US-Stock and Land-E. coli prevalent in cattle fed distiller’s grain

Kansas State University in the US has released the results of a research project looking at the prevalence of E. coli bacteria found in the manure of cattle fed dried distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production.The study found that cattle fed dried distillers grain had a higher prevalence of E. coli. Some strains of E. coli can cause food poisoning in humans.

Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), who have been researching ways to reduce E. coli, are suprised by the KSU results.

Similar testing they have performed found no increase in E. coli from feeding dried distillers grains.

UNL animal science professor, Terry Klopfenstein, says while they respect KSU’s research, it is puzzling.

KSU’s findings shouldn’t affect cattle feeders use of dried distiller’s grains according to T.G. Nagaraja, a professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine…more…

UK-Medical News Today-Bacteria In Cows’ Milk May Cause Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s is a condition that affects one in 800 people in the UK and causes chronic intestinal inflammation, leading to pain, bleeding and diarrhoea.

The team found that a bacterium called Mycobacterium paratuberculosis releases a molecule that prevents a type of white blood cell from killing E.coli bacteria found in the body. E.coli is known to be present within Crohn’s disease tissue in increased numbers.

It is thought that the Mycobacteria make their way into the body’s system via cows’ milk and other dairy products. In cattle it can cause an illness called Johne’s disease – a wasting, diarrhoeal condition. Until now, however, it has been unclear how this bacterium could trigger intestinal inflammation in humans.

Professor Jon Rhodes, from the University’s School of Clinical Sciences, explains: “Mycobacterium paratuberculosis has been found within Crohn’s disease tissue but there has been much controversy concerning its role in the disease. We have now shown that these Mycobacteria release a complex molecule containing a sugar, called mannose. This molecule prevents a type of white blood cells, called macrophages, from killing internalised E.Coli.” …more..

US-Washington Post-In a Pickle Over Self-Regulation for Produce Growers

By Cindy Skrzycki

Tuesday, December 11, 2007; Page D03 Large handlers of leafy green vegetables, still recovering from last year’s E. coli bacteria-induced recalls of packaged spinach, want U.S. permission to self-regulate the safety of your tossed salad.

An Oct. 4 Agriculture Department proposal to consider a voluntary standards program generated 3,500 comments by last week, compared with the usual handful in such cases, demonstrating that the industry isn’t united. Small growers and consumer groups fear the plan gives larger rivals more control in the $2.2 billion-a-year market for lettuce and spinach.

“It’s a very smart and kind of shady attempt to try and regulate themselves,” Elisa Odabashian, West Coast coordinator for Consumers Union, a Yonkers, N.Y., nonprofit group, said in an interview. “Consumers are rarely protected by self-regulation.”

The disagreement exposes the philosophical and financial divide between agribusiness and smaller sectors of the industry and the debate over how food safety should be regulated to restore consumer confidence in fresh produce….more..

US-Meatingplace.com-Specialty Foods recalls liver sausage for undeclared allergen

Specialty Foods Group Inc. in Owensboro, Ky., is recalling 98,772 pounds of Braunschweiger liver sausage products because they may contain non-fat dry milk, which is not declared on the label as a possible allergen.

Subject to recall are 16-oz. chubs of “SCOTT PETERSEN Braunschweiger (Liver Sausage).” Each label bears the establishment number “EST. 7467″ inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each label will also bear a sell-by code of “Dec 08 2007,” “Dec 15 2007,” “Dec 22 2007,” “Dec 29 2007,” “Jan 05 2008,” “Jan 12 2008,” “Jan 19 2008″ or “Jan 26 2008.”

The liver sausage products were produced on various dates between Sept. 10 and Oct. 30, 2007, and were distributed to retail establishments in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and in Burnsville, Minnesota….more