In the news

The process of fast and accurate bacterial identification, sub-typing, and strain-level differentiation is of high importance in epidemiology. A research group from Copenhagen, Denmark, published an article describing a rapid, accurate and inexpensive method for the identification of bacterial isolates down to species/strain level. The new method developed for bacterial DNA enrichment and tagmentation allowing fast (<24 h) and cost-effective species-level identification and strain level differentiation using the MinION portable sequencing platform (ON-rep-seq). The method in combination with ONT-sequencing platforms, allows for highly cost-effective, bulk screening of bacterial isolates with species and strain-level resolution. The method is claimed to have the potential to become a modern standard molecular-based method with multiple applications in research, industry, and medicine. @ https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-019-0617-x#Sec7
 

The FDA announced on its website that the St. Louis based Dierbergs Markets recalls various products in all 25 retail stores due to the recent recall by Almark of its hardboiled eggs. The Almark hardboiled eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Almark’s product is associated with an outbreak of Listeriosis illness consisting of 7 known illnesses in 5 states.  These eggs were used as an ingredient in a variety of Dierbergs Markets products. No illnesses are linked to Dierbergs products to date, but the epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Recalled products include potato salads, egg salads, Remoulade, Salad Togo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, and Salad Togo Classic Ham & Turkey Chef Salad. All of the implicated products have been removed from store shelves. The product was distributed to all Dierbergs Markets retail locations in eastern and central Missouri and western Illinois.@ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dierbergs-markets-recalls-egg-containing-products-because-possible-health-risk?utm_campaign=Dierbergs%20Markets%20Recalls%20Egg-containing%20Products%20Because%20of%20Possible%20Health%20Risk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

The FDA announced on its website that Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. recalls Trader Joe’s Egg Salad, 6 oz, and Trader Joe’s Old Fashioned Potato Salad, 20 oz because these products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall is a result of the recall by Almark Foods of Gainesville, GA the supplier of certain lots of Broken Egg Whites products in 20 Lbs pails which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and its association with a Listeria monocytogenes foodborne illness investigation. Products were distributed to Trader Joe’s retail stores in Alabama, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and Wisconsin. To date, there have been no confirmed illnesses. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bakkavor-foods-usa-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-trader-joes-egg-salad-and-potato-salad-because

A team of researchers at McMaster University reported in an article published in ACS Nano that they have developed a self-cleaning surface that can repel bacteria, preventing the transfer of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and food pathogens. A treated form of conventional shrink-wrap type of material is used. The treated material is ideal for food packaging, where it could stop the accidental transfer of bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria from raw chicken, meat and other foods. The water-repellent lotus leaf inspired the development of the surface, the new surface works through a combination of nano-scale surface engineering and chemistry. The hydrophobic material makes liquid bounce away.  The surface is also treated chemically to enhance its repellent properties further, resulting in a barrier that is flexible, durable and inexpensive to reproduce. The researchers are hoping to work with a commercial partner to develop commercial applications for the wrap. @ https://brighterworld.mcmaster.ca/articles/the-ultimate-non-stick-coating/