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 killed at least 50 and sickened more than 4,000, including 852 who developed kidney-damaging hemolytic
Profile of Germany's Catastrophic 'Sproutbreak'
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 as possible suspects.
But it was microbiology, not epidemiology, which implicated the wrong vegetable. After
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EU Ban on Egyptian Fenugreek Seeds Extended
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 Egyptian fenugreek seeds were blamed for the outbreak of E. coli O104:H4 linked to sprouts
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Europe Open to Egypt Peas and Beans
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 into the European Union (EU) counties. In an emergency action in July, the EC had
Europe Cancels Consumer Caution About Sprouts
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 guidance on sprouts.
EFSA said the reason for canceling the advisory was that fenugreek seeds
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Germany Outbreak Experiences Shared
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 that some of these outbreak victims might suffer permanent brain injury may be allayed, and
EU Likely to Lift Ban on Egyptian Seeds
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.
A week after an EU delegation was sent to Egypt to investigate the current safety
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EU Sends Team to Test Egyptian Seeds
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 50 on the continent.
More than two months after investigations pointed to sprouted Egyptian fenugreek
Is Europe's Outbreak Over?
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 public that the last reported case occurred three weeks ago.
According to an article by
Outbreak: German Task Force's Findings
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 in France and Germany linked to Egyptian fenugreek sprouting seeds. A presentation on what eventually
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