Scientists from the FDA published in J Food Prot (84 (4): 639–646, 2021) published a comparison of methods for the enrichment and detection of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes from environmental samples. Different enrichment procedures involving buffered Listeria enrichment broth (BLEB), University of Vermont medium (UVM), and Fraser broth (FB) were evaluated to determine the limits of detection (LODs) for L. monocytogenes and to assess the efficacy of composite sampling by wet (pooling of primary enrichments) and dry (pooling of swabs) procedures. A single-step BLEB yielded 0.33 CFU/225 ml, and two-step UVM-FB enrichment yielded 0.49 CFU/225 mL. The use of either two-step BLEB-FB or UVM-FB enrichments for stainless steel swabs yielded similar growth of L. monocytogenes. Compositing L. monocytogenes from culture up to 1:7 (1 positive sample to 7 negative samples) worked well. The BLEB-FB method allowed significantly faster detection (after 24 h of FB incubation) in composites of 1:4 and 1:7 samples compared with the UVM-FB method. @ https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/84/4/639/448753/Evaluation-of-Methods-of-Enrichment-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext
ruth
An investigation by Southern district health was initiated after 25 people were reported experiencing gastrointestinal illness symptoms. The investigation had confirmed at least one case of Norovirus. The investigation found a strong link to the Subway at 319 N. 10th Ave. in Caldwell. People that reported illnesses visited the Subway store during March 15-19. @ https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/health-district-inspects-caldwell-subway-amid-reports-of-illness-confirmed-norovirus-case/article_ad3f4392-f965-5cc3-a0af-f12716accc06.html
CALDWELL — Nearly 25 people have reported experiencing gastrointestinal illness symptoms to Southwest District Health since Friday, prompting an investigation. The district is investigating each reported illness to help determine
ruth
The FDA posted on its website that “Real Water” did not cooperate with the authorities in their investigation. As a result, the investigators have been unable to complete the investigation at the “Real Water” facilities in Henderson, NV, and Mesa, AZ, because the company provided no records. As a result, on March 23, FDA issued a Demand for Records under section 414 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Although the investigation is ongoing, current epidemiologic information indicates that this alkaline water product may cause illnesses. Currently, there are five illnesses associated with the product. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-acute-non-viral-hepatitis-illnesses-real-water-brand-alkaline-water-march-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Do not drink, cook with, sell, or serve “Real Water” alkaline water
ruth
The FDA announced that MG Foods (Charlotte, NC) expanded the recall issued March 10, 2021, to include three Turkey Wraps due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The three products are Fresh to You Deluxe Club Wrap, MG Foods Roasted Turkey in a Tomato Basil Wrap, and MG Foods The Club in a Spinach Wrap. The products were distributed between March 3, 2021, and March 5, 2021, and packaged in clear plastic wedges & plastic wrap. The products were sold exclusively via vending machines and micro-markets located in business locations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. The company reacted quickly, and as of the end-of-day March 5, 2021, affected products were removed from sale at all locations. No illnesses have been reported to date. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/three-turkey-wrap-sandwiches-added-mg-foods-previous-recall-list-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes
MG Foods of Charlotte, NC is expanding its recall issued March 10, 2021 to include three Turkey Wraps due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and