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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) analysis demonstrated that isolates positive for any of the reported Shiga toxin (Stx) subtypes (and encoding stx gene subtypes) might be associated with severe illness (defined as bloody diarrhea (BD), hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and/or hospitalization). Strains positive for the stx2a gene showed the highest rates of sever disease. However, strains with all other stx subtypes, or combinations thereof, were also associated with at least one human case with a severe clinical outcome. While identifying the serotype of STEC is important in epidemiological tracking, it is not possible to exclude pathogenicity and the possibility of severe illness based on the serotype, according to the EFSA. Therefore, all STEC strains are pathogenic in humans, capable of causing at least diarrhea and that all STEC subtypes may be associated with severe illness. The presence of intimin (eae gene) was an aggravating factor, but this virulence factor was not always essential for severe illness. The main sources for STEC in the EU were ‘bovine meat and products thereof’, ‘milk and dairy products’, ‘tap water including well water’ and ‘vegetables, fruit, and products’. According to the EFSA scientific opinion, there is a need to harmonize detection methods for this pathogen. @ https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.5967

A commentary published in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease (January 2020) discusses that foodborne disease during air travel can cause a serious problem to all on board, and potentially jeopardize flight safety. On flights, not enough attention is being paid to food safety. Regulations remained largely unmodified in terms of basic hygiene requirements. The guidelines for food hygiene exist for on-ground food settings and catering kitchens do not exist for airlines. There are no clear hygiene standards onboard commercial aircraft and little regulatory oversight of what happens to food in-flight. The potential risks associated with poor food handling practice onboard aircraft, are discussed, with the ultimate goal of bringing aviation food safety in line with on-ground regulations. Changes in cabin design alongside adequate training in safe food handling have the potential to increase public health protection.  The authors urge a review of existing in-flight hygiene protocols to better direct the development of regulation, prevention, and intervention measures for aviation food safety. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1477893920300089?via%3Dihub

A novel antimicrobial film that could be used to help reduce the risk of Salmonella, Listeria and pathogenic E. coli in food products was developed at Penn State University. The composite film was created by the bonding of an antimicrobial layer to conventional, clear polyethylene plastic typically used to vacuum-package foods such as meat and fish. The antimicrobial layer of the film is comprised of a pullulan-based biopolymer produced from starch syrup, infused with Lauric arginate. The pullulan film slows the release of the antimicrobial, disbursing it at a predictable rate to provide continuous bacteria-killing activity. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus were experimentally inoculated onto raw beef, raw chicken breast, and ready-to-eat turkey breast, vacuum packaged with the composite antimicrobial film, sealed and placed into refrigerated storage for up to 28 days. The composite film significantly reduced foodborne pathogens on the experimentally inoculated surfaces during refrigerated storage. @ https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/news/104055/novel-composite-antimicrobial-film-could-help-combat-foodborne-illnesses/?utm_source=Email+marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NF+-+Newsletter+5+-+Neogen+-+30.01.20&utm_term=eAlert%3a+US+meat+recalls+increased+by+65+percent+since+2013+Decaf+coffee+investigation+finds+methylene+chloride+in+several+products+Food+Integrity+2020++more…&utm_content=http%3a%2f%2femails.newfoodmagazine.com%2frussellpublishinglz%2f&gator_td=PAAJEGS0V9sW0tiXQDxn%2fpF4%2fckhQKk4FxUXvS91P%2fnrFZH4ughufJUpYUBb9f9qDiQ5XtMsIZX1F0MMubBaGKbnwjwAMYsKk4W60jGrJMKQwOl6QFVU6pr3iRL76gAF3w%2b921%2f6Hetn4tCRudpyM6TLhG0EP8uUeGMxuYJoC7uwx6jFE30sSaZzMdH6Rb4c1rKs8Ytm0D78t5FJkKh5pw%3d%3d

The FDA sent a warning letter to Yost Foods Brunswick, Ohio. In the letter, the FDA auditors report that they collected environmental samples that after analysis showed to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA data showed that a product of Yost tested ( Aji Amarillo paste)positive for L. monocytogenes. Whole-genome sequencing analysis showed the L. monocytogenes isolates from the environmental swabs collected by FDA were the same strain as that in the finished product Aji Amarillo paste tested by your customer.  The company recalled the product. The FDA concluded that the product was prepared, packaged and held under insanitary conditions. @ https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/yost-foods-inc-581473-09102019