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The CDC analysis indicates that the incidence of resistant Salmonella infections was higher in 2015–2016 than in earlier periods during 2004–2014. They estimated a 40% increase in annual infections of Salmonella resistant to ampicillin or ceftriaxone or nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin. During 2015-2016.There were ~ 222,000 infections in 2015-2016 vs ~159,000 in 2004-2005. Ciprofloxacin-resistant infection accounted for more than ½ of the increase. Serotype Enteritidis contributed the most to this increase. Chicken and eggs have been the main domestic sources of Enteritidis infections. In the United States, ciprofloxacin-nonsusceptible strains of Enteritidis and other serotypes have been isolated from imported seafood. Plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance genes have been detected among ciprofloxacin-nonsusceptible isolates in the United States. These genes might contribute to the spread of fluoroquinolone nonsusceptibility. Estimates of changes in resistance incidence can help identify trends of greatest concern to set priorities for prevention.  @ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/6/20-4486_article

Biofilm formation on equipment surfaces by pathogens is a significant concern. A study by scientists at the Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, published in Food Control (Vol 130 Dec 2021, 108275), assessed the combined effects of substrate topography and coating composition on L. monocytogenes biofilm formation. Stainless steel 304 with three surface topographies (native finish, #4 commercial brushed finish, and native finish with microfabricated pillars) was evaluated. All were tested either uncoated or coated with one of five FDA-approved food-contact substances (chromium nitride, titanium nitride, Dursan, Ni–P-polytetrafluoroethylene (Ni–P-PTFE), and Lectrofluor 641). Results indicate that surface topography and composition significantly affected fouling resistance. Significant enhancement of resistance to L. monocytogenes fouling was observed on native finish coated by Ni–P-PTFE, which reduced L. monocytogenes by 1.5 Log CFU/cm2. The most significant reductions in L. monocytogenes biofilm formation were obtained with Dursan coated on the native finish (3.4 Log CFU/cm2) and on the micropillar-modified native finish (2.8 Log CFU/cm2).  A new strategy can be applied to create fouling resistance of stainless steel against L. monocytogenes biofilm for improved sanitary design of food processing equipment.  @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956713521004138#

A review article in the International Journal of Food Microbiology (Vol 352, Aug 2021) explores the bacteriological safety of sprouts. Sprout consumption was associated with more than 60 outbreaks of foodborne illness worldwide since 1988. The most common pathogens found were Salmonella and pathogenic Escherichia coli (especially STEC). The germination process causes changes in the chemical composition of seeds that improve the nutritional value of sprouts while decreasing their microbiological safety. The germination conditions are ideal for bacterial growth as well. The implementation of good agricultural practices is an essential tool for producing high-quality seeds. Several methods of seed decontamination are used commercially or have been investigated by researchers in the post-harvest stage. After germination, seedlings should be kept under refrigeration and, if possible, cooked before consumption. Finally, microbiological analyses should be performed at all stages to monitor the hygiene of the sprout production process. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168160521002257

CORE identified pre-cooked shrimp as the source for the Salmonella Weltevreden outbreak reported in CORE last week. The information collected so far indicates that pre-cooked shrimp is the likely source of this outbreak.  However, it appears that the product lots linked to outbreak illnesses are past their shelf life and are no longer available for sale. The most recent illness occurred in late April 2021. FDA continues to investigate, and if FDA’s outbreak investigation results in specific, actionable steps for consumers to protect themselves, a public health advisory will be issued. Patients in the new Salmonella Weltevreden outbreak live in Nevada and Arizona. Health officials do not rule the possibility that there may be people in other states who have been infected. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery