In the news

A publication in Applied and Environmental Microbiology (Vol 89, October 2023) reports that Antimicrobial blue light (aBL) in the 400–470 nm wavelength range can kill multiple bacteria. The study assessed its potential for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), to be inactivated, focusing on surface decontamination. Three wavelengths were tested, with gallic acid as a photosensitizing agent (Ps), against dried cells obtained from bacterial suspensions, and biofilms on stainless-steel (SS) coupons. Within 16 h of exposure at 405 nm, viable Lm dried cells and biofilms were reduced by approx. 3 log CFU/cm2 with doses of 2,672 J/cm2. Application of Ps resulted in an additional 1 log CFU/cm2 at 668 J/cm2, but its effect was not consistent. The highest dose (960 J/cm2) at 420 nm reduced viable counts on the biofilms by 1.9 log CFU/cm2. At 460 nm, after 800 J/cm2, biofilm counts were reduced by 1.6 log CFU/cm2. The effect of material composition on Lm viability was also investigated. Irradiation at 405 nm (668 J/cm2) of cells dried on polystyrene resulted in one of the largest viability reductions (4.0 log CFU/cm2), followed by high-density polyethylene (3.5 log CFU/cm2). Increasing the dose to 4,008 J/cm2 from 405 nm (24 h), improved its efficacy only on SS and polyvinyl chloride. Biofilm micrographs displayed a decrease in biofilm biomass due to the removal of biofilm portions from the surface and a shift from live to dead cells suggesting damage to biofilm cell membranes. These results suggest that aBL is a potential intervention to treat Lm contamination on typical material surfaces used in food production. The data shows the ability of the blue light to exert antimicrobial activity, with and without the addition of an exogenous photosensitizing agent, against Listeria monocytogenes.  @ https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.01147-23

The FDA reported that Blue Ridge Beef recalled Breeders Choice 2# log dog food Lot# 8/2/24 UPC 8 54298 00193 1 due to Salmonella. On October 27, 2023, Blue Ridge was notified by the FDA that the dog food tested positive for Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date. The product was distributed between 8/9/2023 and 8/25/2023. The product was packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia retail stores. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-breeders-choice-2-dog-food-due-salmonella-health-risk

The FDA reported that Blue Ridge Beef recalled Breeders Choice 2# log dog food Lot# 8/2/24 UPC 8 54298 00193 1 due to Salmonella. On October 27, 2023, Blue Ridge was notified by the FDA that the dog food tested positive for Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date. The product was distributed between 8/9/2023 and 8/25/2023. The product was packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia retail stores. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-breeders-choice-2-dog-food-due-salmonella-health-risk

The FDA advises parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children because the product may contain elevated lead levels. The FDA reported that it was recently made aware of a developing investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) regarding four children with elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity. The NCDHHS investigation identified WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches as a potential shared source of exposure. As part of their investigation, NCDHHS analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, detecting extremely high lead concentrations. The FDA has reviewed and supported NCDHHS’s analytical findings and found that analytical results at this level could result in acute toxicity. The FDA has shared the results with the firm whose representatives are cooperating with the FDA and have agreed to voluntarily recall all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches regardless of expiration. WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree.@ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-parents-and-caregivers-not-buy-or-feed-wanabana-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery