Implications for risk analysis policy
23 May 2010
Cope, S., et al. Food Policy (2010), doi:10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.04.002 [edited][FSNet]
As a consequence of recent food safety incidents, consumer trust in European food safety management has diminished. A risk governance framework that formally institutes stakeholder (including consumer) consultation and dialogue through a transparent and accountable process has been proposed, with due emphasis on risk communication. This paper delivers actionable policy recommendations based on consumer preferences for different approaches to food risk management. These results suggest that risk communication should be informed by knowledge of consumer risk perceptions and information needs, including individual differences in consumer preferences and requirements, and differences in these relating to socio-historical context associated with regulation. In addition, information about what is being done to identify, prevent and manage food risks needs to be communicated to consumers, together with consistent messages regarding preventative programs, enforcement systems, and scientific uncertainty and variability associated with risk assessments. Cross-cultural differences in consumer perception and information preferences suggest a national or regional strategy for food risk communication may be more effective than one applied at a pan-European level.
Germany- Research project on emerging zoonosis threats in animal production
19 May 2010
Evira [edited][FSNet]
The use of antibacterial drugs in animal production leads to emergence of drug resistant bacteria in food producing animals. This was identified as a threat to human health already in the 1960s. In recent years, Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria, which produce extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or are resistant to fluoroquinolones have been found in poultry meat produced in some EU countries and elsewhere in the world.
Resistance based on ESBL production has quickly become more common in human E. coli infections also in Finland. The ESBL and fluoroquinolone resistance of bacteria present in poultry is believed to be linked with the use fluoroquinolones in animal production. In Finland fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins are not used at all in the medication of poultry. The use of other antibiotics is also extremely limited due to the good disease status.
Some of the E. coli strains pathogenic to poultry, dogs and humans are completely identical. These bacteria cause extraintestinal infections. In humans the most common of these is urinary tract infection and the most dangerous infections include sepsis and neonatal meningitis.
E. coli bacteria trigger various inflammatory diseases in poultry, resulting in considerable production losses and deterioration in the wellbeing of the birds. Dogs suffer from urinary tract infection caused by these bacteria. Diseases in dogs are in Finland also treated with antibiotics, which promote the emergence of ESBL and fluoroquinolone resistance factors.
ESBL and fluoroquinolone resistance as well as E. coli bacteria causing generalized infections can be transmitted from animals to people. Thus, they constitute a zoonosis threat. The susceptibility of humans to E. coli infections increases as the population grows older and the proportion of diabetic patients increases.
E. coli bacteria with properties suggesting they could be pathogenic also to humans have been found in Finnish meat poultry flocks. However, the antibiotic resistance status of poultry production is excellent in Finland compared with other countries; this gives Finland an advantage as a producer of safe food.
In order to secure this advantage, a research project is about to be launched to gather information about the prevalence of these infections and resistance factors in animals and people in Finland. The development of methodology for the prevention of E. coli infections in poultry and for the reduction of contamination at slaughter is another focal area of the project.
UK: Public participation can strengthen food risk studies
13 May 2010
Society for Risk Analysis [edited][FSNet]
The inclusion of activists and members of the general public on teams of technical experts can, in some cases, beneficially expand the focus of food risk reviews, according to a new study by food experts in the United Kingdom (U.K.). The results are important to government agencies and policymakers interested in including more public input and enhancing public trust of expert recommendations on food safety.
The authors draw conclusions from three case studies related to children’s risk from pesticide residues in apples, infection from a bacterial contaminant in chicken, and a hypothetical contamination of animal feed with a toxin.
Nine researchers from universities, government agencies and research institutes collaborated on the article, “Can a participatory approach contribute to food chain risk analysis?,” which appears in the May, 2010 issue of the journal Risk Analysis, published by the Society for Risk Analysis.
The researchers conclude that technical complexities in risk reviews do not necessarily pose barriers to broader public participation and that including multiple non-technical representatives tends to broaden the focus of reviews. For example, in the risk review for a pesticide in apples, some non-technical members urged the group to consider how pesticide mixtures may have an impact on the risk, a factor not taken into account in the one-chemical-at-a-time approach previously adopted by scientists. Likewise, the non-technical participants pushed scientists to focus on how people’s behavior varies to enhance the gathering of exposure information on infection from contaminants in chicken.
Ireland- Management of health risks associated with oysters harvested from a Norovirus contaminated area, February - March 2010
13 May 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 19 [edited][FSNet[
Oysters from a harvesting area responsible for outbreaks of gastroenteritis were relaid at a clean seawater site and subsequently depurated in tanks of purified seawater at elevated temperatures. This combined treatment reduced norovirus levels to those detected prior to the outbreak. On the basis of norovirus monitoring the sale of treated oysters was permitted although the harvest area remained closed for direct sale of oysters. No reports of illness have been associated with the consumption of treated oysters.
Oysters are filter-feeding bivalve molluscs which may become contaminated with human pathogens when grown in sewage-contaminated waters, which can lead to illness as the oysters are often consumed raw. In Europe, regulations are in place to prevent this risk. Shellfish harvesting areas are classified into three categories (A, B or C) depending on the extent of faecal contamination of the area as judged by levels of Escherichia coli. Shellfish treatments are prescribed depending on the classification. Despite these controls outbreaks of illness associated with oyster consumption continue, in particular outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with norovirus (NoV)-contaminated oysters. Until recently, suitable methods for the quantitative detection of NoV in shellfish have not been available.
A high prevalence of NoV in oysters from a range of harvesting areas throughout Europe has been shown by PCR. Quantitative real-time PCR procedures are currently undergoing standardisation at the European level. Where quantitative data exists, NoV levels detected in shellfish harvest areas are often low and near the detection limit. The public health significance of oysters containing low levels of NoV is unclear.
Various intervention steps are available to reduce the microbiological load in sewage-contaminated shellfish. These include relaying shellfish in clean seawater areas to allow them to purge contaminants. A similar, more controlled process is performed in tanks of seawater purified by disinfection. This process is called depuration and is used extensively throughout Europe. Depuration is commonly carried out for 24 to 48 hours at ambient temperatures. It has been demonstrated to eliminate bacteria from shellfish but has little impact on virus levels in oysters. However, depuration carried out at elevated temperatures (17-20 ºC) for extended periods of three to five days reduces virus levels in oysters significantly.
Over a five week period in January and February 2010, more than 70 cases of gastroenteritis in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) were due to the consumption of oysters originating from an Irish harvesting area. The infections in England have been recorded as part of a wider report on European-wide outbreaks. Oysters connected to two illness incidents in Ireland were available for testing and contained 2,040 and 2,350 NoV genome copies per g, respectively.
The oysters responsible for the outbreak described here originated from a category A classified water with E. coli levels consistently below 230 MPN (most probable number) per 100 g. Oysters from category A areas are approved for consumption without treatment. In practice, oysters from this harvest area were depurated at ambient temperature before sale. However it is well documented that depuration at low temperatures has little impact on reducing virus levels in shellfish. The recent outbreaks of NoV infection associated with consumption of oysters from this harvesting site confirm the inadequacy of the current control measures and treatment processes to fully protect consumers in Europe.
Low levels of NoV are commonly detected in oysters, particularly during the winter months. A limited data set from 2009 suggests that NoV levels in oysters from the harvest area in question are also generally low. No reports of illness associated with this area were recorded during this period. In January and February 2010 however, the levels of NoV increased significantly, probably due to the seasonally high level of the virus in the human population and the particularly cold temperatures. This increase in NoV levels was clearly associated with outbreaks of NoV gastroenteritis in consumers. In response the competent authorities in Ireland closed the harvest area for direct sale of oysters and it remains closed at the time of publication of this report.
Sweden- Direct and indirect transmission of four Salmonella enterica serotypes in pigs
10 May 2010
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2010, 52:30 [edited][FSNet]
Julia Osterberg, Susanna Sternberg Lewerin, Per Wallgren
Feed-borne spread of Salmonella spp. to pigs has been documented several times in recent years in Sweden.
Experiences from the field suggest that feed-associated serotypes might be less transmissible and subsequently easier to eradicate from pig herds than other serotypes more commonly associated to pigs. Four Salmonella serotypes were selected for experimental studies in pigs in order to study transmittability and compare possible differences between feed-assoociated (S. Cubana and S. Yoruba) and pig-associated serotypes (S. Derby and S. Typhimurium).
Direct contact transmission was studied in four groups of pigs formed by six 10-week-old Salmonella negative pigs commingled with two fatteners excreting one of the four Salmonella serotypes.
Indirect transmission was studied by putting six 10-week-old Salmonella negative pigs in each of four salmonella contaminated rooms. Each room had previously housed a group of pigs, excreting one of the four selected serotypes. All pigs were monitored for two weeks with respect to the faecal excretion of Salmonella and the presence of serum antibodies.
At the end of the trial, eight samples from inner tissues and organs were collected from each pig at necropsy.
In the four direct transmission groups, one pig shed Salmonella (Cubana) at one occasion. At necropsy, S. Typhimurium was isolated from one pig.In the indirect transmission groups, two pigs in the Yoruba room and one pig in each of the other rooms were excreting detectable levels of Salmonella once during the study period of two weeks.
At necropsy, S. Derby was isolated from one of six pigs in the Derby room and S. Typhimurium was isolated from four of the six pigs in the Typhimurium room. No significant serological response could be detected in any of the 48 pigs.
These results show that all four selected serotypes were able to be transmitted in at least one of these field-like trials, but the transmission rate was low in all groups and no obvious differences between feed-associated and pig-associated serotypes in the transmission to naive pigs and their subsequent faecal shedding were revealed. However, the post mortem results indicated a higher detection of S. Typhimurium in the ileocecal lymph nodes of pigs introduced into a contaminated environment in comparison with the other three serotypes.
Virulotyping and antimicrobial resistance typing of Salmonella enterica serovars relevant to human health in Europe
06 May 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. May 2010, 7(5): 523-535 [edited][FSNet]
Stephan Huehn, Roberto M. La Ragione, et al.
The combination of virulence gene and antimicrobial resistance gene typing using DNA arrays is a recently developed genomics-based approach to bacterial molecular epidemiology. Researchers have now applied this technology to 523 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains collected from various host sources and public health and veterinary institutes across nine European countries. The strain set included the five predominant Salmonella serovars isolated in Europe (Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Infantis, Virchow, and Hadar). Initially, these strains were screened for 10 potential virulence factors (avrA, ssaQ, mgtC, siiD, sopB, gipA, sodC1, sopE1, spvC, and bcfC) by polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that only 14 profiles comprising these genes (virulotypes) were observed throughout Europe. Moreover, most of these virulotypes were restricted to only one (n=9) or two (n=4) serovars. The data also indicated that the virulotype did not vary significantly with host source or geographical location. Subsequently, a representative subset of 77 strains was investigated using a microarray designed to detect 102 virulence and 49 resistance determinants. The results confirmed and extended the previous observations using the virulo-polymerase chain reaction screen. Strains belonging to the same serovar grouped together, indicating that the broader virulence-associated gene complement corresponded with the serovar. There were, however, some differences in the virulence gene profiles between strains belonging to an individual serovar. This variation occurred primarily within those virulence genes that were prophage encoded, in fimbrial clusters or in the virulence plasmid. It seems likely that such changes enable Salmonella to adapt to different environmental conditions, which might be reflected in serovar-specific ecology. In this strain subset a number of resistance genes were detected and were serovar restricted to a varying degree. Once again the profiles of those genes encoding resistance were similar or the same for each serovar in all hosts and countries investigated.
Hungary- Molecular and pathogenic characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Bovismorbificans strains of animal, environmental, food, and human origin
06 May 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. May 2010, 7(5): 507-513 [edited][FSNet]
Noémi Nógrády, Ariel Imre, Ágnes Kostyák, Ákos Tóth, Béla Nagy
In this study, we characterized 110 strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Bovismorbificans contaminating environment, animals, food of animal origin, and human, to assess their significance along the food chain in Hungary. Additionally, five strains from Germany were tested for comparative purposes. Characterization involved antibiotic susceptibility testing, class 1 integron detection by polymerase chain reaction, plasmid profiling, virulotyping (using virulence gene-specific polymerase chain reactions), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Pathogenic potential of selected strains was tested in orally infected 1-day-old specific pathogen-free chicks. Eighty-two percent of the strains were susceptible to the 16 antibiotics tested, and none of them had class 1 integron. The results show that Salmonella Bovismorbificans studied here are less invasive than Salmonella Enteritidis, but they may colonize and persist in several animal species and successfully contaminate meat products of different animal origin in Hungary.
Gate keepers of EU food safety: Four states lead on notification patterns and effectiveness
30 Apr 2010
Food and Chemical Toxicology [edited][FSNet]
A. Petróczi, G. Taylor, T. Nepusz and D.P. Naughton
The EU RASFF database has been used to provide information on trends in food notifications. The major focus of previous reports has been on either the health hazards arising from various contaminants found in foodstuff or producers of these faulty products. To complement these analyses, the aim of this paper is to examine the food notifications, recorded via the RASFF between 2000 and 2009, from the detectors’ point of view and to compare and contrast detecting activities of those playing a key role in guarding food safety and security in the EU. Data were scrutinized using network analysis to capture underlying pattern in the EU context and detailed descriptive statistics to generate an in-depth view. The results revealed that 60% of the notifications were made by Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain, with the remaining 40% shared among 26 other countries and Commission Services. A distinct reporting pattern was observed between these key countries with the Netherlands showing vigilance above and beyond that expected based on its population, suggesting that countries with major ports might secure food safety in their own country as well as guarding the EU’s food market. The ethnic composition may also influence the detection patterns.
Relation between microbial levels of ready-to-eat foods and the monitoring of compliance with HACCP-based own control programs in small Danish food outlets
30 Apr 2010
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
K.J. Kjeldgaard, M.L. Stormly and J.J. Leisner
This study concerns the correlation between monitoring of hygienic levels by public food inspectors and observed microbial levels in two types of food, cream cakes and pasta salads sold by small enterprises. The microbial contents of pasta salads exceeded frequently 7 log CFU g-1 in outlets with highly satisfactory rankings by food inspectors. Contrarily, microbial contents of cream cakes were mostly below 5 log CFU g-1, in relatively high agreement with food inspectors’ ranking. The implications for monitoring compliance with HACCP-based own control programs in small food outlets are discussed.
EU: EFSA reports on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria over 2004-2007
27 Apr 2010
EFSA [edited][FSNet]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a report which says that resistance to antimicrobials is found among the most common zoonotic bacteria originating from animals and food in the EU, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The zoonotic bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials are of concern since they might compromise the effective treatment of diseases in humans.
Resistance to antibiotics such as ampicillin, sulphonamide and tetracycline was commonly found among tested zoonotic bacteria. In addition, several Member States reported resistance to fluoroquinolones, macrolides or third generation cephalosporins, which are important antibiotics in treating diseases in humans. In particular, high levels of fluoroquinolone resistance were recorded in Salmonella in poultry and in Campylobacter in poultry, pigs and cattle, as well as in broiler meat.
Turkey- High occurrence of cyclosporiasis in Instanbul during a dry and warm summer
23 Apr 2010
Parasites &Vectors 2010, 3:39
Researchers evaluated the incidence of Cyclospora cayetanensis in immunocompetent, diarrheic patients during the summers of 2006-2009 in Istanbul. Stools from 1876 patients were examined using microscopic techniques.
Cyclospora oocysts were observed in wet preparations by light and epifluorescence microscopy and in fecal smears that were stained by Kinyoun's modified acid-fast stain. Characteristic Cyclospora oocysts were observed in 2 patients in 2006, 17 in 2007, and one in 2009.
Samples positive for Cyclospora were further analyzed by a single step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Cyclospora-specific primers from the ITS-1 region of the genome. The majority of the Cyclospora positive cases (15) were clustered during about 15 days in June 2007, indicating an unusual incidence of cyclosporiasis in this time period. The climatic characteristics of 2007 could have played a role in this high occurrence rate.
Switzerland- Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in humans in contact with farm animals, in livestock, and in food of animal origin, 2009
22 Apr 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 16 [edited][FSNet]
H Huber, S Koller, N Giezendanner, R Stephan, C Zweifel
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a pathogen of increasing importance in hospitals, the community, and in recent years also in livestock. Studies strongly suggest that people working with livestock are at a potential risk of becoming MRSA carriers and hence are at an increased risk of infections caused by MRSA. To date, there is no comprehensive data on the situation of LA-MRSA in Switzerland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of MRSA in people in contact with livestock, in farm animals, and in food of animal origin, and to investigate genotypic characteristics as well as phenotypic resistance data of isolated strains.
A total of 2,662 samples, collected from March to September 2009 in Switzerland, were tested for the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The collection comprised nasal swabs from 148 pig farmers, 133 veterinarians, 179 slaughterhouse employees, 800 pigs, 300 calves, 400 cattle, 100 pooled neck skin swabs from chicken carcasses, and 460 food samples of animal origin. Moreover, 142 S. aureus strains, isolated from bovine mastitis milk, were included in the study.
All 20 MRSA strains were susceptible to vancomycin and rifampin. All but two strains were susceptible to gentamicin and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim and all but one were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Of the 16 strains isolated from animals (livestock and mastitis milk), all were resistant to four beta-lactams (ampicillin, cefoxitin, oxacillin, penicillin), 15 were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, and 14 to clindamycin. Of the four MRSA strains isolated from veterinarians, two strains were phenotypically susceptible to oxacillin but resistant to cefoxitin, with the disk diffusion as well as the Etest method, and therefore were low-level resistant MRSA.
The results of the study show that MRSA, and ST398 in particular, are present in Swiss livestock but still occur in low numbers. Compared to the herd level prevalence of 81% in Dutch pigs, the herd level prevalence of MRSA ST398 of 2.9% in pigs and 1.6% in calves found in our samples was low. In view of the small proportion of MRSA-positive animals found in Swiss livestock, the related risk of food contamination and transmission of MRSA to people in contact with livestock does currently not seem of particular importance in Switzerland. In the study, MRSA prevalence in veterinarians was 3%. This finding is favourable compared to results published by Wulf et al., who found 12.5% of veterinarians attending an international congress on pig health to be MRSA carriers. Contrary to what was recently reported by De Boer et al., this study found no MRSA in meat samples.
Possible explanations for the low MRSA prevalence in Switzerland may be the restrictive and controlled use of antibiotics in farming, a good health status of pig herds compared to many countries in the European Union, and the fact that the importation rate of live pigs in Switzerland is very low (The two non-ST398 strains with ST1 (young bull) and ST8 (veterinarian) found in our study are of sequence types usually considered as community-associated MRSA.
MRSA, and especially LA-MRSA ST398, have entered Swiss farming operations but to date occur in low numbers. This low prevalence suggests that at the moment there is only a limited risk of MRSA transmission from livestock to humans and to food of animal origin. To maintain this situation, further efforts within the field of veterinary public health are of major importance and it is necessary to establish a monitoring system for further trend analysis.
EU: Salmonella and Campylobacter frequently detected during slaughter
21 Apr 2010
Vetsweb [edited][FSNet]
A study coordinated by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany shows that Campylobacter and Salmonella can frequently be detected at the time of slaughter.
The pathogens reach the slaughterhouse in intestinal contents or on the feathers of the animals and can then be carried over during slaughter to the carcasses. From there they reach the food chain and then consumers. According to the report published by BfR, Campylobacter were detected on 62 percent and Salmonella on 17.6 percent of the 432 carcasses examined in Germany. In 48.6 percent of the slaughter groups Campylobacter were detected in the intestinal contents of the animals.
EU-wide 71.2 percent Campylobacter were detected in the intestines of the slaughter groups of broilers and 77 percent on the carcasses. The detection rates in the Member States were between 2 percent and 100 percent for detection in the intestines and between 4.9 percent and 100 percent for detection on the carcasses. The values obtained for Germany were, therefore, lower than the EU average. EU-wide 15.7 percent of the carcasses were contaminated with Salmonella. The most frequent serovars were Salmonella infantis and Salmonella enteritidis; however the frequent detection of Salmonella infantis reflects the very high level of contamination of animals in one Member State.
The study is part of an investigation which was conducted in 2008 in all Member States of the European Union (EU). The results of the EU study were published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EU: EFSA assesses risk of Salmonella from pig meat
20 Apr 2010
Food Ingredients First [edited][FSNet]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the public health risks from Salmonella in pigs and the impact of possible control measures. The assessment suggests that pigs and pig meat may be responsible for 10 to 20% of all human cases of salmonellosis in the EU - but with differences between countries - and that controlling Salmonella more effectively within the pig meat food chain would have a direct impact on reducing the number of human cases. This work by EFSA’s Biological Hazards Panel (BIOHAZ) was at the request of the European Commission and will support the setting of any targets for the reduction of Salmonella in pigs across the European Union. To support the Panel opinion and in line with EFSA’s strategy on cooperation and networking with Member States, a consortium of institutes from across the European Union was established for the first time. This consortium developed an EU level model to quantify the public health risk of Salmonella in the pig meat food chain, from farm to fork. The Panel found evidence suggesting that the human cases attributable to Salmonella in pig meat will mainly depend on the levels of Salmonella in pigs and pig meat, as well as on consumption patterns and the relative importance of the other sources of Salmonella. The Panel evaluated a series of measures to reduce the number of human cases of Salmonella. These included ensuring pigs in breeding holdings are free from Salmonella, ensuring that the feed is also free from Salmonella, adequate cleaning and disinfection of holdings, avoiding contamination during slaughter, and decontaminating carcasses. The Panel indicated that these measures should be used in combination and based on the individual situation of each Member State; and that a hundredfold reduction of the number of Salmonella bacteria on contaminated carcasses would result in a 60-80% reduction of the cases of human salmonellosis originating from pig meat consumption. The experts also indicated that in order to reduce Salmonella in pigs going to slaughter, decreasing the levels of Salmonella in holdings where pigs are bred would result in highest reduction. In Member States which have high levels of Salmonella this would lead to the greatest reduction. The Panel also says that ensuring feed is Salmonella-free could lead to further reductions, and, in Member States with lower levels of Salmonella, this approach would have the highest impact. The opinion also recommends that information on the temperature at which the pig meat is kept during transportation and how consumers store it at home is important to further understand the factors that lead to risks for Salmonella in humans. In 2008, a total of 131,468 human cases of salmonellosis were reported in the EU and food is considered the main source of infection for humans. EU regulations foresee targets for the reduction of Salmonella in the EU and EFSA’s scientific advice provides a scientific basis for the setting of these targets. EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel assessment of the public health risks of Salmonella in pigs was based on a Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA), which provided a quantitative estimate of the existing risk factors and likely effects of the measures proposed to reduce them. This was the first time a number of institutes from across the EU pooled their resources and expertise to feed into an EU level assessment funded and led by EFSA.
Pathogenic Vibrio species in Dutch shellfish destined for direct human consumption
03 Apr 1010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 4, April 2010 , pp. 734-738(5)
Schets, Franciska M.; van den Berg, Harold H.J.L.; Rutjes, Saskia A.; de Roda Husman, Ana Maria
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common cause of shellfish-related gastroenteritis all over the world. V. parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus have previously been detected in water samples from the Oosterschelde, a large inlet on the North Sea, which is used for both recreational purposes and shellfish production. In 2006, oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from a noncommercial oyster bed in the Oosterschelde and oysters bought in Dutch fish shops were tested for the presence of pathogenic Vibrio species; in 2007 and 2008, oysters (C. gigas) and mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Oosterschelde production areas were examined. Total Vibrio numbers were related to water temperatures to study joint patterns. About 80% of the isolated strains were V. alginolyticus, and approximately 10% were identified as V. parahaemolyticus. Vibrio counts in shellfish samples increased with increasing water temperature and declined when water temperatures dropped; Vibrio was not detected when water temperatures declined to 104 cells per serving of oysters) required for infection, it is concluded that the risk of gastrointestinal infections with V. parahaemolyticus through consumption of shellfish from the Oosterschelde production sites is presumably low.
Italy- Prevalence of biomolecular characterization of Campylobacter spp. isolated from retail meat
03 Apr 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 4, April 2010 , pp. 720-728(9)
Sammarco, Michela Lucia; Ripabelli, et al. [edoted][FSNet]
Researchers estimated the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in retail meat (n = 352 samples; 104 chicken, 106 pork, and 142 beef) collected in Campobasso, Italy, comparing two microbiological methods. All the isolates were characterized by biomolecular techniques for epidemiological purposes. Campylobacter isolation was performed by selective culture and membrane filtration methods. Sixty-nine (86.2%) samples were positive by selective culture, 49 (61.2%) by membrane filtration, and 38 (47.5%) by both methods. Only 74 of 80 strains were confirmed as Campylobacter spp. by PCR, and two Campylobacter coli were identified as Campylobacter jejuni. Chicken meat was more frequently contaminated than other meats. Selective culture was more sensitive than membrane filtration (85 versus 66%), and specificity of the methods was 98 and 100%, respectively. Among Campylobacter isolates from chicken meat, 86.5% were multidrug resistant. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (51.3%) and enrofloxacin (52.7%) was lower than to nalidixic acid (71.6%). C. coli strains showed the highest cross-resistance for quinolones (82.6%) and fluoroquinolones (60.9%) as well as a high resistance to tetracycline. Plasmids were isolated from six C. coli and two C. jejuni isolates, but no association was detected between antimicrobial resistance and plasmid DNA carriage. Selective culture is considered as the optimal method for Campylobacter isolation, although it was unable to detect all contaminated samples. Membrane filtration provided more specific results but with low sensitivity. A combination of both techniques may offer better results.
Substantial increase in listeriosis, Denmark 2009
25 Mar 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 12
A Kvistholm Jensen, S Ethelberg [edited][FSNet]
In 2009, 97 cases of listeriosis were reported in Denmark (1.8 per 100,000), a significant rise over the previous year. The increase was seen both in cases of bacteraemia and meningitis and affected mainly people aged 70 years and older. No explanation has so far been found for the marked increase in incidence. An increasing trend has been observed since 2003 and possible explanations are discussed.
Invasive listeriosis is a serious foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The three major clinical presentations of listeriosis are sepsis, meningitis and materno-fetal infection. In a review of materno-fetal infections in Denmark 12 of 36 cases resulted in stillbirth and/or abortion. In recent years the annual number of reported listeriosis cases has increased in several European countries including Denmark. In 2009, Denmark saw a further increase in the incidence of listeriosis, reaching 1.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. To our knowledge this is the highest incidence reported in a European country in recent years. In this paper, data from the Danish surveillance system are presented and discussed.
There has been a general increasing trend in the number of listeriosis cases in Denmark since 2003 and an additional marked increase from 2008 to 2009. The increase in listeriosis incidence in 2009 was seen particularly in the group of patients over 70 years of age. There is no single explanation for this dramatic increase.
UK: Antimicrobial resistance report published
24 Mar 2010
FSA [edited][FSNet]
A report on antimicrobial resistance in the UK has been published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
The report summarises data collected in 2007 (or for the most recent previous year if there are no data from 2007) from across the UK for a range of bacterial organisms of medical and veterinary importance in the UK. This information was collated from a variety of sources, including surveys of healthy people, animals and food, as well as from the results of tests on medical or veterinary clinical diagnostic samples.
The Food Standards Agency contributed data on the types and amounts of foods of animal origin purchased within the UK and the antimicrobial resistance of isolates of Campylobacter and Salmonella obtained during three food surveys.
The report has been produced in response to a recommendation in a report on Microbial Antibiotic Resistance in Relation to Food Safety by the Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food. A key recommendation of this report was that the organisations responsible for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in animals, people and food should work together to produce a report summarising antibiotic resistance in the food chain in the UK.
UK: Agency welcomes Consumer Focus Wales E. coli report
23 Mar 2010
Food Standards Agency [edited][FSNet]
The Food Standards Agency welcomes the publication of the Consumer Focus Wales report: 'Protecting consumers from E. coli O157'.
The report refers to progress by the Agency and others in implementing the recommendations in the Pennington report on the Public Inquiry into the E. coli outbreak in South Wales in 2005. The Agency agrees that while much has already been done, there is more still to do.
Although the Pennington report concerned the outbreak in South Wales, the Agency is addressing its recommendations on a UK-wide basis. The Agency is looking at all major causes of foodborne illness, not just E. coli; looking at all foods, not just at meat; and taking actions across the UK, not just in Wales. It has established a Food Hygiene Delivery Programme, the purpose of which is to minimise the level of foodborne disease through: · improved awareness and control of food safety hazards by food businesses, food law enforcers and consumers · reliable assurance that compliance with legal standards is maintained, using timely, effective and proportionate enforcement where necessary This work programme runs until 2016 and we have set out when Professor Pennington’s recommendations will be delivered. As part of this work, a substantial review of food hygiene enforcement in Wales will take place in 2014.
One of the points raised in the Consumer Focus Wales report is the need for the Agency to provide guidance to environmental health officers on the use of separate machinery for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. This guidance will address managing the risk of cross-contamination by E. coli O157 through cleaning and will provide advice on the dual use of equipment. The Agency plans to consult on this guidance in the near future.
EFSA publishes survey on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken in the EU
17 Mar 2010
EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the results of a survey on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken at slaughterhouses in the European Union. In most EU Member States, a high prevalence of Campylobacter was found in chickens, whereas Salmonella was less frequently detected. These zoonoses are the cause of the two most reported food-borne diseases in humans in the EU: Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. This was EFSA’s sixth baseline survey on food-borne bacteria carried out at EU level and the first to directly investigate the presence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chickens at slaughter.
All Member States participating in the survey carried out in 2008 reported Campylobacter in the chickens they sampled. The samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the slaughter line.
On average, the bacterium was found in the intestines of 71% of chickens, indicating that they were already infected when alive, and on 76% of sampled carcasses, which suggests some further contamination during slaughtering.
The survey also says that 22 Member States reported Salmonella in the chicken carcasses they sampled. On average, 15.7% of sampled carcasses were found to be contaminated, although figures varied between Member States. Of the various types of Salmonella, 17 Member States reported the types Enteritidis and Typhimurium, which are responsible for most Salmonella infections in humans.
The aim of the survey was to provide comparable figures for all participating Member States in order to give an overview of the prevalence at slaughter of Campylobacter in chickens and of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken carcasses. The survey also sets out recommendations, in particular for further research on factors affecting the spread of Campylobacter in chicken meat production and on best methods for surveillance and control of Campylobacter.
Ireland- FSAI advises on need to control Campylobacter contamination
17 Mar 2010
FSAI [edited][FSNet]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today noted the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) study which has shown that there is a high level of Campylobacter contamination in poultry carcasses in slaughter plants throughout Europe, with the majority of carcasses in Irish plants having some level of contamination. It states that EFSA’s study is pertinent to the findings of a recent FSAI survey, which examined the prevalence of Campylobacter on the surface of chicken packaging sold in Irish retail outlets. The FSAI report, which is currently being finalised, highlights that 13.2% of the external surface of chicken packaging and 10.9% of the surface of retail display cabinets were contaminated with Campylobacter species. In light of EFSA’s and the FSAI’s findings, it reiterated its call to the Irish retail sector to source chicken products from producers using leak-proof packaging solutions or to provide customers with specific bags to prevent leakage of potentially contaminated poultry juices. The preliminary findings from the FSAI survey which involved examining 785 packaging surfaces and 785 display cabinet surfaces shows that cross-contamination can occur from a whole chicken, if the packaging allows the meat juices to leak out. This can cross contaminate other food products and is especially serious if it leaks on to food which will not be cooked prior to consumption. The survey found less contamination (2.1%) on the external surface of packaging designed to prevent leakage, by comparison to the conventional packaging (18.9%), where plastic is wrapped around the tray and sealed underneath and is more prone to leakage of juices.
Internationally, it is estimated that handling and preparation of chicken and consumption of undercooked chicken meat accounts for approximately 30% of human cases of bacterial Campylobacter. In Ireland, Campylobacter is now the number one cause of foodborne illness, with some 1,758 cases of campylobacteriosis reported in 2008 and provisional data for 2009 shows 1,823 cases reported.
The FSAI also recommends that consumers should play their role too to protect themselves, by taking simple measures to avoid Campylobacter contamination.
Pooling raw shell eggs:Salmonella contamination and high risk practices in the United Kingdom food service sector
03 Mar 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 3, pp. 574-578(5)
Gormley, F.J.; Little, C.L.; Murphy, N.; de Pinna, E.; McLauchlin, J.
Salmonellacontamination of pooled raw shelled egg mix (RSEM) used as an ingredient in lightly cooked or uncooked foods and high-risk kitchen hygiene practices in United Kingdom food service establishments using RSEM were investigated. Samples were collected from 934 premises.Salmonellawas found in 1 (0.13%) of 764 RSEM samples, 2 (0.3%) of 726 samples from surfaces where ready-to-eat foods were prepared, and 7 (1.3%) of 550 cleaning cloths. Poor RSEM storage and handling practices were highlighted. Workers in 40% of the premises sampled failed to use designated utensils when RSEM was added to other ingredients, workers in 17% of the premises did not clean surfaces and utensils thoroughly after use with RSEM and before preparing other foods, only 42% of workers washed and dried their hands after handling eggs or RSEM, workers in 41% of the premises did not store RSEM at refrigeration temperature before use, and workers in 8% of the premises added RSEM to cooked rice at the end of cooking when preparing egg fried rice. Take-away premises, especially those serving Chinese cuisine, were least likely to have a documented food safety management system and awareness of the key food safety points concerning the use of RSEM compared with other food service premises.
Hygiene perception: Condition of hotel kitchen staffs in Ankara, Turkey
03 Mar 2010
Journal of Food Safety [edited][FSNet]
The study, which analyzed knowledge levels of the staff who work in food and beverage departments of hotels in Turkey about food safety, was carried out in December 2007–March 2008. Researchers applied face to face survey to 522 employees of seven hotels. The difference has been found meaningful statistically between kitchen and kitchenware hygiene, employee hygiene, food hygiene and general hygiene knowledge points and their education status and occupations in the result of the study (P 0.05). First, it is required to pay attention to the determining of the training needs of employees working for the enterprise, and to make a point of applying necessary training and seminars concerning the staff in each degree by making a training program. It has been determined that training, occupation and experience of the staff are so important in order to provide food safety in enterprises.
Ireland: FSAI advice line receives almost 2,000 complaints on food standards
02 Mar 2010
FSAI [edited][FSNet]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today announced details of information requests and complaints received by the FSAI advice line last year. In 2009, a total of 9,444 queries were recorded, with 27% of those received from consumers reporting issues concerning food and food establishments, such as: low hygiene standards; unfit food; inaccurate labelling information; and suspected food poisoning. In total, 1,981 complaints from consumers were lodged last year and broken down as follows:
• 858 complaints on unfit food
• 363 complaints on suspect food poisoning
• 408 complaints on hygiene standards
• 112 complaints on incorrect information on food labelling
• 20 complaints on incorrect advertising of food products
• 220 other
Records showed that contamination with foreign objects such as insects, hair, pieces of skin, glass and rodent droppings were the most common type of complaints concerning unfit food. Misleading labelling and out of date food remaining on sale were noted as the most regular grievances amongst consumers regarding labelling issues. In 2009, the FSAI advice line received an increased number of complaints regarding supermarkets mislabelling the country of origin of vegetables and fruit. Complaints concerning poor hygiene standards often related to staff in food premises not washing their hands; touching their face and then handling food and, handling raw and cooked food with the same kitchen utensils. All complaints received by the FSAI are referred to environmental health officers who investigate each complaint thoroughly.
The advice line also deals with queries from the food industry, who accounted for 44% of the calls. Their main requests were for FSAI publications; advice on food labelling; and food safety training information. In addition to this, records showed that there was a 50% increase in 2009 from 2008 in the number of calls to the advice line requesting information and guidance on how to set up a new food business, which could be an indication of the recent downturn in the economy. From 1999 to 2009, consumers, caterers and manufacturers have consistently been the most frequent users of the advice line. The incidences which caused peaks in calls to the advice line between 1999 and 2009 include:
• In 2000, 420 queries recorded from consumers following a product recall of cooked ham due to Salmonella contamination
• In 2005, approximately 400 calls were recorded in relation to a large recall of various food products due to the presence of Sudan Red, an illegal food colourant
• In 2008, the advice line received 3,725 calls during the recall of all Irish pork and pork products due to dioxin contamination
Related stories
02 Mar 2010- Advice line fields almost 10,000 queries on food safety
Irish Examiner [edited][FSNet]
Romania- Trichinellosis and poverty in a Romanian industrial area: An epidemiological study and brief review of literature
27 Feb 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Trichinellosis is a foodborne parasitic disease that is acquired by humans through ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked meat containing larvae of different Trichinella species. During a high endemic year, Hunedoara County, part of Transylvania region, was the second most affected Romanian county, with an incidence of 84.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to bring new epidemiological and clinical data on human trichinellosis from an endemic former industrial area characterized by high rates of poverty and unemployment.
Data have been collected from the medical charts of 492 patients (mean age, 27.6 years) found to have trichinellosis and admitted between 1996 and 2005 in two infectious disease hospitals.
Women (55.1%, n=271), townsfolk (77.0%, n=379), and unemployed (40.1%, n=126) were the most affected categories. The clinical symptoms included myalgia (64.6%, n=118), edema (45.3%, n=223), and headache (38.6%, n=190). Eosinophilia ranged between 10% and 19.99% in 28.0% (n=138) of the cases. For 47.8% (n=235) of the patients, the hospitalization period ranged from 1 to 7 days. Thiabendazole was administered in 72.0% (n=329) of the cases.
Despite rich history, an overall decrease in the number of human trichinellosis cases over the 10-year study period was revealed and the decline might have been favored by the following positive aspects: improvement of sanitary conditions, implementation of a more reliable collaboration between veterinarians and pig breeders/consumers, education of the population, and a more careful supervision of the public health services.
Government management of two media-facilitated crises involving dioxin contamination of food
23 Feb 2010
Public Understanding of Science [edited][FSNet]
Incidents become crises through a constant and intense public scrutiny facilitated by the media. Two incidents involving dioxin contamination of food led to crises in Belgium and the Republic of Ireland in 1999 and 2008, respectively. Thought to cause cancer in humans, dioxins reached the food supply in both incidents through the contamination of fat used for animal feed. The food and agricultural industries connected to each incident relied on crisis management activities of federal governments to limit adverse public reaction. Analysis of the management of the two crises by their respective federal governments, and a subsequent review of crisis management literature, led to the development of an effective crisis management model. Such a model, appropriately employed, may insulate industries associated with a crisis against damaged reputations and financial loss.
United Kingdom- Attribution of human Listeria monocytogenes infections in England and Wales ready-to-eat food sources placed on the market: Adaptation of the Hald Salmonella source attribution model
17 Feb 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Human listeriosis is a rare but serious foodborne disease, with high morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, the elderly, and the immunocompromised). The disease is predominantly caused by the consumption of contaminated ready-to-eat foods. Since 2001, an increase in the number of listeriosis cases has been observed in several European Union countries, including England and Wales, predominantly in the over-60s population. The cause of this selective increased incidence is unknown. The Hald Salmonella Bayesian source attribution model was adapted to determine the potential of this approach to quantify the contribution of different food sources to the burden of human listeriosis in England and Wales from 2004 to 2007. The most important food sources for the overall population were multicomponent foods (sandwiches and prepacked mixed salad vegetables) (23.1%), finfish (16.8%), and beef (15.3%). Attribution of major sources of infection was similar for the elderly population (≥60 years old, multicomponent foods [22.0%], finfish [14.7%], and beef [13.6%]). For pregnancy-associated cases, beef (12.3%), milk and milk products (11.8%), and finfish (11.2%) were more important sources of infection. The adapted model also showed that the serotype 4b was associated with relatively more human infections than that of other serotypes; further, the subtype 4b amplified fragment-length polymorphism V was associated with more pregnancy-associated cases than other subtypes of 4b. This approach of quantifying the contribution of various food sources to human listeriosis provides a useful tool in food safety risk analysis, and underlines the need for further emphasis to be given to the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes in high-risk foods, such as multicomponent foods, which are consumed without any further treatment. The need for targeted dietary advice for the elderly population is also highlighted.
Italy- Influence of environmental conditions and building structure on food quality: a survey of hand-crafted dairies in Northern Italy
16 Feb 2010
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
The present study investigated several small dairies, located in mountain areas of Northern Italy, with the aim to identify critical factors that are frequently neglected despite their potentially decisive role in improving hygiene standards of dairy processing and work safety. The results highlighted the structural and procedural aspects involved in sanitary requirements of traditional dairy production.
The analysis has made it clear that processing environment is often inadequately protected from external contamination, and design and realisation of buildings is not suitable for food processing requirements. For example, the main critical points for food safety in relation to building structure are indoor layout of a dairy, and coating materials for floors and walls that, although smooth and washable, do not withstand chemical attack, environmental conditions, and mechanical stress. From a procedural point of view, cleaning operations are not carried out thoroughly, and working practices are hygienically deficient.
Microbiological and molecular investigation of an increase of human listeriosis in Belgium, 2006-2007
11 Feb 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 6 [edited][FSNet]
In Belgium, the majority of cases of listeriosis are sporadic cases. In this study researchers present evidence for an episode of listeriosis: a time-linked cluster of cases that occurred in 2006 and 2007, and the identification of identical strains. The episode involved 11 patients, infected with Listeria monocytogenes of serovar 4b. The source of infection was not detected.
Clinical laboratories mandatorily report cases to the community health authorities. However, these authorities rarely receive information on strain characteristics, which does not facilitate linking sporadic cases. Clinical laboratories may submit their isolates to the BLRC. It is estimated that the BLRC receives approximately 70% of the total number of clinical isolates in Belgium. As the BLRC performs strain typing, clusters of identical strains are easily recognised.
The combination of serotyping, metal resistance typing and PFGE led to the identification of 11 identical isolates. The episodic strain was of serovar 4b, sensitive to arsenic and cadmium and belonged to pulsovar A. Six of them were isolated within a period of a few weeks which is exceptional for a small country like Belgium. Besides the cluster isolations in 2006, the episodic strain was isolated from a further five patients in 2007, indicating a long extension of the episode which went on until July 2007.
The source of contamination was not detected. Two factors may have contributed to this failure: no systematic interviewing of the patients and unsuccessful food sampling. During this episode only four patients were contacted by community health inspectors and only three different food samples were taken which proved to be negative for L. monocytogenes in 25 g. On the other hand, the episodic strain was not present in the BLRC collection of food strains, which therefore could not provide a clue for potential suspected food items to be investigated.
Norway: Why is it so difficult to eradicate Salmonella?
03 Feb 2010
Norwegian School of Veterinary Science [edited][FSNet]
Feed contaminated by Salmonella bacteria is a familiar and costly problem for the animal feed industry all over the world. Some types of Salmonella have succeeded in establishing themselves in feed and fish meal factories and have persisted there for several years because it has proved impossible to eradicate them.
A researcher investigated why it is so difficult to get rid of Salmonella once they have managed to establish themselves in Norwegian feed and fish meal factories. She discovered that Salmonella bacteria efficient at forming biofilm (bacteria coating) survived for longer in the factories than those that had a reduced ability to form this coating. The ability to survive in factories therefore appears to be connected with the ability to form a biofilm and it would seem that removing biofilm is a necessary step towards eradicating Salmonella from the factories.
In a biofilm, bacteria are well protected by a slime (matrix) which they produce themselves. The researcher has studied the effect of the nine most frequently used disinfectants in the Norwegian animal feed industry and found that the efficiency of the disinfectants is substantially reduced if the Salmonella has managed to form a biofilm. The effect of the majority of the disinfectants was then no longer satisfactory, but a product containing 70% ethanol was the most efficient.
The matrix produced by the Salmonella bacteria in the biofilm consists of many different components, one of which is cellulose. A surprisingly large proportion of Salmonella found in Norwegian feed and fish meal factories appeared not to produce cellulose. It has been claimed that cellulose is important for protecting bacteria in a biofilm, but the researcher’s laboratory tests have demonstrated that biofilm with or without cellulose respectively afforded the bacteria the same protection against disinfectants. On the other hand, it appeared that cellulose in the biofilm gave the bacteria better protection against dehydration over a period of several months.
EU- Report: fewer pathogens transmitted from animals to humans
03 Feb 2010
Vetsweb [edited][FSNet]
The number of human cases of the three most reported zoonotic infections was lower in 2008 than in 2007. This is according to the Annual Report on Zoonoses and Food-borne outbreaks for 2008 published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Campylobacteriosis remained the most frequently reported zoonotic infection in humans across the European Union, with 190,566 cases notified in 2008 (down from 200,507 in 2007). In foodstuffs, Campylobacter, which can cause diarrhea and fever, was mostly found in raw poultry meat. In live animals, Campylobacter was found in poultry, pigs and cattle.
Salmonella, the second most reported zoonotic infection in humans, decreased significantly for the fifth consecutive year, with 131,468 cases in 2008 compared to 151,998 in 2007, representing a 13.5% decrease. It remained however the most frequent cause of food borne outbreaks. Salmonella was found most frequently in raw chicken, turkey and pig meat. In animal populations, an important decline of the Salmonella type Enteritidis –the type most frequently affecting humans – was observed in laying hen flocks.
2008 was the first year in which EU Member States implemented a new programme put in place by the EU Commission to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in laying hens; 20 Member States have already met their reduction target for that year. This could be the reason for a decrease of Salmonella Enteritidis infections in humans, since eggs are known to be the most important source for these infections, the report said.
With 1,381 confirmed cases in 2008, Listeria infections showed a decrease of 11% compared to 2007. Although less frequent in humans compared to Campylobacter and Salmonella, Listeria is known to have a high mortality rate, the most affected being vulnerable groups such as the elderly. In foodstuffs, the study found Listeria above the legal safety limit in some ready-to-eat foods, mostly in smoked fish and heat-treated meat products and cheeses.
Reported cases of Q fever in humans increased from 585 in 2007 to 1,599 in 2008. This disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii results mainly from the inhalation of contaminated dust around infected cattle, sheep and goats. Q fever causes flu-like and gastrointestinal symptoms such as fever and diarrhoea. In animals, the highest infection rates were reported in goats.
Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) accounted for a total of 3,159 human infections in the EU, representing nearly a 9% increase from the previous year. Among animals and foodstuffs, VTEC was most often reported in cattle and bovine meat. The number of cases of Yersinia in humans in 2008 was 8,346, a 7% decrease from 2007, with the bacterium found mostly in pigs and pig meat.
Turkey- Prevalence of Listeria, Aeromonas, and Vibrio species in fish used for human consumption
01 Feb 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 2, pp. 380-384(5) [edited][FSNet]
A total of 78 raw retail fish samples from 30 freshwater and 48 marine fish were examined for the presence of Listeria, Aeromonas, and Vibrio species. The overall incidence of Listeria spp. was 30% in freshwater samples and 10.4% in marine fish samples. Listeria monocytogenes (44.5%) was the most commonly isolated species in freshwater fish, and Listeria murrayi (83.5%) was the most commonly isolated species in marine fish samples. Motile aeromonads were more common in marine fish samples (93.7%) than in freshwater fish samples (10%). Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio fluvialis, and Vibrio damsela were isolated only in marine fish samples, representing 40.9, 38.6, and 36.3% of Vibrio isolates, respectively. In freshwater and marine fish, the highest incidences of Listeria and Aeromonas were found in skin samples; the highest incidence of Vibrio in marine fish was found in gill samples. The location of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in a fish was significantly different among freshwater fish. A high incidence of these bacterial pathogens was found in the brown trout (Salmo trutta) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). Handling of contaminated fish, cross-contamination, or eating raw fish might pose a health hazard, especially in immunosuppressed individuals, elderly people, and children. This study highlights the importance of bacterial pathogens in fish intended for human consumption, but more study is needed.
Bavaria- Prevalence of Emetic bacillus cereus in different ice creams in Bavaria
01 Feb 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 2, pp. 395-399(5) [edited][FSNet]
Messelhäusser, U.; Kämpf, P.; Fricker, M.; Ehling-Schulz, M.; Zucker, R.; Wagner, B.; Busch, U.; Höller, C.
In this study, 809 samples of ice cream from different sources were investigated by using cultural methods for the presence of presumptive Bacillus cereus. Isolates from culture-positive samples were examined with a real-time PCR assay targeting a region of the cereulide synthetase gene (ces) that is highly specific for emetic B. cereus strains. The samples were collected from ice cream parlors and restaurants that produced their own ice cream and from international commercial ice cream companies in different regions of Bavaria during the summer of 2008. Presumptive B. cereus was found in 508 (62.7%) ice cream samples investigated, and 24 (4.7%) of the isolates had the genetic background for cereulide toxin production. The level of emetic B. cereus in the positive samples ranged from 0.1 to 20 CFU/g of ice cream.
UK- Evaluation of food purchasing behavior of consumers from supermarkets
30 Jan 2010
British Food Journal, Year 2010, Volume 112, Issue 2, Page 140 - 150
Nevin Sanlier, Suzan Seren Karakus [edited][FSNet]
This study was conducted with the aim of determining the food purchasing behaviour of consumers from supermarkets.
A total of 430 consumers, 194 males and 236 females, with an average age of 30 were included in this study, and was conducted to find out the criteria which consumers took into account while purchasing food.
A significant relationship was determined between the scores the consumers received from nutrition, the reliability and all of the shopping criteria, and their level of education.
The research is restricted in so far as it only considers consumers in the big city and as it is an exploratory study the research is limited in so far as the number of participants is only 430. Further research needs to include other big and small cities.
The study has concluded that consumers need effective and versatile education in the subjects of label reading and buying the right kind of food for their budgets. It is revealed that consumer education is essential in the process from cradle to grave in creating the awareness of consumers to buy food.
The paper is useful to both practitioners and academics in the fields of relationship consumer and marketing. Informing and training consumers will help increase the awareness of consumers and make them behave more rationally in their shopping. It will lead the studies to be carried out in the future to activate the control of the consumers on their shopping, instead of losing the control of consumers.
UK- Food fraud- a current issue but an old problem 30 Jan 2010
British Food Journal, Year 2010, Volume 112, Issue 2, Page 198 – 213 [edited][FSNet]
The purpose of this paper is to address the topic of food fraud which has been so widely and variously reported over recent months and years. Its purposes are to set current experience into an historical context and to illustrate the tension between the science of deception and the science of detection.
This is a desk study of published literature and historical documentation, together with interviews with those professionally concerned with detection and enforcement.
The piece concludes that with all the scientific developments and analytical techniques that seem so mind-bendingly sophisticated, there remains the basic problem of a lack of resources.
It is asserted that more is owed to the memories and the reputations of those who pioneered the effort to combat food fraud. Without a considerable increase in the resources made available for the appliance of the science currently available and that being developed, the battle will never be fully engaged, yet alone won.
Ireland has the highest rate of disease-causing E. coli in Europe 29 Jan 2010
The Irish Times [edited][FSNet]
The Irish Times reports that the number of “verotoxigenic” E.coli cases reported in Ireland is more than five times the EU average and has almost doubled in the space of a year, according to the report compiled by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa).
Verotoxigenic E.coli affects the digestive system. Some 225 cases were reported in 2008, of which 213 were confirmed. Ireland’s average of 4.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 3.3 in the next highest country, Sweden, and 1.9 in the UK. Irish cases have increased more than threefold in four years.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said the increase may be due to the contamination of private wells by heavy rainfall during the summer of 2008.
Maybe the Irish are paying more attention than the rest of Europe.
EU: One third of milk and dairy products tested in Spanish restaurants exceed accepted microbe contamination limits
29 Jan 2010 Science Daily [edited][FSNet]
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 2009; 6 (10): 1269
One-third of samples of milk and dairy products analysed in various restaurants exceed the microbe contamination limits set by the European Union, according to a study carried out by researchers from the University of Valencia (UV). The experts advise against keeping milk in jugs and suggest that these foodstuffs need to be better handled.
The scientists examined 265 batches of milk and ready-to-use milk derivatives in a range of bars and restaurants in Valencia, and checked whether their microbial quality fell into line with European Union regulations. The results, which have been published recently in the journal Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, show that one-third of the samples had some kind of microorganism contamination and were not fit for human consumption.
The researchers found differences according to the source of the sample (hot milk, products at room temperature or homemade dairy products). According to the study, 2% of the samples of hot milk (kept in jugs or stainless steel thermos flasks) tested positive for the bacteria Escherichia coli.
The team detected unsuitable practices, such as reheating milk over and over again, even in a microwave, and then pouring it back into the thermos, which increases the risk of microbial contamination. The study shows that there is a greater contamination risk from milk kept in jugs, meaning this type of container is not suitable for storing milk.
The experts advise that, when using milk in any way, it is important to clean jugs, thermos flasks and the steamers of coffee machines thoroughly and frequently, using the right kind of hygienic sponges or cloths, which is not always the case.
In terms of milk that is cold or at room temperature, this is usually kept in its original container in restaurants and bars -- a plastic bottle or tetrabrick. The study shows that containers with a lid are better, since tetrabricks opened with scissors are more exposed to microbial proliferation, and are especially vulnerable to enterobacteriaceae.
In terms of dairy products prepared in the restaurants themselves (custards, mousses, puddings and crème caramels), custards (natillas) had the highest levels of contamination with microorganisms. This may be due to the fact this was the only foodstuff analysed that is further processed after being heated, say the scientists. Cross contamination could come from the hands of the person preparing the product, particularly when he or she places the biscuit on top of the dish.
In line with previous studies, the researchers also showed that adding cinnamon to dairy products led to reduced microorganism contamination, since this substance helps to eliminate microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and bacteria from the Salmonella family.
Related stories
29 Jan 2010- Study recommends better handlng of milk in restaurants
FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
SINC [edited][FSNet]
Sweden- Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 from cattle: isolates from prevalence studies versus strains linked to human infectins- A retrospective study
29 Jan 2010
BMC Veterinary Research 2010, 6:7 [edited][FSNet]
Several cases of human infection caused by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157:H7 in Sweden have been connected with cattle farm visits. Between 1996 and 2002, 18 farms were classified as the source of human cases with isolation of EHEC (Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) after VTEC O157:H7 had been isolated from cattle on those farms.
Characterization by phage typing and molecular methods of the strains isolated from these 18 farms, including PCR for virulence genes and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), demonstrated a cluster of very similar strains from 16 farms.
All were of phage type 4, carried the genes encoding the verotoxins VT2 and VT2c, intimin, EHEC-haemolysin and flagellin H7 as shown by PCR, and had identical or very similar PFGE patterns. When analysing strains in a prevalence study of VTEC O157:H7 from cattle at slaughter as well as from an on-farm prevalence study of dairy cattle, using the same typing methods, a rather wide variation was observed among the isolated VTEC O157:H7 strains.
In Sweden, a limited group of genetically similar and highly pathogenic VTEC O157:H7 strains seem to predominate in direct or indirect transmission from cattle to man.
Europe: Zoonoses: distribution and trends- the EFSA-ECDC Community Summary Report 2008
28 Jan 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 4 [edited][FSNet]
On 28 January 2010 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) launched their annual report on zoonoses and food-borne outbreaks for 2008. The report provides a comprehensive overview of zoonotic infections and disease outbreaks caused by consuming contaminated food. The number of reported human cases of the three most reported zoonotic infections, was lower in 2008 compared to 2007.
Campylobacteriosis was the most commonly reported zoonosis in the European Union (EU) for the last five years followed by salmonellosis and yersiniosis. The declining trend of salmonellosis continued, most likely as a result of the intensified control of Salmonella in animal populations, particularly in poultry, and better hygiene throughout the food chain.
The number of confirmed cases of listeriosis decreased by 11% in 2008 (1,381) compared to 2007 (1,554) in the EU. Foodstuffs that are considered the main source for human listeriosis in the EU include ready-to-eat (RTE) products (fish and meat), soft cheeses, salads and sandwiches. An EFSA-ECDC collaborative survey on Listeria in RTE products and in clinical cases of human listeriosis started in January 2010, the results of which will contribute to a better understanding about listeriosis in the EU.
Q-fever increased by 172% in 2008 (1594) compared with 2007(585). This was mainly due to several outbreaks in people entering areas with infected sheep and goats mainly in the Netherlands. In-depth investigations have been carried out in affected countries and it is suspected that the occurrence of Q-fever in humans and animals may be seriously underreported in Europe.
A total of 3,159 confirmed cases of Shiga-toxin/vero-toxin producing E. coli (STEC/VTEC) were reported in 2008, representing an 8.7% increase from 2007 (2,905 cases). In animals VTEC was mainly isolated from cattle and, in lower proportion from small ruminants such as sheep and goats. In food, VTEC was detected in a considerable proportion of cow milk samples.
The 2008 annual Community Summary Report describes the five-year trends, distribution and 2008 figures for zoonotic infections and agents in humans, animals and foodstuffs in the 27 EU Member States, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Bulgaria- Campylobacteriosis and other bacterial gastrointestinal diseases in Sofia for the period 1987 - 2008
28 Jan 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 4 [edited][FSNet]
Researchers noticed a lack of systematic data concerning campylobacteriosis in Bulgaria. They present data of the thermophilic Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in the aetiology of diarrhoeal diseases in Sofia, for the period from 1987 to 2008. The study included patients from 0 to over 65 years-old. A total of 51,607 faecal specimens were screened for Campylobacter. C. jejuni and C. coli were detected in 3.58% (1,847) of the strains, with the highest percentage in 1988 (7.5%) and the lowest in 2006 (0.3%). Campylobacteriosis occurred most frequently in the wet months of March, April, May and June, with 105, 102, 124 and 141 cases, respectively, and was rare in January with 25 cases. The most affected groups were children between 0 and 4 years of age (52%) and between five and 14 years of age (30%). Campylobacter infection occurred in 22% of all bacterial gastrointestinal diseases in the city of Sofia during the study period. Salmonella was the most frequently identified pathogen with 32%, followed by Shigella (30%), Campylobacter (22%) and diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (16%). The study shows that Campylobacter plays an important role as a bacterial cause of enterocolitis in Sofia, Bulgaria.
EU- EFSA confirms chicken meat major source of human cases of campylobacteriosis
28 Jan 2010
EFSA [edited][FSNet]
EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel has adopted an opinion on the extent to which broiler (chicken) meat contributes to human cases of campylobacteriosis. Experts conclude that the handling, preparation and consumption of broiler meat may directly account for 20 to 30% of human cases of campylobacteriosis in the European Union
EFSA’s review of the different sources of human Campylobacter infections represents the first step in broader work in this area that is expected to be completed in 2010. At the request of the Commission, the BIOHAZ Panel will identify and rank the possible control options and propose specific targets to reduce Campylobacter occurrence at the different stages of the broiler meat chain. This overall work will support risk managers in establishing appropriate measures to reduce the number of cases of human campylobacteriosis in the EU.
The Netherlands- A study into the occurrence of Cronobacter spp. between 2001 and 2005
27 Jan 2010
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
Cronobacter spp. is an opportunistic pathogen possibly occurring in many different foods and environments. This study reports results from a broad survey of foods manufactured or marketed in The Netherlands, including relevant non-food environments, conducted over a 5-year period (2001 – 2005). Using a specifically designed real-time polymerase chain reaction method for confirmation, Cronobacter spp. was isolated from milk powders (7/175), powdered formulae for consumers 1 year (1/5), other powdered instant products (1/182), dry cereals (6/123), raw minced meats (7/222), vegetables (2/ 47), spices (1/28), human faeces (1/98), and human skin (1/116) samples.
30 Nov. 2010
Journal of Food Safety [edited] [BITES]
Cheese is one of the major protein sources consumed in Turkey. In this study, 120 samples cheese were evaluated for Escherichia coli contamination and antibiotic resistance.
Greece- Antimicrobial resistance of major foodborne pathogens from major meat products
1 Nov. 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited] [BITES]
The bacterial contamination of raw and processed meat products with resistant pathogens was studied. The raw samples included sheep (40), goat (40), pork (120), beef (80), and chicken (19) meat, and the processed samples included turkey filets (33), salami (8), readymade mincemeat (16), stuffing (22), and roast-beef (50). The samples were collected from retail shops in Northwestern Greece over a period of 3 years. The isolated pathogens were evaluated for susceptibilities to 19 antimicrobial agents used in humans. The results indicate that meat can be a source of resistant bacteria, which could potentially be spread to the community through the food chain.
Norway- Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in Norwegian raw milk cheese production
28 Oct. 2010
Food Microbiology [edited] [BITES]
The aim of this study was to survey the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes during the cheese making process in small-scale raw milk cheese production in Norway. The prevalence of S. aureus in bovine and caprine raw milk samples was 47.3 % and 98.8 %, respectively. An increase in contamination during the first 2 to 3 hours resulted in a 73.6 % prevalence of contamination in the bovine curd, and 23 out of 38 S. aureus-negative bovine milk samples gave rise to S. aureus-positive curds.
Turkey- Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in different cheese types produced in Turkey
1 Nov. 2010
British Food Journal [edited] [BITES]
Researchers saught to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in several cheese varieties. A total 280 cheese samples (105 white cheese, 70 processed cheese, 45 dil cheese and 60 kasar cheese) were purchased from supermarkets in six provinces of Turkey and were collected at intervals between March 2007 and February 2008. The results showed that 1.9% of white cheese samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp, whereas the L. monocytogenes prevalence was 4.8% in this type of cheese sample.
France- Bioniche scientists present at Modern Vaccine & Adjuvant Formulation Conference
15 Oct. 2010
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. [edited] [BITES]
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced that two of its senior research scientists gave presentations at the Modern Vaccine and Adjuvant Formulation Conference in Cannes, France. A Chief Veterinary Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., presented a paper that he co-authored, Vaccination with Type III Secreted Proteins Leads to Decreased Shedding in Calves Following Experimental Infection with Escherichia coli O157. The presentation summarized the results of a study of the Company's E. coli O157 vaccine in an experimental infection model, whereby thirty calves were immunized with the vaccine and commingled with thirty calves that were administered a saline-adjuvant placebo. Calves were vaccinated three times in a 42-day period, then were infected with E. coli O157. Fecal shedding was monitored daily for 14 days. During this period, vaccinates were shown to have a mean log shedding reduction. Researchers concluded that vaccination significantly reduced the number of animals shedding E. coli O157, as well as the number of organisms shed. The Senior Vice-President, Scientific Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., also gave a presentation about the Company's oligonucleotide development program and the latest oligonucleotide sequences that have been shown to have immune adjuvant activity. He highlighted the fact that these oligonucleotide sequences contain non-DNA-bases and, unlike other oligonucleotide immune adjuvants, do not require chemical modifications such as backbone protection or terminal modification. The Company's sequences have demonstrated immune adjuvant activity in animal models using hepatitis B surface antigen and H1N1 virions. These models have shown that they are capable of inducing antiviral antibodies using very limited amounts of antigen and short-term immunization protocols.
Portugal- Meat handlers training: a survey on knowledge and practice
08 Oct. 2010
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
Professional training for meat handlers is an European Community food law requirement in order to apply HACCP principles and achieve food safety goals. A self-administered questionnaire designed to assess “Knowledge” and “Practice” of public hygiene measures was completed by meat handlers (MH) (n=159) in slaughterhouses in Portugal. A significant proportion of the group (72.7%) has had professional training in two different areas. However 24.5% of the subjects have never had training. The results of this study point to the need to improve training, particularly in Good Practice in Food Industry, thus enabling meat handlers to achieve more correct answers in Knowledge and Practice.
Denmark- Consumers’ willingness to pay for safer meat depends on the risk reduction methods – a Danish case study on Salmonella risk in minced pork
19 September 2010
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
An experiment was conducted to find out the willingness of consumers to pay for reducing Salmonella risks in minced pork. Three different risk reduction methods were analyzed: Risk reduction on the farm and decontamination of carcasses using either hot water/steam or lactic acid. The sample consisted of 844 Danish consumers who participated in an Internet based survey. The study found that consumers were willing to pay for risk reductions, but they disliked all the risk reduction methods. Indeed, consumers were willing to pay a price premium for a complete elimination of Salmonella in minced pork but only if it was obtained at the farm level. Hence, our results indicate that consumers demand safer meat although it depends on the risk reduction method.
UK-PRION DISEASE UPDATE 2010
11 Sept. 2010
UK National CJD Surveillance Unit [edited] ProMED
The number of deaths due to definite or probable vCJD cases remains 169. A total of 4 definite/probable patients are still alive so that the total number of definite or probable vCJD cases is still 173. So far, 2 fatalities have been recorded in 2010. The overall picture is consistent with the view that the vCJD outbreak in the UK is in decline. The first cases were observed in 1995, and the peak number of deaths was 28 in the year 2000, followed by 20 in 2001, 17 in 2002, 18 in 2003, 9 in 2004, 5 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 5 in 2007, one in 2008, 3 in 2009, and now 2 so far in 2010.
UK- Researchers quantify effects of drying to measure bacteria after hand wash
07 September 2010
The Medical News University of Bradford [edited] [BITES]
Not drying your hands thoroughly after washing could increase the spread of bacteria. Also, rubbing your hands at the same time as using a electric hand dryer could be a contributing factor. Frequently people give up drying their hands and wipe them on their clothes instead, but hand-hygiene is a key part of infection control and drying hands after washing is a very important part of the process. A study by researchers at the University of Bradford and published today in the Journal of Applied Microbiology looked at different methods of hand drying, and their effect on transfer of bacteria from the hands to other surfaces.
Scotland- Farmers hold clue to vaccine against E coli
08 August 2010
Scotsman.com News [edited] [BITES]
Scientists have found that up to a fifth of Scottish farmers are immune to infection with E coli. Researchers conducting tests on farmers in the Grampian region found that one in five showed signs of immunity to the naturally-occurring organism, which is spread mainly through cattle dung. The findings suggest that repeated exposure to the bug has given farmers protection and may help in the search for a vaccine against the condition. More than 20 people died in Scotland in the world's worst outbreak of fatal E coli 0157 in 1996. Researchers hope that a vaccine will protect at-risk groups, such as food industry workers and those working with children. The elderly and young children, whose natural immune systems are not as strong, are most susceptible to the disease.
EU- EFSA evaluates factors contributing to Campylobacter in chicken
5 August 2010
EFSA [edited] [BITES]
EFSA has published an evaluation of factors that may contribute to the spread of Campylobacter in live chickens and chicken carcasses in the European Union. The scientific report follows the publication of the first EU-wide survey carried out by Member States on the occurrence of this bacterium in chickens and their carcasses. The findings will be utilized by risk assessors to further investigate the role of chicken meat in human campylobacteriosis. It will also help inform the definition of possible control options by risk managers at Member States and EU level. In the EU, campylobacteriosis is the most frequently reported food-borne illness in humans. Poultry meat appears to be a major source of Campylobacter infection in humans, according to a recent opinion of EFSA’s Biological Hazards Panel.
France-Foodborne outbreaks between 2006 and 2008
29 July 2010
Institut de Veille Sanitaire [edited] [BITES]
Between 2006 and 2008, there were 3,127 foodborne outbreaks reported to France's health authorities. The the outbreaks affected 33,404 people, 2,302 of these people were admitted to hospitals, and 15 died. A pathogenic agent was isolated from human or food specimen in 26.5% of these outbreaks. The number of reported outbreaks almost doubled between 2006 and 2008 (period during which the reporting system was reinforced) compared to the three previous years. Salmonella represented almost half of the confirmed outbreaks, with S Typhimurium representing 40% of Salmonella outbreaks.
Germany and France- Hyglos honored with 2010 Food Safety Innovation award for technology used in bioMerieux's VIDAS® UP E. coli O157 (Including H7)
29 July 2010
PR Newswire [edited] [BITES]
BioMerieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, and Hyglos GmbH, the leader in applied phage protein technology, announced that a team of scientists who developed a new diagnostic tool for food microbiologists is the recipient of the 2010 Food Safety Innovation Award given by the International Association of Food Protection. The scientists are recognized for the development of phage recombinant proteins, which offer best-in-class specificity and sensitivity for the targeted capture and detection of bacteria from a sample. Bacteriophages are highly specific viruses that only infect bacteria. For the first time in history, a phage protein has replaced antibodies in a commercially diagnostic test, bioMerieux's VIDAS® UP E. coli O157 (including H7). The assay is able to detect even low levels of contamination by E. coli O157:H7, a potentially lethal strain of Escherichia coli that has caused many food outbreaks in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe.
UK- New strategy to tackle food poisoning bug
21 July 2010
FSA [edited] [BITES]
The UK’s main public funders of food safety research have joined together to publish a coordinated strategy to investigate the food bug campylobacter. This is the first time these organizations have agreed to a common set of objectives to tackle the problem. The most recent figures suggest that 65% of raw shop-bought chicken is contaminated with campylobacter. Although cooking chicken properly will kill the bug, it is responsible for more than 300,000 cases of food poisoning and 15,000 hospitalizations a year in England and Wales.
Europe- Application of EC Regulation n° 2073/2005 regarding Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods in retail and catering sectors
21 July 2010
Food Control [edited] [BITES]
This research covers the key elements regarding the risks factors for Listeria monocytogenes causing listeriosis in food prepared in the retail and catering sectors in Europe. This article specifically considers the application of EC Regulation N° 2073/2005 Listeria monocytogenes criteria in ready- to-eat foods to these sectors, and presents preventive measures to be applied to guaranty food safety prevention measures applicable to these sectors. The current approach could be integrated in to the 2009 Codex international standard for L. monocytogenes in RTE foods.
Germany- Contaminated pork spreads Salmonella
14 July 2010
Emerging Health Threats [edited] [BITES]
As reported in the journal, Applied and Environmental Microbioloby, a type of Salmonella enterica found originally in pigs can be transmitted to people when they eat pork contaminated by the bacteria. Also, the substrain, known as 4,[5],12:i:–, has widened its reach in Europe over recent years. The study observed that the substrain is an emerging hazard for humans and is linked directly to the consumption of contaminated pork. S. enterica 4,[5],12:i:– was first seen in Europe during the 1990s in Spanish pigs, and in recent years it has been an increasing cause of gastroenteritis in people worldwide. It is now one of the top 10 Salmonella substrains found in pigs and people in several European countries and the USA, and the strain's prevalence may still be underreported due to its genetic diversity.
England and Wales- Emergence of pregnancy-related listeriosis amongst ethnic minorities
8 July 2010
Eurosurveillance [edited] [BITES]
Listeriosis is a severe food-borne disease that predominantly affects pregnant women, the unborn, newborns, the elderly, and immune-compromised individuals. Following a large outbreak in the 1980s, specific food safety advice was provided to pregnant women and the immune-compromised in the UK. Following two cases of pregnancy-related listeriosis in eastern European in 2008, a review of the role of ethnicity in pregnancy-related listeriosis in England and Wales was undertaken in 2009. The study found that the reported incidence among the ethnic population was higher than that among the non-ethnic population in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Increased immigration and/or economic migration in recent years appear to have altered the population at risk of pregnancy-related listeriosis in England and Wales. These changes need to be taken into account in order to target risk communication strategies appropriately to the populations most at risk.
European Union- 2008 Community Summary Report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from animals and food
7 July 2010
EFSA [edited] [BITES]
Zoonoses are infections and diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans. The infection can be acquired directly from animals, or through the ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. The zoonotic bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials are of concern since they might compromise the effective treatment of infections in humans. In order to follow the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria isolated from animals and food, information is collected and analysed from all European Union Member States. In 2008, 25 Member States submitted information on the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria to the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority. In addition, two countries that were not European Union Member States provided information for the report. Resistance to antimicrobials was commonly found among Salmonella, Campylobacter, and indicator E. coli and enterococci isolates from animals and food in the EU. For many tested antimicrobials, large differences in the occurrence of resistance were observed between the Member States.
Northern Ireland- Food surveillance sampling report
7 July 2010
Food Standards Agency [edited] [BITES]
The Northern Ireland Strategic Committee on Food Surveillance has published its 2nd report on sampling activity. The results of sampling in 2008 show there have been few detections of food borne pathogens besides a significant outbreak of Listeria that year. The report gives a comprehensive insight into food sampling activities by district councils within Northern Ireland.
England- Listeria monocytogenes infection in the over-60s in England between 2005 and 2008: A retrospective case–control study utilizing market research panel data
29 June 2010
BITES [edited] Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
Abstract: A retrospective case-control study of listeriosis in patients in England aged over the age of 60 is described. The incidence of listeriosis in patients aged 60 years in England has doubled since 2001, therefore, an investigation of risk factors for infection in this group is important to inform prevention and control. The exposures of listeriosis cases aged 60 years reported in England from 2005 to 2008 were compared to those of market research panel members representing the same population (i.e., residents of England aged 60 years and over) and time period. Exposures were grouped to facilitate comparison. Cases were more likely than panel members to report the consumption of cooked meats (beef and ham/pork, but not poultry), cooked fish (specifically smoked salmon) and shellfish (prawns), dairy products (most noticeably milk but also certain cheeses), and mixed salads. They were less likely to report the consumption of other forms of seafood, dairy spread, other forms of dairy, sandwiches, and fresh vegetables. The diversity of high-risk food exposures reflects the ubiquity of the microorganism in the environment and/or the susceptibility of those at risk, and suggests that a wider variety of foods can give rise to listeriosis.
France- Campylobacter hotspots highlighted
29 June 2010
FoodQualityNews.com [edited]
The study titled, Prevalence of and risk factors for Campylobacter ssp contamination of broiler chicken carcasses at the slaughterhouse, highlights evisceration as the factor contributing most to the spread of contamination. The findings, published in the journal Food Microbiology, could be used in HACCP risk management techniques.
European Union- New food safety regime success
29 June 2010
FoodQualityNews.com [edited]
The recent introduction of tougher border controls on fruit and vegetables, along with the banning of 700 pesticides has boosted food safety in the European Union. Since the new regime was introduced in January, 13,600 consignments of imported and domestic fruit and vegetables have been checked and 10% of these have been tested. As a result, 10 % of the produce tested have been rejected by European authorities. Under the new regulations, member states are responsible for implementing and funding the heightened inspection systems based on a list reviewed every quarter by the Commission.
Germany- Packaged sprouts and salads risks
29 June 2010
FoodQualityNews.com [edited]
High bacteria loads were observed in fresh packaged sprouts and ready-to-eat salads in a study by the Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR), a German food safety body. They believe the high bacteria loads are due to a combination of factors including poor processing hygiene and humid conditions inside plastic packaging. Also, contamination can occur during the growth and harvesting of the products. Studies by the group found that while both products are stored under refrigerated conditions they still carry a risk of contamination with bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes, salmonella and E.coli, as well as viruses such as Norovirus and hepatitis A. A study of 59 samples of fresh packaged sprouts and shoots found the numbers of bacteria in sprouts increased within a few days and have an above average microbial load when they reach the best before date. The body concluded that the risk from sprouts and ready-to-eat salads is lower that that from pork and poultry and they recommend washing of the packaged vegetables before consumption to reduce the bacterial load.
Sweden- Small amount of common preservative increases toxins from harmful bacteria in food, study finds
24 June 2010
Science Daily
In response to consumer demand for natural food, the food industry has reduced the amount of preservatives in food over recent years. The preservative acetic acid is used to stop bacterial growth in dressings, sauces, cheese and pickles. In a new research study, it was found that a small amount of acetic acid does not have the intended effect of reducing bacterial growth, but instead, it increases the amount of toxin from the harmful bacteria in the food. A small amount of acetic acid causes the bacteria to become stressed, which makes it produce more toxin, but if a large amount of acetic acid is added, as was done in the past, the acidity increases and the bacteria do not survive. The study was done using two of the most common food poisoning bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni.
France-The scale of illegal meat importation from Africa to Europe via Paris
21 June 2010
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 airport in Paris, 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.
Denmark- Upsurge of infections caused by Salmonella Concord among Ethiopian adoptees in Denmark, 2009
10 Jun 2010 Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 23 [edited][FSNet]
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Concord has been associated with adoptees from Ethiopia. In 2009, Denmark saw an increase in MDR S. Concord infections: all eight cases reported in 2009 were among Ethiopian adoptees. The upsurge was linked to an increased number of infants adopted from Ethiopia. Data from other European countries suggests that they may face a similar problem.
Two studies from seven European countries and the United States (US) have shown an increased number of infections with Salmonella Concord from 2003 to 2007 among mainly Ethiopian adoptees. Isolates associated with patients of Ethiopian origin were all multi-resistant to antimicrobials including third generation cephalosporins.
In 2009, researchers recognised an increase in S. Concord infections in Denmark by querying the central Salmonella database at Statens Serum Institut. The recent investigation of this upsurge indicates that multidrug-resistant S. Concord continues to be imported from Ethiopia and therefore represents a concern for international public health.
To get an overview of the situation in other European countries, researchers obtained data from the TESSy database at ECDC for 2006-2008. Case-based data on S. Concord serotype, importation status, probable country of infection and resistance against 11 antimicrobials were analysed from European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
Eight patients were female and age ranged from less than one year up to 30 years. Eight patients were infants less than one year of age and all were Ethiopian adoptees. The two adult patients were a 30 year-old male who had been infected during a visit to Africa (country not specified) and a 23-year–old female who had neither history of recent international travel nor contact with children or adults arriving from Ethiopia. General practitioners and parents of seven infants and the two adults were interviewed. Four infant patients were asymptomatic and were examined due to underweight, relatives with diarrhea and for general screening purposes. Five patients including both adults were suffering from non-bloody diarrhea and one infant from urinary tract infection (UTI). Two infants, including the one suffering from a UTI were hospitalised.
Researchers recommend that physicians assess the health status of international adoptees, with special attention to Ethiopian adoptees, on arrival into the country of destination.
Spain- Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on salad products irrigated with contaminated water
01 Jun 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 6, pp. 1138-1140(3) [edited][FSNet]
A field study in Valencia, Spain, was done to determine the occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium on salad products that are frequently eaten raw, such as lettuces and Chinese cabbage, and in irrigation waters. Four water samples were taken weekly 1 month before harvesting the vegetables. In this study, researchers analyzed vegetables using a recently reported method for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on salad products. The waters tested were positive for both Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Of 19 salad products studied, we observed Cryptosporidium in 12 samples and Giardia in 10 samples. The method was useful in the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on the vegetables tested, and it provides a useful analytical tool for occurrence monitoring.
Romania-Trichinellosis, a Romanian Never-Ending Story. An Overview of Traditions, Culinary Customs, and Public Health Conditions
24 May 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Over the years, pork was the most frequent source of human trichinellosis in Romania. Cases generally occurred in foci, family, and group clusters and were rarely aggregated in extensive outbreaks. A study regarding the social consequences of trichinellosis in humans concluded that 84.8% of the patients diagnosed with the condition required an average of 53 days of sick leave. Cardiac complications are the most frequent causes of significant health status impairment. “Pig's alms,” a specific custom representing the thanksgiving meal offered to relatives, friends, or neighbors who participated in the slaughtering process may be a very good source of infection withTrichinellaparasites, leading to unfortunate consequences, especially when animals are not veterinary tested. Beside pork, other concerns for acquiring the disease are represented by game meat and horsemeat, the latter was introduced in public consumption in 2001. Although in RomaniaTrichinella sp. infection was documented for the first time in horses in 1993, no consequent human cases were detected at that time. Numerous trichinellosis outbreaks involve individuals from the gipsy community, most of whom are very poor, illiterate, unemployed, and live in unsanitary conditions raising backyard pigs without any compliance with hygienic rules. Measures aimed at limiting the spread of the infection in humans and animals should be widely available to be known, understood, and adequately applied by the great mass of pig breeders, hunters, and consumers.
Portugal- Public perceptions of food-related hazards: an application to consumers
23 May 2010
British Food Journal [edited][FSNet]
The purpose of this research was to assess public perception of food-related hazards by Portuguese consumers at major metropolitan areas. A contrast was searched between controllable and non-controllable hazards.
The Perceived Food Risk Index developed by Fife-Schaw and Rowe, was administered to a sample of 666 subjects through a door to door interview using a random route walk procedure and following a quota sampling controlled for sex, age and location. Risk perception was evaluated over ten risk characteristics, for each of the hazards.
Through principal component analysis, two main components were identified: “Knowledge” and “Dread”. A perceptual map of the hazards was built over these two dimensions. A high level of worry and concern associated with fatty foods was found, clearly contradicting the expected attenuation of risk perception associated to greater perceived personal control. Contrarily to previous findings for other populations, GMOs yielded lower levels of both “Knowledge” and “Dread”. Based on risk perceptions, consumers were grouped in four segments: optimists, unconfident, fearless, and fearful.
This work adds to knowledge on the Portuguese consumer and its risk perceptions, a fairly unreported topic, thus helping to the success of food safety communication by different stakeholders.
UK: Incidents report published
24 May 2010
FSA [edited][FSNet]
The Agency today publishes its 'Annual report of incidents 2009', which provides details of more than 1,200 investigations into food incidents and outlines proposals for the future.
There were 1,208 incidents last year, a slight decrease from 1,298 in 2008, although the total figures have remained relatively constant for the past four years. The incidents included the high profile case of Salmonella associated with some eggs from Spain and a successful prosecution of people operating an unapproved meat plant in West Yorkshire. The report gives details of these cases and what action was taken to protect consumers.
The report gives a breakdown of incidents by category, with the major categories being: microbiological (18% of incidents), environmental contamination (17%), natural chemical contamination (12%) and on-farm incidents (12%).
To improve the means by which the Agency prevents and responds to incidents, five incident-handling workshops were held with local authorities to clarify roles and responsibilities and strengthen working relationships. Similar workshops are also planned for this year.
The Agency also reviewed its communications with local authorities during incidents and, as a result, is changing its procedures regarding food alerts.
Action taken by the Agency in 2009 included the issuing of 91 Alerts, of which 49 were Allergy Alerts. Alerts give consumers and enforcement officers the information they need directly by email or SMS text message, as well as online.
The Agency uses the following definition of an incident: 'Any event where, based on the information available, there are concerns about actual or suspected threats to the safety or quality of food that could require intervention to protect consumers’ interests.'
Incidents fall broadly into two categories:
Incidents involving contamination of food or animal feed in the processing, distribution, retail and catering chains. These incidents may result in action to withdraw the food from sale and, in certain circumstances, to recall, alerting the public not to consume potentially contaminated food.
Environmental pollution incidents, for example fires, chemical/oil spills and radiation leaks, that may involve voluntary or statutory action (such as orders made under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985).
Consumer perceptions of best practice in food risk communications and management: Implications for risk analysis policy
23 May 2010
Cope, S., et al. Food Policy (2010), doi:10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.04.002 [edited][FSNet]
As a consequence of recent food safety incidents, consumer trust in European food safety management has diminished. A risk governance framework that formally institutes stakeholder (including consumer) consultation and dialogue through a transparent and accountable process has been proposed, with due emphasis on risk communication. This paper delivers actionable policy recommendations based on consumer preferences for different approaches to food risk management. These results suggest that risk communication should be informed by knowledge of consumer risk perceptions and information needs, including individual differences in consumer preferences and requirements, and differences in these relating to socio-historical context associated with regulation. In addition, information about what is being done to identify, prevent and manage food risks needs to be communicated to consumers, together with consistent messages regarding preventative programs, enforcement systems, and scientific uncertainty and variability associated with risk assessments. Cross-cultural differences in consumer perception and information preferences suggest a national or regional strategy for food risk communication may be more effective than one applied at a pan-European level.
Germany- Research project on emerging zoonosis threats in animal production
19 May 2010
Evira [edited][FSNet]
The use of antibacterial drugs in animal production leads to emergence of drug resistant bacteria in food producing animals. This was identified as a threat to human health already in the 1960s. In recent years, Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria, which produce extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or are resistant to fluoroquinolones have been found in poultry meat produced in some EU countries and elsewhere in the world.
Resistance based on ESBL production has quickly become more common in human E. coli infections also in Finland. The ESBL and fluoroquinolone resistance of bacteria present in poultry is believed to be linked with the use fluoroquinolones in animal production. In Finland fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins are not used at all in the medication of poultry. The use of other antibiotics is also extremely limited due to the good disease status.
Some of the E. coli strains pathogenic to poultry, dogs and humans are completely identical. These bacteria cause extraintestinal infections. In humans the most common of these is urinary tract infection and the most dangerous infections include sepsis and neonatal meningitis.
E. coli bacteria trigger various inflammatory diseases in poultry, resulting in considerable production losses and deterioration in the wellbeing of the birds. Dogs suffer from urinary tract infection caused by these bacteria. Diseases in dogs are in Finland also treated with antibiotics, which promote the emergence of ESBL and fluoroquinolone resistance factors.
ESBL and fluoroquinolone resistance as well as E. coli bacteria causing generalized infections can be transmitted from animals to people. Thus, they constitute a zoonosis threat. The susceptibility of humans to E. coli infections increases as the population grows older and the proportion of diabetic patients increases.
E. coli bacteria with properties suggesting they could be pathogenic also to humans have been found in Finnish meat poultry flocks. However, the antibiotic resistance status of poultry production is excellent in Finland compared with other countries; this gives Finland an advantage as a producer of safe food.
In order to secure this advantage, a research project is about to be launched to gather information about the prevalence of these infections and resistance factors in animals and people in Finland. The development of methodology for the prevention of E. coli infections in poultry and for the reduction of contamination at slaughter is another focal area of the project.
UK: Public participation can strengthen food risk studies
13 May 2010
Society for Risk Analysis [edited][FSNet]
The inclusion of activists and members of the general public on teams of technical experts can, in some cases, beneficially expand the focus of food risk reviews, according to a new study by food experts in the United Kingdom (U.K.). The results are important to government agencies and policymakers interested in including more public input and enhancing public trust of expert recommendations on food safety.
The authors draw conclusions from three case studies related to children’s risk from pesticide residues in apples, infection from a bacterial contaminant in chicken, and a hypothetical contamination of animal feed with a toxin.
Nine researchers from universities, government agencies and research institutes collaborated on the article, “Can a participatory approach contribute to food chain risk analysis?,” which appears in the May, 2010 issue of the journal Risk Analysis, published by the Society for Risk Analysis.
The researchers conclude that technical complexities in risk reviews do not necessarily pose barriers to broader public participation and that including multiple non-technical representatives tends to broaden the focus of reviews. For example, in the risk review for a pesticide in apples, some non-technical members urged the group to consider how pesticide mixtures may have an impact on the risk, a factor not taken into account in the one-chemical-at-a-time approach previously adopted by scientists. Likewise, the non-technical participants pushed scientists to focus on how people’s behavior varies to enhance the gathering of exposure information on infection from contaminants in chicken.
Ireland- Management of health risks associated with oysters harvested from a Norovirus contaminated area, February - March 2010
13 May 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 19 [edited][FSNet[
Oysters from a harvesting area responsible for outbreaks of gastroenteritis were relaid at a clean seawater site and subsequently depurated in tanks of purified seawater at elevated temperatures. This combined treatment reduced norovirus levels to those detected prior to the outbreak. On the basis of norovirus monitoring the sale of treated oysters was permitted although the harvest area remained closed for direct sale of oysters. No reports of illness have been associated with the consumption of treated oysters.
Oysters are filter-feeding bivalve molluscs which may become contaminated with human pathogens when grown in sewage-contaminated waters, which can lead to illness as the oysters are often consumed raw. In Europe, regulations are in place to prevent this risk. Shellfish harvesting areas are classified into three categories (A, B or C) depending on the extent of faecal contamination of the area as judged by levels of Escherichia coli. Shellfish treatments are prescribed depending on the classification. Despite these controls outbreaks of illness associated with oyster consumption continue, in particular outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with norovirus (NoV)-contaminated oysters. Until recently, suitable methods for the quantitative detection of NoV in shellfish have not been available.
A high prevalence of NoV in oysters from a range of harvesting areas throughout Europe has been shown by PCR. Quantitative real-time PCR procedures are currently undergoing standardisation at the European level. Where quantitative data exists, NoV levels detected in shellfish harvest areas are often low and near the detection limit. The public health significance of oysters containing low levels of NoV is unclear.
Various intervention steps are available to reduce the microbiological load in sewage-contaminated shellfish. These include relaying shellfish in clean seawater areas to allow them to purge contaminants. A similar, more controlled process is performed in tanks of seawater purified by disinfection. This process is called depuration and is used extensively throughout Europe. Depuration is commonly carried out for 24 to 48 hours at ambient temperatures. It has been demonstrated to eliminate bacteria from shellfish but has little impact on virus levels in oysters. However, depuration carried out at elevated temperatures (17-20 ºC) for extended periods of three to five days reduces virus levels in oysters significantly.
Over a five week period in January and February 2010, more than 70 cases of gastroenteritis in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) were due to the consumption of oysters originating from an Irish harvesting area. The infections in England have been recorded as part of a wider report on European-wide outbreaks. Oysters connected to two illness incidents in Ireland were available for testing and contained 2,040 and 2,350 NoV genome copies per g, respectively.
The oysters responsible for the outbreak described here originated from a category A classified water with E. coli levels consistently below 230 MPN (most probable number) per 100 g. Oysters from category A areas are approved for consumption without treatment. In practice, oysters from this harvest area were depurated at ambient temperature before sale. However it is well documented that depuration at low temperatures has little impact on reducing virus levels in shellfish. The recent outbreaks of NoV infection associated with consumption of oysters from this harvesting site confirm the inadequacy of the current control measures and treatment processes to fully protect consumers in Europe.
Low levels of NoV are commonly detected in oysters, particularly during the winter months. A limited data set from 2009 suggests that NoV levels in oysters from the harvest area in question are also generally low. No reports of illness associated with this area were recorded during this period. In January and February 2010 however, the levels of NoV increased significantly, probably due to the seasonally high level of the virus in the human population and the particularly cold temperatures. This increase in NoV levels was clearly associated with outbreaks of NoV gastroenteritis in consumers. In response the competent authorities in Ireland closed the harvest area for direct sale of oysters and it remains closed at the time of publication of this report.
Sweden- Direct and indirect transmission of four Salmonella enterica serotypes in pigs
10 May 2010
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2010, 52:30 [edited][FSNet]
Julia Osterberg, Susanna Sternberg Lewerin, Per Wallgren
Feed-borne spread of Salmonella spp. to pigs has been documented several times in recent years in Sweden.
Experiences from the field suggest that feed-associated serotypes might be less transmissible and subsequently easier to eradicate from pig herds than other serotypes more commonly associated to pigs. Four Salmonella serotypes were selected for experimental studies in pigs in order to study transmittability and compare possible differences between feed-assoociated (S. Cubana and S. Yoruba) and pig-associated serotypes (S. Derby and S. Typhimurium).
Direct contact transmission was studied in four groups of pigs formed by six 10-week-old Salmonella negative pigs commingled with two fatteners excreting one of the four Salmonella serotypes.
Indirect transmission was studied by putting six 10-week-old Salmonella negative pigs in each of four salmonella contaminated rooms. Each room had previously housed a group of pigs, excreting one of the four selected serotypes. All pigs were monitored for two weeks with respect to the faecal excretion of Salmonella and the presence of serum antibodies.
At the end of the trial, eight samples from inner tissues and organs were collected from each pig at necropsy.
In the four direct transmission groups, one pig shed Salmonella (Cubana) at one occasion. At necropsy, S. Typhimurium was isolated from one pig.In the indirect transmission groups, two pigs in the Yoruba room and one pig in each of the other rooms were excreting detectable levels of Salmonella once during the study period of two weeks.
At necropsy, S. Derby was isolated from one of six pigs in the Derby room and S. Typhimurium was isolated from four of the six pigs in the Typhimurium room. No significant serological response could be detected in any of the 48 pigs.
These results show that all four selected serotypes were able to be transmitted in at least one of these field-like trials, but the transmission rate was low in all groups and no obvious differences between feed-associated and pig-associated serotypes in the transmission to naive pigs and their subsequent faecal shedding were revealed. However, the post mortem results indicated a higher detection of S. Typhimurium in the ileocecal lymph nodes of pigs introduced into a contaminated environment in comparison with the other three serotypes.
Virulotyping and antimicrobial resistance typing of Salmonella enterica serovars relevant to human health in Europe
06 May 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. May 2010, 7(5): 523-535 [edited][FSNet]
Stephan Huehn, Roberto M. La Ragione, et al.
The combination of virulence gene and antimicrobial resistance gene typing using DNA arrays is a recently developed genomics-based approach to bacterial molecular epidemiology. Researchers have now applied this technology to 523 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains collected from various host sources and public health and veterinary institutes across nine European countries. The strain set included the five predominant Salmonella serovars isolated in Europe (Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Infantis, Virchow, and Hadar). Initially, these strains were screened for 10 potential virulence factors (avrA, ssaQ, mgtC, siiD, sopB, gipA, sodC1, sopE1, spvC, and bcfC) by polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that only 14 profiles comprising these genes (virulotypes) were observed throughout Europe. Moreover, most of these virulotypes were restricted to only one (n=9) or two (n=4) serovars. The data also indicated that the virulotype did not vary significantly with host source or geographical location. Subsequently, a representative subset of 77 strains was investigated using a microarray designed to detect 102 virulence and 49 resistance determinants. The results confirmed and extended the previous observations using the virulo-polymerase chain reaction screen. Strains belonging to the same serovar grouped together, indicating that the broader virulence-associated gene complement corresponded with the serovar. There were, however, some differences in the virulence gene profiles between strains belonging to an individual serovar. This variation occurred primarily within those virulence genes that were prophage encoded, in fimbrial clusters or in the virulence plasmid. It seems likely that such changes enable Salmonella to adapt to different environmental conditions, which might be reflected in serovar-specific ecology. In this strain subset a number of resistance genes were detected and were serovar restricted to a varying degree. Once again the profiles of those genes encoding resistance were similar or the same for each serovar in all hosts and countries investigated.
Hungary- Molecular and pathogenic characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Bovismorbificans strains of animal, environmental, food, and human origin
06 May 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. May 2010, 7(5): 507-513 [edited][FSNet]
Noémi Nógrády, Ariel Imre, Ágnes Kostyák, Ákos Tóth, Béla Nagy
In this study, we characterized 110 strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Bovismorbificans contaminating environment, animals, food of animal origin, and human, to assess their significance along the food chain in Hungary. Additionally, five strains from Germany were tested for comparative purposes. Characterization involved antibiotic susceptibility testing, class 1 integron detection by polymerase chain reaction, plasmid profiling, virulotyping (using virulence gene-specific polymerase chain reactions), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Pathogenic potential of selected strains was tested in orally infected 1-day-old specific pathogen-free chicks. Eighty-two percent of the strains were susceptible to the 16 antibiotics tested, and none of them had class 1 integron. The results show that Salmonella Bovismorbificans studied here are less invasive than Salmonella Enteritidis, but they may colonize and persist in several animal species and successfully contaminate meat products of different animal origin in Hungary.
Gate keepers of EU food safety: Four states lead on notification patterns and effectiveness
30 Apr 2010
Food and Chemical Toxicology [edited][FSNet]
A. Petróczi, G. Taylor, T. Nepusz and D.P. Naughton
The EU RASFF database has been used to provide information on trends in food notifications. The major focus of previous reports has been on either the health hazards arising from various contaminants found in foodstuff or producers of these faulty products. To complement these analyses, the aim of this paper is to examine the food notifications, recorded via the RASFF between 2000 and 2009, from the detectors’ point of view and to compare and contrast detecting activities of those playing a key role in guarding food safety and security in the EU. Data were scrutinized using network analysis to capture underlying pattern in the EU context and detailed descriptive statistics to generate an in-depth view. The results revealed that 60% of the notifications were made by Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain, with the remaining 40% shared among 26 other countries and Commission Services. A distinct reporting pattern was observed between these key countries with the Netherlands showing vigilance above and beyond that expected based on its population, suggesting that countries with major ports might secure food safety in their own country as well as guarding the EU’s food market. The ethnic composition may also influence the detection patterns.
Relation between microbial levels of ready-to-eat foods and the monitoring of compliance with HACCP-based own control programs in small Danish food outlets
30 Apr 2010
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
K.J. Kjeldgaard, M.L. Stormly and J.J. Leisner
This study concerns the correlation between monitoring of hygienic levels by public food inspectors and observed microbial levels in two types of food, cream cakes and pasta salads sold by small enterprises. The microbial contents of pasta salads exceeded frequently 7 log CFU g-1 in outlets with highly satisfactory rankings by food inspectors. Contrarily, microbial contents of cream cakes were mostly below 5 log CFU g-1, in relatively high agreement with food inspectors’ ranking. The implications for monitoring compliance with HACCP-based own control programs in small food outlets are discussed.
EU: EFSA reports on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria over 2004-2007
27 Apr 2010
EFSA [edited][FSNet]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a report which says that resistance to antimicrobials is found among the most common zoonotic bacteria originating from animals and food in the EU, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The zoonotic bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials are of concern since they might compromise the effective treatment of diseases in humans.
Resistance to antibiotics such as ampicillin, sulphonamide and tetracycline was commonly found among tested zoonotic bacteria. In addition, several Member States reported resistance to fluoroquinolones, macrolides or third generation cephalosporins, which are important antibiotics in treating diseases in humans. In particular, high levels of fluoroquinolone resistance were recorded in Salmonella in poultry and in Campylobacter in poultry, pigs and cattle, as well as in broiler meat.
Turkey- High occurrence of cyclosporiasis in Instanbul during a dry and warm summer
23 Apr 2010
Parasites &Vectors 2010, 3:39
Researchers evaluated the incidence of Cyclospora cayetanensis in immunocompetent, diarrheic patients during the summers of 2006-2009 in Istanbul. Stools from 1876 patients were examined using microscopic techniques.
Cyclospora oocysts were observed in wet preparations by light and epifluorescence microscopy and in fecal smears that were stained by Kinyoun's modified acid-fast stain. Characteristic Cyclospora oocysts were observed in 2 patients in 2006, 17 in 2007, and one in 2009.
Samples positive for Cyclospora were further analyzed by a single step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Cyclospora-specific primers from the ITS-1 region of the genome. The majority of the Cyclospora positive cases (15) were clustered during about 15 days in June 2007, indicating an unusual incidence of cyclosporiasis in this time period. The climatic characteristics of 2007 could have played a role in this high occurrence rate.
Switzerland- Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in humans in contact with farm animals, in livestock, and in food of animal origin, 2009
22 Apr 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 16 [edited][FSNet]
H Huber, S Koller, N Giezendanner, R Stephan, C Zweifel
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a pathogen of increasing importance in hospitals, the community, and in recent years also in livestock. Studies strongly suggest that people working with livestock are at a potential risk of becoming MRSA carriers and hence are at an increased risk of infections caused by MRSA. To date, there is no comprehensive data on the situation of LA-MRSA in Switzerland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of MRSA in people in contact with livestock, in farm animals, and in food of animal origin, and to investigate genotypic characteristics as well as phenotypic resistance data of isolated strains.
A total of 2,662 samples, collected from March to September 2009 in Switzerland, were tested for the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The collection comprised nasal swabs from 148 pig farmers, 133 veterinarians, 179 slaughterhouse employees, 800 pigs, 300 calves, 400 cattle, 100 pooled neck skin swabs from chicken carcasses, and 460 food samples of animal origin. Moreover, 142 S. aureus strains, isolated from bovine mastitis milk, were included in the study.
All 20 MRSA strains were susceptible to vancomycin and rifampin. All but two strains were susceptible to gentamicin and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim and all but one were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Of the 16 strains isolated from animals (livestock and mastitis milk), all were resistant to four beta-lactams (ampicillin, cefoxitin, oxacillin, penicillin), 15 were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, and 14 to clindamycin. Of the four MRSA strains isolated from veterinarians, two strains were phenotypically susceptible to oxacillin but resistant to cefoxitin, with the disk diffusion as well as the Etest method, and therefore were low-level resistant MRSA.
The results of the study show that MRSA, and ST398 in particular, are present in Swiss livestock but still occur in low numbers. Compared to the herd level prevalence of 81% in Dutch pigs, the herd level prevalence of MRSA ST398 of 2.9% in pigs and 1.6% in calves found in our samples was low. In view of the small proportion of MRSA-positive animals found in Swiss livestock, the related risk of food contamination and transmission of MRSA to people in contact with livestock does currently not seem of particular importance in Switzerland. In the study, MRSA prevalence in veterinarians was 3%. This finding is favourable compared to results published by Wulf et al., who found 12.5% of veterinarians attending an international congress on pig health to be MRSA carriers. Contrary to what was recently reported by De Boer et al., this study found no MRSA in meat samples.
Possible explanations for the low MRSA prevalence in Switzerland may be the restrictive and controlled use of antibiotics in farming, a good health status of pig herds compared to many countries in the European Union, and the fact that the importation rate of live pigs in Switzerland is very low (The two non-ST398 strains with ST1 (young bull) and ST8 (veterinarian) found in our study are of sequence types usually considered as community-associated MRSA.
MRSA, and especially LA-MRSA ST398, have entered Swiss farming operations but to date occur in low numbers. This low prevalence suggests that at the moment there is only a limited risk of MRSA transmission from livestock to humans and to food of animal origin. To maintain this situation, further efforts within the field of veterinary public health are of major importance and it is necessary to establish a monitoring system for further trend analysis.
EU: Salmonella and Campylobacter frequently detected during slaughter
21 Apr 2010
Vetsweb [edited][FSNet]
A study coordinated by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany shows that Campylobacter and Salmonella can frequently be detected at the time of slaughter.
The pathogens reach the slaughterhouse in intestinal contents or on the feathers of the animals and can then be carried over during slaughter to the carcasses. From there they reach the food chain and then consumers. According to the report published by BfR, Campylobacter were detected on 62 percent and Salmonella on 17.6 percent of the 432 carcasses examined in Germany. In 48.6 percent of the slaughter groups Campylobacter were detected in the intestinal contents of the animals.
EU-wide 71.2 percent Campylobacter were detected in the intestines of the slaughter groups of broilers and 77 percent on the carcasses. The detection rates in the Member States were between 2 percent and 100 percent for detection in the intestines and between 4.9 percent and 100 percent for detection on the carcasses. The values obtained for Germany were, therefore, lower than the EU average. EU-wide 15.7 percent of the carcasses were contaminated with Salmonella. The most frequent serovars were Salmonella infantis and Salmonella enteritidis; however the frequent detection of Salmonella infantis reflects the very high level of contamination of animals in one Member State.
The study is part of an investigation which was conducted in 2008 in all Member States of the European Union (EU). The results of the EU study were published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EU: EFSA assesses risk of Salmonella from pig meat
20 Apr 2010
Food Ingredients First [edited][FSNet]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the public health risks from Salmonella in pigs and the impact of possible control measures. The assessment suggests that pigs and pig meat may be responsible for 10 to 20% of all human cases of salmonellosis in the EU - but with differences between countries - and that controlling Salmonella more effectively within the pig meat food chain would have a direct impact on reducing the number of human cases. This work by EFSA’s Biological Hazards Panel (BIOHAZ) was at the request of the European Commission and will support the setting of any targets for the reduction of Salmonella in pigs across the European Union. To support the Panel opinion and in line with EFSA’s strategy on cooperation and networking with Member States, a consortium of institutes from across the European Union was established for the first time. This consortium developed an EU level model to quantify the public health risk of Salmonella in the pig meat food chain, from farm to fork. The Panel found evidence suggesting that the human cases attributable to Salmonella in pig meat will mainly depend on the levels of Salmonella in pigs and pig meat, as well as on consumption patterns and the relative importance of the other sources of Salmonella. The Panel evaluated a series of measures to reduce the number of human cases of Salmonella. These included ensuring pigs in breeding holdings are free from Salmonella, ensuring that the feed is also free from Salmonella, adequate cleaning and disinfection of holdings, avoiding contamination during slaughter, and decontaminating carcasses. The Panel indicated that these measures should be used in combination and based on the individual situation of each Member State; and that a hundredfold reduction of the number of Salmonella bacteria on contaminated carcasses would result in a 60-80% reduction of the cases of human salmonellosis originating from pig meat consumption. The experts also indicated that in order to reduce Salmonella in pigs going to slaughter, decreasing the levels of Salmonella in holdings where pigs are bred would result in highest reduction. In Member States which have high levels of Salmonella this would lead to the greatest reduction. The Panel also says that ensuring feed is Salmonella-free could lead to further reductions, and, in Member States with lower levels of Salmonella, this approach would have the highest impact. The opinion also recommends that information on the temperature at which the pig meat is kept during transportation and how consumers store it at home is important to further understand the factors that lead to risks for Salmonella in humans. In 2008, a total of 131,468 human cases of salmonellosis were reported in the EU and food is considered the main source of infection for humans. EU regulations foresee targets for the reduction of Salmonella in the EU and EFSA’s scientific advice provides a scientific basis for the setting of these targets. EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel assessment of the public health risks of Salmonella in pigs was based on a Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA), which provided a quantitative estimate of the existing risk factors and likely effects of the measures proposed to reduce them. This was the first time a number of institutes from across the EU pooled their resources and expertise to feed into an EU level assessment funded and led by EFSA.
Pathogenic Vibrio species in Dutch shellfish destined for direct human consumption
03 Apr 1010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 4, April 2010 , pp. 734-738(5)
Schets, Franciska M.; van den Berg, Harold H.J.L.; Rutjes, Saskia A.; de Roda Husman, Ana Maria
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common cause of shellfish-related gastroenteritis all over the world. V. parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus have previously been detected in water samples from the Oosterschelde, a large inlet on the North Sea, which is used for both recreational purposes and shellfish production. In 2006, oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from a noncommercial oyster bed in the Oosterschelde and oysters bought in Dutch fish shops were tested for the presence of pathogenic Vibrio species; in 2007 and 2008, oysters (C. gigas) and mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Oosterschelde production areas were examined. Total Vibrio numbers were related to water temperatures to study joint patterns. About 80% of the isolated strains were V. alginolyticus, and approximately 10% were identified as V. parahaemolyticus. Vibrio counts in shellfish samples increased with increasing water temperature and declined when water temperatures dropped; Vibrio was not detected when water temperatures declined to 104 cells per serving of oysters) required for infection, it is concluded that the risk of gastrointestinal infections with V. parahaemolyticus through consumption of shellfish from the Oosterschelde production sites is presumably low.
Italy- Prevalence of biomolecular characterization of Campylobacter spp. isolated from retail meat
03 Apr 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 4, April 2010 , pp. 720-728(9)
Sammarco, Michela Lucia; Ripabelli, et al. [edoted][FSNet]
Researchers estimated the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in retail meat (n = 352 samples; 104 chicken, 106 pork, and 142 beef) collected in Campobasso, Italy, comparing two microbiological methods. All the isolates were characterized by biomolecular techniques for epidemiological purposes. Campylobacter isolation was performed by selective culture and membrane filtration methods. Sixty-nine (86.2%) samples were positive by selective culture, 49 (61.2%) by membrane filtration, and 38 (47.5%) by both methods. Only 74 of 80 strains were confirmed as Campylobacter spp. by PCR, and two Campylobacter coli were identified as Campylobacter jejuni. Chicken meat was more frequently contaminated than other meats. Selective culture was more sensitive than membrane filtration (85 versus 66%), and specificity of the methods was 98 and 100%, respectively. Among Campylobacter isolates from chicken meat, 86.5% were multidrug resistant. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (51.3%) and enrofloxacin (52.7%) was lower than to nalidixic acid (71.6%). C. coli strains showed the highest cross-resistance for quinolones (82.6%) and fluoroquinolones (60.9%) as well as a high resistance to tetracycline. Plasmids were isolated from six C. coli and two C. jejuni isolates, but no association was detected between antimicrobial resistance and plasmid DNA carriage. Selective culture is considered as the optimal method for Campylobacter isolation, although it was unable to detect all contaminated samples. Membrane filtration provided more specific results but with low sensitivity. A combination of both techniques may offer better results.
Substantial increase in listeriosis, Denmark 2009
25 Mar 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 12
A Kvistholm Jensen, S Ethelberg [edited][FSNet]
In 2009, 97 cases of listeriosis were reported in Denmark (1.8 per 100,000), a significant rise over the previous year. The increase was seen both in cases of bacteraemia and meningitis and affected mainly people aged 70 years and older. No explanation has so far been found for the marked increase in incidence. An increasing trend has been observed since 2003 and possible explanations are discussed.
Invasive listeriosis is a serious foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The three major clinical presentations of listeriosis are sepsis, meningitis and materno-fetal infection. In a review of materno-fetal infections in Denmark 12 of 36 cases resulted in stillbirth and/or abortion. In recent years the annual number of reported listeriosis cases has increased in several European countries including Denmark. In 2009, Denmark saw a further increase in the incidence of listeriosis, reaching 1.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. To our knowledge this is the highest incidence reported in a European country in recent years. In this paper, data from the Danish surveillance system are presented and discussed.
There has been a general increasing trend in the number of listeriosis cases in Denmark since 2003 and an additional marked increase from 2008 to 2009. The increase in listeriosis incidence in 2009 was seen particularly in the group of patients over 70 years of age. There is no single explanation for this dramatic increase.
UK: Antimicrobial resistance report published
24 Mar 2010
FSA [edited][FSNet]
A report on antimicrobial resistance in the UK has been published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
The report summarises data collected in 2007 (or for the most recent previous year if there are no data from 2007) from across the UK for a range of bacterial organisms of medical and veterinary importance in the UK. This information was collated from a variety of sources, including surveys of healthy people, animals and food, as well as from the results of tests on medical or veterinary clinical diagnostic samples.
The Food Standards Agency contributed data on the types and amounts of foods of animal origin purchased within the UK and the antimicrobial resistance of isolates of Campylobacter and Salmonella obtained during three food surveys.
The report has been produced in response to a recommendation in a report on Microbial Antibiotic Resistance in Relation to Food Safety by the Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food. A key recommendation of this report was that the organisations responsible for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in animals, people and food should work together to produce a report summarising antibiotic resistance in the food chain in the UK.
UK: Agency welcomes Consumer Focus Wales E. coli report
23 Mar 2010
Food Standards Agency [edited][FSNet]
The Food Standards Agency welcomes the publication of the Consumer Focus Wales report: 'Protecting consumers from E. coli O157'.
The report refers to progress by the Agency and others in implementing the recommendations in the Pennington report on the Public Inquiry into the E. coli outbreak in South Wales in 2005. The Agency agrees that while much has already been done, there is more still to do.
Although the Pennington report concerned the outbreak in South Wales, the Agency is addressing its recommendations on a UK-wide basis. The Agency is looking at all major causes of foodborne illness, not just E. coli; looking at all foods, not just at meat; and taking actions across the UK, not just in Wales. It has established a Food Hygiene Delivery Programme, the purpose of which is to minimise the level of foodborne disease through: · improved awareness and control of food safety hazards by food businesses, food law enforcers and consumers · reliable assurance that compliance with legal standards is maintained, using timely, effective and proportionate enforcement where necessary This work programme runs until 2016 and we have set out when Professor Pennington’s recommendations will be delivered. As part of this work, a substantial review of food hygiene enforcement in Wales will take place in 2014.
One of the points raised in the Consumer Focus Wales report is the need for the Agency to provide guidance to environmental health officers on the use of separate machinery for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. This guidance will address managing the risk of cross-contamination by E. coli O157 through cleaning and will provide advice on the dual use of equipment. The Agency plans to consult on this guidance in the near future.
EFSA publishes survey on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken in the EU
17 Mar 2010
EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the results of a survey on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken at slaughterhouses in the European Union. In most EU Member States, a high prevalence of Campylobacter was found in chickens, whereas Salmonella was less frequently detected. These zoonoses are the cause of the two most reported food-borne diseases in humans in the EU: Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. This was EFSA’s sixth baseline survey on food-borne bacteria carried out at EU level and the first to directly investigate the presence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chickens at slaughter.
All Member States participating in the survey carried out in 2008 reported Campylobacter in the chickens they sampled. The samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the slaughter line.
On average, the bacterium was found in the intestines of 71% of chickens, indicating that they were already infected when alive, and on 76% of sampled carcasses, which suggests some further contamination during slaughtering.
The survey also says that 22 Member States reported Salmonella in the chicken carcasses they sampled. On average, 15.7% of sampled carcasses were found to be contaminated, although figures varied between Member States. Of the various types of Salmonella, 17 Member States reported the types Enteritidis and Typhimurium, which are responsible for most Salmonella infections in humans.
The aim of the survey was to provide comparable figures for all participating Member States in order to give an overview of the prevalence at slaughter of Campylobacter in chickens and of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken carcasses. The survey also sets out recommendations, in particular for further research on factors affecting the spread of Campylobacter in chicken meat production and on best methods for surveillance and control of Campylobacter.
Ireland- FSAI advises on need to control Campylobacter contamination
17 Mar 2010
FSAI [edited][FSNet]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today noted the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) study which has shown that there is a high level of Campylobacter contamination in poultry carcasses in slaughter plants throughout Europe, with the majority of carcasses in Irish plants having some level of contamination. It states that EFSA’s study is pertinent to the findings of a recent FSAI survey, which examined the prevalence of Campylobacter on the surface of chicken packaging sold in Irish retail outlets. The FSAI report, which is currently being finalised, highlights that 13.2% of the external surface of chicken packaging and 10.9% of the surface of retail display cabinets were contaminated with Campylobacter species. In light of EFSA’s and the FSAI’s findings, it reiterated its call to the Irish retail sector to source chicken products from producers using leak-proof packaging solutions or to provide customers with specific bags to prevent leakage of potentially contaminated poultry juices. The preliminary findings from the FSAI survey which involved examining 785 packaging surfaces and 785 display cabinet surfaces shows that cross-contamination can occur from a whole chicken, if the packaging allows the meat juices to leak out. This can cross contaminate other food products and is especially serious if it leaks on to food which will not be cooked prior to consumption. The survey found less contamination (2.1%) on the external surface of packaging designed to prevent leakage, by comparison to the conventional packaging (18.9%), where plastic is wrapped around the tray and sealed underneath and is more prone to leakage of juices.
Internationally, it is estimated that handling and preparation of chicken and consumption of undercooked chicken meat accounts for approximately 30% of human cases of bacterial Campylobacter. In Ireland, Campylobacter is now the number one cause of foodborne illness, with some 1,758 cases of campylobacteriosis reported in 2008 and provisional data for 2009 shows 1,823 cases reported.
The FSAI also recommends that consumers should play their role too to protect themselves, by taking simple measures to avoid Campylobacter contamination.
Pooling raw shell eggs:Salmonella contamination and high risk practices in the United Kingdom food service sector
03 Mar 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 3, pp. 574-578(5)
Gormley, F.J.; Little, C.L.; Murphy, N.; de Pinna, E.; McLauchlin, J.
Salmonellacontamination of pooled raw shelled egg mix (RSEM) used as an ingredient in lightly cooked or uncooked foods and high-risk kitchen hygiene practices in United Kingdom food service establishments using RSEM were investigated. Samples were collected from 934 premises.Salmonellawas found in 1 (0.13%) of 764 RSEM samples, 2 (0.3%) of 726 samples from surfaces where ready-to-eat foods were prepared, and 7 (1.3%) of 550 cleaning cloths. Poor RSEM storage and handling practices were highlighted. Workers in 40% of the premises sampled failed to use designated utensils when RSEM was added to other ingredients, workers in 17% of the premises did not clean surfaces and utensils thoroughly after use with RSEM and before preparing other foods, only 42% of workers washed and dried their hands after handling eggs or RSEM, workers in 41% of the premises did not store RSEM at refrigeration temperature before use, and workers in 8% of the premises added RSEM to cooked rice at the end of cooking when preparing egg fried rice. Take-away premises, especially those serving Chinese cuisine, were least likely to have a documented food safety management system and awareness of the key food safety points concerning the use of RSEM compared with other food service premises.
Hygiene perception: Condition of hotel kitchen staffs in Ankara, Turkey
03 Mar 2010
Journal of Food Safety [edited][FSNet]
The study, which analyzed knowledge levels of the staff who work in food and beverage departments of hotels in Turkey about food safety, was carried out in December 2007–March 2008. Researchers applied face to face survey to 522 employees of seven hotels. The difference has been found meaningful statistically between kitchen and kitchenware hygiene, employee hygiene, food hygiene and general hygiene knowledge points and their education status and occupations in the result of the study (P 0.05). First, it is required to pay attention to the determining of the training needs of employees working for the enterprise, and to make a point of applying necessary training and seminars concerning the staff in each degree by making a training program. It has been determined that training, occupation and experience of the staff are so important in order to provide food safety in enterprises.
Ireland: FSAI advice line receives almost 2,000 complaints on food standards
02 Mar 2010
FSAI [edited][FSNet]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today announced details of information requests and complaints received by the FSAI advice line last year. In 2009, a total of 9,444 queries were recorded, with 27% of those received from consumers reporting issues concerning food and food establishments, such as: low hygiene standards; unfit food; inaccurate labelling information; and suspected food poisoning. In total, 1,981 complaints from consumers were lodged last year and broken down as follows:
• 858 complaints on unfit food
• 363 complaints on suspect food poisoning
• 408 complaints on hygiene standards
• 112 complaints on incorrect information on food labelling
• 20 complaints on incorrect advertising of food products
• 220 other
Records showed that contamination with foreign objects such as insects, hair, pieces of skin, glass and rodent droppings were the most common type of complaints concerning unfit food. Misleading labelling and out of date food remaining on sale were noted as the most regular grievances amongst consumers regarding labelling issues. In 2009, the FSAI advice line received an increased number of complaints regarding supermarkets mislabelling the country of origin of vegetables and fruit. Complaints concerning poor hygiene standards often related to staff in food premises not washing their hands; touching their face and then handling food and, handling raw and cooked food with the same kitchen utensils. All complaints received by the FSAI are referred to environmental health officers who investigate each complaint thoroughly.
The advice line also deals with queries from the food industry, who accounted for 44% of the calls. Their main requests were for FSAI publications; advice on food labelling; and food safety training information. In addition to this, records showed that there was a 50% increase in 2009 from 2008 in the number of calls to the advice line requesting information and guidance on how to set up a new food business, which could be an indication of the recent downturn in the economy. From 1999 to 2009, consumers, caterers and manufacturers have consistently been the most frequent users of the advice line. The incidences which caused peaks in calls to the advice line between 1999 and 2009 include:
• In 2000, 420 queries recorded from consumers following a product recall of cooked ham due to Salmonella contamination
• In 2005, approximately 400 calls were recorded in relation to a large recall of various food products due to the presence of Sudan Red, an illegal food colourant
• In 2008, the advice line received 3,725 calls during the recall of all Irish pork and pork products due to dioxin contamination
Related stories
02 Mar 2010- Advice line fields almost 10,000 queries on food safety
Irish Examiner [edited][FSNet]
Romania- Trichinellosis and poverty in a Romanian industrial area: An epidemiological study and brief review of literature
27 Feb 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Trichinellosis is a foodborne parasitic disease that is acquired by humans through ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked meat containing larvae of different Trichinella species. During a high endemic year, Hunedoara County, part of Transylvania region, was the second most affected Romanian county, with an incidence of 84.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to bring new epidemiological and clinical data on human trichinellosis from an endemic former industrial area characterized by high rates of poverty and unemployment.
Data have been collected from the medical charts of 492 patients (mean age, 27.6 years) found to have trichinellosis and admitted between 1996 and 2005 in two infectious disease hospitals.
Women (55.1%, n=271), townsfolk (77.0%, n=379), and unemployed (40.1%, n=126) were the most affected categories. The clinical symptoms included myalgia (64.6%, n=118), edema (45.3%, n=223), and headache (38.6%, n=190). Eosinophilia ranged between 10% and 19.99% in 28.0% (n=138) of the cases. For 47.8% (n=235) of the patients, the hospitalization period ranged from 1 to 7 days. Thiabendazole was administered in 72.0% (n=329) of the cases.
Despite rich history, an overall decrease in the number of human trichinellosis cases over the 10-year study period was revealed and the decline might have been favored by the following positive aspects: improvement of sanitary conditions, implementation of a more reliable collaboration between veterinarians and pig breeders/consumers, education of the population, and a more careful supervision of the public health services.
Government management of two media-facilitated crises involving dioxin contamination of food
23 Feb 2010
Public Understanding of Science [edited][FSNet]
Incidents become crises through a constant and intense public scrutiny facilitated by the media. Two incidents involving dioxin contamination of food led to crises in Belgium and the Republic of Ireland in 1999 and 2008, respectively. Thought to cause cancer in humans, dioxins reached the food supply in both incidents through the contamination of fat used for animal feed. The food and agricultural industries connected to each incident relied on crisis management activities of federal governments to limit adverse public reaction. Analysis of the management of the two crises by their respective federal governments, and a subsequent review of crisis management literature, led to the development of an effective crisis management model. Such a model, appropriately employed, may insulate industries associated with a crisis against damaged reputations and financial loss.
United Kingdom- Attribution of human Listeria monocytogenes infections in England and Wales ready-to-eat food sources placed on the market: Adaptation of the Hald Salmonella source attribution model
17 Feb 2010
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Human listeriosis is a rare but serious foodborne disease, with high morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, the elderly, and the immunocompromised). The disease is predominantly caused by the consumption of contaminated ready-to-eat foods. Since 2001, an increase in the number of listeriosis cases has been observed in several European Union countries, including England and Wales, predominantly in the over-60s population. The cause of this selective increased incidence is unknown. The Hald Salmonella Bayesian source attribution model was adapted to determine the potential of this approach to quantify the contribution of different food sources to the burden of human listeriosis in England and Wales from 2004 to 2007. The most important food sources for the overall population were multicomponent foods (sandwiches and prepacked mixed salad vegetables) (23.1%), finfish (16.8%), and beef (15.3%). Attribution of major sources of infection was similar for the elderly population (≥60 years old, multicomponent foods [22.0%], finfish [14.7%], and beef [13.6%]). For pregnancy-associated cases, beef (12.3%), milk and milk products (11.8%), and finfish (11.2%) were more important sources of infection. The adapted model also showed that the serotype 4b was associated with relatively more human infections than that of other serotypes; further, the subtype 4b amplified fragment-length polymorphism V was associated with more pregnancy-associated cases than other subtypes of 4b. This approach of quantifying the contribution of various food sources to human listeriosis provides a useful tool in food safety risk analysis, and underlines the need for further emphasis to be given to the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes in high-risk foods, such as multicomponent foods, which are consumed without any further treatment. The need for targeted dietary advice for the elderly population is also highlighted.
Italy- Influence of environmental conditions and building structure on food quality: a survey of hand-crafted dairies in Northern Italy
16 Feb 2010
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
The present study investigated several small dairies, located in mountain areas of Northern Italy, with the aim to identify critical factors that are frequently neglected despite their potentially decisive role in improving hygiene standards of dairy processing and work safety. The results highlighted the structural and procedural aspects involved in sanitary requirements of traditional dairy production.
The analysis has made it clear that processing environment is often inadequately protected from external contamination, and design and realisation of buildings is not suitable for food processing requirements. For example, the main critical points for food safety in relation to building structure are indoor layout of a dairy, and coating materials for floors and walls that, although smooth and washable, do not withstand chemical attack, environmental conditions, and mechanical stress. From a procedural point of view, cleaning operations are not carried out thoroughly, and working practices are hygienically deficient.
Microbiological and molecular investigation of an increase of human listeriosis in Belgium, 2006-2007
11 Feb 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 6 [edited][FSNet]
In Belgium, the majority of cases of listeriosis are sporadic cases. In this study researchers present evidence for an episode of listeriosis: a time-linked cluster of cases that occurred in 2006 and 2007, and the identification of identical strains. The episode involved 11 patients, infected with Listeria monocytogenes of serovar 4b. The source of infection was not detected.
Clinical laboratories mandatorily report cases to the community health authorities. However, these authorities rarely receive information on strain characteristics, which does not facilitate linking sporadic cases. Clinical laboratories may submit their isolates to the BLRC. It is estimated that the BLRC receives approximately 70% of the total number of clinical isolates in Belgium. As the BLRC performs strain typing, clusters of identical strains are easily recognised.
The combination of serotyping, metal resistance typing and PFGE led to the identification of 11 identical isolates. The episodic strain was of serovar 4b, sensitive to arsenic and cadmium and belonged to pulsovar A. Six of them were isolated within a period of a few weeks which is exceptional for a small country like Belgium. Besides the cluster isolations in 2006, the episodic strain was isolated from a further five patients in 2007, indicating a long extension of the episode which went on until July 2007.
The source of contamination was not detected. Two factors may have contributed to this failure: no systematic interviewing of the patients and unsuccessful food sampling. During this episode only four patients were contacted by community health inspectors and only three different food samples were taken which proved to be negative for L. monocytogenes in 25 g. On the other hand, the episodic strain was not present in the BLRC collection of food strains, which therefore could not provide a clue for potential suspected food items to be investigated.
Norway: Why is it so difficult to eradicate Salmonella?
03 Feb 2010
Norwegian School of Veterinary Science [edited][FSNet]
Feed contaminated by Salmonella bacteria is a familiar and costly problem for the animal feed industry all over the world. Some types of Salmonella have succeeded in establishing themselves in feed and fish meal factories and have persisted there for several years because it has proved impossible to eradicate them.
A researcher investigated why it is so difficult to get rid of Salmonella once they have managed to establish themselves in Norwegian feed and fish meal factories. She discovered that Salmonella bacteria efficient at forming biofilm (bacteria coating) survived for longer in the factories than those that had a reduced ability to form this coating. The ability to survive in factories therefore appears to be connected with the ability to form a biofilm and it would seem that removing biofilm is a necessary step towards eradicating Salmonella from the factories.
In a biofilm, bacteria are well protected by a slime (matrix) which they produce themselves. The researcher has studied the effect of the nine most frequently used disinfectants in the Norwegian animal feed industry and found that the efficiency of the disinfectants is substantially reduced if the Salmonella has managed to form a biofilm. The effect of the majority of the disinfectants was then no longer satisfactory, but a product containing 70% ethanol was the most efficient.
The matrix produced by the Salmonella bacteria in the biofilm consists of many different components, one of which is cellulose. A surprisingly large proportion of Salmonella found in Norwegian feed and fish meal factories appeared not to produce cellulose. It has been claimed that cellulose is important for protecting bacteria in a biofilm, but the researcher’s laboratory tests have demonstrated that biofilm with or without cellulose respectively afforded the bacteria the same protection against disinfectants. On the other hand, it appeared that cellulose in the biofilm gave the bacteria better protection against dehydration over a period of several months.
EU- Report: fewer pathogens transmitted from animals to humans
03 Feb 2010
Vetsweb [edited][FSNet]
The number of human cases of the three most reported zoonotic infections was lower in 2008 than in 2007. This is according to the Annual Report on Zoonoses and Food-borne outbreaks for 2008 published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Campylobacteriosis remained the most frequently reported zoonotic infection in humans across the European Union, with 190,566 cases notified in 2008 (down from 200,507 in 2007). In foodstuffs, Campylobacter, which can cause diarrhea and fever, was mostly found in raw poultry meat. In live animals, Campylobacter was found in poultry, pigs and cattle.
Salmonella, the second most reported zoonotic infection in humans, decreased significantly for the fifth consecutive year, with 131,468 cases in 2008 compared to 151,998 in 2007, representing a 13.5% decrease. It remained however the most frequent cause of food borne outbreaks. Salmonella was found most frequently in raw chicken, turkey and pig meat. In animal populations, an important decline of the Salmonella type Enteritidis –the type most frequently affecting humans – was observed in laying hen flocks.
2008 was the first year in which EU Member States implemented a new programme put in place by the EU Commission to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in laying hens; 20 Member States have already met their reduction target for that year. This could be the reason for a decrease of Salmonella Enteritidis infections in humans, since eggs are known to be the most important source for these infections, the report said.
With 1,381 confirmed cases in 2008, Listeria infections showed a decrease of 11% compared to 2007. Although less frequent in humans compared to Campylobacter and Salmonella, Listeria is known to have a high mortality rate, the most affected being vulnerable groups such as the elderly. In foodstuffs, the study found Listeria above the legal safety limit in some ready-to-eat foods, mostly in smoked fish and heat-treated meat products and cheeses.
Reported cases of Q fever in humans increased from 585 in 2007 to 1,599 in 2008. This disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii results mainly from the inhalation of contaminated dust around infected cattle, sheep and goats. Q fever causes flu-like and gastrointestinal symptoms such as fever and diarrhoea. In animals, the highest infection rates were reported in goats.
Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) accounted for a total of 3,159 human infections in the EU, representing nearly a 9% increase from the previous year. Among animals and foodstuffs, VTEC was most often reported in cattle and bovine meat. The number of cases of Yersinia in humans in 2008 was 8,346, a 7% decrease from 2007, with the bacterium found mostly in pigs and pig meat.
Turkey- Prevalence of Listeria, Aeromonas, and Vibrio species in fish used for human consumption
01 Feb 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 2, pp. 380-384(5) [edited][FSNet]
A total of 78 raw retail fish samples from 30 freshwater and 48 marine fish were examined for the presence of Listeria, Aeromonas, and Vibrio species. The overall incidence of Listeria spp. was 30% in freshwater samples and 10.4% in marine fish samples. Listeria monocytogenes (44.5%) was the most commonly isolated species in freshwater fish, and Listeria murrayi (83.5%) was the most commonly isolated species in marine fish samples. Motile aeromonads were more common in marine fish samples (93.7%) than in freshwater fish samples (10%). Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio fluvialis, and Vibrio damsela were isolated only in marine fish samples, representing 40.9, 38.6, and 36.3% of Vibrio isolates, respectively. In freshwater and marine fish, the highest incidences of Listeria and Aeromonas were found in skin samples; the highest incidence of Vibrio in marine fish was found in gill samples. The location of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in a fish was significantly different among freshwater fish. A high incidence of these bacterial pathogens was found in the brown trout (Salmo trutta) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). Handling of contaminated fish, cross-contamination, or eating raw fish might pose a health hazard, especially in immunosuppressed individuals, elderly people, and children. This study highlights the importance of bacterial pathogens in fish intended for human consumption, but more study is needed.
Bavaria- Prevalence of Emetic bacillus cereus in different ice creams in Bavaria
01 Feb 2010
Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 2, pp. 395-399(5) [edited][FSNet]
Messelhäusser, U.; Kämpf, P.; Fricker, M.; Ehling-Schulz, M.; Zucker, R.; Wagner, B.; Busch, U.; Höller, C.
In this study, 809 samples of ice cream from different sources were investigated by using cultural methods for the presence of presumptive Bacillus cereus. Isolates from culture-positive samples were examined with a real-time PCR assay targeting a region of the cereulide synthetase gene (ces) that is highly specific for emetic B. cereus strains. The samples were collected from ice cream parlors and restaurants that produced their own ice cream and from international commercial ice cream companies in different regions of Bavaria during the summer of 2008. Presumptive B. cereus was found in 508 (62.7%) ice cream samples investigated, and 24 (4.7%) of the isolates had the genetic background for cereulide toxin production. The level of emetic B. cereus in the positive samples ranged from 0.1 to 20 CFU/g of ice cream.
UK- Evaluation of food purchasing behavior of consumers from supermarkets
30 Jan 2010
British Food Journal, Year 2010, Volume 112, Issue 2, Page 140 - 150
Nevin Sanlier, Suzan Seren Karakus [edited][FSNet]
This study was conducted with the aim of determining the food purchasing behaviour of consumers from supermarkets.
A total of 430 consumers, 194 males and 236 females, with an average age of 30 were included in this study, and was conducted to find out the criteria which consumers took into account while purchasing food.
A significant relationship was determined between the scores the consumers received from nutrition, the reliability and all of the shopping criteria, and their level of education.
The research is restricted in so far as it only considers consumers in the big city and as it is an exploratory study the research is limited in so far as the number of participants is only 430. Further research needs to include other big and small cities.
The study has concluded that consumers need effective and versatile education in the subjects of label reading and buying the right kind of food for their budgets. It is revealed that consumer education is essential in the process from cradle to grave in creating the awareness of consumers to buy food.
The paper is useful to both practitioners and academics in the fields of relationship consumer and marketing. Informing and training consumers will help increase the awareness of consumers and make them behave more rationally in their shopping. It will lead the studies to be carried out in the future to activate the control of the consumers on their shopping, instead of losing the control of consumers.
UK- Food fraud- a current issue but an old problem 30 Jan 2010
British Food Journal, Year 2010, Volume 112, Issue 2, Page 198 – 213 [edited][FSNet]
The purpose of this paper is to address the topic of food fraud which has been so widely and variously reported over recent months and years. Its purposes are to set current experience into an historical context and to illustrate the tension between the science of deception and the science of detection.
This is a desk study of published literature and historical documentation, together with interviews with those professionally concerned with detection and enforcement.
The piece concludes that with all the scientific developments and analytical techniques that seem so mind-bendingly sophisticated, there remains the basic problem of a lack of resources.
It is asserted that more is owed to the memories and the reputations of those who pioneered the effort to combat food fraud. Without a considerable increase in the resources made available for the appliance of the science currently available and that being developed, the battle will never be fully engaged, yet alone won.
Ireland has the highest rate of disease-causing E. coli in Europe 29 Jan 2010
The Irish Times [edited][FSNet]
The Irish Times reports that the number of “verotoxigenic” E.coli cases reported in Ireland is more than five times the EU average and has almost doubled in the space of a year, according to the report compiled by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa).
Verotoxigenic E.coli affects the digestive system. Some 225 cases were reported in 2008, of which 213 were confirmed. Ireland’s average of 4.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 3.3 in the next highest country, Sweden, and 1.9 in the UK. Irish cases have increased more than threefold in four years.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said the increase may be due to the contamination of private wells by heavy rainfall during the summer of 2008.
Maybe the Irish are paying more attention than the rest of Europe.
EU: One third of milk and dairy products tested in Spanish restaurants exceed accepted microbe contamination limits
29 Jan 2010 Science Daily [edited][FSNet]
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 2009; 6 (10): 1269
One-third of samples of milk and dairy products analysed in various restaurants exceed the microbe contamination limits set by the European Union, according to a study carried out by researchers from the University of Valencia (UV). The experts advise against keeping milk in jugs and suggest that these foodstuffs need to be better handled.
The scientists examined 265 batches of milk and ready-to-use milk derivatives in a range of bars and restaurants in Valencia, and checked whether their microbial quality fell into line with European Union regulations. The results, which have been published recently in the journal Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, show that one-third of the samples had some kind of microorganism contamination and were not fit for human consumption.
The researchers found differences according to the source of the sample (hot milk, products at room temperature or homemade dairy products). According to the study, 2% of the samples of hot milk (kept in jugs or stainless steel thermos flasks) tested positive for the bacteria Escherichia coli.
The team detected unsuitable practices, such as reheating milk over and over again, even in a microwave, and then pouring it back into the thermos, which increases the risk of microbial contamination. The study shows that there is a greater contamination risk from milk kept in jugs, meaning this type of container is not suitable for storing milk.
The experts advise that, when using milk in any way, it is important to clean jugs, thermos flasks and the steamers of coffee machines thoroughly and frequently, using the right kind of hygienic sponges or cloths, which is not always the case.
In terms of milk that is cold or at room temperature, this is usually kept in its original container in restaurants and bars -- a plastic bottle or tetrabrick. The study shows that containers with a lid are better, since tetrabricks opened with scissors are more exposed to microbial proliferation, and are especially vulnerable to enterobacteriaceae.
In terms of dairy products prepared in the restaurants themselves (custards, mousses, puddings and crème caramels), custards (natillas) had the highest levels of contamination with microorganisms. This may be due to the fact this was the only foodstuff analysed that is further processed after being heated, say the scientists. Cross contamination could come from the hands of the person preparing the product, particularly when he or she places the biscuit on top of the dish.
In line with previous studies, the researchers also showed that adding cinnamon to dairy products led to reduced microorganism contamination, since this substance helps to eliminate microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and bacteria from the Salmonella family.
Related stories
29 Jan 2010- Study recommends better handlng of milk in restaurants
FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
SINC [edited][FSNet]
Sweden- Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 from cattle: isolates from prevalence studies versus strains linked to human infectins- A retrospective study
29 Jan 2010
BMC Veterinary Research 2010, 6:7 [edited][FSNet]
Several cases of human infection caused by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157:H7 in Sweden have been connected with cattle farm visits. Between 1996 and 2002, 18 farms were classified as the source of human cases with isolation of EHEC (Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) after VTEC O157:H7 had been isolated from cattle on those farms.
Characterization by phage typing and molecular methods of the strains isolated from these 18 farms, including PCR for virulence genes and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), demonstrated a cluster of very similar strains from 16 farms.
All were of phage type 4, carried the genes encoding the verotoxins VT2 and VT2c, intimin, EHEC-haemolysin and flagellin H7 as shown by PCR, and had identical or very similar PFGE patterns. When analysing strains in a prevalence study of VTEC O157:H7 from cattle at slaughter as well as from an on-farm prevalence study of dairy cattle, using the same typing methods, a rather wide variation was observed among the isolated VTEC O157:H7 strains.
In Sweden, a limited group of genetically similar and highly pathogenic VTEC O157:H7 strains seem to predominate in direct or indirect transmission from cattle to man.
Europe: Zoonoses: distribution and trends- the EFSA-ECDC Community Summary Report 2008
28 Jan 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 4 [edited][FSNet]
On 28 January 2010 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) launched their annual report on zoonoses and food-borne outbreaks for 2008. The report provides a comprehensive overview of zoonotic infections and disease outbreaks caused by consuming contaminated food. The number of reported human cases of the three most reported zoonotic infections, was lower in 2008 compared to 2007.
Campylobacteriosis was the most commonly reported zoonosis in the European Union (EU) for the last five years followed by salmonellosis and yersiniosis. The declining trend of salmonellosis continued, most likely as a result of the intensified control of Salmonella in animal populations, particularly in poultry, and better hygiene throughout the food chain.
The number of confirmed cases of listeriosis decreased by 11% in 2008 (1,381) compared to 2007 (1,554) in the EU. Foodstuffs that are considered the main source for human listeriosis in the EU include ready-to-eat (RTE) products (fish and meat), soft cheeses, salads and sandwiches. An EFSA-ECDC collaborative survey on Listeria in RTE products and in clinical cases of human listeriosis started in January 2010, the results of which will contribute to a better understanding about listeriosis in the EU.
Q-fever increased by 172% in 2008 (1594) compared with 2007(585). This was mainly due to several outbreaks in people entering areas with infected sheep and goats mainly in the Netherlands. In-depth investigations have been carried out in affected countries and it is suspected that the occurrence of Q-fever in humans and animals may be seriously underreported in Europe.
A total of 3,159 confirmed cases of Shiga-toxin/vero-toxin producing E. coli (STEC/VTEC) were reported in 2008, representing an 8.7% increase from 2007 (2,905 cases). In animals VTEC was mainly isolated from cattle and, in lower proportion from small ruminants such as sheep and goats. In food, VTEC was detected in a considerable proportion of cow milk samples.
The 2008 annual Community Summary Report describes the five-year trends, distribution and 2008 figures for zoonotic infections and agents in humans, animals and foodstuffs in the 27 EU Member States, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Bulgaria- Campylobacteriosis and other bacterial gastrointestinal diseases in Sofia for the period 1987 - 2008
28 Jan 2010
Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 4 [edited][FSNet]
Researchers noticed a lack of systematic data concerning campylobacteriosis in Bulgaria. They present data of the thermophilic Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in the aetiology of diarrhoeal diseases in Sofia, for the period from 1987 to 2008. The study included patients from 0 to over 65 years-old. A total of 51,607 faecal specimens were screened for Campylobacter. C. jejuni and C. coli were detected in 3.58% (1,847) of the strains, with the highest percentage in 1988 (7.5%) and the lowest in 2006 (0.3%). Campylobacteriosis occurred most frequently in the wet months of March, April, May and June, with 105, 102, 124 and 141 cases, respectively, and was rare in January with 25 cases. The most affected groups were children between 0 and 4 years of age (52%) and between five and 14 years of age (30%). Campylobacter infection occurred in 22% of all bacterial gastrointestinal diseases in the city of Sofia during the study period. Salmonella was the most frequently identified pathogen with 32%, followed by Shigella (30%), Campylobacter (22%) and diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (16%). The study shows that Campylobacter plays an important role as a bacterial cause of enterocolitis in Sofia, Bulgaria.
EU- EFSA confirms chicken meat major source of human cases of campylobacteriosis
28 Jan 2010
EFSA [edited][FSNet]
EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel has adopted an opinion on the extent to which broiler (chicken) meat contributes to human cases of campylobacteriosis. Experts conclude that the handling, preparation and consumption of broiler meat may directly account for 20 to 30% of human cases of campylobacteriosis in the European Union
EFSA’s review of the different sources of human Campylobacter infections represents the first step in broader work in this area that is expected to be completed in 2010. At the request of the Commission, the BIOHAZ Panel will identify and rank the possible control options and propose specific targets to reduce Campylobacter occurrence at the different stages of the broiler meat chain. This overall work will support risk managers in establishing appropriate measures to reduce the number of cases of human campylobacteriosis in the EU.
The Netherlands- A study into the occurrence of Cronobacter spp. between 2001 and 2005
27 Jan 2010
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
Cronobacter spp. is an opportunistic pathogen possibly occurring in many different foods and environments. This study reports results from a broad survey of foods manufactured or marketed in The Netherlands, including relevant non-food environments, conducted over a 5-year period (2001 – 2005). Using a specifically designed real-time polymerase chain reaction method for confirmation, Cronobacter spp. was isolated from milk powders (7/175), powdered formulae for consumers 1 year (1/5), other powdered instant products (1/182), dry cereals (6/123), raw minced meats (7/222), vegetables (2/ 47), spices (1/28), human faeces (1/98), and human skin (1/116) samples.
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