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Frozen corn and possibly other frozen vegetables are the likely source of an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in Europe. The outbreak was confirmed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and appears to be ongoing in five EU Member States (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) since 2015. As of 15 June 2018, 47 cases have been reported, and nine patients have died due to or with the infection (case fatality rate of 19%). WGS analysis of 29 non-human L. monocytogenes isolates found them to be closely related to the multi-country human cluster of L. monocytogenes serogroup IVb, multi-locus sequence type 6 (ST6). The available information confirms the contamination at the Hungarian plant. The outbreak has been affecting Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom since 2015. The products produced by the affected plant have been banned from the market. @ https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/supporting/pub/en-1448

A survey among the EU/EFTA laboratory Networks for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli (VTEC), Campylobacter, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, Antimicrobial Resistance and bacteriological and viral contaminants of bivalve mollusks was conducted. By the end of 2016, WGS was in use in reporting laboratories from 17 out of 30 EU/EFTA countries. The main reason for not implementing WGS was the lack of capacity (budget and expertise). WGS was mainly used for outbreak investigations, followed by surveillance, and mostly for L. monocytogenes, E. coli and Salmonella analysis. WGS was used only to type subsets of isolates, and normally, in parallel to other molecular techniques (PFGE and MLVA). The intention to switch to only WGS for typing was indicated by some laboratories. This report provides a first picture of the state of the art in relation to the use of WGS in European food safety laboratories at the end of 2016. A new questionnaire to tackle the state of the art in 2018 has been recently launched @ https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/sp.efsa.2018.EN-1432

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are continuing to investigate the multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections. As of June 28, 2018, there are 185 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in persons who reportedly consumed pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. Fout states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa), Seven of these people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.@ https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2018/a-062018/investigation-maps.html

Neogen Corp is announced that it is combining Acumedia® and Lab M® products and rebranding them as Neogen Culture Media. Neogen culture media product line will include in addition to traditional culture media, a comprehensive offering of chromogenic media. The products will be manufactured in the USA and UK. The company will provide identical products around the world. @ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acumedia-and-lab-m-brands-become-neogen-culture-media-300672286.html