In the news

As of January 6, 2022, CDC declared that the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in spinach is over. The outbreak has cases 10 states (CA (1), IA (1), IN (4), MI (1), MN (2), MO (1), NE (1), OH (1), PA (1) SD (2)), with 15 illnesses and 4 hospitalizations. The FDA traced the products to 3 farms in California and Oregon. Due to the end of the season in the locations, all samples collected were negative. Investigators reported that one location processes products and sometimes use products from multiple growers in one production run. This type of product co-mingling is not uncommon but presents challenges for traceback investigations of foodborne outbreaks. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-spinach-november-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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