In the news

In the last ten years the frequency of salmonella illness in Canada has steadily increased, despite efforts to reduce Salmonella in frozen raw breaded chicken products (e.g., chicken nuggets, chicken fingers, chicken strips, popcorn chicken and chicken burgers) these products continue to a source of salmonella infection in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working with the poultry industry to reduce Salmonella below a detectable level. Processors need to identify Salmonella as a hazard and to implement changes to produce an end product that reduces salmonella. CFIA gave the industry one year to implement. @ http://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/78585

Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified new compounds that may be effective in restraining the virulence of Listeria. Researchers at the university knew that inhibiting glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GalU) — led to dramatic modifications of the bacterial cell surface. These chemical modifications, in turn, rendered Listeria much less virulent and less able to cause illness. Computer models found 37 compounds promising enough to be tested in vitro, three of which were deemed effective enough to warrant further study. Their study shows that small molecules can be developed to shut down the activity of a specific bacterial enzyme, leading to the suppression of virulence. @ http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2018/03/researchers-may-have-found-new-way-to-fight-drug-resistant-bacteria/#.WqlH5ujwaM8

Starwest Botanicals recalled Botanicals Organic Cardamom Pods Green (Whole), due to Salmonella contamination. Cardamom is a spice used all over the world in coffee, sausage, and in meat and fish recipes. The product was sold nationwide by Starwest directly online or through mail orders. The product was sold between January 15, 2018, and March 2, 2018.No illness was reported to date. @ https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm600415.htm

Rockmelons from Rombola Family Farm was named as the source of 17 cases of confirmed listeriosis and 4 people dead. As a result of the outbreak, the demand for Rockmelons plummeted by 90% across Australia. As a result of the outbreak in might take consumers years to regain confidence in the product. @ http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-03-13/rockmelon-disaster-may-take-industry-years-to-recover/9543346