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Canaloupe is killing people again this year. What the fuck is wrong with the industry that this isn't getting fixed, and why the hell are people still eating this? (Guess I'm biased, in that I'm not terribly fond of cantaloupe to start with, but just last summer, this melon was the source of the deadliest food-borne illness outbreak in US history...)
From http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/blog (because who can resist a site called "barf blog"?)
Toxoplasmosis doesn't grab the headlines the way salmonella or E. coli outbreaks do, but new research suggests that some organic meats may be more likely to carry this parasite, which can then be transmitted to consumers who eat these meats, if undercooked.
Cari Nierenberg of My Health News Daily reports the authors of a paper published online May 22 in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases write, "The new trend in the production of free-range, organically raised meat could increase the risk of Toxoplasma gondii contamination of meat.”
The researchers point out that eating undercooked meat — whether organic or conventionally raised — especially pork, lamb and wild game such as venison, is one of the main ways people become infected with the toxoplasma parasite. People can also contract the infection by not washing raw fruits and vegetables, which may have come in contact with soil contaminated by cat feces.
Cats can spread toxoplasmosis after eating other infected animals and then passing the parasite along in their feces. This can contaminate not only home litter boxes, but the soil or water if a cat goes outside.
Although perhaps as many as one in five Americans carry the parasite, few people have symptoms because the immune system in healthy people does a good job of preventing T. gondii from causing illness. Toxoplasmosis presents more of a threat to pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system, especially if they change cat litter boxes or touch contaminated soil when gardening.
The new research reviews the foods most likely to carry the parasite, and how people can prevent becoming sickened by it. The foods with the greatest chance of carrying toxoplasmosis parasites in the U.S. include raw ground beef or rare lamb; unpasteurized goat's milk; locally produced cured, dried or smoked meat; and raw oysters, clams or mussels.
Growing consumer demand for "free-range" and "organically raised" meats, especially pork and poultry, will probably increase the prevalence of T. gondii when people undercook and eat these foods, according to the study's authors, Dr. Jeffrey Jones, of the parasitic diseases branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and J.P. Dubey, of the USDA's Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory.
That's because as more pigs or chickens are raised in less confined, more animal- friendly environments, they have greater access to grass, soil, feed or water that may be in contact with infected cat feces, or to rodents or wildlife infected with T. gondii.
Compared with chickens raised indoors, the prevalence of the parasite in free-range chickens is much higher, anywhere from 17 percent up to 100 percent, in some estimates. (But the risk is low for chicken eggs, the authors noted.)
Other research has shown that more organically raised pigs have tested positive for T. gondii than conventionally raised pigs.
Sheep also have a higher likelihood of being contaminated with toxoplasma, as do game meats such as deer, elk, moose and wild pig. Beef and dairy products have not yet played a main role in transmitting the infection, except for eating raw or undercooked ground beef.
"Toxoplasmosis in an under-recognized source of food-borne illness and attracts little public attention," said Douglas Powell, a professor of food safety at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. "People are not as familiar with this parasite, so we think it doesn't happen much," he explained.
Yet, toxoplasmosis is one of five "neglected parasitic diseases" targeted by the CDC as a public health priority.
By one recent U.S. estimate, toxoplasmosis was the second-leading cause of food-borne illness deaths (salmonella is first), claiming more than 300 lives a year. The parasite was also responsible for more than 4,000 hospitalizations annually, ranking it fourth among food pathogens.
As consumers shift their eating preferences, whether it's to organic foods or to less-processed foods, the microbial risks are altered, Powell said. "Whatever food- production system we come up with, some 'bugs' will find a way to adapt and flourish. So the key is continual vigilance."
Toxoplasmosis doesn't grab the headlines the way salmonella or E. coli outbreaks do, but new research suggests that some organic meats may be more likely to carry this parasite, which can then be transmitted to consumers who eat these meats, if undercooked.
Cari Nierenberg of My Health News Daily reports the authors of a paper published online May 22 in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases write, "The new trend in the production of free-range, organically raised meat could increase the risk of Toxoplasma gondii contamination of meat.”
The researchers point out that eating undercooked meat — whether organic or conventionally raised — especially pork, lamb and wild game such as venison, is one of the main ways people become infected with the toxoplasma parasite. People can also contract the infection by not washing raw fruits and vegetables, which may have come in contact with soil contaminated by cat feces.
Cats can spread toxoplasmosis after eating other infected animals and then passing the parasite along in their feces. This can contaminate not only home litter boxes, but the soil or water if a cat goes outside.
Although perhaps as many as one in five Americans carry the parasite, few people have symptoms because the immune system in healthy people does a good job of preventing T. gondii from causing illness. Toxoplasmosis presents more of a threat to pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system, especially if they change cat litter boxes or touch contaminated soil when gardening.
The new research reviews the foods most likely to carry the parasite, and how people can prevent becoming sickened by it. The foods with the greatest chance of carrying toxoplasmosis parasites in the U.S. include raw ground beef or rare lamb; unpasteurized goat's milk; locally produced cured, dried or smoked meat; and raw oysters, clams or mussels.
Growing consumer demand for "free-range" and "organically raised" meats, especially pork and poultry, will probably increase the prevalence of T. gondii when people undercook and eat these foods, according to the study's authors, Dr. Jeffrey Jones, of the parasitic diseases branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and J.P. Dubey, of the USDA's Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory.
That's because as more pigs or chickens are raised in less confined, more animal- friendly environments, they have greater access to grass, soil, feed or water that may be in contact with infected cat feces, or to rodents or wildlife infected with T. gondii.
Compared with chickens raised indoors, the prevalence of the parasite in free-range chickens is much higher, anywhere from 17 percent up to 100 percent, in some estimates. (But the risk is low for chicken eggs, the authors noted.)
Other research has shown that more organically raised pigs have tested positive for T. gondii than conventionally raised pigs.
Sheep also have a higher likelihood of being contaminated with toxoplasma, as do game meats such as deer, elk, moose and wild pig. Beef and dairy products have not yet played a main role in transmitting the infection, except for eating raw or undercooked ground beef.
"Toxoplasmosis in an under-recognized source of food-borne illness and attracts little public attention," said Douglas Powell, a professor of food safety at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. "People are not as familiar with this parasite, so we think it doesn't happen much," he explained.
Yet, toxoplasmosis is one of five "neglected parasitic diseases" targeted by the CDC as a public health priority.
By one recent U.S. estimate, toxoplasmosis was the second-leading cause of food-borne illness deaths (salmonella is first), claiming more than 300 lives a year. The parasite was also responsible for more than 4,000 hospitalizations annually, ranking it fourth among food pathogens.
As consumers shift their eating preferences, whether it's to organic foods or to less-processed foods, the microbial risks are altered, Powell said. "Whatever food- production system we come up with, some 'bugs' will find a way to adapt and flourish. So the key is continual vigilance."
Don't put that in our mouth!
Apr. 22nd, 2012 09:31 pmE coli in beef from Town and Country Foods.
Salmonella in lettuce from Dole.
Salmonella Sushi outbreak is up to 141 sick. Moon Marine is recalling their yellowfin tuna in response.
The Oregon raw milk associated E. coli outbreak is up to 18 ill, with 4 children hospitalized. Doesn't sound like much, but turns out to be all from a 4 cow dairy... which makes the proportion of exposed to ill to hospitalized pretty harsh.
And 4 people have been charged with trimming, repackaging, and selling moldy cheese.
Salmonella in lettuce from Dole.
Salmonella Sushi outbreak is up to 141 sick. Moon Marine is recalling their yellowfin tuna in response.
The Oregon raw milk associated E. coli outbreak is up to 18 ill, with 4 children hospitalized. Doesn't sound like much, but turns out to be all from a 4 cow dairy... which makes the proportion of exposed to ill to hospitalized pretty harsh.
And 4 people have been charged with trimming, repackaging, and selling moldy cheese.
Raw milk outbreaks (again)
Apr. 13th, 2012 12:43 pmRaw Milk E. coli Outbreak in Missouri: 2 with HUS
Missouri public health officials announced in early April, 2012 that raw milk was the source of an E. coli outbreak among central and western Missouri residents. E. coli cases have been reported in Boone, Cooper, Camden, Howard and Jackson counties.
And across the country, The Oregon Public Health Division, Department of Agriculture and several local health departments are investigating an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections that have left three Portland-area children hospitalized, two with kidney failure. A fourth child has lab-confirmed E.coli but has not been hospitalized. All of the children consumed raw unpasteurized milk obtained from Foundation Farm in Clackamas County. The farm has voluntarily ceased its milk distribution.
Missouri public health officials announced in early April, 2012 that raw milk was the source of an E. coli outbreak among central and western Missouri residents. E. coli cases have been reported in Boone, Cooper, Camden, Howard and Jackson counties.
And across the country, The Oregon Public Health Division, Department of Agriculture and several local health departments are investigating an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections that have left three Portland-area children hospitalized, two with kidney failure. A fourth child has lab-confirmed E.coli but has not been hospitalized. All of the children consumed raw unpasteurized milk obtained from Foundation Farm in Clackamas County. The farm has voluntarily ceased its milk distribution.
Outbreaks and recalls
Apr. 8th, 2012 12:54 pmA sushi related outbreak of Salmonella across 19 states, with pushing 100 reported illnesses. Ingredient hasn't been pegged yet, but ... raw food=riskier. On that note, Bruce and I had ahi poke last night. Heh. Whatwhat? follow my own advice?
And speaking of raw=risky, yet another raw milk recall. This one due to salmonella in Pennsylvania.
We're 3-for-3 here, with the Salmonella today. Castellini is recalling jalapeno peppers sold in full case, 1/2 case, 20lb, 10lb, 5lb, 2lb, and 1lb package sizes and distributed during the period March 8, 2012 through March 20, 2012 to military commissaries, retailers and foodservice distributors within ten states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Finally some other contenders! 1100 pounds of stuffed, layered beef products with Listeria are being recalled by Mosul Kubba in Chicago.
Hmm. Nope. Guess that was ust a single gap in an otherwise solid wall of Salmonella. Salmonella Salsa, anyone? Club Chef LLC is recalling its 12 oz., 16 oz. and 5 lb. salsa products.
Not even the fish are safe! (Heh. Just realized after typing it that this could as easily refer to the first one up there as this one...) Wardley's Tropical Flake Fish Food is also being recalled due to Salmonella.
And speaking of raw=risky, yet another raw milk recall. This one due to salmonella in Pennsylvania.
We're 3-for-3 here, with the Salmonella today. Castellini is recalling jalapeno peppers sold in full case, 1/2 case, 20lb, 10lb, 5lb, 2lb, and 1lb package sizes and distributed during the period March 8, 2012 through March 20, 2012 to military commissaries, retailers and foodservice distributors within ten states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Finally some other contenders! 1100 pounds of stuffed, layered beef products with Listeria are being recalled by Mosul Kubba in Chicago.
Hmm. Nope. Guess that was ust a single gap in an otherwise solid wall of Salmonella. Salmonella Salsa, anyone? Club Chef LLC is recalling its 12 oz., 16 oz. and 5 lb. salsa products.
Not even the fish are safe! (Heh. Just realized after typing it that this could as easily refer to the first one up there as this one...) Wardley's Tropical Flake Fish Food is also being recalled due to Salmonella.
Tags:
How to do it wrong,egg production edition
Mar. 22nd, 2012 08:52 amThis is ridiculous, though not in a terribly funny way.
1: eggs were packaged in unsanitary conditions
2: rodent droppings inside an egg-washing machine
3: chickens' food contaminated with rodent droppings
4: chickens' food tested positive for salmonella
5: The boxes of flats aren't marked with any brand
6: They aren't stamped with a date
1: eggs were packaged in unsanitary conditions
2: rodent droppings inside an egg-washing machine
3: chickens' food contaminated with rodent droppings
4: chickens' food tested positive for salmonella
5: The boxes of flats aren't marked with any brand
6: They aren't stamped with a date
Raw milk outbreak update
Mar. 2nd, 2012 06:58 pmCampylobacter outbreak from raw milk dairy is up to 78 illnesses now.
Campylobacter from raw milk outbreak still ongoing, count of ill is now up at 65.
A couple more companies have recalled products using Michael Foods' listeria contaminated eggs:
Grand Strand Sandwich Company of Longs, SC is recalling its 4.5oz and 5 oz Chicken Salad Sandwiches, with the following labels: Grand Strand Sandwich, Lunch Box Sandwiches, and Country Harvest Sandwiches.
Spartan Central Kitchen is requesting that the listed items be pulled and destroyed:#357 Egg Spread (5 pound bag), #741 Sandwich – Egg Spread, #763 Salad – Small Chef, #764 Salad – Large Chef, #765 Salad – Seven Layer, # 801 Salad – No Meat Small Chef, #802 Salad – No Meat Large Chef, #803 Salad – No Meat 7 layer.
A couple more companies have recalled products using Michael Foods' listeria contaminated eggs:
Grand Strand Sandwich Company of Longs, SC is recalling its 4.5oz and 5 oz Chicken Salad Sandwiches, with the following labels: Grand Strand Sandwich, Lunch Box Sandwiches, and Country Harvest Sandwiches.
Spartan Central Kitchen is requesting that the listed items be pulled and destroyed:#357 Egg Spread (5 pound bag), #741 Sandwich – Egg Spread, #763 Salad – Small Chef, #764 Salad – Large Chef, #765 Salad – Seven Layer, # 801 Salad – No Meat Small Chef, #802 Salad – No Meat Large Chef, #803 Salad – No Meat 7 layer.
Another...
Feb. 7th, 2012 03:03 pmcompany caught by the Michael's Foods egg recall: Bost Distributing Company, doing business as Harold Food Company, is recalling approximately 1,200 pounds of chicken salad products. The products contain eggs that are the subject of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall due to concerns about contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The following products are subject to recall:
30-lb. boxes of "Harold Food Co. Grand Strand Deluxe Chicken Salad."
The following products are subject to recall:
30-lb. boxes of "Harold Food Co. Grand Strand Deluxe Chicken Salad."
It continues...
Feb. 5th, 2012 10:23 amGreencore, USA is recalling approximately 550 pounds of egg salad sandwiches. The sandwiches contain eggs manufactured by Michael Foods Inc.
GH Foods CA, LLC, is recalling sandwiches associated with the affected eggs, due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
GH Foods CA, LLC, is recalling sandwiches associated with the affected eggs, due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Like Dominoes
Feb. 4th, 2012 10:02 amContamination at one place is leading to a growing wave of recalls...
Michael Foods, Inc. is recalling specific lot dates of hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use that were produced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled eggs were purchased by food distributors and manufacturers located in 34 states (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV). The recall is limited to hard-cooked eggs in brine in 10- and 25-pound pails prodced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility, which are labeled under six brand names (Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook, Wholesome Farms) and bearing lot codes of 1 LOT 1350W through 1 LOT 2025W and expiration dates ranging from 1/30/2012 to 3/10/2012.
These were sold bulk to other businesses, who are now recalling the products they'd used those eggs in. The following list is all related:
GH Foods SW, a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 515 pounds of Cobb salad products.
Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens of Moore, Oklahoma is recalling certain Prepared Salads that contain cooked eggs because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled Prepared Salads that contain hard cooked eggs were distributed in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Missouri. The products are sold to retail stores and food service.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is recalling hard-cooked eggs, as well as prepared foods that contain hard-cooked eggs, sold between January 23 and February 1, 2012 because the eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects purchases made at Wegmans’ Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Canandaigua, Newark, Geneva, Corning, Elmira, Geneseo, and Hornell stores.
Greencore USA, a Cincinnati, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 23 pounds of chef salad products.
8th Street Deli Inc., a Hamtramck, Mich., establishment, is recalling approximately 118 pounds of julienne salad products with turkey, ham and hard-boiled eggs.
F&S Produce Company Inc., a Deerfield, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 389 pounds of Cobb and spinach salads.
Michael Foods, Inc. is recalling specific lot dates of hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use that were produced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled eggs were purchased by food distributors and manufacturers located in 34 states (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV). The recall is limited to hard-cooked eggs in brine in 10- and 25-pound pails prodced at its Wakefield, Nebraska facility, which are labeled under six brand names (Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook, Wholesome Farms) and bearing lot codes of 1 LOT 1350W through 1 LOT 2025W and expiration dates ranging from 1/30/2012 to 3/10/2012.
These were sold bulk to other businesses, who are now recalling the products they'd used those eggs in. The following list is all related:
GH Foods SW, a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 515 pounds of Cobb salad products.
Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens of Moore, Oklahoma is recalling certain Prepared Salads that contain cooked eggs because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled Prepared Salads that contain hard cooked eggs were distributed in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Missouri. The products are sold to retail stores and food service.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is recalling hard-cooked eggs, as well as prepared foods that contain hard-cooked eggs, sold between January 23 and February 1, 2012 because the eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects purchases made at Wegmans’ Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Canandaigua, Newark, Geneva, Corning, Elmira, Geneseo, and Hornell stores.
Greencore USA, a Cincinnati, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 23 pounds of chef salad products.
8th Street Deli Inc., a Hamtramck, Mich., establishment, is recalling approximately 118 pounds of julienne salad products with turkey, ham and hard-boiled eggs.
F&S Produce Company Inc., a Deerfield, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 389 pounds of Cobb and spinach salads.
Retraction
Feb. 4th, 2012 09:55 amOn further testing, the brucellosis case has been rediagnosed as not brucellosis. Which is good for both the sick individual and the farm.
Lest you all think that means raw milk is suddenly the safer option though... there's a growing outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni affecting several states, traced to raw milk sales from a single farm.
Lest you all think that means raw milk is suddenly the safer option though... there's a growing outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni affecting several states, traced to raw milk sales from a single farm.
2 issues in one go!
Jan. 21st, 2012 09:17 amThe Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a consumer alert on Friday after learning that a local farm’s raw milk could be contaminated with Brucella. Brucellosis, also called Bang's disease, Crimean fever, Gibraltar fever, Malta fever, Maltese fever, Mediterranean fever, rock fever, or undulant fever, is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by ingestion of unpasteurized milk or meat from infected animals or close contact with their secretions.
Twin River Farm in Ashley Falls is the subject of a DPH investigation after a suspected human case was reported by an individual who had contact with the farm.
According to the DPH, Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms including sweats, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and back pains. In some cases, the infection can cause long-lasting and chronic symptoms. Adults are more likely to fall seriously ill than children.
Twin Rivers Farm milk is not sold in retail stores and the advisory does not apply to pasteurized milk. Anyone who has purchased raw milk from the farm is advised to discard it. Those who have consumed it are told to seek medical attention and contact their local board of health.
Raw milk containers from Twin River will have the following information on them:
Twin Rivers Farm PO Box 408 Ashley Falls, MA
--------------------------------
So...Brucellosis is NOT a fun thing. Possible consequences not listed above include: encephalitis, meningitis, endocarditis, and chronic/recurrent bone and joint issues. In cattle it can also cause orchitis (that'd be infection and inflammation of the testicles, doesn't that sound fun?) though I don't find that in the CDC or NCBI's info.
Brucellosis is preventable, and thankfully rare--the vast majority of female cattle in the US are vaccinated. (Males aren't vaccinated, because steers are a common source of spread, lacking placental fluid and such, and bulls aren't vaccinated because of the risk of sterility inducing orchitis, making them useless as a bull.) The old vaccine against Brucellosis was almost as nasty as the disease itself, for humans anyway--stick yourself with THAT needle and end up hositalized or dead. Whee. Also, the old vaccine is where the risk of orchitis in bulls came from. Thankfully, there's a newer, better, safer vaccine, and I have no idea why anyone anywhere would use the old one.
Now, I don't know that the dairy involved here is not following vaccination protocols. But I do know the vaccine is effective (which is why this is a rare disease you may never have heard of), so I have suspicions. The vaccine is required for shipping cattle across state lines, but if they are breeding their own replacement heifers and not vaccinating, or getting replacements from other locals who are not vaccinating, the risks go up.
So: VACCINATIONS GOOD.
Brucella in food sources is ALSO preventable, by the simple expedient of FIRE! Heat the foot, brucella dies. Is simple. And FIRE! is fun.
So: PASTEURIZATION GOOD.
Further info on Brucellosis:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001623/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/brucellosis_g.htm
Twin River Farm in Ashley Falls is the subject of a DPH investigation after a suspected human case was reported by an individual who had contact with the farm.
According to the DPH, Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms including sweats, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and back pains. In some cases, the infection can cause long-lasting and chronic symptoms. Adults are more likely to fall seriously ill than children.
Twin Rivers Farm milk is not sold in retail stores and the advisory does not apply to pasteurized milk. Anyone who has purchased raw milk from the farm is advised to discard it. Those who have consumed it are told to seek medical attention and contact their local board of health.
Raw milk containers from Twin River will have the following information on them:
Twin Rivers Farm PO Box 408 Ashley Falls, MA
--------------------------------
So...Brucellosis is NOT a fun thing. Possible consequences not listed above include: encephalitis, meningitis, endocarditis, and chronic/recurrent bone and joint issues. In cattle it can also cause orchitis (that'd be infection and inflammation of the testicles, doesn't that sound fun?) though I don't find that in the CDC or NCBI's info.
Brucellosis is preventable, and thankfully rare--the vast majority of female cattle in the US are vaccinated. (Males aren't vaccinated, because steers are a common source of spread, lacking placental fluid and such, and bulls aren't vaccinated because of the risk of sterility inducing orchitis, making them useless as a bull.) The old vaccine against Brucellosis was almost as nasty as the disease itself, for humans anyway--stick yourself with THAT needle and end up hositalized or dead. Whee. Also, the old vaccine is where the risk of orchitis in bulls came from. Thankfully, there's a newer, better, safer vaccine, and I have no idea why anyone anywhere would use the old one.
Now, I don't know that the dairy involved here is not following vaccination protocols. But I do know the vaccine is effective (which is why this is a rare disease you may never have heard of), so I have suspicions. The vaccine is required for shipping cattle across state lines, but if they are breeding their own replacement heifers and not vaccinating, or getting replacements from other locals who are not vaccinating, the risks go up.
So: VACCINATIONS GOOD.
Brucella in food sources is ALSO preventable, by the simple expedient of FIRE! Heat the foot, brucella dies. Is simple. And FIRE! is fun.
So: PASTEURIZATION GOOD.
Further info on Brucellosis:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001623/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/brucellosis_g.htm
A couple recalls
Jan. 17th, 2012 05:22 pmFrisia Dairy and Creamery, located in Tenino, Washington, is recalling its raw milk products after routine sampling turned up shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria in its skim raw milk product. The products being recalled include whole, skim, and cream milk sold in various sizes. The raw milk products are distributed and sold directly at the dairy and through 8 stores in Lewis, Thurston, and Pierce counties.
ZIP International Group, LLC is recalling Sliced herring fillet (Forelka) due to Listeria contamination. The recalled sliced herring fillet comes in both 330 gram and 600 gram plastic containers with a code date of best before 03/06/2012. They were sold in the New York Metropolitan Area.
ZIP International Group, LLC is recalling Sliced herring fillet (Forelka) due to Listeria contamination. The recalled sliced herring fillet comes in both 330 gram and 600 gram plastic containers with a code date of best before 03/06/2012. They were sold in the New York Metropolitan Area.
Eating out?
Jan. 17th, 2012 05:19 pmThe Valparaiso (Indiana) Jimmy John's restaurant has been pegged as the source of a norovirus outbreak.
The Cook County Department of Health has confirmed that 97 people have been stricken with a gastrointestinal illness after eating at Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Wheeling, Illinois.
The Blackford County Health Department got (the Hartford, Indiana) Subway to close this week after many people complained of flu-like symptoms that even hospitalized some. More than 90 people were affected, according to Linda Briles, the local environmental health officer.
The Cook County Department of Health has confirmed that 97 people have been stricken with a gastrointestinal illness after eating at Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Wheeling, Illinois.
The Blackford County Health Department got (the Hartford, Indiana) Subway to close this week after many people complained of flu-like symptoms that even hospitalized some. More than 90 people were affected, according to Linda Briles, the local environmental health officer.
Cheese is starting to look risky...
Jan. 10th, 2012 07:54 pmBekkum Family Farms LLC of Westby, WI, is recalling shredded cheese because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The cheese is labeled "Grumpy Goat Shreds" under the Nordic Creamery brand name, in eight-ounce bags with a code date of 10-MAR-12. It was sold in stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California beginning Nov. 11. The product should be thrown away or returned to place of purchase for a full refund.
Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion Company in Wisconsin is voluntarily recalling “HEB Queso Cotija (Grated)”, “El Viajero Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)”, “El Viajero Queso Cotija (Grated)”, and “BMF Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion Company in Wisconsin is voluntarily recalling “HEB Queso Cotija (Grated)”, “El Viajero Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)”, “El Viajero Queso Cotija (Grated)”, and “BMF Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
More recalls
Dec. 28th, 2011 12:52 pmGreen Cedar Dairy of Dearborn, Michigan, announces the recall of All Natural Ackawi Cheese and All Natural Chives Cheese with a sell by date up to July 1, 2012 because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food – 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags. The product is being recalled because the product was manufactured with corn which tested above acceptable levels for Aflatoxin. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s manufacturing facility located in LeCompte, Louisiana between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.
O’Neal’s Feeders Supply, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry Arrow Brand DOG FOOD – because it contains corn which was detected to have higher than the acceptable levels of aflatoxin.. The affected products were manufactured between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 1, 2011.
I'm a little annoyed about the last 2--I'm supposed to be getting these notices promptly-like, but just received them today, even though they were supposedly announced 2 weeks ago.
Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food – 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags. The product is being recalled because the product was manufactured with corn which tested above acceptable levels for Aflatoxin. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s manufacturing facility located in LeCompte, Louisiana between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.
O’Neal’s Feeders Supply, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry Arrow Brand DOG FOOD – because it contains corn which was detected to have higher than the acceptable levels of aflatoxin.. The affected products were manufactured between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 1, 2011.
I'm a little annoyed about the last 2--I'm supposed to be getting these notices promptly-like, but just received them today, even though they were supposedly announced 2 weeks ago.
Recall Roundup
Dec. 27th, 2011 12:57 pmKradjian Imp Co, Glendale, CA is recalling 231 Cases, 22Lb / Cs of Cedar brand Tresse Cheese, 16 oz and Cedar brand Shinglish cheese, 16 oz because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Avon Heights Mushrooms, in full cooperation with the FDA is recalling certain packages of fresh packaged spinach. The brands include Krisp Pak 1 Ooz bags, Better Brand 10oz.bags, and Avon Heights 4-2.51b bags. The implicated packages have a "best if used by" code of DEC16 and codes DP 340 and T691. During routine surveillance sampling, one package of Better Brand 10oz spinach tested positive for ecoli 0157h.
Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas, Texas is recalling a grand total of 6,723 cases because of a “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts 5 oz. container test result showed to be contaminated with Salmonella. Yeah. I know, the grammar in that sentence is atrocious; I'm not even convinced it's a sentence. Whattayagonnado? In real words, it means that they've expanded last week's recall of 650 cases of sprouts to 6,723 cases. The name is still horribly ironic. :)
Avon Heights Mushrooms, in full cooperation with the FDA is recalling certain packages of fresh packaged spinach. The brands include Krisp Pak 1 Ooz bags, Better Brand 10oz.bags, and Avon Heights 4-2.51b bags. The implicated packages have a "best if used by" code of DEC16 and codes DP 340 and T691. During routine surveillance sampling, one package of Better Brand 10oz spinach tested positive for ecoli 0157h.
Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas, Texas is recalling a grand total of 6,723 cases because of a “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts 5 oz. container test result showed to be contaminated with Salmonella. Yeah. I know, the grammar in that sentence is atrocious; I'm not even convinced it's a sentence. Whattayagonnado? In real words, it means that they've expanded last week's recall of 650 cases of sprouts to 6,723 cases. The name is still horribly ironic. :)
