News | Food Poisoning Bulletin

Outbreak at Waipahu Elementary School in Hawaii

December 11, 2013 by Linda Larsen Leave a Comment

The Hawaii Department of Education has released a bulletin about an outbreak of foodborne illness at Waipahu Elementary School. Several students became ill on December 10, 2013 after lunch. About 40 students of the 1,150 who attend the school were sickened with symptoms that may indicate food poisoning. Students were treated on campus by Emergency Medical Services personnel and then taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. The Hawaii DOE is working with the Hawaii Department of Health, giving them temperature logs and a sample lunch for analysis. Public health officials will also investigate outside factors, such as food students or staff may have brought to campus. Meals served at Hawaii's public schools must adhere to strict federal and state food safety guidelines. School … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Outbreaks Tagged With: Outbreak

In Canada, Organic Traditions Chocolate Recall is Expanded

December 11, 2013 by Kathy Will Leave a Comment

In Canada, the food recall warning for Organic Traditions Dark Chocolate has been expanded. The original recall was for three sizes of Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts because the label did not declare the product was made with milk, one of the major food allergens. The recall has been expanded to include more varieties of the product. Now, Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts with Chili, Dark Chocolate Almonds, and Dark Chocolate Almonds with Chili are being recalled in various sizes. You can see the full list of recalled products at the CFIA web site. If you are allergic to milk or have a severe sensitivity to that ingredient, do not eat these products. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The chocolates were sold nationally and were distributed by Advantage Health Matters Inc. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Recalls Tagged With: Food Allergen, Food Recall

Groups Criticize FDA Antibiotic Guidance

December 11, 2013 by Linda Larsen Leave a Comment

The FDA is announcing new steps it is taking to address antimicrobial resistance. The government has a plan to "ensure judicious use of antibiotics in farm animals". Farmers use antibiotics to enhance growth, improve feed efficiency, and prevent disease under poor growing conditions. This sub therapeutic use of drugs is helping bacteria evolve to be resistant to many medically important antibiotics, threatening modern medicine. The government is asking - asking - manufacturers of antibiotics used in farm animals to stop selling those drugs for growth promotion. One silver lining is that the FDA has issued a proposed rule to update the existing regulations that would require specific authorization of antibiotics by a licensed veterinarian. This move is only a "guidance". That means it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, News Tagged With: Antibiotic Resistance, FDA

FDA Wants Some Antibiotics Used in Livestock Production Phased Out

December 11, 2013 by Carla Gillespie Leave a Comment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says some medically important antibiotics should be phased out of livestock production and its calling on pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily make two key changes to make that happen. First, the agency wants drug companies to revise the FDA-approved use conditions on these product labels and second, the agency wants these drugs to be considered prescription rather than over-the-counter (OTC). The FDA said antibiotic use in humans and animals is a factor in the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The antibiotics in question are drugs considered medically important to treatment of human illness that have historically been used for non-medical purposes in livestock production such as promoting weight gain. Pharmaceutical companies … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food Safety, News Tagged With: Antibiotic Resistance

Gut Microbes Affect Infection Response to Listeria

December 11, 2013 by Carla Gillespie Leave a Comment

The army of microbes that resides in the human gut may provide a powerful defense against Listeria infection, according to a study published in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The study, by a team of French researchers, shows that mice with germ-free intestines are more susceptible to Listeria infection than mice with the conventional intestinal microbes. Twenty four hours after infection, the number of Listeria in the intestines of the germ-free mice was 10,000 times greater than the number found in the small intestines of mice with conventional microbes; and about 1,000 times higher in the mesenteric lymph nodes of germ-free mice than it was in conventional mice. Researchers think the response may be similar in humans. Foods … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food Safety, News Tagged With: Listeria, Listeriosis

Vibrio: Remember Vulnerable Guests When Serving Oysters

December 10, 2013 by Carla Gillespie Leave a Comment

Raw oysters are one source of a multistate Vibrio outbreak.

Oysters are on a lot of holiday menus. But if your're thinking of serving them raw, be aware that oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus can cause life-threatening illness or fatality for people with certain medical conditions, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those who should never consume raw oysters include pregnant women and people with cancer, diabetes, stomach disorders, compromised immune systems, liver disease from hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholism and iron overload disease. Those who consume two to three drinks daily should also avoid consumption of raw oysters. What's the danger? Vibrio vulnificus infections for high-risk individuals have a 50 percent fatality rate, often within 48 hours. Symptoms of an infection usually develop within 24 to 48 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food Safety, News Tagged With: Vibrio

In Canada, Corn Gnocchi Recalled for Undeclared Gluten

December 10, 2013 by Linda Larsen Leave a Comment

In Canada, Aurora Importing and Distributing Ltd. is recalling Aurora brand Corn Gnocchi because it may contain gluten that is not declared on the label. Gluten is the protein in wheat. Many people are allergic to it, and celiac patients cannot eat gluten or they risk damaging their intestines. There has been one reported reaction associated with the consumption of this product. The recalled product is sold in 500 gram containers. The UPC number is 0 61659 01811 2 and the code on the product is Lot 0733. It was sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The product may have been sold nationally. The recall was triggered by CFIA test results. If you purchased this product and are allergic to gluten, or have celiac disease, do not eat it. Return it to the place … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Recalls Tagged With: Food Allergens, Food Recall

USDA Bans Food & Water Watch From CFC Events

December 10, 2013 by Linda Larsen 2 Comments

The USDA has banned Food & Water Watch from Combined Federal Campaign events. The nonprofit received a letter from the government that stated, "I regret to inform you that I've been notified your organization has not been approved for entrance into USDA to attend the USDA-CFC event on December 10, 2013." Food & Water Watch was also turned away from a November 20, 2013 event, after they received an email confirmation from USDA. Combined Federal Campaign is a workplace charitable giving drive. It supports and promotes philanthropy through a voluntary program. More than 4000 charities are registered by the CFC, including programs that support the environment, research institutes, and inner city schools. Food & Water Watch is #17460 in the CFC. Food & Water Watch has … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food Safety, News Tagged With: USDA

Creating a Probiotic Chicken

December 10, 2013 by Linda Larsen Leave a Comment

A research team working at the Institute of Food Research in the UK has been looking into coating chicken feathers with probiotics to combat pathogenic bacteria. The research is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Lactobacillus johnsonii is applied to the coat and feathers of the chicken. Researchers discovered this then excludes Clostridium perfringens from the chicken's intestines. That bacteria causes necrotic enteritis in the poultry and sickens humans. The bacteria has a "coat" made of exopolysaccharides (EPS) that help the bacteria fend off stress and aid colonization. Scientists think that the EPS coat helps it outcompete C. perfringens. When chickens are slaughtered, bacteria in their intestines can easily contaminate the flesh. And in the U.S. and in the UK, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food Safety, News Tagged With: Clostridium perfringens, Live Poultry, Research

Yauk’s Recalls 90,000 Pounds of Meat Produced Under Insanitary Conditions

December 9, 2013 by Linda Larsen 2 Comments

Yauk's Specialty Meats of Windsor, Colorado is recalling 90,000 pounds of various meat and poultry products that were produced under insanitary conditions. No reports of illnesses have been received in connection with the consumption of any of these products. FSIS inspectors found rodent activity in the production, storage, and retail areas of the property. Inspection activity has been suspended at that establishment while the USDA investigates. The recalled products include "Colorado Best Beef" brand various fresh smoked, and shelf-stable meat products; "James Ranch" brand jerky and summer sausage; and "Rocky Plains Meats" brand hams, bacon, raw and smoked sausage, jerky, and raw poultry. Also recalled are "John Long Farms" brand fresh and smoked pork products; "Horned Beef" brand … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Recalls Tagged With: Food Recall