The state of Mato Grosso is the largest producer and exporter of beef in Brazil. A study published in Journal Microorganisms estimates the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in export-approved beef from the state and to characterize the isolates. A total of 50 samples analyzed, Listeria sp. was isolated in 18 (36% prevalence). Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed in 6 (12% prevalence). Among the serotype groups assessed by multiplex PCR, serotype 4 (4b, 4d or 4e) was the most prevalent. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were susceptible to most used antibiotics, although high rates of resistance were detected to sulfonamides, cefoxitin, and cefepime. A high level of resistance to the disinfectant sodium hypochlorite was detected in different strains. Researchers said more intensive measures of cleaning and disinfection must be adopted by the beef processing industry of Mato Grosso. @ https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/1/18/htm
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The Brazilian state of Mato Grosso is the largest producer and exporter of beef in the country, but few studies of relevance have been conducted to evaluate the microbiological safety of its products. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in export-approved beef from Mato Grosso and to characterize the isolates in terms of molecular properties and antimicrobial resistance. From a total of 50 samples analyzed, Listeria sp. was isolated in 18 (36% prevalence). Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed in 6 (12% prevalence). Among the serotype groups assessed by multiplex PCR, serotype 4 (4b, 4d or 4e) was the most prevalent. Although antibiotic resistance was not an issue, two strains isolated from different plants showed high resistance to sodium hypochlorite. Overall, this scenario causes concern because it puts at risk not only the Brazilian customer, but also the population of countries that import beef from Mato Grosso.
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The FDA and CDC have been tracking two multi-state romaine lettuce outbreaks and declared both multi-state romaine lettuce outbreaks over. One of the outbreaks sickened 167 people in 27 states and caused hospitalization of 52% of patients, including 15 people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The other outbreak, linked to Fresh Express salad kits, sickened 10 people in five states. A third outbreak in Washington State that sickened 11 people has also been declared over. All the outbreaks are traced back to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, CA growing region. The outbreak linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits, with cases in the U. S. and Canada, was declared over by CDC on January 15, 2020. The FDA was able to narrow the field to at least 10 in the lower Salinas Valley. When investigators arrived on the ranches there was no romaine lettuce in the ground and the fields had been plowed, as the growing season had already ended. As part of FDA’s ongoing efforts to understand and prevent foodborne illnesses linked to leafy greens, the FDA will conduct a root cause investigation. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-salinas-linked-romaine-lettuce-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-and-status-update-investigation?utm_campaign=011520_Statement_%20Salinas-linked%20romaine%20lettuce%20E.%20coli%20O157%3AH7%20outbreak%20and%20status%20update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
Romaine outbreaks declared over, investigation and root cause analysis continue
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that the Phoenicia Group Inc. recalled Alkanater-brand Tahina, also known as tahini due to possible salmonella contamination. The product was sold in Ontario, Quebec and could have been sold nationally according to the CFIA website. The recall includes the 454-gram containers with an expiration date of August 20, 2020. Test results from the CFIA triggered the recall. There have been no reported illnesses related to the product but the agency said any recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store it was purchased. @ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-tahini-recall-jan-2020-1.5427365
There have been no reported illnesses related to the product but the Canadian Food Inspection agency said any recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store it was purchased.
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To reduce pathogens in produce, antimicrobials, such as chlorine and peracetic acid (PAA), are used. However, these chemicals may damage the natural microflora of fresh produce. A novel promising approach for targeting pathogenic bacteria in foods without impacting the normal food microbiota are bacteriophages. Research by Intralytix, Inc, published in the Journal of Food safety (January 2020, early view;https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17454565) found that a combinational treatment of conventional antimicrobials treatment (PAA and chlorine) and bacteriophages, specifically the Salmonella‐targeted preparation SalmoFresh, maintained the bactericidal effectiveness of individual interventions, and in some cases, achieved substantially increased efficacy. An additional advantage of the bacteriophage was that the bacterial microbiomes of farm-fresh and organic produce were less affected after phage treatment compared to PAA and chlorine. Finally, our study revealed that resistance rates against SalmoFresh were relatively minor and unaffected by the stresses introduced after chemical washes and/or bacteriophage treatment.