Welcome to the Microbiology Information

Since the beginning of 2009, the list of compamies affected by the salmonella contaminated peanut butter or for that matter any products made by the Peanut Corporation of America has grown larger.

It looks like a huge lawsuit will follow and I’m sure there’ll be an increase in salmonella testing from all food manufacturers.    

Here’s an up to date list from since Jan 09.

 

February 17, 2009

C&K Market, Inc., Parent Company of Ray’s Food Place, Shop Smart, And Price Less Foods, Recalls Bulk Peanuts, Whole Honey Peanuts, and Trail Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Theo Chocolate Issues Nationwide Recall of “Peanut Butter Big Daddy” and Peanut Confections Due to Possible Health Risk

Bear Naked Announces Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter Granola Due to Peanut Corporation of America Recall

Slim-Fast Updates and Corrects Nationwide Recall Of Three Slim-Fast Bar Products with Peanuts

Junior’s Cheesecake and Desserts Conducts Nationwide Recall Of Selected 8″ Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecakes Because Of Possible Health Risk

February 14, 2009

Multiple Brands of Trail Mix and Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Recalled As Part of Nationwide Peanut Corporation of America Recall

Heavenly Candy Company Issues Nationwide Recall of “Peanut Bliss” Candy Because it May Contain Peanuts Contaminated with Salmonella from the PCA Texas Plant

February 13, 2009

Allann Bros Coffee Recalls All Products That Contain Peanuts Including Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundts, Cowboy Cookies, Monster Cookies, Double Delicious Bars, Turtle Brownies, Rice Pilaf, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Fudge Pie, Peanut Butter Fudge Cups, Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, Peanut Butter Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Fudge Bars, Turkey Thai Peanut Soup Because of Possible Health Risk

Premier Packing Company Is Recalling Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts, Dry Roasted Salted Peanuts, Fiesta Mix, Toasted Diced Peanuts, Honey Roasted Peanuts, and Roca Toffee because of a Possible Health Risk

Eillien’s Candies, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of 5oz Nut Topping (Chopped Peanuts) Due to Possible Health Risk

The Alps Candy Recalls Honey Roasted Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Bad Byron’s Specialty Food Products, Inc. Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Bad Byron’s Barbeque Seasoned Roasted Peanuts

Turner Holdings, LLC Announces Voluntary Recall Due to Potentially Contaminated Peanuts

Gayle’s Chocolate Recalls Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Peanuts Sold In-Store and at Detroit Metro Airport Because of Possible Health Risk

Whole Foods Market Stores in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii Voluntarily Recall Peanut Grinder Products

Slim-Fast® Conducts Nationwide Recall of Three Slim-Fast Bar Products with Peanuts

Betty Lou’s Inc. Recalls Nut Butter Peanut Butter Protein Balls Because of Possible Health Risk

Melaleuca Joins Other National Food Companies and Voluntarily Recalls Attain Nutrition Bars Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor and ProFlex15 and ProFlex20 Protein Bars Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Balance Bar Company Recalls Honey Peanut Balance Nutrition Energy Bars

Dr. Melina Inc. Recalls Chocolate Peanut Protein Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Complete Life Potential of Poulsbo, WA Announces a Voluntary Recall of Caveman Peanut & Sea Salt Bar and Salted Corn & Peanut Bar Because of Possible Health Risk

General Mills Voluntarily Recalls Three Flavors of Cascadian Farm Snack Bars Containing Peanuts

Stop & Shop Issues a Voluntary Recall of Two Nature’s Promise Peanut Products

Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Co. Announces Expands Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Cherry Hill Supremes

Cougar Mountain Baking Company Of Seattle, WA Announces a Voluntary Recall of Its Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk, & Ballpark Cookies and Cookie Dough Because of Possible Health Risk

The Annapolis Chocolate Co., Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Chocolate Peanut Butter Products Due to Possible Health Risk

February 12, 2009

Arbonne International Expands Its Voluntary Recall of Figure 8® Peanut Butter Chews Due to Possible Health Risk

Blanton’s Candies Recalls Peanut Brittle and Sugar Free Peanut Brittle Because of Possible Health Risk

Brent and Sam’s Announces Expanded Voluntary Recall of Two Previously Recalled Varieties of Archer Farms Brand Cookies

Brent and Sam’s Announces Expanded Voluntary Recall of One Variety of Previously Recalled Sam’s Choice Brand Cookies

Aurora Products Inc. Expands Their Voluntary Recall to Include Organic Raw, Organic Roasted Salted and Organic Roasted Unsalted Peanuts Produced Under Aurora Natural Brand Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

American Almond Products Company, Inc. Recalls Selected Lots of Roasted Granulated Peanuts, Peanut Brittle Crunch, Chunky Peanut Butter, Fresh Direct Brand Honey Roasted Peanut Butter and Fresh Direct Brand Chunky Peanut Butter Because of Possible Health Risk

Mooresville Ice Cream Co. Conducts Carolinas Recall of Half Gallon and Three Gallon Containers of ‘Chocolate Peanut Butter Delight’ Flavor of DeLuxe Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk

In-Room Plus, Inc and In-Room West, Inc. Conduct Worldwide Voluntary Recall of Select Honey Roasted Peanuts and Hot Cajun Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Red Wheel Fundraising (RWFR, Inc.) Voluntarily Recalls Cookie Dough Due to Potential Health Risk

GKI Foods Inc. Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut-Containing Candies Because of Possible Health Risk

February 11, 2009

Something Better Natural Foods Conducts Nationwide Recall of Products With Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Germack Pistachio Co. Recalls Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Golden Temple of Oregon LLC Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of WHA GURU CHEW Peanut Cashew Bars Due To Possible Health Risk

February 10, 2009

Orchard Crest Farms issues a voluntary recall for some of their snack products due to expanded recall by Peanut Corporation of America concerning contamination with possible health risk

WinCo Foods Recalls Bulk Organic Cascade Trail Mix Containing Peanuts, Distributed in the Western US, Because of a Possible Health Risk

Great Harvest Bread Co. of Bellingham, WA Announces a Voluntary Recall of their Cupids Crunch, Reindeer Food, and Bunny Food holiday snack mixes Because of Possible Health Risk

Best Maid Cookie Company, Inc: Expired Peanut-containing Cookie Products from 2007 Affected by Peanut Recall

Western Trade Group, Inc. Recalls Roasted Peanuts Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Deluxe Ice Cream Co., A Subsidary Of Mattehorn Group Inc., Recalls All Labels Of Tin Roof Sundae, Goo Goo Cluster, Candy Bar Half Gallon Packaged Ice Cream Product, Because Of Possible Health Risk

February 9, 2009

Trader Joe’s Expands Its Voluntary Recall To Include Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Cookies (Midwest, Georgia and Nashville, TN Stores Only) Vegan Trail Mix Cookies (Southern Cal, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada Stores Only) and Trader Joe’s Frozen Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Kings Super Markets Issues a Voluntary Recall of Kings Branded and Bulk Peanut Products

Pic-A-Nut Company Announces a Voluntary Michigan Recall of Peanut Products because of Possible Risk to Health

Cheryl and Co. Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter/Peanut Cookie and Dough Products Containing Peanuts Supplied by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) as Part of the PCA Expanded Recall

Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of OPTIFAST® Honey Nut ‘n Oat Nutritional Bars Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

February 8, 2009

Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Announces Voluntary Recall of Jana’s Peanut Butter Cookie Following Expanded FDA Investigation of Peanut Corporation of America

Peanut Corporation of America Provides Additional Information about Expanded Nationwide Recall of Peanut Products

February 7, 2009

Nassau Candy Conducts Nationwide Recall of Chocolate Peanuts Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Crown Pacific Fine Foods Recalls Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

February 6, 2009

Stop & Shop Issues a Voluntary Recall of Simply Enjoy Sweet and Salty Mixed Nuts

Hialeah Products, Inc. d/b/a New Urban Farms Conducts Nationwide Recall of Various Snack Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Krispak Recalls Two Gordon Food Service and Spartan Stores Candies With Peanuts Because of Possible Health Ris

Shapiro Produce Recalls of J.J. Kelly Snacks Because of Possible Health Risk

Belfonte Ice Cream and Dairy Foods Co. Announces Voluntary Recall of Ice Cream Due to Possible Health Risk

House of Spices (India) Inc. Recalls Laxmi Hot & Spicy Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

PANOS Brands, LLC Recalls #00112 KA-ME Green Tea Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix

Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Co. Recalls Paddlewheel Trail Mix, Sweet Explosion Snack Mix, Honey Roast Peanuts, Special Mixed Nuts

Mister Snacks, Inc. Expands Natiowide Recall Of Various Snack Products Because Of Possible Health Risk

The Popcorn Factory, Inc. Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Select Popcorn Products Containing Peanut Seasonings

Christie Cookie Recalls Certain Lots of Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Valley Services, Inc. Recalls Emergency Shelf Stable Meals Because of Possible Health Risk

Cookie Machine Announces a Voluntary Recall of their peanut butter cookie dough due to Potential Health Risk

Coblentz Chocolate Company Recalls Items Because of Possible Health Risk

Coblentz Chocolate Company Recalls Chocolate Fancy Fruit and Nut Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Charlie’s Specialties Announces a Voluntary Recall of Peanut Containing Items Due To a Possible Health Risk

Stop and Shop Issues a Voluntary Recall of Simply Enjoy Sweet and Salty Mixed Nuts

Erin Baker’s Wholesome Baked Goods Recalls Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies, Rocky Road Breakfast Cookies and Peanut Butter Home-style Granola Because of Possible Health Risk

Rite Aid Announces Voluntary Recall Of Peanut Products

Hawk’s Lair Inc. Announces a Nationwide Recall of Tins Filled with Candies That Contain Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

A. L. Schutzman Announces Recall of Dry Roasted Peanut and Nut Topping Products due to Recall By Peanut Corporation of America

February 5, 2009

Cuisine Innovations, LLC. Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Assorted Frozen Mini Cheesecake Desserts Following Expanded Peanut Corporation of America Peanut Product Recall

H-E-B Issues Precautionary and Voluntary Recall for Creamy Creations Peanut Brittle Ice Cream

Promedis Announces Voluntary Nationwide U.S. Recall Of Nutrition Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Omaha Steaks Announces Voluntary Recall of Bridge Mix with Chocolate Covered Peanuts due to Possible Health Risk

Midwest Ice Cream Announces Recall of 56 Ounce Squares and Half Gallons of Meijer’s Candy Bar Swirl Ice Cream Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Huckleberry Haven, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls the Following Chocolate Covered Peanut Products Due To Expanded Recall By Peanut Corporation Of America And Because Of Possible Health Risk

Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls All Panned Chocolate Items Containing Whole Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

Fannie May Confections, Inc. announces voluntary recall of Bridge Mix and No Sugar Added Milk Chocolate Covered Peanuts produced by Madelaine Chocolate

Ladon W. Abercrombie Recalls Honey Roasted And Fresh Roasted Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

Boston Cookies Announces Recall of Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies and Brownies

Palmer Candy Company Announces A Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Peanut Clusters and Bridge Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Nature’s Original Announces Recall of Snack Mixes/Snack Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Star Kay White Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Peanut Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Kmart Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Items Containing Peanuts Sold at Super Kmart Bakery Locations

Whole Foods Market Recalls Bulk Items Because they May Contain Peanuts Contaminated with Salmonella

February 4, 2009

Premier Nutrition Expands Its Voluntary Nationwide Recall of selected TWISTED and TITAN Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Palmer Candy Company Announces A Voluntary Recall of Trail Mix and Snack Mix Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Hershey Creamery Announces Voluntary Recall of Goo Goo Peanut Butter Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk

Country Life Natural Foods Conducts Nationwide Recall Of Peanut-Containing Candies Because Of Possible Health Risk

Broughton Foods Recalls 56 Ounce Scrounds of Premium Peanut Caramel Crunch Ice Cream Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Meadow Gold Dairy Recalls 56 Ounce Scrounds and Round Pints of Herd of Laughter Tin Can Alley Ice Cream Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Purity Dairies Recalls Half Gallon Squares of Nutty Caramel Ice Cream Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Fieldbrook Foods Corporation Adds Four Products to Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Select Ice Cream Novelty Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Rich Products Corporation announces nationwide voluntary recall of Peanut Butter Blast Pie and Red Robin 10″ DD Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake due to possible health risk

Unilever United States, Inc. Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Breyers Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream Products with Peanuts Due to Possible Health Risk

WinCo Foods Recalls Bulk Candy Items Containing Peanuts Because Of A Possible Health Risk

Mister Snacks, Inc. Conducts Natiowide Recall of Various Snack Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Weaver Popcorn Company Issues a Nationwide Precautionary Voluntary Recall of 9.5 oz. Trail’s End Caramel Corn with Peanuts

Labrada Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Rockin’ Roll Brand Nutty Peanut Flavor Bars Due to Possible Health Risk

Hiland Dairy Foods Company, LLC Announces Recall of Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. Announces a Nationwide Voluntary Recall Because of Possible Health Risk

George J. Howe Co. Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of French Burnt Peanut Products

Amway Global Announces Nationwide Recall Of Xs Energy Bar Chocolate Nut Roll And Expansion Of Nutrilite Energy Bars Recall Because of Possible Health Risk

Harry and David Recalls Nut Clusters and Pretzel Rods Due to Expanded Recall By Peanut Corporation of America

Marlow Candy and Nut Company Announces a Voluntary Recall for its Salted Peanuts, Honey Roasted Peanuts and Hot and Spicy Peanuts Because of a Possible Health Risk

Nutsco Recalls Peanut Products Because Of Possible Health Risk

Summerdale Peanut Co., LLC Recalls 10 Oz Bags of Baldwin County Fried Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

Odwalla: Expired Peanut-containing Bars from 2007 Affected by Peanut Recall — If Any Remain, Consumers Should Destroy

Southwest Specialty Foods Recalls Products Supplied by Peanut Corporation of America

Can Do Kid Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of two flavors of CAN DO KID Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Whole Foods Market Recalls Bulk Peanut Products Due To Possible Health Risk

Rich Ice Cream Company, Inc. Issues Multi-State Voluntary Recall of Rich’s Nutty Sundae Cone Because of Possible Health Risk

The Father’s Table, LLC Initiates Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Item code 26000 Gourmet Brownie Variety

Country Home Bakers Recalls Frozen Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

February 3, 2009

Marin Food Specialties, Inc. Recalls Various Snacks and Trail Mixes Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination

Trauth Dairy Recalls 8 Ounce Cups and One Half Gallon Squares of Deluxe Peanut Caramel Crunch Ice Cream Due to Expanded Recall by Peanut Corporation of America

Austinuts Wholesale, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall Of Honey Roasted Peanuts And Sweet & Spicy Snack Mix

ISS Research® Announces Voluntary Recall of OhYeah!® Bars Due To Potential Health Risk

GloryBee Foods, Inc. announces nationwide recall of Honey Roasted Peanut Splits, Whole Raw Blanched Peanuts, Organic Dry Roasted (No Salt) Peanut Splits, Conventional Dry Roasted (No Salt) Peanut Splits, Dry Roasted Granulated Medium Peanuts, Whole Honey Peanuts, Aunt Patty’s Cascade Trail Mix (bulk), and Aunt Patty’s Mt. Hood Trail Mix (also known as Aunt Patty’s Banana Split Trail Mix) (Bulk) Because Of Possible Health Risk

Thrift Products Recalls Thrifty Nut Brand Honey Roasted and Dry Roasted Peanuts Sold in Michigan And Indiana Because of Possible Risk To Health

Stewart’s Shops Recalls Caramel Candy Bar Dip Ice Cream Because Of Possible Health Risk

Nut Bar Company Recalls Candy Shoppe Double Dip Peanuts Sold At Meijer Stores In Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan And Ohio Because Of Possible Health Risk

Georgia Peanut Commission Recalls 11 oz. and 4 lb. Cans of Skinless and Honey Roasted Peanut Product Because of Possible Health Risk

Allegro Fine Foods, Inc. Recalls Wow Thai Peanut Wing Sauce & Dressing Because of Possible Health Risk

Grand Rapids Popcorn Recalls PCA’s 30# Cases of Medium Chop Granulated Peanuts Sold in Michigan and Florida Because of Possible Health Risk

GKI Foods Inc. Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut-Containing Candies Because of Possible Health Risk

CVS/pharmacy Announces Voluntary Recall of Gold Emblem Brand Candy Containing Peanuts

Natural Organics, Inc. Issues Precautionary Nationwide Voluntary Recall on Several Lots of Nature’s Plus Nutritional Bars

Dutch Valley Food Development, Inc. Announces a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Products made with Recalled Peanuts

T F Processors Inc. Recalls Double Fudge Peanut Butter Brownies Because of Possible Health Risk

Blue Ribbon Products Inc., Announces Voluntary Recall of Ultimate Gourmet Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Due to Possible Health Risk

Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores Announces Voluntary Recall of its Premium Ice Cream Flavor “Peanut Butter Pretzel” Following Expanded FDA Investigation of Peanut Corporation of America

JL Manufacturing Announces Recall Of Candies Containing Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

US Nutrition, Inc. Conducts Nationwide Recall of Karma Organic Double Chocolate Bars and Karma Organic Orange Cranberry Almond Bars Due to Possible Health Risk

ETHEX Corporation Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall

IFS Announces a Nationwide Recall of Snacks Containing Peanuts Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Marathon Ventures, Inc. announces recall of dry, roasted peanuts (foodservice pack) and Bridge Mix due to possible health risk

Turner Holdings Recalls Peanut Butter Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Wonder Ice Cream Company Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Candy Blast 10oz Cups Because of Possible Health Risk

Kariba Farms Announces Nationwide Recall of NutCrusters™ Thai Peanut

Annie B’s Confections Announces a Voluntary Nationwide Withdrawal of Peanut Containing Desserts Due to Possible Health Risk

Cherrydale Manufacturing LLC Recalls Target Archer Farm and Target Market Pantry Products That Contain Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Dillon Candy Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Rolls Due to Possible Health Risk

Dingman’s Dairy Announces Recall of Soft Dk.Peanut Splits Because of Possible Health Risk

Dingman’s Dairy Announces Recall of Med. Granulated Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Chef Jay’s Food Products Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Torn Ranch Inc., Announces a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Products That Contain Dry Roasted and Honey Roasted Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company, Inc. Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Select Peanut Items

February 2, 2009

Gel Spice Co. Recalls Small Chop Granules Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Palmer Candy Company Announces A Nationwide Voluntary Recall of French Burnt Peanut and Boston Baked Bean Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Palmer Candy Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Blanched Salted Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Hershey Import Company Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall on Certain Snacks

Aurora Products Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Products Containing Roasted Peanuts Produced Under Aurora Natural Brand Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

Kerry Ingredients and Flavours Announces Voluntary Recall of Choco Fudge Peanut Ingredient Following Expanded FDA Investigation of Peanut Corporation of America

GKI Foods Inc. Initiates Nationwide Recall of Peanut-Containing Candies Because of Possible Health Risk

Kellogg Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Select Keebler® Soft Batch Cookies and Special K Protein™ Meal Bar Honey Almond Flavor and Expansion of the 01/16/09 Recall of Various Crackers and Cookies

Landies Candies Co. Inc Expands Voluntary Recall to Include Select Organic Peanut Clusters Due to Possible Health Risk

Tropical Nut And Fruit Recalls “Granulated Peanuts” Because of Possible Health Risk

Kashi Initiates Nationwide Recall of Select Kashi™ TLC™ Chewy Granola Bar Flavors And Kashi™ TLC™ Chewy Cookie Flavors

Ocean Spray Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of 1.75 oz and 48 oz Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Products

Prairie Farms Dairy Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall Because of Possible Health Risk

Hudsonville Ice Cream Announces a Recall of Candy Bar Whirl Ice Cream Distributed in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio Because of Possible Risk to Health

Crown Pacific Fine Foods Recalls Roasted Honey Peanuts, Virginia Roasted/Salted Peanuts, Virginia Roasted No Salt Peanuts, Roasted/Salted Peanuts, Roasted/Unsalted Peanuts Because of Health Risk Because of Possible Health Risk

Umpqua Dairy issues Voluntary Recall on its Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream products Due to Expanded Peanut Recall by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA)

Earth Island Announces Voluntary Recall on Select Follow Your Heart Deli Products That Contain Peanut Butter Because of Possible Health Risk

Walgreens Recalls Café W Brand Trail Mix Containing Peanuts

Hain Celestial Voluntarily Issues Nationwide Expanded Recall of Certain Ethnic Gourmet® Chicken Pad Thai Because of Possible Health Risk

Cherrydale Manufacturing LLC Recalls Bartons, Cherrydale Farms And Haddington Farms Products That Contain Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

Bindi North America Announces Nationwide Recalls of Peanut Butter Gelato, Dream Bomba, and Peanut Butter Cheesecakes Because of Possible Health Risk

Pecan Deluxe Candy Company Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Peanut Containing Products (Updated Information)

Bear Stewart Corporation Announces Recall of Bear’s Peanut Butter and Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies in All Sizes

Savoy Extraordinary Snacks Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Peanut Containing Products

High’s Recalls Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream

Bucks Ice Cream Recalls Ice Cream Nut Roll Because of Possible Health Risk

House of Flavors Expands Voluntary Recall of Ice Cream Due to Possible Health Risk

Shamrock Foods Company Issues Voluntary Recall on Nutty Sundae Cones

Koppers Chocolate Recalls Peanut Products

Tropical Nut and Fruit of Orlando Recalls Peanut Corporation of America Granulated Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Great Skott Foods Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Snack Mixes

Garden of Life, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall of fücoPROTEIN Peanut Butter Crunch Dietary Supplement Bars (Formerly Called Perfect Weight America Peanut Butter Crunch Dietary Supplement Bars)

Hines Nut Company Announces Recall of Honey Roasted Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

February 1, 2009

Genisoy Food Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Genisoy Organic Apple Cinnamon Soy Protein Bars Due to Potential Health Risk

Walgreens Recalls Walgreens Brand Candy Containing Peanuts Sold From Jan. 1, 2007 To Jan. 29, 2009

Pecan Deluxe Candy Company Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Peanut Containing Products

January 31, 2009

Ice Cream Specialties Announces Nationwide Recall of Ice Cream Novelties Because of Possible Health Risk

Bear Naked Announces Recall of Appalachian Trail Mixes Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America Contamination and Potential Health Risk

Nature’s Path Announces an Expanded Recall of Peanut Butter Optimum Energy Bars Nationwide Due to Possible Health Risk

East Side Entrees Voluntarily Recalls Peanut Butter & Jelly Meal Breaks Because of Possible Health Risk

Zachary Confections, Inc. Announces a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Market Pantry Chocolate Covered Peanuts

Zachary Confections, Inc. Announces Nationwide Recall of Double Dipped Peanuts, Chocolate Peanuts, Bridge Mix, Caramel Nut Clusters, and Peanut Clusters due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Possible Health Risk

Schwan Voluntarily Recalls Ice Cream Citing Possible Health Risk

Standard Candy announces Voluntary Recall of Goo Goo Cluster and Goo Goo Peanut Butter because of possible Health Risk

Hain Celestial Voluntarily Issues Nationwide Recall of Certain Ethnic Gourmet® Pad Thai And Kung Pao Frozen Food Products, And Certain Gluten Free™ Café Asian Curry Products, Because of Possible Health Risk

Bass Pro Shops® Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Uncle Bucks® Burnt Peanut Candy, No Sugar Added Chocolate Peanuts And No Sugar Added Peanut Clusters Due to Possible Health Risk

Kroger Recalls Peanut Butter Bakery Cookies and Select Cakes Due to Possible Health Risk

Rucker’s Candy Announces Voluntary Recall for Customer Private Labeled Products Including The Family Choice Labeled Brand

Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc. Recalls Trail Mixes and Peanut Items Because of Possible Health Risk

Multiple Brands of Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream Recalled as Part of Nationwide Peanut Corporation of America Recall

Nutrition Research Group/Advanced Nutrient Science Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Triple Delicious™, All Natural Mega Protein™ and Oh Soo Good™ Bars

Atkins™ Nutritionals Participates In Voluntary Peanut Recall

January 30, 2009

Giant Food Issues A Voluntary Recall of Simply Enjoy Milk and Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix and Simply Enjoy Milk Chocolate Peanuts

Stop & Shop Issues A Voluntary Recall of Simply Enjoy Milk and Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix and Simply Enjoy Milk Chocolate Peanuts

Meijer Announces Voluntary Recall for Some Meijer Brand Peanuts and Ice Cream Novelties Citing Possible Health Risk

Rain Creek Baking Corporation Announces An Expanded Voluntary Withdrawal of Peanut Butter Turtles, Peanut Butter Baskets and Peanut Butter Princesses Due to Possible Health Risk

Galliker Dairy Announces Voluntary Recall of Rocky Road Ice Cream and Sundae Nut Cones Because of Possible Health Risk

Simbree Energy Foods RECALLS Simbree® Oat Almond Pistash, Simbree® Almond Pistachio Energy Bites and Simbree® Oat Bites with Peanuts, Almonds and Pistachios/ Bouchées d’avoine aux arachides, amandes et pistaches Because of Possible Health Risk

Voluntary Recall Alert: Chef Pierre Chocolate Peanut Butter Silk Pie

Turkey Hill Dairy Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Ice Cream Flavors Following Expanded FDA Investigation of Peanut Corporation of America

NutriSystem Expands Voluntary United States Recall of Peanut Butter Granola Breakfast Bar to Include Canada Due to Possible Peanut Corporation Of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

House of Flavors Issues Voluntary Recall in Eastern United States Due to Possible Health Risk

Wells’ Dairy Expands Voluntary Recall of Select Blue Bunny® Products

Lesserevil Brand Snack Co. Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Lesserevil Brand Peanut Butter and Choco Kettle Corn

Clif Bar & Company Expands Its Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of CLIF® and LUNA® Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter

Kroger Recalls Nut Topping Due to Possible Health Risk

Perry’s Ice Cream Company Adds Products to Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products as a result of PCA Expanded Recall

Weis Markets Announces Voluntary Recall of Seven Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Salix, LLC Recalls 6″ Peanut Butter Filled Shank Bone Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Publix Issues Voluntary Recall on Produce Snacks

Kemps LLC Recalls Ice Cream Products

Pierre’s Ice Cream Company Issues Voluntary Recall on its Pierre’s Brand Sundae-Cone Style Products Due to Expanded Peanut Recall by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA)

HP Hood LLC Recalls Ice Cream Products

Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co.® Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Select Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Best Brands Corp. Expands Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Frozen Cookie Dough

Velvet Ice Cream Pulling Cone Products

Eillien’s Candies, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Candy Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Caribou Coffee® Participates in Voluntary Nationwide Peanut Product Recall

Cherrydale Manufacturing LLC Recalls Bartons, Cherrydale Farms and Haddington Farms Products That Contain Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Forward Foods LLC Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of DETOUR® Branded Bars Containing Roasted Peanuts Due to Possible Health Risk

Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge Farms AnnouncesPrecautionary Voluntary Shelf Withdrawal of Several Peanut Products

Safeway Recalls Selected Peanut Products Sold at 66 Stores with Nut Kiosks

Giambri’s Quality Sweets Recalls Peanut Butter Easter Eggs Because Of Possible Health Risk

Super Store Industries Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets Inc. Fresh Ground Peanut Citing Possible Health Risk

Eillien’s Candies, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Jars of Dry Roasted Peanuts Due to Possible Health Risk

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. Recalls Four Atkins Products That Contain Granulated Peanuts or Peanut Pieces Sourced from the Peanut Corporatin of America

January 29, 2009

Wells’ Dairy Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Blue Bunny Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Recalls Three Bakery Products with Peanuts

Fieldbrook Foods Corp. Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Select Ice Cream Novelty Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Two Bakery Products with Peanuts Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk

Country Maid Expands Upon Previous Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Classic Breaks Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Due to Possible Health Risk

Orchard Valley Harvest Announces Urgent Nationwide Voluntary Recall for Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk

Arico Natural Foods Company Announces US and Canadian Recall of Arico Peanut Butter Cookies and Cookie Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Harry and David Recalls Olympia Delight Trail Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Publix Issues Voluntary Recall on Round Top Sundae Cones

January 28, 2009

Ther-Rx Corporation Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Products

ETHEX Corporation Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Products

House of Flavors Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Walnuts in Hanniford Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sold at Sweetbay Supermarkets in Florida

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Products

Uncle Eddies Vegan Cookies Announces Recall of Uncle Eddies Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate-Chip Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk

January 27, 2009

FDA Warns Consumers Against Dietary Supplement Containing Undeclared Drug

SOPAKCO, Inc. Announces a Nationwide Recall of Certain SURE-PAK 12 Meals Containing Peanut Butter Products

Carolina Prime Pet Announces Nationwide Recall of Dog Treats

Jenny Craig Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Jenny’s Cuisine® Anytime Peanut Butter Flavor Nutritional Bars Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

Isagenix Announces Voluntary Recall of Chocolate Dipped Honey Peanut IsaLean® Bar Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

January 26, 2009

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Limited Recalls Cheese Products Because of Possible Health Risk

January 24, 2009

Voluntary Recall Issued for ShopRite Peanut Butter on Toasty Crackers and ShopRite Peanut Butter and Cheese Cracker Snacks Because of Possible Health Risk

January 23, 2009

Marin Food Specialties, Inc. Recalls Nationwide Various Nuggets and Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination

Salix Voluntarily Recalls Dog Treat Due to Possible Health Risk

Brent and Sam’s Announces Nationwide Recall of Two Varieties of Archer Farms Brand Cookies

Brent and Sam’s Announces a Nationwide Recall of One Variety of Sam’s Choice Brand Cookies

Amway Global Initiates Nationwide Recall of NUTRILITE Energy Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

Whole Foods Market Recalls “Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets”

Stonewall Kitchen Voluntarily Recalls Seven Dessert Sauces

Supreme Protein Voluntarily Recalls Supreme Protein® brand Peanut Butter Crunch Bars and Caramel Nut Bars

Trader Joe’s Expands Its Voluntary Recall To Include Trader Joe’s Sliced Green Apples With All Natural Peanut Butter

Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge Farms Withdraws Naturally Preferred Honey Nut Nuggets

Falcon Trading Company/SunRidge Farms Withdraws Certain Lots of SunRidge Tropical Golden Nugget, SunRidge Chocolate Energy Bar and SunRidge Energy Nuggets

ALDI Statement Regarding Peanut Butter Products Recall

Happy Tails And Shoppers Valu Brand Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits Recalled As Part Of Nationwide Peanut Corporation Of America Recall

Dough-to-Go, Inc. recalls Dough-To-Go, Jane Dough and Auntie Ono Cookie Dough with peanut butter products due to possible health risk

January 22, 2009

Aspen Hills, Inc. Announces Voluntary Product Recall of Certain Cookie Dough Products

Nash Finch Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk

South Bend Chocolate Company Extends Nationwide Recall of Candy Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination

Rain Creek Baking Corporation Announces Voluntary Withdrawal of Peanut Butter Turtles, Peanut Butter Baskets and Peanut Butter Princesses Due to Possible Health Risk

Chef Jay’s Food Products Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

General Nutrition Centers, Inc. Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of GNC Triflex Peanut Butter Soft Chews

Perry’s Ice Cream Company Adds Two Products to Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products

Jimmy’s Cookies Issues Nationwide Recall of Various Peanut Butter Cookies Due to Possible Health Risk

Arbonne International Voluntarily Recalls Figure 8 Peanut Butter Chews Due To Possible Health Risk

Parker Products, Inc. Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Peanut Butter Products

Trader Joe’s Announces Voluntary Recall of Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars, Nutty Chocolate Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars and Sutter’s Formula Cookies Due to Possible Health Risk

January 21, 2009

NutriSystem Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Granola Bar Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk

Blanton’s Candies Recalls Peanut Butter Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk

Landies Candies Co. Inc Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Filled Chocolates Due to Possible Health Risk

Lovin Oven, LLC Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Health Valley Organic Peanut Crunch Chewy Granola Bars

Best Brands Corp. Announces Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Frozen Cookie Dough

Creative Energy Foods, Inc. Recalls Nutrition Bars Due To Possible Health Risk

January 20, 2009

Country Maid Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Classic Breaks® Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Due to Possible Health Risk

Nature’s Path Recalls Peanut Butter Optimum Energy Bars Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk

PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuits

Ready Pac Foods, Inc Announces Voluntary Product Recall

Premier Nutrition Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of selected TWISTED and TITAN Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Boca Grande Foods Announces a Nationwide Recall of POCO PAC®, and GRANDE GOURMET™ Peanut Butter Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Dinners Ready Meridian Recalls November & December Asian Marinated Flank Steak, Indonesian Chicken and Chicken Satay Prepared Meals Because of Possible Health Risk

Weis Markets Announces Voluntary Recall of Weis Quality (WQ) Cheese Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and WQ Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers Due to Possible Health Risk

Kroger Recalls Additional Select Ice Cream Product Due to Possible Health Risk

Cub Foods™ Brand Peanut Butter Cookies Recalled As Part of Nationwide Peanut Corporation of America Recall

January 19, 2009

Meijer Announces Voluntary Recall for Some Meijer Brand Peanut Butter Crackers and Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk

Abbott Nutrition Announces Voluntary Recall of ZonePerfect® Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, ZonePerfect® Peanut Toffee Bars and NutriPals™ Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars in U.S., Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore

Kroger Recalls Select Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Clif Bar & Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF® and LUNA® Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Evening Rise Bread Co. Recalls Peanut Butter Cookies and Bars Because of Possible Health Risk

General Mills Issues Voluntary Recall of LÄRABAR and JamFrakas Peanut Butter Snack Bars

January 18, 2009

McKee Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers Because of Possible Health Risk

South Bend Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candys Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Wal-Mart Bakery Brand Peanut Butter Cookies Because Of Possible Health Risk

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Lofthouse Peanut Butter Cookies, Chuck’s Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies And Pastries Plus Gourmet Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Food Lion Bake Shop Peanut Butter Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter

January 17, 2009

Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk

Perry’s Ice Cream Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk

H-E-B Recalls H-E-Buddy Snack Packs With a Peanut Butter Dip

January 16, 2009

Salmonella-Tainted Peanut Butter Found in Connecticut

Kellogg Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Austin® and Keebler® Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Select Snack-Size Packs of Famous Amos® and Keebler® Soft Batch Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter

January 14, 2009

Kellogg Company Announces Precautionary Hold on Austin and Keebler Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

January 13, 2009

Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter

January 12, 2009

Salmonella recovered from King Nut peanut butter by MDA lab found to be a genetic match to cases in national Salmonella outbreak

January 10, 2009

King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall

 

Listeria appears again - but this time in sandwiches wwhere it was sold to 20 people at Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand.

These pre-packaged Thai chicken sandwiches were sold on Monday at the hospital’s Aviary Cafe, which is mainly used by staff.

The contamination was detected in routine listeria testing where the results were given to the hospital yesterday.

It was not known last night whether other sandwich varieties at the cafe were infected, or if other products from the sandwiches’ supplier, Naturezone, were infected with listeria and had been distributed to other outlets.

The bacterium can be fatal to people with low immune systems and can cause miscarriages or stillbirths if it infects pregnant women.

A spokeswoman for Spotless Services, the company that runs the cafe, said it was not yet known how many of its outlets had been stocked with the sandwiches. Naturezone could not be reached for comment last night.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service spokesman Dr Greg Simmons said last night that greatly improved methods of testing were bringing the listeria cases to the surface.

All positive tests in the past three weeks had come from the same testing facility.

“We are conducting a thorough site inspection at the company and we will ensure extensive product and environmental testing to identify the source,” Dr Simmons said

Despite the relatively low risk, he said, it was a serious situation.

“We are concerned that a whole lot of ready-to-eat products look like they are being contaminated. We would be silly not to be concerned.”

The bacterium usually produces fever, diarrhoea and general unwellness within three weeks of infection, although it can take as long as 10 weeks for symptoms to show.

An eight hour listeria test is what DuPont Qualicon has just annouced.

The new test is genetic-based and allows food companies to detect Listeria on environmental surfaces in only eight hours.

A spokes person for DuPont Qualicon says the new assay “is the first commercial application of Reverse-Transcriptase PCR for bacterial testing in food.” It is part of a suite of BAX(R) system products.

“This flexible test can give food companies clear, precise results at the end of a shift,” said Kevin Huttman, president of DuPont Qualicon. “With fast, accurate detection of Listeria, even at low concentrations, food processors get the information they need to take action sooner and release product faster.”

Listeria is found in many kinds of foods and us usually killed with proper cooking. Ready-to-eat products, such as hot dogs and deli meat, can become contaminated between cooking and packaging, however. The infection Listeriosis is caused by eating food contaminated with pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes. This illness is especially risky for pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals. DuPont Qualicon said.

Applications

The BAX® system detects all species of Listeria, even at very low concentrations (101 cfu/mL).

With reverse-transcriptase PCR, samples do not require the usual 24-48 hour enrichment in nutrient brotoh. Instead, Listeria cells are resuscitated by heating in the collection buffer solution for four hours, providing a jump-start to the process.

Validation studies on stainless steel using both the classic and Q7 models have shown that the BAX® system detected more positive results on spiked samples than the reference USDA FSIS culture method. In a panel of 58 strains across 7 species of Listeria and 52 strains of non-Listeria, the assay demonstrated 100% inclusivity/exclusivity.

Approvals

The BAX® system 8-hour Listeria assay will be submitted to AOAC-RI for Performance Tested Method approval.

Source

Following an inquest into the deaths of 3 people from the Legionella bacteria, it may now become compulsory for results of cooling towers to be made available to health officials.

According to Canterbury’s medical officer of health, Alistair Humphrey who told an inquest looking into three deaths from legionella in winter 2005 says that New Zealand should adopt a compulsory regime on testing and reporting of legionnaire’s disease.

All 3 deaths were part of an outbreak of 19 cases clustered in the southwest of Christchurch, Dr Humphrey told Southland-Central Otago coroner Trevor Savage at the inquest, which is likely to last two days.

“It is appropriate that New Zealand moves to adopt a compulsory regime,” Dr Humphrey said. “It will in my view minimise the risk of another outbreak and will be likely to save lives.”

Attention has centred on the cooling tower at the Ravensdown plant in the suburb of Hornby as a possible source, and the company had lawyer Robert Osborne at today’s hearing.

He asked about gaps in the testing of cooling towers, and reporting of results under the present voluntary regime, and Dr Humphrey agreed it was possible that none of the cases came from the Ravensdown cooling tower.

But Dr Humphrey also said: “Our view is that there is no way you can say none of them came from that point source. Everything pointed to a cluster in the southwest of Christchurch around the plant we are talking about, with what we found to be genetically identical species of legionella.”

He agreed with Mr Osborne that the strain was the ubiquitous Christchurch type of the disease.

Inquiries by health officials during the outbreak turned up 141 cooling towers. Some of the owners or those leasing the buildings had not co-operated by testing and providing results and had to be visited by officials.

It meant there were gaps in the knowledge of what was happening during the April to August outbreak. When tests were done it was not known how many had already used biocide to kill organisms in the cooling systems — a call made by health officials to contain the outbreak.

The inquest is hearing evidence on the deaths of Ross Hern 56, Peter Jones, 48, and Valmai Finlayson, 87, who died of legionnaire’s disease at Christchurch Hospital.

Legionella species are widely found in lakes, rivers, groundwater and soil. The hearing was told it was “generally benign” until it was turned into a mist and spread. This could be through hot water systems, air cooling systems, cooling towers, water spraying devices, water sprinklers, demisters, and spa pools. An Auckland outbreak had been traced to a high pressure hose used in a boat washing operation.

When Ravensdown tested its tower in April, it was found to have a high level of 2400 colony-forming units of legionella. Biocide was used and a later test showed the level was down to 260 units.

Ravensdown provided its results to the health authorities.

Dr Humphrey suggested four changes were needed to tighten testing and reporting procedures for legionella, consistent with requirements in New South Wales, Victoria, and now being considered by South Australia.

He wants local bodies to maintain a register of cooling towers, evaporation condensers, and scrubbing towers. In the 2005 outbreak it took health officials about two weeks to gather information on all these installations from Christchurch City Council records.

He also wants compulsory testing by owners and operators, and compulsory disclosure of the results to local authorities and medical authorities.

He also wants a consistent testing regime between commercial and industrial properties.

Giving evidence this afternoon, a senior technical adviser to the Department of Building and Housing, Bruce Trevor Klein, told the coroner that since 2004 all new buildings with water cooling towers required a building compliance certificate.

Owners were required to test their systems regularly for bacterial organisms.

Cooling towers under the 2004 Act had to be sited away from building air conditioning intake systems.

Building owners must furnish annual documents showing the cooling towers had been tested monthly for legionella bacteria.

Legislation required owners or operators of cooling towers showing a level of legionella bacteria exceeding 1000 colony-forming units (cfus) should notify a medical officer of health within 48 hours.

Test results had to be retained for two years.

Questioned by Mr Savage, Mr Klein said his department would need to investigate whether it would support the mandatory reporting of all water cooler test results to health authorities.

He cautioned against Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alister Humphrey’s earlier assertion that New Zealand should adopt Australia’s reporting system.

Mr Klein said he understood the Ministry of Health was investigating adopting a system that would require the mandatory reporting of high legionella bacterial counts.

As the law stood now, building owners, cooling tower operators and laboratories had no onus to make such reports available despite having to test regularly and retain results.

Questioned by Donna Blandford, niece of the late Mr Hern, Mr Klein said under the Building Act, cooling tower owners or operators faced fines of up to $200,000 for non-compliance.

He was unaware of any prosecutions.

Source

Here is an interesting recall. National Foods, an Australian Dairy manufacturer is recalling their cheese under the Tilba Cheese brand because of salmonella detection. The implicated cheese is Tilba Club Cheese, Tilba Trilogy - Vintage, Summer Herbs and Sundried Tomato. 140g Wedge. Plastic (Thermoform) Wrap. Best Before 28 August 2007.

Salmonella testing in cheese is not a requirement by state regulation unless there are ingredients added after pasteurization. In this case it’s the herbs and sundried tomato and I would definitely sue this company if the link proved positive. It looks like National Foods do not have a qualified or experienced microbiologist and this could be regular occurrences considering the recall of their pasteurized milk from E.coli earlier this year.

I think I’ll stick with my favorite cheese, Coon.

It looks like the giant US company 3M has just taken over the British Biomedical firm “Acolyte Biomedica” which makes microbial detection technology.

According to sources at 3M, the acquisition will help its expansion into the market for infection prevention diagnostics.

One of the firm’s major products is a rapid test system that helps hospitals screen for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and occurs most frequently in hospital patients who have weakened immune systems.

The system lets physicians screen for MRSA or other types of resistant bacteria and get confirmed negatives in hours instead of days. This acquisition adds to the purchase of Biotrace in 2006 has a similar type of technology. Interestingly Biotrace also recently took over the popular Australian Biotechnology company, TECRA. TECRA is one of the world leaders in rapid tests kits for pathogen testing the food industry.

Here’s what they write in the press release:

“Early detection of dangerous microbes is becoming more important as multiple resistant bacteria strains become more prevalent. Acolyte Biomedica helps hospitals control high-risk infections through improved screening and targeted treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and occurs most frequently in hospital patients who have weakened immune systems.

Acolyte Biomedica brings to 3M’s infection prevention platform a pipeline of rapid culture-based screening tests for microbes, such as MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), that simplify the diagnostic process by automating traditional culture methodology resulting in reliable confirmed ‘negatives’ in hours rather than days. The addition of Acolyte Biomedica allows 3M to expand more quickly into the
emerging market of infection prevention diagnostics, especially in Europe where Acolyte Biomedica has commercialized product for MRSA. Now, 3M will be able to provide customers around the world with rapid, easy-to-use microbial diagnostics that help to reduce the impact of resistant microbes and improve hospital laboratory efficiency.

“This acquisition builds on 3M’s innovative research and development in the medical diagnostics area and is a natural extension of our core infection prevention business,” said Chuck Kummeth, division vice president, 3M Medical Division. “Our vision is to continue expanding our platform to include diagnostic solutions ranging from simple, culture-based approaches to more advanced molecular diagnostics that will help hospitals to improve the quality of patient care.”

Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M’s core business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. 3M’s long-standing infection prevention platform offers innovative solutions to help reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. 3M’s infection prevention portfolio includes diagnostic testing, sterilization assurance, skin preparation, sterile field and surface, wound management and environmental cleaning.”

Now here is an interesting article by the Journal of Food Protection 2006 Aug;69(8):2029-35.

In this paper it talks about the growth in salad production in the UK and how it is dependent on irrigation to maintain product quality. There are concerns that irrigation with poor-quality water could pose a disease risk. This article examines the key issues in the emerging debate on the microbiological quality of water used for salad irrigation in the United Kingdom. The links between irrigation water quality and foodborne disease, and the current international guidance on irrigation water quality, are firstly reviewed. The findings indicate that a number of recent food-poisoning outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and that unhygienic product handling is implicated as the principal source of contamination. There is also credible evidence that salads contaminated in the field, including by irrigation water, can pose a small disease risk at the point of sale. Although irrigation water quality standards exist in various forms internationally, there is no nationally agreed on standard used in the United Kingdom.

This paper then describes the results of a survey conducted in 2003 of United Kingdom irrigation practices that might influence the microbiological quality of salads. The survey showed that surface water is the principal irrigation water source, that overhead irrigation predominates, that the gap between the last irrigation and harvest may be < 24 h in many cases, and that current water-quality monitoring practices are generally very limited in scope. This paper concludes with a discussion of the issues emerging from the review and survey, including the need for improved water-quality monitoring, and the problems associated with establishing water quality standards that could be either too strict or too lax.

Legionella are bacteria that are common in the environment such as rivers and lakes as well as artificial water systems which includes hot and cold water systems such as storage tanks, pipework, taps and showers. In the environment the occurrence of legionella in groundwater is also common.

With Legionella we usually associate it with larger water systems such as those in factories, hotels, hospitals and museums, and cooling towers. However, they can also live in smaller water supply systems used in homes and other residential accommodation.

In addition, other potential sources of legionella include spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers in factories and fire-fighting systems such as sprinklers and hose reels. Legionella can survive in
low temperatures, but thrive at temperatures between 2OoC and 45oC. At high temperatures, greater than 6O0C legionella will be killed.

Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease and it is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. It can affect anybody, however the risk is higher for those over 45 years of age, smokers and heavy drinkers, those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, and people whose immune system is low or impaired.

Legionellosis is the collective name given to the pneumonia-like illnesses caused by legionella bacteria, including the most serious and well-known Legionnaires’ disease, and also the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever.

If you suspect an area may have the potential for Legionella, then it is best to get the water tested using an accredited water testing laboratory.

Outsourcing specialist Celsis Laboratory Group will provide contract testing services for drug firms Mutual and Procter & Gamble, advancing the company’s status in this market.

In a deal expected to generate more than $1.5 (€1.2) million annually for the Laboratory Group, it will provide Mutual with analytical chemistry and stability services in support of Mutual’s product release of an extensive list of generic pharmaceutical products.
The agreement with Procter & Gamble to supply full release testing for a new product launch later this Spring, including analytical chemistry, microbiology and sensory analysis, is believed to generate in excess of $500,000 (€417,500) per annum.

Celsis’s CEO Jay LeCoque told In-Pharmatechnologist.com the company’s emphasis on customer service and fast turnaround times is proving appealing for pharmaceutical companies.

“From sending in the samples to receiving the report, the process takes ten days, as opposed to 15 to 20 days that is the industry standard.

“Compared to our competitors we do charge a premium, but both we and our customers believe the benefits of our service justify this.

“We estimate the market for testing services in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to be worth around $200 (€167) to $300 (€250) million a year and we believe we are one of the leading labs in this area.”

The Laboratory Group provides outsourced analytical testing services to pharmaceutical and biopharma companies to ensure the stability and chemical composition of their products.

It offers comprehensive testing in the areas of analytical chemistry, microbiology, quality assurance and stability, storage and testing and has facilities in Edison, New Jersey and St Louis, Missouri.

Moreover, the Laboratory Group is a division of Celsis International and last year it produced revenues of $14.6 (€12.1) million, about half of the group’s income.

Celsis’s other division, the Product Group, specialises on the provision of diagnostic systems for the rapid detection of microbial contamination.

Source: By Gregory Roumeliotis