Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Listeria infections in Europe are at their highest levels since the start of EU-wide surveillance in 2007.
Data comes from two 2023 epidemiological reports issued recently by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which cover the European Union and European Economic
Continue Reading Europe reports record high E. coli and Listeria levels
Korean authorities have announced the recall of two products as part of an investigation into a foodborne outbreak.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and local government officials said investigations into reports of food poisoning led to the action. They did not
Continue Reading Salmonella illnesses prompt recall in Korea
German and Austrian authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has mainly sickened young children. More than 60 children have fallen ill.
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) reported illnesses were likely caused by an organic cashew butter with raspberries sold at dm drogerie markt.
The majority
Continue Reading Children sick in two-country Salmonella outbreak
Federal authorities have charged two Chinese researchers with smuggling Fusarium graminearum — a fungus that threatens crops and food safety — into the United States, raising concerns about risks to the food supply.
Yunqing Jian, 33, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34
Continue Reading Chinese researchers charged with smuggling crop fungus, raising food safety concerns
Canadian food safety officials have announced a a recall of tehina because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The Bornibus brand “tehina” was sold at The Market Garden, 810 Catherine St., Victoria, British Columbia. It is sold in jars with a weight of 240 grams, a UPC
Continue Reading Salmonella contamination sparks tehina recall
Latvian health officials have completed their investigation into an outbreak and general rise in E. coli which led to almost 80 sick people.
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) said the epidemiological investigation revealed 77 infections caused by E. coli from March 19 to April 16.
E. coli sequencing
Continue Reading Latvian agency reveals findings from investigation into E. coli outbreak
Scientists have described the main lessons learned from the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of E. coli in France.
WGS is routine for surveillance of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) human isolates. Experts assessed implementation of WGS between 2018 and 2022 for 1,002 sequenced isolates. From genomic distances of
Continue Reading Scientists report on WGS use for E. coli in France
A recently created African food safety authority is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
The Africa Food Safety Agency (AfFSA) will be part of the African Union (AU), tasked with coordinating and harmonizing food safety policies and regulations.
The AU Assembly of Heads of State and
Continue Reading African food safety agency to be up and running by 2026
UK checks on certain produce from Europe have been delayed until 2027.
Planned post-Brexit border checks on medium-risk fruits and vegetables will now start beginning Jan. 31, 2027. Controls were scheduled to begin in July 2025 under the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
The United Kingdom has agreed to
Continue Reading UK delays produce checks; gets BSE status boost
Researchers have assessed the impact of processing on the presence and transfer of antimicrobial resistant bacteria on chicken meat.
Findings showed that while Campylobacter and E. coli were present in birds entering the plants, their presence and numbers significantly declined along the poultry processing line, especially following procedures such as
Continue Reading Scientists show some bacteria decrease during poultry processing