The epidemic of E. coli O104:H4 centered in Northern Germany was 2011’s most important food safety story. The top story of the year involved a rare serotype of dangerous bacteria that in May and June
fenugreek seeds
Profile of Germany's Catastrophic 'Sproutbreak'
By Mary Rothschild on
As health authorities raced to find the source of the unprecedented E. coli epidemic sweeping through Germany this past spring, epidemiology was faulted when the first case-control study erroneously pointed to cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce…
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EU Ban on Egyptian Fenugreek Seeds Extended
By News Desk on
Last week the European Commission lifted import restrictions on fresh and chilled podded peas and green beans and other fresh produce from Egypt. The ban had been an emergency action imposed in July, after imported…
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Europe Open to Egypt Peas and Beans
By Dan Flynn on
Restrictions imposed against Egypt during this year’s E. coli O104:H4 outbreaks in Germany and France have been lifted by the European Commission (EC).
Fresh and chilled peas and beans from Egypt may again be imported…
Europe Cancels Consumer Caution About Sprouts
By Mary Rothschild on
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Tuesday dropped its consumer advisory against eating raw sprouts and growing sprouts from seed at home, and recommended consumers refer to the various national food safety agencies for specific…
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Germany Outbreak Experiences Shared
By Mary Rothschild on
Among the surprising aspects of the E. coli O104:H4 outbreak that ravaged Germany this spring were the neurological side effects that caused some patients severe panic attacks, seizures and speech or motor impairment.
But fears…
EU Likely to Lift Ban on Egyptian Seeds
By Gretchen Goetz on
The European Union is expected to lift its embargo on Egyptian seeds – put in place following the deadly E. coli outbreak linked to fenugreek seeds from that country – within the next two weeks.
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EU Sends Team to Test Egyptian Seeds
By Gretchen Goetz on
A delegation from the European Union has been sent to Egypt to test seeds there for E. coli O104:H4, the strain of bacteria that caused the deadly outbreak that sickened more than 4,000 and killed…
Is Europe's Outbreak Over?
By News Desk on
News sources were reporting Tuesday that the E. coli O104:H4 outbreak that killed as many as 50 people and sickened thousands has ended. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German public health body, informed the…
Outbreak: German Task Force's Findings
By Gretchen Goetz on
European health officials tested more than 10,000 samples of food but never found any contaminated with the deadly E. coli O104:H4 that has caused nearly 4,000 illnesses and at least 44 deaths in the outbreaks…
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