In the news

A study published in Emerging Infectious Disease (26, 2) reports that compared with other major foodborne illnesses, Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections have been steadily increasing. The CDC estimated that the average annual incidence of all Vibrio infections increased by 54% during 2006–2017. V. parahaemolyticus is believed to be responsible for ≈35,000 human infections each year in the United States alone. Since the 1990s, it has been identified as a leading cause of foodborne infections in China. ST36 infections were reported in the northeastern United States in 2012. Later, they were reported in a single large outbreak in Spain. The ST36 is a highly dynamic population and that the V. parahaemolyticus strains to cause infections in the northeastern United States had diverged from the original lineage in the Pacific Northwest throughout the cross-continent eastward expansion. The study reports a transcontinental expansion of ST36 V. parahaemolyticus into South America. International trade of shellfish might be involved in the dispersal of Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations into the United States and Spain. The study found that severe weather, such as El Niño conditions in Peru, provide ideal conditions for the proliferation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. ST36’s ability for intercontinental dispersal, along with its highly pathogenic nature, makes this Vibrio population a major public health concern. Peru has shown that implementation of systematic surveillance for Vibrio species can facilitate the detection of emerging transnational epidemic strains. @ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/2/19-0362_article

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

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

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