A pilot study of the microbiological quality of culturally diverse, ready-to-eat foods from selected retail establishments in Melbourne, Australia
10 Dec 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Sarah K. McLean, Louise A. Dunn, Enzo A. Palombo
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of foodborne outbreaks linked to the consumption of culturally diverse foods. This appears to be because of the increasing quantity of culturally diverse foods available and a preference to store these foods, some of which are considered potentially hazardous, at ambient temperature. This practice may contravene temperature requirements defined by the Food Standards Code. A lack of understanding of the hazardous nature of some culturally prepared foods also poses difficulties in applying the Australian food safety legislation by regulators. This pilot study examined the normal microbiota of four culturally diverse foods: nem chua, che dau trang, kueh talam, and bánh tét nhân mặn, which are traditionally stored and consumed at ambient temperature. Challenge testing was conducted to investigate the ability of these foods to support the growth of foodborne bacterial pathogens. Two of the products (kueh talam and che dau) were found to be microbiologically unsatisfactory because of the high standard plate counts. Challenge testing indicated that kueh talam, che dau, and bánh tét nhân mặn were able to support the growth ofBacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, andSalmonella(1–2 log increases over 6 hours at 25°C), suggesting that these foods may require temperature control during storage. However, nem chua was unable to support the growth of test bacteria, probably because of its acidic nature (pH 4.5), suggesting that ambient storage of this food may be safe. This study provided some preliminary evidence to support the need for further sampling and challenge testing of these products.

Outbreaks of Campylobacteriosis in Australia, 2001 to 2006
08 Dec 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 6(10): 1241-1250 [edited][FSNet]
Leanne E. Unicomb, Kathleen E. Fullerton, Martyn D. Kirk, Russell J. Stafford
The objective of this study was to examine the frequency ofCampylobacteroutbreaks in Australia and determine common transmission routes and vehicles. Summary and unit data onCampylobacteroutbreaks that occurred between January 2001 and December 2006 were systematically collected and analyzed. Data fromCampylobactermandatory notifications for the same period were used for comparison. During the study period there were 33Campylobacteroutbreaks reported, affecting 457 persons. Of these, 147 (32%) had laboratory-confirmed infections, constituting 0.1% of notifiedCampylobactercases.Campylobacteroutbreaks most commonly occurred during the Australian Spring (September to November; n=14, 45%), when notifications generally peaked. Transmission was predominantly foodborne or suspected foodborne (n=27, 82%), commercial settings (n=15, 55%) being most commonly involved. There were eight foodborne outbreaks (30%) attributed to food prepared or eaten at institutions; four (15%) at aged care facilities and three (11%) at school camps. A vehicle or suspected vehicle was determined for 16 (59%) foodborne outbreaks; poultry (chicken or duck) was associated with 11 (41%) of these, unpasteurized milk and salad were associated with two outbreaks each. Three potential waterborne outbreaks were detected, and one was due to person-to-person transmission.Campylobacteroutbreaks were more commonly detected during this study period compared to a previous 6-year period (n=9) when prospective recording of information was not undertaken. However, outbreak cases continue to constitute a very small proportion of notifications. Improved recognition through subtyping is required to enhance outbreak detection and investigation so as to aid policy formulation for prevention of infection. In addition to detection of chicken as a common source of outbreaks, these data highlight the importance of directing policy at commercial premises, aged care facilities, and school camps to reduceCampylobacterdisease burden.

Korea:Hand washing cuts food poisoning
08 Dec 2009
JoongAng Daily [edited][FSNet]
The number of reports of group food poisoning from June through November shrank 47 percent from the same period a year earlier, largely thanks to heightened hygiene awareness following the A(H1N1) flu outbreak, the Korea Food and Drug Administration was quoted as saying yesterday. A(H1N1) influenza, previously named “swine flu,” began spreading in April.
Restaurants saw food poisoning cases drop from 195 to 96. Household cases dropped from 22 to 12.

The Australian bush ply (musca vetustissima) as a potential vector in the transmission of foodborne pathogens at outdoor eateries
07 Nov 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Frank Vriesekoop, Rachel Shaw Australian outdoor activities are often accompanied by a barbeque (BBQ) with family, friends, and guests, which are often interrupted by uninvited guests in the form of the Australian bush fly,Musca vetustissima. Researchers investigated the bacterial loading associated with the Australian bush in three different environments: on a cattle farm, in a typical urban area (shopping center car park), and at a BBQ. The highest bacterial populations per fly were found to occur in a farm environment (9.1×104 CFU per fly), whereas the bacterial population was lowest on flies caught in an urban environment (1.9×104 CFU per fly). The median CFU per fly caught near a BBQ was 5.0×104.Escherichia coliwas the most commonly isolated potential pathogen, whereasShigellasp. was the least common bacterial isolate that was screened. All isolated foodborne pathogens or indicator bacteria were screened for antibiotic resistance against commonly prescribed antibiotics. This revealed a very high prevalence of multidrug resistance, especially among theSalmonellaandShigellaisolates of 94% and 87% resistance, respectively, against amoxicillin, roxythromycin and cefaclor.

Outbreaks of Campylobacteriosis in Australia, 2001 to 2006
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Leanne E. Unicomb, Kathleen E. Fullerton, Martyn D. Kirk, Russell J. Stafford The objective of this study was to examine the frequency ofCampylobacteroutbreaks in Australia and determine common transmission routes and vehicles. Summary and unit data onCampylobacteroutbreaks that occurred between January 2001 and December 2006 were systematically collected and analyzed. Data fromCampylobactermandatory notifications for the same period were used for comparison. During the study period there were 33Campylobacteroutbreaks reported, affecting 457 persons. Of these, 147 (32%) had laboratory-confirmed infections, constituting 0.1% of notifiedCampylobactercases.Campylobacteroutbreaks most commonly occurred during the Australian Spring (September to November; n=14, 45%), when notifications generally peaked. Transmission was predominantly foodborne or suspected foodborne (n=27, 82%), commercial settings (n=15, 55%) being most commonly involved. There were eight foodborne outbreaks (30%) attributed to food prepared or eaten at institutions; four (15%) at aged care facilities and three (11%) at school camps. A vehicle or suspected vehicle was determined for 16 (59%) foodborne outbreaks; poultry (chicken or duck) was associated with 11 (41%) of these, unpasteurized milk and salad were associated with two outbreaks each. Three potential waterborne outbreaks were detected, and one was due to person-to-person transmission.Campylobacteroutbreaks were more commonly detected during this study period compared to a previous 6-year period (n=9) when prospective recording of information was not undertaken. However, outbreak cases continue to constitute a very small proportion of notifications. Improved recognition through subtyping is required to enhance outbreak detection and investigation so as to aid policy formulation for prevention of infection. In addition to detection of chicken as a common source of outbreaks, these data highlight the importance of directing policy at commercial premises, aged care facilities, and school camps to reduceCampylobacterdisease burden.

Australia-Adelaide study finds rainwater is safe to drink
04 Nov 2009
Adelaide Now [edited][FSNet]
A major study of Australian households with a water tank has found drinking rainwater had no impact on their health.
The study was based in Adelaide, the nation's tank capital, and took in 300 homes that used rainwater as their primary drinking source.
All of the homes were given a benchtop filter and told it would remove any potential gastroenteritis-causing bugs from their water, but half of the devices intentionally did not work.
The rate of gastro cases recorded across the households over 12 months was found to match that seen across the broader community, who drank treated tap water.
Gastroenteritis rates were the same for families who used the working filters and those who had the dummy devices.
The research contrasts official advice from state health departments that discourages rainwater drinking where treated water is available.

Korea-Enteric viruses in raw vegetables and groundwater used for irrigation in Korea
24 Oct 2009
American Society for Microbiology [edited][FSNet]
Sooryun Cheong, Cheonghoon Lee, et al.
Raw vegetables irrigated with groundwater, which may contain enteric viruses, can be associated with foodborne viral disease outbreaks. In the study, researchers performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cell culture-PCR to monitor the occurrence of enteric viruses in groundwater samples and in raw vegetables that were cultivated using that groundwater in Korea. Samples were collected ten times from three farms located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. RT-PCR and cell culture-PCR were performed to detect adenoviruses (AdVs), enteroviruses (EVs), noroviruses (NoVs), and rotaviruses, followed by sequence analyses of the detected strains. Of the 29 groundwater samples and the 30 vegetable samples, five (17%) and three (10%) were positive for enteric viruses, respectively. AdVs were the most frequently detected viruses in four groundwater and three vegetable samples. EVs and NoVs were detected in only one groundwater sample and one spinach sample, respectively. The occurrence of enteric viruses in groundwater and vegetable samples was not correlated with the water temperature and the levels of indicator bacteria, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that most of the detected AdVs were temporally distributed irrespective of sample type. The results indicate that raw vegetables may be contaminated with a broad range of enteric viruses, which may originate from virus-infected farmers and virus-contaminated irrigation water, and these vegetables may act as a potential vector of foodborne viral transmission.

CHINA:Pesticides exposure linked to suicidal thoughts
22.oct.09
King's College London [edited][FSNet]
A new study in China has found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. The study was carried out at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London together with scientists from Tongde Hospital Zhejiang Province.
The agricultural pesticides commonly used in China are organophosphates which are in wide use in many lower income countries but have been banned in many Western nations. It is well known that they are very dangerous if ingested as an overdose but there is also biological evidence that chronic low-grade exposure to these chemicals, which are very easily absorbed into the body through the skin and lungs, may have adverse effects on mental health. This study is the first epidemiological evidence to suggest possible effects on suicidal thoughts.
The study was carried out in central/coastal China, a relatively wealthy area with a rapidly developing economy. In a very large survey of mental health in rural community residents, participants were also asked about how they stored pesticides. The study found that people who stored pesticides at home, i.e. those with more exposure, were more likely to report recent suicidal thoughts. Supporting this, the survey also found suicidal thoughts to be associated with how easily accessible these pesticides were in the home and that the geographic areas with highest home storage of pesticides also had highest levels of suicidal thoughts in their populations.
Given the high level of pesticide exposure and the high suicide risk in rural China, clarification of the causal mechanisms underlying this association and the development of appropriate interventions should be priorities for public health and health policy.

Vietnam-Herbal medicines threaten health, pocket
13 Oct 2009
Viet Nam News (VNS) [edited][ProMed]
People who take traditional herbal medicines without professional supervision are in danger of suffering long-term health problems and costly treatments.
The warning was reported from a detoxification centre director, following the admission of up to 8 patients a month with complications from traditional herbal treatments.
One of the patients, 35, was prescribed a herbal medicine to help her conceive a baby. What she did not tell the practitioner was that she was a hepatitis patient.
After 10 days of taking the herbal medicine she fell ill and was rushed to the Bach Mai centre in serious condition.
The official also reported the case of a 4-year-old child who was brought to the centre unconscious after having been given a herbal medicine for his epilepsy. Tests showed he had been poisoned with high levels of arsenic, mercury, and lead. The child would be in hospital for a year but his brain was permanently damaged.
The official reported that traditional medicines were not necessarily safe, as many contained toxins. They should only be taken on prescription from a qualified and experienced practitioner.
A doctor from the National Traditional Medicine Institute was quoted as saying arsenic was extremely toxic but it was an ingredient in some traditional medicines. The doctor said only experienced doctors could make a safe prescription containing arsenic without poisoning the patient.

Malaysia-Listeria monocytogenesin raw salad vegetables sold at retail level
08 Oct 2009
Food Control [edited][FSNet]
Jeyaletchumi Ponniah, Tunung Robin, Margaret Selina Paie, et al.
A range of commercially available vegetables (n=306) that are consumed in the minimally processed state in Malaysia was examined for the presence ofListeria sppandListeria monocytogenesto provide information on the occurrence of such organisms in these vegetables. Analysis was carried out using the Most Probable Number-Polymerase Chain Reaction (MPN-PCR) method. It was found thatListeria sppand L. monocytogenescould be detected in 33.3 % and 22.5 % of the vegetables respectively.L. monocytogeneswas more frequently detected in Vigna unguiculata (Japanese parsley) at 31.3% and Oenanther stolonifera (yardlong bean) at 27.2 %.

New Zealand-Survey to look at antibiotic resistant bacteria
05 Oct 2009
NZFSA [edited][FSNet]
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has embarked on a new project as part of efforts to keep down levels of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the human food chain.
Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, which do not respond to antibiotics, are increasingly associated with human illness and death. While the large majority of cases are due to person-to-person transmission, there is also a potential for transmission via the food chain.
NZFSA has commissioned a baseline survey of antimicrobial resistance in the New Zealand food chain. It doesn’t look at all food animal species, but focuses on freshly dressed carcasses of calves, pigs and broiler poultry in New Zealand abattoirs and processing plants. The survey will look specifically atCampylobacter,Salmonella, E. ColiandEnterococcusbacteria.
The use of antibiotics to prevent disease in animals and plants that are then used to produce food can potentially affect public health by creating a reservoir of resistant bacteria or the genes. This resistance can be passed on to human disease-causing bacteria, both directly and indirectly. Factors that help prevent AMR bacteria from developing and spreading include sensible use of antibiotics and effective infection control practices, especially in human healthcare.

Risk factors and epidemiology of the ten most commonSalmonellaserovars from patients in Thailand: 2002-2007
04 Oct 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. October 2009, 6(8): 1009-1019 [edited][FSNet]
Rene S. Hendriksen, Aroon Bangtrakulnonth, Chaiwat Pulsrikarn, Srirat Pornruangwong, et al.
Researchers conducted a retrospective observational study to assess epidemiological trends and risk factors associated with the 10 most commonSalmonellaserovars isolated from humans in Thailand between 2002 and 2007. A total of 11,656Salmonellaisolates covering all 6 years were included in the study. The top 10Salmonellaserovars identified during the course of this study were Enteritidis, Stanley, Weltevreden, Rissen, I [1],4,[5],12:i:-, Choleraesuis, Anatum, Typhimurium, Corvallis, and Panama, which accounted for 8108 (69.6%) of the isolates. Most isolates were from patients 5 years;S. Choleraesuis was recovered with a higher frequency from patients in Bangkok and the central region, whereasS. Enteritidis was recovered predominantly from patients in the southern region. This study also indicates a shift in prevalence of the most commonSalmonellaserovars responsible for human infections in Thailand compared to previous studies. Notably, there was an increase in human infections withS. Stanley,S. Corvallis, andS. Choleraesuis, three serovars that have previously been associated with swine, and a decrease in infections due toS. Weltevreden andS. Anatum. The study also revealed differences in the epidemiology among the different serovars, suggesting that serovar-specific interventions are needed. We recommend initiating targeted interventions for the two serovars associated with a high odds ratio for submitted blood samples,S. Enteritidis andS. Choleraesuis. The authors recommended additional epidemiologic studies to investigate the observed increase in swine associated serovars (S. Stanley,S. Corvallis, andS. Choleraesuis) and determine interventions to reduce the burden of disease from these serovars.

Antimicrobial resistance and phage types ofSalmonellaisolates from healthy and diarrheic pigs in Korea
04 Oct 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. October 2009, 6(8): 981-987 [edited][FSNet]
Suk-Kyung Lim, Hee-Soo Lee, Hyang-Mi Nam et al.
Objective: To investigate the serotypes, antimicrobial resistance, and phage types ofSalmonella spp. isolated from healthy and diarrheic pigs in Korea.
Results: A total of 204 Salmonella were isolated, and 3 and 9 serotypes were identified in the isolates from healthy and diarrheic pigs, respectively.SalmonellaTyphimurium (38.9%),SalmonellaRissen (25.3%), andSalmonellaSchwarzengrund (17.9%) were the most commonly observed serotypes in healthy pigs, whileSalmonellaTyphimurium (89.7%) in diarrheic pigs. A high frequency of resistance to antimicrobials, including tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and streptomycin, was observed inSalmonellaisolates. In particular,SalmonellaTyphimurium showed much higher rates of resistance than those of other serotypes, and most ofSalmonellaTyphimurium had resistance to more than four antimicrobials tested. Twelve definitive phage types (DTs) ofSalmonellaTyphimurium were identified, and the most commonly observed types were PT194 (15%) and PT203 (14%). Only 3% (4/133) ofSalmonellaTyphimurium were identified as DT104, and they all showed resistance to multiple drugs (=4).
Conclusion and Applications: This is the first report on the prevalence ofSalmonellastatus in Korean pig production system obtained from a nationwide survey. Our results show alarming rates of resistance and multiple resistances. This information can help select appropriate drug agents for empirical therapy ofSalmonellaTyphimurium infection. It may also be helpful to set the guidelines on prevention and control of this pathogen in swine production system.

Serodiversity, pandemic O3:K6 clone, molecular typing, and antibiotic susceptibility of foodborne and clinicalVirbio parahaemolyticusisolatesin Jiangsu, China
04 Oct 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. October 2009, 6(8): 1021-1028 [edited][FSNet]
Guoxiang Chao, Xinan Jiao, Xiaohui Zhou, et. al.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major foodborne pathogen in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. In this study, researchers collected 437 strains ofV. parahaemolyticusand investigated their serotypes, distribution of virulence genes, and presence of pandemic O3:K6 clone strains. A total of 327 strains were isolated from food and 110 strains were isolated from active surveillance hospitals or food outbreaks during 2005 to 2008. Presence of the tdh and trh genes is the key characteristic of virulent strains. Positive for both the tdh gene and group-specific polymerase chain reaction is the key characteristic of pandemic strains O3:K6 was the dominant serovar in pandemic strains. All pandemic isolates had identical arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction fragment patterns, but did not share similar antibiotic sensitivity patterns. These results suggest that high serodiversity ofV. parahaemolyticuswas present in foodborne strains. Pathogenic isolates, especially pandemic isolates, were present in high-priced iced seafood and became the potential risk factor in food.

Vietnam-Survey for fishborne zoonotic metacercariae in farmed grouper in Vietnam
04 Oct 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. October 2009, 6(8): 1037-1039. [edited][FSNet]
Bui Ngoc Thanh, Anders Dalsgaard, Øystein Evensen, K. Darwin Murrell
Because of the common and growing practice of consuming raw grouper in Vietnam, the potential for transmission of zoonotic parasites is unclear. An investigation of the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in cage-reared grouper (Epinephelus coioidesandEpinephelus bleekeri) from marine waters of Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong city, Northern Vietnam, revealed the presence of two zoonotic trematode metacercariae species,Procerovum variumandHeterophysopsis continua. Since little is known of their ecology and epidemiology, further investigation of these zoonotic parasites is needed to develop prevention guidelines.

Thailand-Antimicrobial resistance ofCampylobacterspecies isolated from edible bivalve molluscs purchased from Bangkok markets
04 Oct 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. October 2009, 6(8): 947-951. [edited][FSNet]
Campylobacterspecies have been recognized as the most commonly reported cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. The increase of resistance rates to drugs of choice used for treatment in campylobacteriosis is becoming a public health concern. In parallel, the increased use of antimicrobials in aquaculture may lead to the emergence of resistant microorganisms and is likely to cause additional health risks to humans through food consumption. The study assesses the presence of antimicrobial resistance inCampylobacterspecies isolated from three groups of bivalve molluscs (bloody cockles, green mussels, and oysters) purchased from markets in Bangkok. Rates of erythromycin, nalidixic acid, and ciprofloxacin resistance inCampylobacterisolates were 72–84%, 28–40%, and 21–25%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of each antimicrobial resistance between the three groups. This study demonstrates a significant level of antimicrobial resistance in theCampylobacter spp. isolated from molluscs with a particular high rate of resistance to erythromycin. Consumption of raw molluscs contaminated with antimicrobial-resistantCampylobacter spp. may therefore result in resistant infections in humans.

Evidence of class 1 integron transfer betweenEscherichia coliandSalmonella spp. on livestock farms
04 Oct 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. October 2009, 6(8): 959-964 [edited][FSNet]
A study was conducted to determine if homologous integrons occurred inEscherichia coliandSalmonella spp. within livestock production sites in the United States and Thailand suggesting transfer of genetic resistance elements between those organisms. Fecal samples were collected via rectal swabs from live swine in the United States and Thailand, and cloacal swabs from live chickens in Thailand, and killed chickens at a U.S. abattoir. Isolates were derived only from farms harboring bothSalmonellaandE. coli,resulting in the inclusion of 571E. coliand 98Salmonellaisolates derived from both livestock species in the United States and Thailand. The researchers’ results indicate that while in most cases, integrons of coexistingE. coliandSalmonelladiffered, identical integron amplicons were found in those species from a single swine farm in Thailand, suggesting horizontal transfer between these two organisms may have occurred on-farm.

September

New Zealand:No concerns over chemical residues in food
29 Sep 2009
NZFSA [edited][FSNet]
New Zealand consumers have no need to worry about chemical residues in their diet, further test results from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) show.
NZFSA today released the second quarter results for the Total Diet Study (TDS). The five-yearly study puts more than 120 commonly eaten foods into the lab to assess New Zealanders’ dietary exposure to residues of chemical residues, contaminants and selected nutrients.
The second quarter of the study looked at 62 nationally available foods that were prepared for eating – for example meat cooked and bananas peeled – before being tested. Of more than 60,000 analyses, only two areas will be investigated further.
One was a non-compliant tomatoes-in-juice product made from New Zealand and Italian tomatoes, which had residues of the insecticide methamidophos slightly above the maximum residue limit of 0.1mg/kg.
The other was higher than expected levels of lead in domestically produced bran flakes.
The FRSP is an annual study that assesses the effectiveness of chemical residue controls on imported and locally-produced foods.
NZFSA has notified the manufacturers of the bran flakes products and the tomatoes-in-juice so they can check their quality controls.
As with the first quarter results, fish and seafood showed the expected higher levels of arsenic and mercury than other categories of food. The results for arsenic and mercury are comparable to what was found in the last TDS.

Korea-Food poisoning germ found in 20% of imported meat
22 Sep 2009
The Chosun [edited][FSNet]
Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria which causes food poisoning, is found in one out of five pieces of imported meat, according to a report by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to the National Assembly on Monday. 
Out of 295 shipments of imported chicken, beef and pork examined,Staphylococcus aureuswas discovered in 57 (19.3%). The second most frequently discovered germ wasCampylobacter jejuni(4.1%) andListeria monocytogenes(1.28%).

Staphylococcus aureusis destroyed at temperatures over 80 degrees Celsius, but once a toxin is created from it, it survives temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius and causes food poisoning. 
The germ was most frequently detected in Mexican beef, with 50 percent infected, followed by beef from New Zealand (19 percent), Australian beef (11.1%) and U.S. beef (10.5%). As for pork, the germ was found in both shipments from Hungary, 75% of Dutch pork and 50% of Danish pork. 
Two out of four Danish chicken shipments examined also showed the bacteria. No microbial test is carried out on Korean meat, so there is no data.

Effect of chitosan and thyme oil on a ready-to-cook chicken product
21 Sep 2009
Food Microbiology [edited][FSNet]
V. Giatrakou, A. Ntzimani and I.N. Savvaidis
The present study examined the effect of natural antimicrobials: chitosan, thyme and their combination, on the shelf-life of a Ready to Cook (RTC) chicken-pepper kebab (skewer) stored under aerobic conditions at 4°C for a period of 12 days. Based primarily on sensory data (taste attribute) A-CH, A-T and A-CH-T treatments extended the product's shelf-life by ca. 4 and 6 days, respectively, as compared to the control sample.

New Zealand:A tale of two parasites: the comparative epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis
17 Sep 2009
Epidemiology and Infection (2009), 137:1641-1650 [edited][FSNet]
S. J. SNEL, M. G. BAKER, et al.
New Zealand has a higher reported incidence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis than most other developed countries. This study aimed to describe and compare the epidemiology of these infections in New Zealand, to better understand their impact on public health and to gain insight into their probable modes of transmission. We analysed cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis notification data for a 10-year period (1997–2006). Highest rates for both diseases were in Europeans, children aged 0–5 years, and those living in low-deprivation areas. Cryptosporidiosis distribution was consistent with mainly farm animal (zoonotic) reservoirs. There was a dose–response relationship with increasing grades of rurality, marked spring seasonality, and positive correlation with farm animal density. Giardiasis distribution was consistent with predominantly human (anthroponotic) reservoirs, with an important contribution from overseas travel. Further research should focus on methods to reduce transmission of Cryptosporidium in rural areas and on reducing anthroponotic transmission ofGiardia.

A comparison of polymerase chain reaction and International Organization for Standardization methods for determination ofEnterobacter sakazakiicontamination of infant formulas from Chinese mainland markets
10 Sep 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease [edited][FSNet]
Yingwang Ye, Qingping Wu, Lin Yao, Xiaohui Dong, Kui Wu, Jumei Zhang
Enterobacter sakazakiiis an emerging foodborne pathogen associated with meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis in infants. One of the main transmission vehicles is the commercially available infant formulas. To provide efficient options and direction for detectingE. sakazakiiin infant formulas, evaluation of different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the ompA gene, and the a-1,4-glucosidase gene (gluA) of this organism, were compared to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) method for detectingE. sakazakiiin the 243 commercial infant formula samples. Twelve samples were found to be positive forE. sakazakiiby all the PCR assays used, followed by sequencing of PCR products. Ten samples were found to be positive by the ISO method, and all 10 gave positive signals for all the PCR amplifications. In contrast, four false-positive results were generated by single-PCR of the ITS region and one false-positive result targeting the ompA gene, while two false-negative results occurred with the ISO method. Combined with selective enrichment step(s), duplex-PCR targeting ITS and ompA and targeting ompA and gluA genes or single-PCR of the gluA gene can be used to test for contamination byE. sakazakiiin infant formulas before they enter the market. PCR techniques will be helpful for routine monitoring and risk assessment for large-scale screenings.

Thailand:Risk factors and epidemiology of the ten most common Salmonella serovars from patients in Thailand: 2002-2007
07 Sep 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess epidemiological trends and risk factors associated with the 10 most commonSalmonellaserovars isolated from humans in Thailand between 2002 and 2007. A total of 11,656Salmonellaisolates covering all 6 years were included in the study. The top 10Salmonellaserovars identified during the course of this study were Enteritidis, Stanley, Weltevreden, Rissen, I [1],4,[5],12:i:-, Choleraesuis, Anatum, Typhimurium, Corvallis, and Panama, which accounted for 8108 (69.6%) of the isolates. Most isolates were from patients 5 years;S.Choleraesuis was recovered with a higher frequency from patients in Bangkok and the central region, whereasS. Enteritidis was recovered predominantly from patients in the southern region. This study also indicates a shift in prevalence of the most common Salmonella serovars responsible for human infections in Thailand compared to previous studies. Notably, there was an increase in human infections withS. Stanley,S. Corvallis, andS. Choleraesuis, three serovars that have previously been associated with swine, and a decrease in infections due toS. Weltevreden andS. Anatum. The study also revealed differences in the epidemiology among the different serovars, suggesting that serovar-specific interventions are needed. We recommend initiating targeted interventions for the two serovars associated with a high odds ratio for submitted blood samples,S. Enteritidis andS. Choleraesuis. The authors also recommend additional epidemiologic studies to investigate the observed increase in swine associated serovars (S. Stanley,S. Corvallis, andS. Choleraesuis) and determine interventions to reduce the burden of disease from these serovars.

August

Australia-Survey shows sushi is safe to eat
26 Aug 2009
ABC News [edited][FSNet]
A survey by the New South Wales Food Authority has found the standard of sushi quality has risen to the highest level in years.
The snapshot survey of 87 samples from 15 stores found that 98.3 percent of samples were acceptable.
That is up one percent from a 2007 survey.
The state's Primary Industries Minister says three samples were found to have small traces of potentially harmfulListeria, but were not considered a problem.

Japan-National surveillance ofSalmonellaentericain food-producing animals in Japan
25 Aug 2009
AVS [edited][FSNet]
Kanako Ishihara, Toshio Takahashi, et al.
A total of 518 fecal samples collected from 183 apparently healthy cattle, 180 pigs and 155 broilers throughout Japan in 1999 were examined to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility ofSalmonella. The isolation rates were 36.1% in broilers, 2.8% in pigs and 0.5% in cattle.S. entericaInfantis was the most frequent isolate, found in 22.6% of broiler fecal samples. Higher resistance rates were observed against oxytetracycline (82.0%), dihydrostreptomycin (77.9%), kanamycin (41.0%) and trimethoprim (35.2%). Resistance rates to ampicillin, ceftiofur, bicozamycin, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid were 10%. CTX-M-2 β-lactamase producing S. enterica Senftenberg was found in the isolates obtained from one broiler fecal sample. This is the first report of cephalosporin-resistant Salmonella directly isolated from food animal in Japan.

New Zealand-Residues in food still low, study shows
18 Aug 2009
NZFSA [edited][FSNet]
Tests on locally produced food show the average New Zealand diet presents no chemical residue food safety concerns.
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) today released the first quarter results for the Total Diet Study (TDS). The five-yearly study tests more than 120 commonly eaten foods to estimate New Zealanders’ dietary exposure to chemical residues, contaminants and selected nutrients.
Foods tested for the study are split into two groups - those from the regions and those available nationally. While the survey is not intended to be a compliance survey, any issues of non-compliance with allowable limits for residues or contaminants are acted upon.
One was a non-compliance in tomatoes from Napier, where the pesticide azaconazole was found at slightly above the maximum residue limit of 0.05 mg/kg.
The other was higher than expected levels of lead in breads from Napier.
The FRSP is an annual study that assesses the effectiveness of chemical residue controls on imported and locally-produced foods.
In January, the Environmental Risk Management Authority prohibited the use of the insecticide endosulfan. As this was during the first quarter food collection period, researchers say they found traces of the insecticide in some produce. However, the low levels found indicate the insecticide was highly unlikely to have been used after the prohibition date.
Sixty-three foods available nationally were tested in the second quarter and these results will be available shortly. Test results will be released regularly throughout the analysis period with a final report expected in late 2010.

New Zealand-'Scary' study findsE. coliin dairy ice-creams
18 Aug 2009
Otago Daily Times [edited][FSNet]
Research by a 12-year-old Dunedin girl is raising questions about the safety of scoop-served ice cream.
Testing of vanilla ice cream bought from 17 Dunedin dairies showed that five of the cone ice creams were contaminated withE. colibacteria at levels far above those permitted by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
An ice cream which had by far the highest level ofE. coliamong the 17 samples was also found to be contaminated with theStaphylococcus aureusmicro-organism.
In a further twist, that particular ice cream - and another which was also found to haveE. coli- came from stores which had received an "A" grading by the Dunedin City Council environmental health department.
The girl said finding bacterial contamination in nearly a third of the samples was "scary".
Her findings are being highlighted in a research project she has created as part of the 2009 Aurora Otago Science and Technology Fair, which is being held at the Otago Museum later this week.

China-Food poisoning cases on rise in China
5 Aug 2009
CriEnglish.com [edited][FSNet]
Forty-eight people died and 3,063 people fell ill because of food poisoning throughout China between April and June, the Ministry of Health said Wednesday, calling for swift action to prevent food contamination.
The numbers of poisoning cases and associated fatalities climbed steeply during the second quarter. They were mainly caused by food contamination by bacteria and pesticide, the ministry said.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received 77 food poisoning case reports in the April-June period, a rise of 40 percent from the same period last year, and nearly three times that of the first three months this year.
The numbers of the dead and those falling ill were respectively 65.5 percent and 11.3 percent higher compared to the same period last year.
Food contamination by bacteria such asSalmonellawas the leading cause of poisoning, largely because of improper storage and processing of foodstuffs during summer, the ministry said.

July

Korea-24 percent of ice cream contaminated with germs
20 Jul 2009
The Korean Times [edited][FSNet]
About a quarter of ice cream and ice at restaurants and drink shops in Seoul is contaminated with high levels of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, according to Seoul City, Monday.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) inspected 74 ice cream shops, fast food franchises, coffee houses and bakeries. Among the shops selling ice cream and ice, 18 shops sold products that contained more than the permitted levels of bacteria such as colonBacillusandStaphylococcus aureusthat can cause food poisoning.
A franchise in Gangnam-gu was found to have ice cream containing 220 colony forming units (cfu) per milliliter of colonBacillus, 22 times more than the level permitted.
As to ice, used mostly in ice coffee, 14 locations among 44 fast food franchises and coffee shops were found to be using contaminated ice.

Taiwan-Evaluating food safety perceptions and practices for agricultural food handlers
18 Jul 2009
Science Direct [edited][FSNet]
This study investigates food safety perceptions and agricultural food handling practices, as well as satisfaction with the work performance of such handlers. Data are collected from 333 food handlers at agricultural food processing companies or restaurants. Dimensions pertaining to food safety perception and practices include personal sanitation, pre-handling food preparation, food preparation and after food preparation. The scales of food safety perception during analysis are higher than what are typically found in practice, and some gaps are identified. Analysis results indicate that food preparation and after food preparation dimensions have significantly higher mean values than those associated with pre-food handling and personal sanitation. Regression analysis further demonstrates that satisfaction with work performance can accurately predict food safety perception and practice components. Moreover, their handling practices mediate how perception affects satisfaction with work performance of food handlers.

Australia-Consumers blind to toxic dangers at greengrocer
03 Jul 2009
Sydney Morning Herald [edited][FSNet]
Fruit and vegetables sold in NSW regularly exceed the permitted levels of chemical residue, yet consumers have no way of knowing how to identify and avoid potentially toxic produce.
The industry-run national testing body FreshTest has confirmed about 2.5 percent of the produce it tests either exceeds the maximum residue levels set for more than 100 dangerous pesticides and herbicides, or is found to contain traces of chemicals not approved for use on the relevant crop.
But FreshTest is under no obligation to pass the results of its testing on to either the NSW Government or the consumer. And while at least two other states regularly pay FreshTest for state-based results, NSW has never bought any of the data.
Moreover, because the system is industry-run and fully funded by the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries, the testing is voluntary, done only at the request of either the grower or the wholesaler.
In contrast to Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, which all conduct independent testing for residue, no such testing has been carried out by the NSW Government in more than four years, even though the Minister for Primary Industries was quoted as telling Parliament in May that "the [NSW] Food Authority regularly undertakes testing for residues".

New Zealand-Source attribution of foodborne zoonoses in New Zealand
July 2009
Risk Analysis, Volume 29 Issue 7, Pages 970 – 984 [edited][FSNet]
A Bayesian approach was developed by researchers to estimate the contribution of different food sources to the burden of human salmonellosis in Denmark. This article describes the development of several modifications that can be used to adapt the model to different countries and pathogens. The researchers modified Hald model has several advantages over the original approach, which include the introduction of uncertainty in the estimates of source prevalence and an improved strategy for identifiability. We have applied our modified model to the two major food-borne zoonoses in New Zealand, namely, campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. Major challenges were the data quality for salmonellosis and the inclusion of environmental sources of campylobacteriosis. We conclude that by modifying the Hald model we have improved its identifiability, made it more applicable to countries with less intensive surveillance, and feasible for other pathogens, in particular with respect to the inclusion of nonfood sources. The wider application and better understanding of this approach is of particular importance due to the value of the model for decision making and risk management.

June

Vietnam-Over 60 million Vietnamese have parasitic worms
11 Jun 2009
VietNamNet [edited] [FSNet]
A government report on food hygiene and safety said that many vegetables and fruits contain pesticides and chemicals, meats and meat products contain bacteria and over 60 million Vietnamese people have parasitic worms in their bodies.
Random tests of fruits and vegetables in Hanoi and Vinh **** province in the north, Tien Giang province and HCM City in the south in April 2008 revealed 20 of 154 vegetable samples and three of 60 fruit samples containing pesticides in excess of the permitted level.
72 out of 76 vegetable samples were infected with coliform bacterium, 40E. colibacteria and sixSalmonella, all exceeding the permitted thresholds.

May

Hong Kong:8 food samples fail safety tests
29 May 2009
news.gov.hk [edited] [FSNet]
The Centre for Food Safety found eight out of 5,200 food samples tested in April to be unsatisfactory, mainly involving excessive or illegal use of food preservatives or colourings. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.8%.
It tested vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products and frozen confections, and cereals and grains.
A leaf mustard sample was found to contain pyridaben, a pickled plum sample was found to contain excessive sulphur dioxide as a preservative, while fried water spinach with soybean curd sauce sample was found to containBacillus cereus.
A fresh pork sample contained sulphur dioxide, and a chilled raw oyster had norovirus nucleic acid.

Vietnam-Seafood industry to test RFID
19 May 2009
RFID Update [edited] [FSNet]
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and the Vietnamese State Agency for Technological Innovation (SATI) are planning an RFID (radio frequency identification) pilot to track seafood exports. The pilot, which is expected to begin early in the third quarter of 2009, will use some combination of RFID and bar code technology to ensure the safety and freshness of seafood as it is shipped to global markets.
The tracking solution will be tested at selected Vietnamese farms that export seafood to retailers in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. Using FXA's OpsSmart food traceability solution, the farms will collect critical data about each batch of shrimp and seafood, such as harvest date, location and temperature.
RFID and/or bar code labels will be used to uniquely identify individual batches of shrimp, and data about those batches will be associated with shipments so that retailers can access traceability information through an Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) query via IBM's InfoSphere Traceability Server software, which has been integrated with OpsSmart. InfoSphere is compliant with GS1's EPCIS standard.
In the event of a food contamination incident, for example, retailers and government agencies could then pinpoint the origin of the contamination and organize a targeted recall.

South Korea:Scientists show kimchi may help combat Avian Influenza, SARS
19 May 2009
The Korea Herald [edited] [FSNet]
Eating well-fermented kimchi may protect people from the potentially fatal bird flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), South Korean researchers said Monday, according to Yonhap News.
A joint team of scientists from the Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI) and local universities said laboratory tests conducted since 2006 on 115 chickens and 42 mice showed that the spicy, fermented dish prevents infections in animals.
Kimchi is a side dish eaten with almost all traditional Korean meals, and it is made from cabbage, radishes, cucumber, garlic and red chili peppers.

Australia-An outbreak ofSalmonella entericaserotype Litchfield infection in Australia linked to consumption of contaminated papaya
12 May 2009
Journal of Food Protection, Volume 72, Number 5, pp. 1094-1098(5) [edited] [FSNet]
Gibbs, Robyn, et al.
An outbreak of 26 cases ofSalmonellaLitchfield infection occurred in the states of Western Australia and Queensland between October 2006 and January 2007. A case-control study was conducted with 12 cases and 24 controls, and a significant association was found between illness and consumption of papaya (odds ratio, 32.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.71 to 883.5). Papaya samples were collected from 26 stores in Western Australia, and 9 of 38 samples were contaminated withSalmonellaLitchfield. These samples had pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis profiles indistinguishable from the outbreak strain. Three farms in Western Australia supplied the contaminated papaya, and two of these farms were inspected.SalmonellaLitchfield was not detected in papaya samples, fungal sprays, or water samples from the farms; however, at one farm other serotypes ofSalmonellawere detected in untreated river water that was used for washing papaya. Only treated potable water should be used for washing fresh produce that is to be eaten raw.

Australia-Anthrax, bovine
6 May 2009
6minutes.com.au [edited] [ProMed, Mod.MHJ]
An unexpected side effect of climate change is the reemergence of anthrax in rural areas, as flood waters uncover long buried spores, New South Wales (NSW) researchers have suggested.
The 1st major outbreak of anthrax in cattle in the Hunter Valley [NSW] in almost 70 years occurred in late 2007, they note in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, this month [May 2009]. Initially, the outbreak in which 53 cattle died on 11 properties was blamed on waterborne dispersal of anthrax, but this was ruled out when cases were found to spread upstream and to properties without contiguous streams.
Now epidemiologists are pointing the finger at a "1-in-100-year rain event" in June 2007, when the drought-ravaged area experienced rainfall of 259 mm in 3 days, flooding which removed topsoil and unearthed anthrax spores, washing them into streams and gullies.
They say the resurgence of anthrax underlines the decades-long durability of the spores, which are resistant to biological extremes of heat, cold and desiccation. Their experience is a timely reminder that public health authorities should be on high alert for possible anthrax when unexpected livestock deaths follow flooding in areas where anthrax has historically occurred.

April

Australia -Raw egg warning asSalmonellarate increases
09 Apr 2009
ABC News [edited][iFSN]
According to this story, New South Wales authorities are urging people to be careful using raw eggs after a large increase inSalmonellainfections. New South Wales Health says cases of salmonellosis are up 37 percent when compared with the same period last year. The chief health officer for New South Wales Health says many of the infections have been linked to food containing raw eggs.

China -Detection of CTX-M-15, CTX-M-22, and SHV-2 extended-spectrumβ-lactamases (ESBLs) inEscherichia colifecal-sample isolates from pig farms
01 Apr 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. April 2009, 6(3): 297-304
Guo-Bao Tian, Hong-Ning Wang, Li-Kou Zou, Jun-Ni Tang, Ying-Wang Zhao, Man-Yu Ye, Jing-Yuan Tang, Yi Zhang, An-Yun Zhang, Xin Yang, Chang-Wen Xu, Yue-Jun Fu
The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles and the molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producingEscherichia coliisolates from two production swine operations in Sichuan Province, China, between August 2002 and February 2007. The prevalence of ESBL-producingE. coliincreased dramatically from 2.2% to 10.7% during this period. This increase appeared mostly related to dissemination of CTX-M–type ESBLs amongE. coliisolates. Of 212E. coliisolates studied, 14 harbored ESBL genes. Among them, 13 harbored blaCTX-M-15/22 and one harbored blaSHV-2. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify blaCTX-M-22 from production animals. One isolate in 2002 harbored blaSHV-2, indicating that ESBL genes have been present in farm animals in China since at least 2002. Molecular characterization and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the ESBL-producing isolates suggested that different mechanisms may be involved in the dissemination of the CTX-M genes and revealed that additional resistance determinants for non–β-lactam antibiotics were carried by plasmids encoding certain ESBL genes. Results of this study provide an example of how ESBL genes, particularly those of CTX-M lineages, are rapidly spreading amongE. coliisolates from commercial pig farms in Sichuan province of China.

Korea -Improved hygiene leads to a spike in hepatitis A
01 Apr 2009
JoongAng Daily - Seo Ji-eun [edited][iFSN]
According to this story, reports of hepatitis A infections surged 2.1 times in the first three months of this year from the same period a year earlier.
The number of people infected with the acute liver disease totaled 1,668 in the three-month period. Hepatitis A was designated by the law as an infectious disease in 2000. It is reported that those in their 20s and 30s accounted for 79 percent of the total reports in the first quarter of this year. Last year, that age group accounted for 7,848, or 81 percent, of the year’s cases. The story goes on by explaining that ironically, the institution cited the improved sanitary conditions of Korea as the key culprit. In the 1960s and 1970s when the country was recovering from the ruins of the Korean War, notions of public hygiene and health were not what they are today. As such, people gained natural immunity after being exposed with the disease in infancy. But hygiene has improved along with economic progress, an increasing number of people have their first contact with the virus as adults, according to the center.

China - Assessment of benzoic acid levels in milk
01 Apr 2009
Food Control(Volume 20, Issue 4, Pages 414-418)
Ping qi, Hong Honga, Xiaoyan Lianga and Donghao Liua [edited][iFSN]
Benzoic acid is the most commonly used preservative in foodstuffs. Although benzoic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), adverse effects such as asthma, urticaria, metabolic acidosis and convulsions were observed at low doses in sensitive persons. Some weak clastogenic activity was noted in in vitro assays. The aim of our study was to determine the levels of benzoic acid in milk samples consumed in the city of Guangzhou, China. In this study, 142 samples of pasteurized milk (24), ultra high temperature milk (UHT, n = 45), milk powder (n = 31) and infant formula (n = 42) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with diode array detector (DAD) from October 2006 to January 2007. Benzoic acid was detected in 109 (76.8%) samples, ranging from 0.51 to 111 mg/kg. The LOD for benzoic acid was, respectively, 0.2 mg/kg in pasteurized and UHT milk, 2 mg/kg in milk powder and infant formula. The mean recoveries of spiked samples at 4 levels were 99.5 ± 3.1% in liquid milk, and 98.5 ± 4.3% in milk powder, respectively. The results show that benzoic acid widely occurs in milk and milk products in China at the low levels. The levels found are not high, and should not affect the general public; however, it may affect the infants and/or sensitive persons. Therefore, it is important to assess the levels of benzoic acid in milk in China. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the lowest percentage of positive samples in pasteurized milk probably results from the difference in the quality of raw milk, processing technical and storage condition of milk products.

New Zealand -Salmonella,Escherichia coliO157:H7 andE. colibiotype 1 in a pilot survey of imported and New Zealand pig meats
01 Apr 2009
Food Microbiology, Volume 26, Issue 2, April 2009, Pages 177-182
Teck Lok Wong, Stuart MacDiarmid and Roger Cook [edited][iFSN]ScienceDirect.com
A pilot survey for the pathogensSalmonellaandEscherichia coliO157:H7, andE. colibiotype 1 was conducted on 100 New Zealand-produced (domestic) pig carcasses and 110 imported pig meat samples over an 8-month period to assess the likelihood of introduction of novel pathogen strains into New Zealand (NZ), and as a guide for development of a domestic pork National Microbiological Database programme.Salmonellawas not isolated from domestic pig carcasses or from pig meat imported from Canada and the USA. The prevalence ofSalmonellain imported pig meat was 3.6% (95% CI 1.0–9.0) with positive samples detected from Australian pig meat. The prevalence ofE. coliO157:H7 on domestic pig carcasses was 1% (95% CI 0.03–5.4) while the overall prevalence ofE. coliO157:H7 in imported pig meat was 1.8% (95% CI 0.2–6.4), detected mainly from Australian but not from Canadian or US pork. All except three samples have anE. colibiotype 1 count of <100 CFU cm-2 or g-1, indicating good hygiene quality of domestic and imported pig meat. The results demonstrated that importation of uncooked pig meat is a potential route for the introduction of new clones ofSalmonellaandE. coliO157:H7 into New Zealand.

March

Australia -Crypto clue: one person to blame for outbreak
31 Mar 2009
The Sidney Morning Herald [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, genetic testing has revealed that Sydney'sCryptosporidiumoutbreak may have stemmed from a single infected person. The finding means it is unlikely that an infected animal or environmental conditions, such as the weather, are to blame. Since the beginning of last month [February 2009], when the latest outbreak appeared, 628 people have fallen ill, compared with 482 in all of last year [2008].

Australia -Nanotechnology regulations must be strengthened– Choice
24 Mar 2009
News.com.au - AAP [edited][iFSN]
Australia needs to toughen regulations on nanotechnology in food and food packaging, Choice says.
A new report by the consumer group says consumers can't tell which foods and packaging use sub-microscopic nanotechnology to improve shelf life or taste because Australia lacks adequate regulations and safety checks.
It says an estimated 150-600 nanofoods and 400-500 nanofood packaging applications are in use around the world.
Choice says it does not know for sure if they are present in Australia but given the global prevalence believes they could already be on sale here in confectionery packaging, bottle coatings and PET drink bottles.
Nanotechnology involves structures as small as molecules, 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, that can have new and unexpected properties because their small size brings quantum effects into play and their larger relative surface area makes them more reactive.
Choice said reliable studies had raised concerns about the potential for nanomaterials to cause damage to human cells and tissues.
There is also a lack of research into how nanoparticles in food react once inside the human body, it said.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council said it was not aware of nanotechnology being used in any Australian food and grocery products.
"Any new products will need to be assessed as safe through Australia's food regulatory system before they can go on sale and any specific labeling requirements will also need to be determined.”

Philippinesresearchers develop food pathogen detection kit
20 Mar 2009
CropBiotech Update [edited][iFSN]
Researchers from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) have recently put into market DNA Amplification System (DASTM), a detection kit for the presence of the deadly strainEschericia coli0157:H, gastro-intestinal disease-causingSalmonellaandStaphyloccoccus aureaus. The developed kit can also detect the presence ofEschericia colicontamination, which serves as indicator for the presence of bacteria causing gastro-intestinal-related diseases.
The DASTM kit is pathogen specific, accurate and a highly sensitive system that utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. After binding to very specific primers, small fragments of the DNA segments of the pathogenic microorganisms are amplified into million-fold copies, thus allowing for the detection of the presence of the pathogenic microorganism. The control of pathogens in food production and early detection of microbial contamination are important to ensure food safety and disease prevention. The developed kit, which provides definitive results and does not need for confirmatory tests, can be utilized by the animal industry, food industry, government regulatory agencies, health institutions and quarantine and service laboratories.

February

New Zealand -High rates of gut infection in NZ
27 Feb 2009
ScienceAlert - University of Otago [edited][iFSN]
New Zealand has some of the highest reported rates of gut infections caused byCryptosporidiumandGiardiaaccording to just published research by the University of Otago Wellington (UOW).
The two papers published in the New Zealand Medical Journal are the first comprehensive epidemiological analyses of the incidence of these gut infections in New Zealand since they were made notifiable by law in 1996. The research used anonymous notification and hospitalisation data.
The paper onCryptosporidiuminfections showed that annual notification rate between 1997-2006 averaged 22.0 cases per 100,000, much higher than Australia (15.8) UK (8.5), USA (3.0) and Germany (1.6).
Giardiashowed a similar pattern with NZ rates running at an average of 44.1 cases per 100,000 compared to the UK (5.5), USA (7.1) and Germany (5.5).
Associate Professor Michael Baker from the Department of Public Health at UOW says both gut infections cause serious gastroenteritis and cost the country hundreds of thousands of dollars in health care and lost work time.
He says these disease rates are highly conservative as most cases are not seen by a doctor and are therefore not notified.
“The reason for our high rate ofCryptosporidiumprobably relates to the fact that we are an agricultural country and it’s often spread from animals, particularly cattle,” says Associate Professor Baker.
“Prevention should focus on protecting the highest risk group, children living in rural areas during the calving and lambing season in spring. Good hand washing is likely to help.”
Professor Baker says the rate ofCryptosporidiuminfection in rural areas is nearly three times higher than in urban areas, and European children under 10 have the highest rates. Young livestock excrete large numbers of the protozoa which may infect people through direct contact or indirectly via contaminated pastures or drinking water.
Swimming pools can also be a source of infection, though this source appears to have become less important following highly publicized outbreaks in the late 1990s, which resulted in upgrading of pool filtrations systems and other measures to reduced transmission.
The epidemiological pattern withGiardiais different fromCryptosporidium, although the infection is also characterized by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Notification (1997-2006) and hospitalization (1990-2006) data indicate an infection which is more characteristic of urban New Zealand. This infection also has a second peak in the 30-39 year age group which is probably caused by contact with young children, particularly babies in nappies.
“WithGiardiathe infection appears to be mainly transmitted person to person, unlikeCryptosporidium. Animals in rural areas are probably not the major source ofGiardiain New Zealand as some people may think. Infection during overseas travel appears to be a source in about 20 percent of cases,” says Associate Professor Baker.
Some other sources ofGiardiainfection are: untreated drinking water, recreational water and swimming pools, school and childcare centers, and food premises.
Associate Professor Baker says the high economic cost of both these infections, and the relatively high rates in this country indicate more attention should be paid to preventing these diseases.
He suggests this means more emphasis on public health education about hand washing, nappy handling in the case ofGiardia, and other basic hygiene measures. Continuing Ministry of Health efforts to improve drinking water quality may also reduce rates. Ultimately, we still need further research to identify the most important modes of transmission of both these infections so we can identify effective prevention measures.

Thailand-Pollution afflicts Thai farmers. Toxic cadmium poisoning symptoms similar
to 'itai itai' disease
15 Feb 2009
Asia News Magazine. Yomiuri Shinbun report [edited] [Promed]
Farmers in a cadmium-polluted village in northern Thailand have been complaining of symptoms similar to Japan's 'itai itai' disease, a type of cadmium poisoning, and one of the 4 major pollution-related diseases in Japan.
In mid-January [2009], a group of 1128 Thai farmers filed a damages suit against a local zinc-mining operator and a mine development firm, demanding 3.7 billion baht (USD 105 million) in compensation. But the farmers are in a quandary, as the legal battle is expected to be lengthy before any settlement.
In the Mae Ku district in the suburbs of Mae Sot, [Tak province in north western Thailand], former rice paddies stretching over a gently sloping hilly area are now covered with weeds, exposing cracks on the dry surface.
The nonprofit International Water Management Institute (IWMI) concluded in 2004 that pollution of accumulated cadmium had changed the color of the rice in the area. Upon the discovery, the Thai government banned farmers in the polluted area from cultivating rice.
So [the farmer] began growing corn for fuel use and other vegetables in place of rice, but in vain. The IWMI survey showed that about 2000 hectares [4940 acres] in the Mae Ku area and its vicinity had been polluted with cadmium. The amount of cadmium detected in the tainted rice was more than 5 times the internationally permissible level of 0.4 milligrams per kilogram.
Though the Thai government purchased polluted rice between 2004 and 2007, it failed to take any measures to compensate for the farmers' financial losses. Moreover, the source of the contamination has yet to be determined. A separate survey by Mae Sot General Hospital and other groups found that about 7000 residents in the Mae Ku region and its vicinity have complained of pains in their bones and of kidney disorders -- symptoms believed to be caused by cadmium intake.
Although examinations by Japanese doctors and other experts showed that the patients' symptoms at this stage were not as critical as those of 'itai itai' disease sufferers, a local doctor expressed concern. "High levels of cadmium have accumulated in the bodies of many elderly patients. We should take careful note of the situation," said a doctor at Mae Sot General Hospital, adding that sufficient steps to address the situation have yet to be taken.
Farmers suspect the zinc-mining firm had released cadmium-contaminated waste water into the river during the refining process. But resolving the dispute likely will take some time, as the company is set to contest its responsibility for the cadmium contamination.

Taiwan-Tainted milk powder producer rules out contamination during production
03 Feb 2009
Xinhua News Agency [edited][iFSN]
It is reported that the tainted baby milk powder producer in Taiwan on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of the milk powder being contaminated during the production process, but it said that pollution may have taken place during transport. The general manager of foods corporation, said the company found noEnterobacter sakazakiibacteria during the production process. "The milk powder might have been contaminated during transport," he said. "Also we have examined the milk source imported from abroad and the result turned out to be safe," he said. The story goes on by explaining that China's quality watchdog, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), revealed Monday that 9.62 tons of bacteria-tainted milk had been recalled after it failed quality tests for containing theEnterobacter sakazakii.

Hong Kong -Children's snacks pass safety checks
02 Feb 2009
news.gov.hk[edited][iFSN]
All 399 samples of popular children's snacks recently collected by the Centre for Food Safety from 170 retail outlets and food plants have passed chemical and microbiological tests.
The survey included sweets, chewing gum, chocolates and jelly; savouries and baked goods such as potato chips, crackers, cookies and cakes; beverages including soft drinks, fermented drinks and juice drinks; and frozen confections like ice-cream, popsicles and yoghurt. They were chemically analysed for colouring matters, sweeteners, preservatives, anti-oxidants, aflatoxin and pesticides, and underwent microbiological tests covering coliform organisms and pathogens likeSalmonella,Bacillus cereusandStaphylococcus aureus.

China-Prevalence ofListeriain Chinese food products from 13 provinces between 2000 and 2007 and virulence characterization ofListeria monocytogenesisolates
01 Feb 2009
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. February 1, 2009, 6(1): 7-14. [edited][iFSN]
Jianshun Chen, Xiaofeng Zhang, Lingling Mei, Lingli Jiang, Weihuan Fang
Listeriosis is a severe disease with high mortality rate, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. The causative organismListeria monocytogenesis primarily transmitted to humans through contaminated foods. To gain an understanding of the prevalence ofListeriain Chinese food products, we reviewed relevant papers from journals published in China from 2000 to 2007. The average recovery rate ofListeriaspp. was 3.7% (0.1–7.7%) in all food categories in 13 provinces, with raw meat being the leading source.L. innocua(28.9%, 271/937) andL. monocytogenes(25.3%, 237/937) were more commonly isolated, both at higher proportion in all food types. Subtyping schemes in three laboratories in different provinces revealed that the majority of theL. monocytogenesisolates belonged to lineage II (67.1%), followed by lineage I at 31.6%, including the pathogenic serovars 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b isolates. Lineage III isolates comprising the low-pathogenic serovar 4a were rare. Knowledge of the prevalence ofListeriain various food products in different regions of China may be useful for developing intervention strategies for control of contaminations along the production chains.

January

Australia -Facts on deadly food bugs withheld
14 Jan 2009
The Australian - Sean Parnell [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, raw meat being sold in Australia is laden with potentially harmful bacteria, some of which have morphed into antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" that are difficult to treat when passed on to humans, according to a federal government survey.
It is reported that while authorities insist the bacteria levels are normal, and superbugs less prevalent than in other countries, the survey results were still suppressed for more than a month because the food industry did not want its Christmas sales jeopardized.
The story goes on by explaining that the Australian-first survey found higher-than-anticipated bacteria levels in whole raw chickens and beef mince, mixed results for pork chops, and surprisingly low levels of bacteria on ready-to-eat iceberg lettuce.
Escherichia coli, commonly known asE. coli, was found in 69 percent of poultry, 29.7 percent of beef and 18.1 percent of pork, but only 1 percent of lettuce.Enterococcus faecaliswas found in 96.6 percent of poultry, 95.7 percent of beef and 86 percent of pork.
Poultry also registered forCampylobacter(40 percent) andSalmonella(21.9 percent).
While the survey found more than 15 percent of theE. coliin poultry and pork were resistant to three common antibiotics, and a greater proportion of theEnterococcus faecalisresistant to two antibiotics, almost none was resistant to stronger drugs.

China's foodeconomy benefits small, poor farmers
07 Jan 2009
Wiley-Blackwell - Amy Molnar [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, one of the most significant changes in China's agricultural economy over the past fifteen years has been the rise of horticulture. However, there exists a great challenge to ensure delivery of a safe product. The researchers explored who is entering the different types of market channels and whether these channels guarantee food safety. Results show that small and poor farms are able to sell into traditional marketing channels. There is no evidence that poor households are getting less access to horticultural markets. To the extent that modern chains have penetrated into rural China, there exist no distinguishable differences in terms of size or wealth level.
However, the story goes on by explaining that ensuring the safety of China's apples and grapes is a challenging task. According to their survey, there are almost no contractual relationships between buyers and producers. Almost all transactions are in cash and done on a spot-market basis. Because of this, it would be difficult for any shipment of fresh or processed fruit that originated from the farms to be tracked back to the farm. After selling their output into the market, farmers in China's horticulture economy are free from all accountability.
"China's challenge is great," the authors conclude. "On the one hand, it wants to keep its market accessible to small, poor farmers. However, when a market is dominated by traders in traditional marketing channels, there is a big challenge in meeting the growing demand for food safety." Recent events inside China have shown that indeed this is an area that requires policy action. In the past several months China's government has begun to focus its efforts on building the institutions that are needed to modernize the food system from farm to consumer.

Japan -Panel believes cloned cattle safe to eat
07 Jan 2009
Daily Yomiuri Online - The Yomiuri Shimbun [edited][iFSN]
According to this story, a Food Safety Commission working group likely will acknowledge the safety of meat from cloned cattle and swine in a report to the commission's higher panel, potentially paving the way for cloned meat to enter the market, government sources said Tuesday. It is reported that the decision was made after its subgroup of experts had concluded meat from cloned animals was as safe as that from ordinary livestock. Once the commission acknowledges the safety of the meat, it is expected to open the door to the distribution of beef from cloned cows in the market, the sources said.

New Zealand-Molecular detection of Norovirus in sheep and pigs in farms
01.jan.09
Veterinary microbiology, Vol. 133, No. 1-2. pp. 184-189. [edited][FSNet]
Human norovirus (NoV) is reportedly the major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide and is commonly associated with water- and food-borne transmission via the faecal-oral route. Aside from humans, norovirus has been detected in pigs, cattle and mice. The close relatedness of some human and animal noroviruses has raised concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. Our laboratory recently reported the development of a multiplex real-time RT-PCR for the detection and genotyping of norovirus of genogroups I-III. Here researchers report a study of 56 faecal specimens from pigs and sheep that were collected and screened for noroviruses using this assay. Norovirus was found in 2/23 (9%) of porcine specimens (all were genogroup II) and in 8/33 (24%) of ovine specimens (all were genogroup III). Samples tested positive for norovirus were verified by conventional RT-PCR with different primer sets. Genomes of representative porcine and ovine norovirus strains underwent partial sequence analysis (343 and 2045 bases, respectively). This is the first report describing norovirus in sheep.

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