According to Bob Ferguson, pathogen testing is moving more and more to outside testing laboratories due to regulatory pressures and a stronger focus on food safety. While the total volume of microbiology testing is growing at 5-6%/y, the contract lab volume is increasing at 10-12%/y. One interesting observation of the survey was that seasoned lab directors had a higher tendency to keep the testing in-house. @ https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/december-2017january-2018/outsourcing-pathogen-testing-under-the-microscope/?mobileFormat=false
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The way processors view their responsibilities regarding microbiological testing is changing. Regulatory pressure and a focus on food safety are causing changes in where processors do their testing.
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More than 100 sick due to Norovirus in the Winter Olympic Games
South Korean health officials have said that no Olympic athletes have been affected; however, there is concern as some of the affected security officers did work in areas where athletes are residing. Most effected people are Olympic security personnel. It is unclear how Norovirus initially sickened workers at the Olympic Games. @ https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/norovirus-sickens-more-than-100-at-2018-winter-olympic-games/
As the 2018 Winter Olympics begin in South Korea, the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 128 cases of norovirus–up from just 32 cases a few days ago.
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Smokehouse Pet Products Recalled “Beefy Munchies” Sold Regionally Due to Salmonella Contamination
Smokehouse Pet Products, Sun Valley, CA recalled 4-oz bags of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies,” due to potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. “Beefy Munchies” was distributed in Washington, Michigan, North Carolina and Colorado through distributors selling to various retailers. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The problem was discovered in a routine testing of 4-oz packages of “Beefy Munchies.” conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture when 2 packages were positive for Salmonella. @ https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596038.htm
Smokehouse Pet Products, Inc. of Sun Valley, CA is recalling 4-oz bags of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies,” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
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Raws for Paws Recalls Turkey Pet Food Due to Salmonella Risk
Raws for Paws of Minneapolis, MN recalled approximately 4,000 pounds of its 5 lb. and 1 lb. chubs of Ground Turkey Pet Food due to potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled Ground Turkey Pet Food was distributed throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa directly to consumers and through online mail orders. Two illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The Salmonella contamination was found in testing packages of turkey by Minnesota Department of Agriculture @ https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596043.htm
Raws for Paws of Minneapolis, MN is recalling approximately 4,000 pounds of its 5 lb. and 1 lb. chubs of Ground Turkey Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.