In the news

The FDA is advising consumers to avoid kratom and kratom-containing products. Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa)is a nutraceutical product that grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of kratom have been used as an herbal drug. It is used in folk medicine as a stimulant (at low doses), sedative (at high doses), recreational drug, pain killer, medicine for diarrhea, and treatment for opiate addiction. These products have been linked to a multistate outbreak of Salmonellosis. The CDC reports that 28 people in 20 states states [AL(1), AZ (1), CA (3), CO (1), FL (1), KS (1), KY (1), LA (1), MA(1), MI (1), NC (2), ND(1), NY(1), OH (2), OK (2), OR (2), PA (2), SC(1), TN(1), UT (2)] are infected. Eleven people have been hospitalized. @ https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm597265.htm

Merieux NutriScience published an interesting report of the annual review of food recalls in the US, Canada, and Mexico. During the calendar year 2017, nearly 700 food recalls were classified with the FDA Enforcement Report. Undeclared allergens and microbial hazards accounted for 40% and 35%, respectively of all FDA food recalls. FSIS recall announcements show the majority of recalls in 2017 were attributed to undeclared allergens (41%), microbial hazards (19%) and foreign matter or physical hazards. In Canada this year microbial hazards surpassed allergens to become the dominant reason for recalls. @ https://img04.en25.com/Web/MerieuxNutrisciencesCorporation/%7Bd29a994a-420e-4356-9533-e6fcd4a18e19%7D_q4-regulatory-newsletter.pdf

A new durable and washable composite material made from antibacterial copper nanoparticles have been developed by material scientists at The University of Manchester, working in collaboration with universities in China. They developed the composite material into wearable materials such as cotton and polyester, which has proved a stumbling block for scientists in the past. The researchers had tethered copper nanoparticles to cotton and polyester using a polymer brush, creating a strong chemical bond. Lead author, Dr. Xuqing Liu, from the School of Materials, said: “Now that our composite materials present excellent antibacterial properties and durability, it has huge potential for modern medical and healthcare applications.” Can the food industry use a similar technology to reduce the spread of bacteria in manufacturing plants? @ http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/infection-outbreaks-at-hospitals-could-be-reduced-by-copper-coated-uniforms/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety (USDA) and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses reported in the state of Iowa that may be caused by Salmonella associated with a chicken salad product. The product was sold at all This product was shipped to all Fareway grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold directly to consumers who shopped at Fareway. The problem was discovered following reports of illness in Iowa. grocery stores in Iowa, as well as Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. This product was shipped to all Fareway grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold directly to consumers. The problem was discovered following reports of illness in Iowa. On Feb. 9, 2018, the Iowa Department of Public Health notified FSIS of an investigation of Salmonella-related illnesses, within the state of Iowa. FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2018/nr-02142018-07