Archive for February 12th, 2008
Europe-Bulgaria-Novinite News-Listeria Contaminated Milk May Have Infected 1300 Bulgarian Children
The milk contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was produced by Euromeat and Milk EOOD, which were sanctioned in the end of January over not meeting hygienic requirements, authorities reported.
According to experts, Listeriosis is a serious infection, which can be extremely dangerous for children, the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems.
Listeria can also cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
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UK-Channel 4 News-Food related illness on the rise
Cases of salmonella rose by 10.7% while E.coli rose by 10.8% year-on-year.
Overall, the figures show a 1.7% upturn in cases of the five key food-borne pathogens between 2005 and 2006, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This was the first overall increase since 2000, the food watchdog said.
Of the other main causes of food-borne disease, rates of listeria dropped by 4.5% while campylobacter dipped 0.3%.
Cases of clostridium perfringens dropped by 67.5% to just 180 laboratory reported cases in 2006, the FSA said.
Salmonella and campylobacter caused the highest number of reported cases of food-related illness in the UK.
Laboratory reports show 52,404 cases of campylobacter in 2006 while salmonella increased to 13,974 cases.
Data on food-borne illnesses for 2006 was provided by the Health Protection Agency and appears in the FSA’s progress report on food safety.
In 2006, food borne diseases had an estimated cost to the economy of England and Wales of £1.484 billion – up from £1.411 billion the previous year. This figure takes account of NHS costs, the direct costs to the patient including medicine and transport, plus loss of earnings suffered by patients and their carers.
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US-UPI-Canned vegetable recall is expanded
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said a Michigan company has, for the third time, expanded its nationwide recall of canned vegetable products.
The New Era Canning Co. of New Era, Mich., said its canned vegetables might be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces the toxin that causes botulism and can result in life-threatening illness or death.
The affected New Era products are large institutional-sized cans weighing between 6 and 7 pounds and containing various types of beans, blackeye peas and asparagus.
The potentially contaminated products are marketed under brand names Classic Sysco, Code, Frosty Acres Restaurant’s Pride Preferred, GFS, Kitchen Essentials, Monarch Heritage, Necco, New Era, Nugget and Reliance Sysco…more..
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US-CO-Denver Post-Centennial company recalls popcorn
The FDA says distribution was limited and was mostly in the Denver area.
Consumers with questions may contact Centennial-based Rocky Mountain Popcorn at (888) 744-8850.
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UK-BBC News-Wales-E.coli inquiry told of dead flies
Dead flies, woodlice and insects were found at a butcher which supplied meat that led to an E.coli outbreak, a public inquiry has been told. But previous environmental health inspections did not consider the failings enough to shut the Bridgend firm, the inquiry’s first day heard.
More than 150 children and adults fell ill and a five-year-old died in 2005.
The butcher who was jailed for a year after admitting placing unsafe food on the market will not give evidence….more…
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