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An article in J. Food Protection (“Persistence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Javiana, Listeria monocytogenes, and Listeria innocua in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution” Dhulappanavar et.al. Vol 86, 10, October 2023) investigated the persistence of Salmonella Javiana, Listeria monocytogenes, and Listeria innocua in nonsterile, hydroponic nutrient solution (NS) at 15, 25, 30, and 37°C over 21 days to mimic time from seedling to mature lettuce. A mixed model was used to determine the effect of bacteria type, time (day), and temperature on bacteria concentration (log CFU/mL). Statistical analysis indicated that a 3-way interaction effect between temperature, time, and bacteria type significantly impacted bacterial persistence in NS (P < 0.0001). At all temperatures, S. Javiana persisted in NS throughout the 21-day study period. L. innocua and L. monocytogenes were persistent for only  1 and 14 days. Decimal reduction values (D-values) of S. Javiana indicated longer persistence in NS than L. innocua and L. monocytogenes at most temperatures. Data indicate that the temperature of NS has a differential effect on the persistence of S. Javiana and Listeria spp. This study furthers understanding of potential food safety risks associated with hydroponic systems. It will contribute to further refinement of further studies to aid in developing operation-specific risk profiles. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X23068382

CORE update of October 04, 2023, the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes three active cases. One new case was added to the list: An outbreak of Salmonella Thompson (ref #1190) linked to a not yet identified product. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. The outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref #1179) has ended, but the FDA investigation is still ongoing. The outbreak of Cryptosporidium  (ref #1174) has ended, and the FDA investigation has closed. Both outbreaks have ended for the two Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks (reference #1163 and #1159), and the FDA investigations have closed. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Central Seafoods Whole Octopus was recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date. This is not a notice posted on the FDA’s Enforcement Reports page or the regular recall page. The recalling firm is CenSea Inc. of Northbrook, Illinois. The octopus was sold in these states: Ohio, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois, at the retail level. About 281 cases are included in this recall, weighing about 30 pounds. The recalled product is individually quick frozen (IQF). The product is a 2 to 4 pound whole octopus, 4 to 6 pound whole octopus, and 6 to 8 pound whole octopus. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2023/central-seafoods-whole-octopus-recalled-for-salmonella/

In a study (Microorganisms 2023,  11(6), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061414), a set of Pseudomonas isolates originating from cleaned and disinfected surfaces in a salmon processing facility were screened for biofilm formation at 12 °C. A high variation in biofilm formation between the isolates was observed. In both planktonic and biofilm states, selected isolates were tested for resistance/tolerance to a commonly used disinfectant (peracetic acid-based) and antibiotic florfenicol. Most isolates showed a much higher tolerance in the biofilm state than the planktonic state. In a multi-species biofilm experiment with five Pseudomonas strains with and without a  Listeria monocytogenes strain, the Pseudomonas biofilm appeared to aid the survival of L. monocytogenes cells after disinfection, underscoring the importance of controlling the bacterial load in food-processing environments. The study showed how the biofilm-forming and disinfectant tolerance of Pseudomonas spp. can aid the survival of Listeria monocytogenes. By doing so, Pseudomonas spp. residing in the food processing environment indirectly threatens food safety. @ https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/6/1414