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J. Mclauchlin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Imported edible leaves collected at Retail Sale in England during 2017 with an emphasis on betel and curry leaves: microbiological quality with respect to Salmonella, Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and levels of Escherichia coli.
Journal of applied microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: J. Mclauchlin, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, Claire Jenkins, Andre Charlett, Marie A. Chattaway, Hassan Hartman, Lesley Larkin, L. Sadler‐reevesAbstract:AIMS: To investigate the microbiological quality of imported fresh leaves on Retail Sale during 2017 with respect to Salmonella, Shiga‐toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and levels of E. coli. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy‐nine samples of imported edible leaves (69 banana, 77 betel, 118 curry and 15 other types) were tested. Salmonella spp. were confirmed by whole‐genome sequencing and isolated from 44 samples, 26% from curry leaves, 14% from betel and 2·4% from all other leaf types: 80% of all samples contained ≥10², 44% ≥10³ and 22% ≥10⁴ CFU of E. coli CFU per g. All samples where Salmonella were detected also yielded ≥20 CFU of E. coli/g. 54 samples were tested for STEC which was detected in six samples and isolated from three: one was identified as STEC O157:H7. CONCLUSIONS: This report further highlights an ongoing problem of Salmonella contamination of imported fresh edible leaves. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Among all food tested by Public Health England (approximately 11 000 per annum), curry leaves were the herb most commonly contaminated with Salmonella, and betel leaves were the most commonly contaminated ready‐to‐eat food. The high proportion with unsatisfactory E. coli levels and the detection of STEC suggests risks of contamination by multiple enteric pathogens.
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an assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of raw drinking milk on Retail Sale in england
Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: C. Willis, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, A. Fox, Claire Jenkins, Deborah Fenelon, J. Mclauchlin, L SadlerreevesAbstract:AIMS This study aimed to review the microbiological results for raw drinking milk (RDM) samples submitted to Public Health England laboratories between 2014 and 2016 in order to produce up-to-date data on the microbiological safety of RDM and inform future risk assessments on its Sale. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 902 samples of RDM were collected from Retail Sale in England for microbiological examination. Overall, 454 of 770 samples (59·0%) taken for routine monitoring were of a satisfactory quality, whilst eight (1·0%) were 'unsatisfactory and potentially injurious to health' due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter or elevated levels of Listeria monocytogenes or coagulase-positive staphylococci. In contrast, 16 of 114 (14·0%) of samples taken in follow-up to a previous unsatisfactory result and 5 of 18 (27·8%) of samples related to illness were potentially injurious. A total of 229 of 902 samples (25·4%) gave unsatisfactory results due to elevated aerobic colony counts and/or coliforms, whilst 139 of 902 samples (15·4%) were of borderline quality due to coagulase-positive staphylococci. Listeria monocytogenes was detected at levels of <100 CFU per ml in 66 of 902 samples (7·3%) and other Listeria species in 44 of 902 samples (4·9%). CONCLUSIONS Pathogens and/or indicators of poor hygiene were present in almost half of samples examined. Cows' milk samples gave a significantly greater proportion of unsatisfactory results compared to milk from other species (i.e. goat, sheep, buffalo, camel). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These results demonstrate the importance of maintaining strict controls on the production and Sale of this product.
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An assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of raw drinking milk on Retail Sale in England
Journal of applied microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: C. Willis, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, A. Fox, Claire Jenkins, Deborah Fenelon, L. Sadler‐reeves, J. MclauchlinAbstract:AIMS This study aimed to review the microbiological results for raw drinking milk (RDM) samples submitted to Public Health England laboratories between 2014 and 2016 in order to produce up-to-date data on the microbiological safety of RDM and inform future risk assessments on its Sale. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 902 samples of RDM were collected from Retail Sale in England for microbiological examination. Overall, 454 of 770 samples (59·0%) taken for routine monitoring were of a satisfactory quality, whilst eight (1·0%) were 'unsatisfactory and potentially injurious to health' due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter or elevated levels of Listeria monocytogenes or coagulase-positive staphylococci. In contrast, 16 of 114 (14·0%) of samples taken in follow-up to a previous unsatisfactory result and 5 of 18 (27·8%) of samples related to illness were potentially injurious. A total of 229 of 902 samples (25·4%) gave unsatisfactory results due to elevated aerobic colony counts and/or coliforms, whilst 139 of 902 samples (15·4%) were of borderline quality due to coagulase-positive staphylococci. Listeria monocytogenes was detected at levels of
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detection and molecular characterization of livestock associated mrsa in raw meat on Retail Sale in north west england
Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2017Co-Authors: A. Fox, J. Mclauchlin, Bruno Pichon, Hayley Wilkinson, Michel Doumith, Robert Hill, Angela KearnsAbstract:Limited data are available on the prevalence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in the UK. We tested 124 raw meat samples for MRSA including pork (n = 63), chicken (n = 50) and turkey (n = 11) collected from Retail outlets in North West England between March and July 2015. MRSA was recovered from nine (7·3%) samples (four chicken, three pork and two turkey) from different butchers and supermarkets. Four were labelled of UK origin, three were from continental Europe; the origin was not specified for two samples. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS), spa typing and the presence of lineage-specific canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms confirmed that they belonged to the livestock-associated clade of clonal complex (CC) 398. Seven (77·8%) isolates were multi-drug resistant. Phylogenetic analyses showed the isolates were diverse, suggesting multiple silent introductions of LA-MRSA into the UK food chain. Two chicken meat isolates belonged to a sub-clade recently reported from human cases in Europe where poultry meat was the probable source. The low levels of MRSA identified (<20 CFU per g) and absence of enterotoxin genes suggest the risk of acquisition of, or food-poisoning due to, LA-MRSA is low. Nevertheless, the MRSA contamination rate is higher than previously estimated; further evaluation of the public health impacts of LA-MRSA is warranted. Significance and Impact of the Study Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is a public health concern worldwide, but has only been reported sporadically in the UK. In the largest UK study to date, samples of raw meat at Retail Sale were examined for both the presence and levels of MRSA. We report the first isolations of CC398 LA-MRSA from poultry meat in the UK including representatives of a particular sub-clade associated with cases of human infection/colonization in Europe. Although levels were low (<20 CFU per g), the contamination rate was higher than previous UK studies. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing revealed multiple independent introductions of LA-MRSA into the UK food chain.
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Assessment of the Microbiological Quality of Meat Pies from Retail Sale in England 2013
Journal of food protection, 2016Co-Authors: J. Mclauchlin, H. Aird, N. Elviss, A. Fox, M. Kaye, Andre Charlett, C. WillisAbstract:Outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes in England associated with meat pie consumption were detected in 2012. To obtain baseline data for pies unrelated to outbreaks, 862 samples of ready-to-eat meat pies were collected at Retail or from catering facilities in England in 2013 and examined to enumerate food-poisoning bacteria and indicator organisms using Organization for Standardization (ISO) methods for Listeria spp. including L. monocytogenes (ISO 11290), Clostridium perfringens (ISO 21528), coagulase-positive staphylococci including Staphylococcus aureus (ISO 6888), Bacillus spp. including B. cereus (ISO 1737), Escherichia coli (ISO 16649), Enterobacteriaceae (ISO 21528), and aerobic colony counts (ACCs; ISO 4833). Microbiological quality was satisfactory in 94% of samples, borderline in 5%, and unsatisfactory in 1%. The proportion of pies from markets that were borderline or unsatisfactory significantly increased, and the proportion of borderline or unsatisfactory pies from supermarkets significantly decreased. Among the refrigerated (0 to 15°C) pies, microbiological quality significantly decreased in pies stored at >8°C and further significantly decreased at in pies stored at ambient temperature (>15 to 25°C). Samples collected at 25 to 40°C had the highest proportion of borderline or unsatisfactory results, but results improved in pies stored at >40°C. The most common cause for borderline or unsatisfactory results was elevated ACCs (5% of all samples). Within the individual microbiological parameters, borderline or unsatisfactory results resulted from elevated Enterobacteriaceae or Bacillus levels (10 samples for each), C. perfringens levels (2 samples), and S. aureus or E. coli levels (1 sample each). L. monocytogenes was recovered from one pie at
Winfried Hacker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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division of labour and self reported mental requirements in human services Retail Sale jobs
Psychology, 2014Co-Authors: Ulrike Pietrzyk, Sarah Rodehacke, Winfried HackerAbstract:Significant associations between self-reported “whole units” of work and self-reported mental task requirements as well as personal outcomes are well known. Also of interest is, however, whether a significant association also exists between the underlying objective assignment of tasks, i.e. the division of labour, and self-reported mental requirements. Such an association would represent a concrete starting point for job design or redesign. We analyzed this question for Retail Sale jobs as an example of the numerous human service jobs, which usually consist of customer- and object-centred tasks. The study (N = 558 employees) evaluated the potential association between documented assignments of customer-centred and goods-centred activities and employees’ perceived mental requirements, skill utilisation, and learning on the job, as well as mental difficulties. A significant association of moderate effect size between the objective division of labour and self-reported mental job requirements was shown. Theoretical and practical consequences of this association are also discussed.
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Division of Labour and Self-Reported Mental Requirements in Human Services: Retail Sale Jobs *
Psychology, 2014Co-Authors: Ulrike Pietrzyk, Sarah Rodehacke, Winfried HackerAbstract:Significant associations between self-reported “whole units” of work and self-reported mental task requirements as well as personal outcomes are well known. Also of interest is, however, whether a significant association also exists between the underlying objective assignment of tasks, i.e. the division of labour, and self-reported mental requirements. Such an association would represent a concrete starting point for job design or redesign. We analyzed this question for Retail Sale jobs as an example of the numerous human service jobs, which usually consist of customer- and object-centred tasks. The study (N = 558 employees) evaluated the potential association between documented assignments of customer-centred and goods-centred activities and employees’ perceived mental requirements, skill utilisation, and learning on the job, as well as mental difficulties. A significant association of moderate effect size between the objective division of labour and self-reported mental job requirements was shown. Theoretical and practical consequences of this association are also discussed.
Francisco Artés - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Postharvest treatments to control physiological and pathological disorders in lemon fruit
Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 2017Co-Authors: Ginés Benito Martínez-hernández, Francisco Artés-hernández, Perla A. Gómez, Jorge Bretó, Benito Orihuel-iranzo, Francisco ArtésAbstract:Abstract Physiological and pathological disorders of lemons (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck) are the main causes of quality losses during shelf life leading to high economic losses. This experiment studied the effect of innovative postharvest chemical treatments [Fortisol Ca (1%; FoCa), Fortisol CaPlus (1.5%; FoCaPlus), Philabuster (0.2%; PHI) and Ortocil (1%; ORT)], and their combinations, by immersion (30 s), to control decay, chilling injury and red blotch in lemon fruit. The influence of a preharvest application of Fortisol Ca (1%) over the trees was also studied. Lemons washed with tap water were used as control fruit (CTRL). Lemons were stored for 33 d at 7 °C, which simulated a long storage and transportation period, followed by 5 d at 22 °C of Retail Sale period, simulating then a prolonged shelf life. The PHI + ORT treatment completely avoided pathological disorders after both shelf life periods. FoCa and FoCaPlus reduced chilling injury and red blotch. The incidence of such physiological disorders was even highly reduced when combined FoCa and FoCaPlus with PHI + ORT treatments were used. In particular, the combination of PHI + ORT + FoCaPlus completely avoided the incidence of chilling injury and red blotch. In conclusion, a combined postharvest treatment of PHI + ORT with FoCa/FoCaPlus highly reduced, or even avoided, physiological disorders (chilling injury and red blotch), minimizing mass losses, in lemon fruit during long storage and transportation, and Retail Sale periods extending its shelf life.
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Modified atmosphere packaging improved quality of kohlrabi stems
LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2007Co-Authors: Víctor Escalona, Encarna Aguayo, Francisco ArtésAbstract:Abstract To improve the keeping quality of the kohlrabi stems and avoiding wilting of the leaves, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with oriented polypropylene and amide-polyethylene copolymer bags was applied. Avoiding wilting of the kohlrabi leaves is crucial because European consumers consider the freshness of kohlrabi leaves as a key quality parameter. Whole kohlrabies were stored within, above-mentioned sealed bags, for 14 days at 0 °C and 95% RH, followed by 3 days at 10 °C. In the MA packages gas compositions of about 5 kPa O 2 and 10–15 kPa CO 2 were generated. The respiratory activity, C 2 H 4 production, firmness (of stems and leaves), sugars, organic acids contents, as well as chemical and sensory quality attributes were monitored. The respiratory rate of the kohlrabi stems in air at 0 °C was 10–11 mg CO 2 /kg/h with a C 2 H 4 production lower than 0.05 μl/kg/h (traces). However, when the temperature was increased at 10 °C the respiration rate raised 3.5 folds. Acidity, pH, soluble solids, sugars and organic acids content and firmness did not show significant changes at the end of both cold storage and Retail Sale periods. MAP was very effective improving keeping quality of the stems and retarding wilting of the leaves. During the Retail Sale period at 10 °C, the bags must to be perforated to avoid anaerobic conditions.
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microbial and sensory quality of fresh processed lettuce salad under high o atmosphere throughout the distribution chain
8th International Controlled Atmosphere Research Conference (CA2001), 2003Co-Authors: Ana Allende, Johan Debevere, Liesbeth Jacxsens, Frank Devlieghere, Francisco ArtésAbstract:High O-2 atmospheres (higher than 70 kPa O-2) have been recently suggested as an innovation to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh processed vegetables to maintain sensory quality and safety. Visual appearance, colour, taste, off-odour, crispness, and microbial growth were monitored in a variety of lettuce salads, packed initially in 95% O-2, combined with the use of a barrier film for packaging. Mixed vegetable salads packed under conventional MAP (3 kPa 02 and 5 kPa CO2) were used as controls. Since temperature changes along the cool chain must be taken into account when quality loss and shelf life of fresh processed vegetables are evaluated, actual documented conditions (i.e. abusive temperatures of 7 and 12degreesC) in the Retail Sale display were applied. Four days after processing the microbial recommended limit of 10(8) CFU/g for psychrotrophic bacteria was exceeded when product was held at 12degreesC. However, when temperature within Retail Sale cabinets was 7degreesC, this limit was exceeded almost 6 days after processing. At 7degreesC no significant difference on total bacterial count between high O-2 and conventional atmospheres was observed and a slight difference in sensory quality was found. As expected, the best quality occurred when the lowest temperature was used, although no significant difference was found between high O-2 atmosphere and conventional MAP.
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Microbial and sensory quality of fresh processed lettuce salad under high O₂ atmosphere throughout the distribution chain
Acta Horticulturae, 2003Co-Authors: Ana Allende, Johan Debevere, Liesbeth Jacxsens, Frank Devlieghere, Francisco ArtésAbstract:High O-2 atmospheres (higher than 70 kPa O-2) have been recently suggested as an innovation to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh processed vegetables to maintain sensory quality and safety. Visual appearance, colour, taste, off-odour, crispness, and microbial growth were monitored in a variety of lettuce salads, packed initially in 95% O-2, combined with the use of a barrier film for packaging. Mixed vegetable salads packed under conventional MAP (3 kPa 02 and 5 kPa CO2) were used as controls. Since temperature changes along the cool chain must be taken into account when quality loss and shelf life of fresh processed vegetables are evaluated, actual documented conditions (i.e. abusive temperatures of 7 and 12degreesC) in the Retail Sale display were applied. Four days after processing the microbial recommended limit of 10(8) CFU/g for psychrotrophic bacteria was exceeded when product was held at 12degreesC. However, when temperature within Retail Sale cabinets was 7degreesC, this limit was exceeded almost 6 days after processing. At 7degreesC no significant difference on total bacterial count between high O-2 and conventional atmospheres was observed and a slight difference in sensory quality was found. As expected, the best quality occurred when the lowest temperature was used, although no significant difference was found between high O-2 atmosphere and conventional MAP.
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Quality of cauliflower as influenced by film wrapping during shipment
European Food Research and Technology, 1999Co-Authors: Francisco Artés, Juan Antonio MartínezAbstract:Throughout the season, 'Siria' cauliflower heads from three harvesting periods were film-wrapped and stored for 1 week at 1.5 °C to simulate a maximum period of commercial shipment. After cold storage, the heads were kept for 2.5 days at 20 °C to simulate a Retail Sale period. Different polymeric films – polyvinyl chloride (PVC) of 14 μm thickness, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) of 11, 15 and 20 μm thicknesses and a special LDPE of 11 μm thickness adapted for microwave ovenuse – were used for wrapping. Soluble solid content, pH, titratable acidity, weight loss, physiological disorders, fungal attacks, visual quality and gas composition within packages were monitored. After the shelf life simulation, among the LDPE films studied, the best results were obtained by using 11 μm LDPE. Gas composition (about 16% O2 and 2% CO2 during cold storage, and about 11% O2 and 3.5% CO2 during Retail Sale simulation), overall quality, yellowing and browning of the head, and Alternaria spp. development were at similar levels among the films studied. However, weight loss was considerably lower for all LDPE films than for PVC film. For commercial purposes 11 μm LDPE could be a good alternative to PVC for wrapping cauliflower.
Ulrike Pietrzyk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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division of labour and self reported mental requirements in human services Retail Sale jobs
Psychology, 2014Co-Authors: Ulrike Pietrzyk, Sarah Rodehacke, Winfried HackerAbstract:Significant associations between self-reported “whole units” of work and self-reported mental task requirements as well as personal outcomes are well known. Also of interest is, however, whether a significant association also exists between the underlying objective assignment of tasks, i.e. the division of labour, and self-reported mental requirements. Such an association would represent a concrete starting point for job design or redesign. We analyzed this question for Retail Sale jobs as an example of the numerous human service jobs, which usually consist of customer- and object-centred tasks. The study (N = 558 employees) evaluated the potential association between documented assignments of customer-centred and goods-centred activities and employees’ perceived mental requirements, skill utilisation, and learning on the job, as well as mental difficulties. A significant association of moderate effect size between the objective division of labour and self-reported mental job requirements was shown. Theoretical and practical consequences of this association are also discussed.
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Division of Labour and Self-Reported Mental Requirements in Human Services: Retail Sale Jobs *
Psychology, 2014Co-Authors: Ulrike Pietrzyk, Sarah Rodehacke, Winfried HackerAbstract:Significant associations between self-reported “whole units” of work and self-reported mental task requirements as well as personal outcomes are well known. Also of interest is, however, whether a significant association also exists between the underlying objective assignment of tasks, i.e. the division of labour, and self-reported mental requirements. Such an association would represent a concrete starting point for job design or redesign. We analyzed this question for Retail Sale jobs as an example of the numerous human service jobs, which usually consist of customer- and object-centred tasks. The study (N = 558 employees) evaluated the potential association between documented assignments of customer-centred and goods-centred activities and employees’ perceived mental requirements, skill utilisation, and learning on the job, as well as mental difficulties. A significant association of moderate effect size between the objective division of labour and self-reported mental job requirements was shown. Theoretical and practical consequences of this association are also discussed.
F. Jørgensen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Imported edible leaves collected at Retail Sale in England during 2017 with an emphasis on betel and curry leaves: microbiological quality with respect to Salmonella, Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and levels of Escherichia coli.
Journal of applied microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: J. Mclauchlin, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, Claire Jenkins, Andre Charlett, Marie A. Chattaway, Hassan Hartman, Lesley Larkin, L. Sadler‐reevesAbstract:AIMS: To investigate the microbiological quality of imported fresh leaves on Retail Sale during 2017 with respect to Salmonella, Shiga‐toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and levels of E. coli. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy‐nine samples of imported edible leaves (69 banana, 77 betel, 118 curry and 15 other types) were tested. Salmonella spp. were confirmed by whole‐genome sequencing and isolated from 44 samples, 26% from curry leaves, 14% from betel and 2·4% from all other leaf types: 80% of all samples contained ≥10², 44% ≥10³ and 22% ≥10⁴ CFU of E. coli CFU per g. All samples where Salmonella were detected also yielded ≥20 CFU of E. coli/g. 54 samples were tested for STEC which was detected in six samples and isolated from three: one was identified as STEC O157:H7. CONCLUSIONS: This report further highlights an ongoing problem of Salmonella contamination of imported fresh edible leaves. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Among all food tested by Public Health England (approximately 11 000 per annum), curry leaves were the herb most commonly contaminated with Salmonella, and betel leaves were the most commonly contaminated ready‐to‐eat food. The high proportion with unsatisfactory E. coli levels and the detection of STEC suggests risks of contamination by multiple enteric pathogens.
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an assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of raw drinking milk on Retail Sale in england
Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: C. Willis, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, A. Fox, Claire Jenkins, Deborah Fenelon, J. Mclauchlin, L SadlerreevesAbstract:AIMS This study aimed to review the microbiological results for raw drinking milk (RDM) samples submitted to Public Health England laboratories between 2014 and 2016 in order to produce up-to-date data on the microbiological safety of RDM and inform future risk assessments on its Sale. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 902 samples of RDM were collected from Retail Sale in England for microbiological examination. Overall, 454 of 770 samples (59·0%) taken for routine monitoring were of a satisfactory quality, whilst eight (1·0%) were 'unsatisfactory and potentially injurious to health' due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter or elevated levels of Listeria monocytogenes or coagulase-positive staphylococci. In contrast, 16 of 114 (14·0%) of samples taken in follow-up to a previous unsatisfactory result and 5 of 18 (27·8%) of samples related to illness were potentially injurious. A total of 229 of 902 samples (25·4%) gave unsatisfactory results due to elevated aerobic colony counts and/or coliforms, whilst 139 of 902 samples (15·4%) were of borderline quality due to coagulase-positive staphylococci. Listeria monocytogenes was detected at levels of <100 CFU per ml in 66 of 902 samples (7·3%) and other Listeria species in 44 of 902 samples (4·9%). CONCLUSIONS Pathogens and/or indicators of poor hygiene were present in almost half of samples examined. Cows' milk samples gave a significantly greater proportion of unsatisfactory results compared to milk from other species (i.e. goat, sheep, buffalo, camel). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These results demonstrate the importance of maintaining strict controls on the production and Sale of this product.
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An assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of raw drinking milk on Retail Sale in England
Journal of applied microbiology, 2018Co-Authors: C. Willis, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, A. Fox, Claire Jenkins, Deborah Fenelon, L. Sadler‐reeves, J. MclauchlinAbstract:AIMS This study aimed to review the microbiological results for raw drinking milk (RDM) samples submitted to Public Health England laboratories between 2014 and 2016 in order to produce up-to-date data on the microbiological safety of RDM and inform future risk assessments on its Sale. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 902 samples of RDM were collected from Retail Sale in England for microbiological examination. Overall, 454 of 770 samples (59·0%) taken for routine monitoring were of a satisfactory quality, whilst eight (1·0%) were 'unsatisfactory and potentially injurious to health' due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter or elevated levels of Listeria monocytogenes or coagulase-positive staphylococci. In contrast, 16 of 114 (14·0%) of samples taken in follow-up to a previous unsatisfactory result and 5 of 18 (27·8%) of samples related to illness were potentially injurious. A total of 229 of 902 samples (25·4%) gave unsatisfactory results due to elevated aerobic colony counts and/or coliforms, whilst 139 of 902 samples (15·4%) were of borderline quality due to coagulase-positive staphylococci. Listeria monocytogenes was detected at levels of
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The occurrence of Salmonella in raw and ready-to-eat bean sprouts and sprouted seeds on Retail Sale in England and Northern Ireland.
Letters in applied microbiology, 2016Co-Authors: L. Sadler‐reeves, E. De Pinna, C. Willis, F. Jørgensen, H. Aird, N. Elviss, A. Fox, M. Kaye, C. Lane, J. MclauchlinAbstract:UNLABELLED A total of 554 samples of bean sprouts or other sprouted seeds were collected at Retail Sale and submitted to nine Official Control Laboratories in England and Northern Ireland during January to March 2011. Samples (100 g) were tested for the presence of Salmonella using the EN ISO 6579:2002 method. Products labelled as ready-to-eat comprised 23% of the samples and 61% were labelled as raw or to-cook: the remaining 12% had no indication if the food was intended as ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook, and 4% were not recorded. Salmonella spp. were detected from four samples of mung-bean sprouts (0·7% of all the 554 samples) and all four isolates were confirmed as Salmonella enterica serovar Abaetetuba (11 : k : 1,5). Two of the samples where Salmonella was detected were sold as ready-to-eat (labelled 'rinse and serve' only): The remaining two were from samples labelled as ready-to-cook. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Consumption of sprouted seeds have been associated with infections from a range of foodborne pathogens, particularly Salmonella and shigatoxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). However, there is limited data (including that from EU monitoring) on foodborne pathogens in samples of this food type which are not associated with outbreaks of infection. Out of 554 raw and ready-to-eat bean sprouts and sprouted seeds sampled at Retail, Salmonella spp. was detected from four samples. This study illustrated the potential of this product to be contaminated with a human pathogen and the importance of considering the intended use and preparation of specific food in assessing microbiological risks.
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Investigations prompted by the discovery of high levels of Salmonella in fresh herbs in the UK
Case Studies in Food Safety and Authenticity, 2012Co-Authors: N.c. Elviss, F. JørgensenAbstract:Abstract: During a UK survey in 2007, 1.6% of the 3760 fresh herbs on Retail Sale tested were found to be of unsatisfactory microbiological quality. Salmonella species were detected in 18 of the samples and the serotypes were identified. Thirty-two human cases of S. Senftenberg were also identified from March 2007 in England and Wales and a further 19 in Scotland, Denmark, The Netherlands and the USA. This is a case study illustrating how vigilant surveillance, rapid strain typing and prompt liaison between public health authorities led to the tracking down of the source of an international outbreak.
