Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) has been detected in 13 percent of beef samples tested from meat imported to Sweden between 2010 and 2011. The country’s National Food Agency tested both beef and leafy greens to obtain data that will help assess the public health risk of STEC in food and could help in developing strategies to deal with the risks. They collected fresh or frozen samples of minced or whole meat from cattle from the most common countries or regions exporting beef to Sweden between 2010 and 2011. The leafy greens were both domestic and imported products available on the Swedish market from 2012 to 2013. Samples were collected at retail stores, importers, outlets and in markets. STEC was isolated from 13 percent of the 177 imported beef samples tested. Approximately 3 percent of the samples contained STEC positive for the virulence genes stx2 and eae, both of which are important markers for the ability of the bacteria to cause severe disease. The pathogens isolated belonged to 14 different serogroups, with STEC O26 being the most common, and STEC O157, frequently implicated in STEC-related foodborne outbreaks in Sweden, found in only two samples. Only 11 of the 630 leafy greens samples tested positive for stx1 and/or stx2, but no bacteria were isolated.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
A review of food safety culture surveys has revealed significant diversity and notable gaps in validation practices.
Scientists said the reliable measurement of food safety culture is crucial to identify
Researchers are studying the impact nanoplastics have on Salmonella and have found they cause the pathogen to become more virulent.
The researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are particularly
As part of its enforcement activities, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until
JCB Flavors LLC of Watertown, WI, is voluntarily recalling select topical seasoning products because of the potential presence of Salmonella.
This recall is being initiated because the affected products were
My Wife’s Slaw is voluntarily recalling its Original and Jalapeno Heat flavored coleslaw sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce glass mason jars. The products included in this recall are adulterated
Stoltzfus Family Dairy of Vernon Center, NY, is recalling Sour Cream & Onion cheese curds because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
To date, Stoltzfus Family Dairy
