Tunisia - Salmonella outbreak hits British tourists in Tunisia
11 Nov 2008
from a pres release [edited][iFSN]
Specialist travel law solicitor Andrew Morton, from Manchester law firm Pannone, has confirmed that holidaymakers returning from the Riu Park El Kebir hotel in Hammamet, Tunisia, have been diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning. Mr Morton’s law firm is now investigating the situation for a number of clients.

Morocco - Occurrence and characterization of Escherichia coli O157 and other serotypes in raw meat products in Morocco
01 Oct 2008
Journal of Food Protection, Vol 71, No 10, pp. 2082-2086(5) [edited][iFSN]
Beneduce, Luciano; Spano, Giuseppe; Nabi, Ari Q.; Lamacchia, Francesco; Massa, Salvatore; Aouni, Redouane; Hamama, Abed
In this study, 100 raw meat samples were collected from 15 local Moroccan butcheries in five different areas of the city of Rabat during a period of 4 months. Overall, 7 of 15 butcheries from three areas of the city yielded strains of Escherichia coli O157. Single isolates from 9 (9%) of 100 raw meat samples were biochemically and serologically confirmed as E. coli O157. Using molecular techniques, two strains were positive for the Shiga toxin, with two additional strains containing an attaching-effacing gene. All potentially virulent serotypes isolated from these meat samples showed distinct pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles. Based on antibiotic susceptibility testing, more than 70% of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and clavulanic acid-amoxicillin. Moreover, one strain was resistant to more than three antibiotics. Our study represents the first survey of E. coli O157 and related serotypes in raw meat products in Morocco.

A traditional Sudanese fermented camel's milk product, Gariss, as a habitat of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius
28 Sep 2008
International Journal of Food Microbiology: Volume 127, Issue 3, 31 October 2008, Pages 215-219
Warda Abdelgadira, Dennis S. Nielsenb, Siddig Hamadc and Mogens Jakobsenb [edited][iFSN]
Samples of the traditional Sudanese fermented camel's milk product Gariss representing 9 different regions in Sudan were microbiologically characterized using an integrated approach including phenotypic and genotypic methods. Lactic acid bacteria [log(CFU/g) = 7.76–8.66] and yeasts [log(CFU/g) = 6.05–7.79] were detected in high numbers. A total of 180 LAB isolates were identified of which 123 isolates were found to belong to the Streptococcus bovis group. Thirteen representative isolates were characterized by PCR amplification and sequencing of the housekeeping genes rpoB and sodA and the streptococcal glucosyltransferase gene (gtf). All thirteen isolates were identified as Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius, a potential human pathogen. The gene encoding the virulence determinant gtf was detected in 10 of the 13 tested strains. The same isolates were able to survive exposure to 0.3% (w/v) oxgall for 4 h and pH=2.7 for 1--4 h. Also Lactobacillus fermentum were detected in high numbers, whereas Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus helveticus were detected more occasionally. The yeast microflora in all Gariss samples consisted of Kluyveromyces marxianus and Issatchenkia orientalis with the former being predominant in 7 out of 9 samples.

Iraq - Thallium poisoning from eating contaminated cake
19 Sep 2008
MMWR Weekly, September 19, 2008 / 57(37);1015-1018 - CDC [edited][iFSN]
Thallium is an odorless, tasteless, heavy metal formerly used in rodenticides and still used in some manufacturing processes (e.g., electronics, pharmaceuticals, and glass). Thallium also has been used for intentional poisonings. Acute thallium poisoning produces gastrointestinal symptoms and signs, such as vomiting and acute abdominal pain, in the first few hours after ingestion, and initially is indistinguishable from other causes of acute gastrointestinal toxicity. However, within several days of ingestion, acute thallium poisoning often produces neurologic symptoms, such as extreme pain and acute muscle weakness ascending from the lower extremities, consistent with heavy metal toxicity. On January 22, 2008, 10 of 12 members in two families in Baghdad, Iraq, developed gastrointestinal symptoms; four of those 10 persons subsequently died from acute thallium poisoning, and five developed neurologic symptoms but survived. The Jordan Field Epidemiology Training Program* investigated this cluster at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Iraq. The preliminary investigation indicated this was an intentional poisoning, and law enforcement officials began a criminal investigation. Physicians who see the sudden onset of painful peripheral neuropathy and hair loss in patients should consider the possibility of thallium poisoning.
On January 22, 2008, 10 members of two families sought treatment at a health-care facility in Baghdad. All 10 of the ill patients were experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, and dysphagia. Over the next 4 days, five of the patients developed neurologic symptoms and signs of varying severity (i.e., pain, abnormal sensations, and weakness, especially in the lower limbs). On January 26, the treating physician submitted specimens from the patients and a sample of a cake, which all 10 had eaten, to the poison testing laboratory of the Iraq Ministry of Health in Baghdad. On January 27, the WHO representative in Iraq was notified that the laboratory had detected thallium qualitatively in patient specimens and the cake. One of the patients, a child aged 11 years, died on January 30.
On February 1, the nine surviving patients were evacuated to Amman, Jordan, to receive Prussian blue (ferric hexacyanoferrate) as an antidote for thallium poisoning, which was not available in Iraq. A second child, aged 2 years, died soon after arrival in Jordan, before therapy could begin. Prussian blue therapy was begun in the eight surviving patients 11 days after they had eaten the contaminated cake; however, two of the eight patients were already in coma with severe cerebral edema and subsequently died. Over the next 30 days, all six long-term survivors developed hair loss, and five of the six survivors developed muscle weakness and spasticity of the lower limbs, with differing severity.

Tunisia - Incidence of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in Tunisian foods
01 Sept 2008
Journal of Food Control , Volume 19, Issue 9
R. Ghalia, K. Hmaissia-khlifaa, H. Ghorbela, K. Maaroufib and A. Hedili
A total of 209 samples of different groups of foods widely consumed by the Tunisian population were collected during 2004–2005 years. Samples were analyzed for contamination with aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone, using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The predominant mycotoxin was ochratoxin A with a mean level of 3.5 ± 5.3 ng g-1 in 59.8% of studied samples. Furthermore, Aflatoxins were detected in all analyzed commodities with a contamination frequency of 50.5%. In addition, aflatoxin B1 was found in 37% of the samples. The zearalenone was detected around 15% with a mean level of 10.4 ± 11.8 ng g-1. Species,Spices, dried fruits and sorghum were the most contaminated samples by aflatoxin and ochratoxin mycotoxins, whereas Rice was the least contaminated commodity. The most frequent mycotoxins co-occurrence included aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, which have been detected in 33.8% of analyzed samples. Furthermore, the simultaneous contamination by aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone was observed in 7.2% of studied samples.

Bahrain - Occurrence of contaminants in foods commonly consumed
01 Sep 2008
Journal of Food Control , Volume 19, Issue 9
Abdulrahman O. Musaigera, Jassim H. Al-Jedahb and Reshma D’souza
The occurrence of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol), heavy metals and pesticide residues in 198 susceptible food commodities available in Bahrain was determined. Aflatoxins were found in many of the foods tested and three samples of red chili powder (35.9, 52.6 and 69.2 ng/g), one sample of black pepper powder (27.7 ng/g) and one sample of unshelled pistachio nuts (81.6 ng/g) exceeded the maximum allowable limit of aflatoxins. Zearalenone was present in some samples including cornflakes (3.1 ng/g) and crushed wheat (0.3 ng/g). Although many samples contained heavy metals, one sample of cinnamon powder (13.0 μ g/g) and one sample of black pepper powder (11.2 μ g/g) exceeded the maximum allowable limit for lead. The average levels of cadmium were highest in cinnamon powder (0.3 μ g/g) and ginger powder (0.3 μ g/g). Some amount of pesticides was found in cumin powder (0.06 μ g/g of lindane), turmeric power (0.04 μ g/g heptachlor) and coriander powder (0.4 μ g/g permethrin). Almonds, peanuts, cashew nuts infant formulas were free of contaminants. Although the contamination of most foods in Bahrain was within the limit, strengthening of the food control systems is important.

Morocco - Aflatoxins levels in dried fruits and nuts from Rabat-Salé area
01 Sep 2008
Journal of Food Control , Volume 19, Issue 9
C. Juana,C. Juana, A. Zinedineb, J.C. Moltóa, L. Idrissib and J. Mañes
The occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) in dried fruits and nuts available in Rabat-Salé area (Morocco) was surveyed in this study. One hundred samples of dried fruits and nuts, purchased from retail shops and local markets from January to October 2006, were analyzed for AFs content by immunoaffinity (IAC) clean-up with liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Results showed that the incidences of total aflatoxins (AFT) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in peanut, dried raisins, dried figs, walnut, and pistachio were 5%, 20%, 30%, 30% and 45% and 5%, 20%, 5%, 30% and 45%, respectively. The highest contamination levels of AFB1 were found in one walnut sample (2500 μ g/kg) and one pistachio sample (1430 μ g/kg). 5%, 20% and 20% of samples of pistachio, walnut and dried raisins exceeded the maximum tolerable limit (2 μg/kg) set for AFB1 by EU regulations. While 15% of dried figs samples were above the maximum limit (4 μg/kg) set by EU regulations for AFT. The present paper is the first report on the natural occurrence of AFs in dried fruits and nuts available in Rabat-Salé area in Morocco.

Morocco - ochratoxin A in rice on the MOROCCAN retail market
15 Aug 2008
International Journal of Food Microbiolgy (Volume 126, Issues 1-2, Pages 1-262)
C. Juana, A. Zinedineb, L. Idrissib and J. Mañes [edited] [iFSN]
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T7K-4SHF4B3-1&_user=10&_coverDate=08%2F15%2F2008&_rdoc=13&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235061%232008%23998739998%23695025%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5061&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_c
One hundred (100) samples of rice purchased from retail markets in five different cities (Rabat, Témara, Salé, Casablanca and Méknès) in Morocco from January to October 2006 were surveyed for the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) coupled to liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The identification of OTA in positive rice samples was confirmed by methyl ester derivatization. Analytical results showed a frequency of contamination of 26% of total analyzed rice samples. The percentage of contamination of samples was 24, 26.6, 16.6, 27.7 and 30% in Rabat, Témara, Méknès, Salé and Casablanca respectively. Levels of OTA in positive samples ranged between 0.08 and 47 ng/g. The average contamination of all analyzed samples was 3.5 ng/g. The highest frequency of positive samples (30%) and the most contaminated sample (47 ng/g) was found in a sample from Casablanca city. 14 out of 100 total samples exceeded the maximum level of 5 ng/g set by European regulations for OTA in cereals. Based in the results presented in this study, the estimated daily intake of OTA in rice was 0.32 ng/kg bw/day for Moroccan consumers.

Pakistan - Sugarcane juice curing or spreading hepatitis?
14 Jul 2008
The Post - Sajeela Ahmed [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, sugarcane juice being sold on the roadsides may cause hepatitis A and E and other diseases as the seller care little about hygienic conditions. Many sugarcane sellers have set up their roadside stalls on Pandora, Faizabad, Peerwadhai, Raja Bazaar, Karachi Company, Aabpara and Weekly Bazaars' avenues. People, especially labourers and public transport commuters, drink sugarcane juice to quench their thirst. It is also believed, though mistakenly, that sugarcane juice is useful for hepatitis A and E patients. The sellers do not care about proper cleanliness of utensils or glasses they use. Flies can be seen swarming utensils and glasses. Moreover they don't wash their hands properly. The glasses are not washed properly or just dipped in a pool of water that turns brown after some time. Hepatitis patients drink the juice from these roadside sellers and therefore instead of curing hepatitis it spreads the disease.

Egypt - Serious concerns raised over holiday sickness hotels
03 Jul 2008
from a press release [edited] [iFSN]
The latest Holiday from Hell story, featured by GMTV on 3 July 2008, confirms the worst fears of the travel consumer organisation, HolidayTravelWatch. Since 2007, HolidayTravelWatch is concerned by the regular reports it has received of illness and poor standards in Egyptian hotel and resorts. HolidayTravelWatch operates a ’Call to Arms’ feature (found on its website), within which, holidaymakers can identify fellow travellers who may have been affected by the same holiday illness and/or complaints. It provides the opportunity for holidaymakers to join together to fight for fair and just compensation. In 2007, HolidayTravelWatch recorded 9 ’Call to Arms’ for Egyptian hotels, cruises and resorts. Of some concern is the fact that since the beginning of 2008, HolidayTravelWatch has recorded 11 ’Call to Arms’ for Egyptian hotels, cruises and resorts - 5 of which currently relate to the Sharm el Sheik area. The range of holiday illness reports include: Salmonella; E. Coli , and Holidaymakers suffering with illness for up to 4 weeks, some report continuing effects. The range of holiday complaints and hygiene issues include: Rats, birds, toads and fly infestations; Animal or insects invading dining areas; Flies crawling over food; Uncovered food; Food not kept at the correct temperature; Water supplies which are either brown, orange or yellow in colour; Sewage smells; Undercooked food; Toilets blocked; Flooding from bathrooms; Dirty dining areas; Salads left open for hours; Between 80 - 90% guests in some complexes reportedly suffering with illness; Last minute changes to accommodation booked; Denial of illnesses; Holidaymakers advised that they will suffer from the ’Pharoahs Revenge’; Anti-Diarrhoeal preparations for sale in hotel shops; Reports of cuts to hotel budgets.
Related stories
09.jul.08 - Hundreds seeking compensation for food poisoning after staying at hotels in EGYPT
from a press release [edited] [iFSN]
Travel law solicitors at Manchester law firm Pannone LLP are handling hundreds of compensation claims for British tourists who suffered from food poisoning sickness after staying at several hotels in the Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Taba. There have been confirmed cases of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Shigella, and Giardia.

IBM researchers helping MIDDLE EAST fight disease
02 June 2008
Bloomberg News - Melita Marie Garza [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, IBM has developed database software to help Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority combat foodborne disease and bird flu. IBM created the Web-based program to allow public health organizations to quickly report, share and act on medical information across borders. It is reported that the three countries will use it first to track cases of Salmonella , shigella and avian influenza.

Iran - Prevalence of intestinal parasites in vegetables consumed in Ardabil
01 Aug 2007
Food Control , Vol. 19, Issue 8
A. Daryani, G.H. Ettehad, M. Sharif, L. Ghorbani, and H. Ziaei
The goal of this study was to determine the parasitological contamination of vegetables sold at markets and obtained from gardens. A total of 141 samples from different vegetables were randomly selected from the markets and gardens (markets: 96; gardens: 45) and then were examined by a concentration method. Each sample was washed with water, allowing sedimentation at room temperature for 24 h. Five ml of sediment were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 min. Sediment was examined in lugol stained slides through light microscopy. Fifty percent (48/96) of markets vegetables and 71% (32/45) of gardens vegetables were contaminated with different parasites. Prevalences of pathogenic parasites in vegetables of markets and gardens were 25% and 29%, respectively. Parasites detected were Giardia cysts (7%), Dicrocoelium eggs (6%), Fasciola eggs (5%) and Ascaris eggs (2%). In regard to results of this study, the importance of vegetables in the transmission of intestinal parasites in stressed, and it is necessary to improve the sanitary conditions of these kinds of food.

Tunisia - Natural occurrence of ochratoxin A in Tunisian cereals
13 May 2008
Food Control (Volume 20, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 218-222) [edited][iFSN]
Chiraz Zaieda, Salwa Abida, Lazhar Zorguib, Chayma Bouaziza, Salwa Chouchanea, Mohamed Jomaaa and Hassen BACHA
Science Direct
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several fungal species from Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. It is widespread in food and feed and its occurrence has been reported in cereals, cereal-derived products, dried fruits and spices. This mycotoxin was implicated in several human and animal pathologies such as the Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) and the Tunisian Chronic Interstitial Nephropathy (CIN) of unknown cause. In Tunisia, a clear correlation has been established between the consumption of OTA contaminated food and the induction of specific pathologies. Thereby, OTA was detected in human blood and tissues. The aim of our study was to investigate the presence of OTA in widely consumed cereals commercialized in Tunisia. The analytical methods used in our study involved the extraction of OTA by acidified toluene, immunoaffinity (IAC) clean-up and HPLC quantification with fluorescence detection. Levels and percentages of OTA contamination in different types of cereals, 110 wheat, 103 barley, 113 sorghum and 96 rice samples, were evaluated with incidences of 38%, 40%, 38% and 28%, respectively. The average of contamination by OTA found were 55, 96, 44 and 117 μ g/kg, respectively, for wheat, barley, rice and sorghum. Our results showed that contamination percentages and levels in the period from 2004 to 2005 were higher then usual norms (5.0 μ g OTA/kg) established by the European commission in 2002. The present report is the first one ever carried out on the natural occurrence of OTA in cereals, largely consumed by the Tunisian population.

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