In the news

According to the CDC, as of January 6, 2022, 10 people were infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 in four states (AK (2), OH (1), OR (1), WA (6)). Consumer purchase data indicate that seven people purchased Nature’s Basket Power Greens or Simple Truth Organic Power Greens at grocery stores before becoming sick. These two salad blends consist of organic spinach, mizuna, kale, and chard; the same processor manufactured both brands. To date, no single production code has been identified by the traceback. Records collected indicate that leafy greens used in these products were sourced from Salinas and Imperial Valley, CA, and Yuma, AZ. All the indicated products are no longer on the market. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-power-greens-packaged-salad-january-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported that Save-on-Foods recalls certain Save on Foods brand combo meals from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. The CFIA says the affected products include Save on Foods’ lemon chicken, sweet and sour pork, ginger beef, and honey garlic chicken combo meals. They all have best before dates ranging from Dec. 31, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022, depending on the day they were packaged. The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Yukon. This recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s inspection activities. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-save-foods-brand-combo-meals-recalled-due-salmonella?utm_source=r_listserv

Researchers from Harvard and the Nanyang Technological University developed a waterproof transparent package. The new packaging material can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based polymers, which can have a significant adverse environmental impact. The smart release of antimicrobials occurs when bacteria or high humidity is present. It provides protection only when needed, thus minimizing the use of chemicals and preserving the natural composition of packaged foods. The package demonstrated superior antimicrobial qualities in combating various food-related bacteria and fungi. The smart packaging material is made via electrospinning, in which charged threads of polymer solution are drawn out into fibers. The main ingredient for the material is a type of corn protein called ‘zein’ — a waste by-product in the production of ethanol from corn starch or oils. The researchers added the plant starch cellulose and acetic acid. The team infused these with a cocktail of natural antimicrobial compounds derived from plants, including thyme oil and citric acid. In laboratory tests, the team was able to show that the antimicrobials are released in minuscule amounts from the fibers in the packaging material when exposed to either a rise in humidity or certain enzymes released by harmful bacteria. @ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10355721/amp/Tech-Smart-pack-keeps-food-fresh-longer-releasing-antimicrobials-kill-harmful-bugs.html

The CDC reported that its epidemiologic data show that Simple Truth Organic brand and Nature’s Basket brand Organic Power Greens may be contaminated with E. coli and maybe making people sick. As of December 29, 2021, 13 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from six states (AK (2), WA (7), CA (1), OH (1), OR (1), MS (1)). Of 12 people with information available, four have been hospitalized, and one person developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Of 10 people who provided brand information, 6 ate or bought Simple Truth Organic Power Greens, and 1 ate Nature’s Basket Organic Power Greens. Both Organic Power Greens salads have the same mix of leafy greens: organic spinach, mizuna, kale, and chard. Several sick people reported using these salads in smoothies. WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food. @ https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2021/o157h7-12-21/details.html