CDC announces multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak at Mexican restaurant chain...
Today the CDC made a curious announcement—a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, all linked...
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Frisia Dairy in Western Washington Recalls Raw Milk for E. coli Risk...
Today it was announced that the Frisia Dairy and Creamery, located in Tenino, Washington, is recalling its raw milk products...
Read More2011 Michigan E. coli outbreaks...
The Ambassador E. coli O157:H7 outbreak was not Michigan's first E. coli outbreak of 2011, though it may have been...
Read More2006 Study on Washing Methods for Cantaloupe Production - Are the Best Practices in Place?
Bill Marler recently brought to my attention an article published roughly six years ago in the Journal of Food Science. The article details a study that shows that washing cantaloupes with hot water was an effective method in reducing the likelihood of bacterial contamination.
The study demonstrated that surface pasteurization can greatly reduce levels of Salmonella from the surfaces of cantaloupes. Beyond that, it appears that the "edible portions of cantaloupes remain cool" during such a treatment.
It does not appear that the heat treatment, and other best agricultural practices, have been consistently followed in cantaloupe production. In the wake of last years deadly listeria outbreak from cantaloupe, the growing practices invovled came under fire from Congress and the FDA.
But the 2011 listeria outbreak was not the first outbreak linked to cantaloupe.
Courtesy of outbreak database, here are reported cantaloupe outbreaks:
- Del Monte Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak (2011)
- California Restaurant Cantaloupe Outbreak, Norovirus (2008)
- Colorado Private Home Cantaloupe and Watermelon Salmonella outbreak (2008)
- Agropecuraria Montelibano Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak (2008)
- Colorado Cantaloupe Salmonella at Private Home (2007)
- Atlantic City Hotel Restaurant Fruit Salad and Green Salad 2007
- Grocery Store, Health Care Facility, and Nursing Home Fruit Salad 2006
- Colorado Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak (2005)
- Utah Private Home Cantaloupe, Barbequed Chicken, Corned Beef 2005
- Florida Unknown Location Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Bananas 2003
- Multistate Day Care Center or Private Home Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon 2003
- Washington State Church Cantaloupe, Grapes, Watermelon 2002
- Susie Cantaloupe Distributed by I. Kunik Company 2002
- Oregon Nursing Home or Restaurant Cantaloupe 2001
- Viva Brand/Shipley Sales Cantaloupe (2001)
- Cantaloupes 2000
- Ontario, Canada Cantaloupe 1998
- Imported Mexican Cantaloupe 1997
- Cantaloupe 1991
- Multistate Cantaloupe 1990
- Multistate Cut Cantaloupe 1989
- Wisconsin Unknown Location Cantaloupe 1985
Maybe its time to read up in those scientific journals?
Food Safety News: No Raw Milk Link, No Brucellosis in Massachusetts
Food Safety News reports, a Massachusetts resident who first tested positive for brucellosis has now been confirmed to not have the infection, according to an email from the assistant commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).
"While initial test results did show up positive, further, more specific and accurate testing by the CDC confirmed that the person does not have brucellosis," Nathan L'Etoile wrote in the message forwarded by the NOFA/Massachusetts Raw Milk Network.
As a result, the MDAR "will be rescinding the Cease and Desist from the sale of Raw Milk" order that had been issued in the state last week, the email stated.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), in an email, also confirmed that "the patient did test negative for brucellosis. The milk and the cows also tested negative for any brucellosis bacteria. Neither DPH or DAR have any health concerns at this time."
On Jan. 20, the MDAR and the DPH issued a consumer alert for raw milk from Twin Rivers Farm in Ashley Falls, MA "due to the possibility of raw milk being contaminated with Brucella."
That earlier news release stated, in part: "This investigation is being conducted in response to a suspected human case, following an individual's contact with this farm. The presence of Brucella in raw milk represents a significant danger to public health."
In his email Thursday, L'Etoile wrote, "All in all this has been a trying experience, but the cooperation and willingness to take the steps needed by MDAR, DPH, USDA and most importantly the farmer has helped immensely."
Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Footlong Sandwiches recalled for Listeria
On January 25, 2012, it was announced that Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Footlong Sandwiches are being recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The sub sandwiches were distributed on January 2nd and 3rd to convenience stores in Florida and South Georgia.
The sandwiches being recalled have expirations dates of January 19 and January 22 and UPC 0543200194. The sandwich is packaged in white butcher wrap. The Best Buy date is located on the white press on circular label. The UPC Code is located on the bottom of the product beneath the Ingredient and Nutrition Facts label.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services which revealed that the finished products contained Listeria.
The product has already been removed from store shelves; however, consumers who may have purchased the sandwich for later consumption are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-394-6258 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5 PM EST.
Jones Seasoning Recalls Salt Products on Salmonella Fears
The FDA has announced that Jones’ Seasoning Blends LLC is conducting a recall of Jones’ Mock Salt Original as well as Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend due to the potential contamination with Salmonella.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this voluntary recall.
This recall was initiated due to possible Salmonella contamination of the celery seeds ingredient used in Jones Mock Salt. The FDA did not identify the supplier of the celery seeds.
The following affected products were directly distributed to grocery stores and markets in California, Minnesota, and Washington and it was also sold through internet orders on www.jonesmocksalt.com:
- Jones’ Mock Salt Original: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 16616 6), 12 oz bags (UPC 0 94922 07199 6) and 16 oz bags (0 94922 16616 6).
- Jones’ Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend: Organic Salt Free Seasoning, 1.6 oz bottles (UPC 0 94922 01560 0).
There is no lot number identifying the bottles or bags. Any products purchased from July 1, 2011 to December 14, 2011 are implicated in the recall.
