In the news

A study comparing the effectiveness of a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and the Crystal Diagnostic Xpress (CDx) immunoassay for detecting Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in air samples collected from abattoirs in Texas was published in  J Food Prot (2021) 84 (1): 31–38 (Zahra et al., 2021). After 36 h enrichment, qPCR, and CDx assays, 37.5 and 57.1% of the samples, respectively, were positive for Salmonella (P < 0.05) and 65.0 and 60.7%, respectively, were positive for STEC (P > 0.05). Recovery of Salmonella and STEC increased 16 and 47%, respectively, when enrichment was extended from 18 to 36 h. Detection rates for samples from larger plants were higher for both pathogens. Salmonella detection was higher with the CDx assay than with the qPCR assay, but no differences were found in STEC detection. Detection rates for pathogens in the air are enhanced by using two methods simultaneously. @ https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/84/1/31/442605/Comparison-between-the-Real-Time-PCR-and-Crystal

The FDA announced on its website that Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc., of Evansville, IN, issued a voluntary recall of dog and cat food products due to tests indicating levels of Aflatoxin that exceed acceptable limits. Products were distributed nationally to online distributors and retail stores. At high levels, Aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets. There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with the Sportmix High Energy product. No cat or human illnesses have been reported. The recalled products include 50# Sportmix Energy Plus, 44# Sportmix Energy Plus, 50# Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44# Sportmix Premium High Energy, 31# Sportmix Original Cat, and 15# Sportmix Original Cat. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recalls-pet-food-recall-aflatoxin-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Dr. Amos Danielli and his laboratory technicians at the Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan University developed a game-changer approach to testing Covid-19 using PCR. Danielli and his team added additional materials to the traditional assay, which gives the molecules in the solution a magnetic charge as well. An electromagnet is affixed to the PCR machine so that in real-time, the genetic information is collected and drawn closer to the sensors. Therefore, the identification of Covid-19 in a sample can be much quicker and test a greater amount of genetic information much earlier in the testing process. The assay look at how much light is emitted in the solution, and the amount of light increases at every PCR step, or as the machine’s sensor doubles the amount of genetic information. The technology is cutting down from 1-1 ½ hour to just 15 minutes. During the study, 274 samples were taken, 140 of which yielded negative-Covid-19 results, while 134 cases were found to be infected with the virus. In 100% of the cases, the new test (MagBiosense) test results were identical to that of the standard PCR tests, with a typical test-taking around 30 minutes. @ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3884554,00.html

The FDA announced on its website that B&I Overseas Trading Inc from Van Nuys, CA recalled frozen “Veladis herring in oil with Italian spices” due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Approximately 400 units were sold in November and December of 2020 at select International retail stores in Washington. The product comes in a 17.64 ounce (500 gram) plastic package and is stamped on the top portion of the container with an expiration date of 08/08/2021. 

The company has removed the affected lots from distribution.  @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bi-overseas-trading-recalls-product-due-potential-contamination-listeria-monocytogenes