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
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The waterproof pack – developed by researchers from Harvard and the Nanyang Technological University – looks exactly like transparent plastic.
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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
Read previous investigation details about an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to packaged salads.
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The FDA reported that Haifa Smoked Fish (Jamaica, NY) is expanding the recall of “Turbot Cold Smoked Fish & Caviar” to include 920 LB of Turbot from Lots 97, 223, 299, 321. The recall is because the products can be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The above lots of TURBOT COLD SMOKED 8 OZ products were distributed to New York and New Jersey retail stores. No illnesses have been reported up to date. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haifa-smoked-fish-inc-expands-recall-turbot-cold-smoked-8-oz-package-lots-97-223-299-321-because
HAIFA SMOKED FISH of Jamaica, NY is expanding their recall of Turbot Cold Smoked 8 oz Packages to include 920 LB of Turbot from Lots 97, 223, 299, 321. The products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections i
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According to the CFIA, T&T Supermarket Inc.(Richmond, British Columbia), a subsidiary of Loblaw Companies, recalls Osaka and T&T Supermarkets prepared Seafood Meals from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Salmonella. The following Seafood Meals are subject to this recall: Roasted Red Fish Don(C) Meals, sold in 470 gram packages; Unagi Don Meals, sold in 450 gram packages; Unagi Don-Cold Meals, sold in 470 gram packages; and Japanese Don (Cold) Meals, sold in variable gram packages. This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The recalled products have been sold at the following stores in British Columbia: Osaka Supermarket, 1000-3700 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC; T&T Supermarket, 147-4800 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC; T&T Supermarket, MAJ1-8311 Lansdowne Road, Richmond, BC; and T&T Supermarket, 100-19705 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC. @https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-prepared-meals-sold-certain-osaka-and-tt-supermarkets-british-columbia
