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The FDA, after extensive testing, has decided that ionizing irradiation of shellfish to control foodborne contamination is safe. The agency tested the technology for potential toxicity and microbiological risk, and for its impact on nutrients. It then decided to amend current regulations to allow the use of irradiation on crab, shrimp, lobster, crayfish and prawns, whether raw, frozen, cooked, partially cooked, shelled or cooked and ready to cook, including those processed with spices and other ingredients. Irradiation reduces, but does not eliminate entirely, pathogenic microorganisms such as Listeria, Vibrio and E. coli. On shellfish.
"FDA Allows Irradiation in Crustaceans for Foodborne Pathogen Control", Food Safety News, April 15, 2014
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A study of household and hospital kitchens by Swiss researchers found that cutting boards and gloves were major vehicles for transmission of multi-drug resistant bacteria, including E. coli. The researchers analyzed 298 cutting boards used in the preparation of various meats and fish, and 20 pairs of food-handling gloves used in preparation of poultry. They found that 6.5 percent of hospital cutting boards used to prepare poultry were contaminated with drug-resistant E. coli. They found drug-resistant E. coli on 3.5 percent of the household cutting boards. And they found that half of the hospital kitchen gloves were contaminated with drug-resistant E. coli. The researchers said the findings emphasize the need for hand hygiene after handling raw poultry and after handling cutting boards.
"Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)–Producing Enterobacteriaceae: A Threat from the Kitchen. ", Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, April 15, 2014
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A federal investigation launched in 2011 over a 2007 recall of Salmonella-tainted Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter may result in criminal charges against the owner of the Sylvester, Ga., production plant, ConAgra Foods, Inc. The company said in a statement, however, that it was negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice and it believes the outcome will be a “misdemeanor criminal disposition” of the case. The focus of the investigation was a damaged roof that may have led to water-contamination of the production process. The tainted peanut butter purportedly caused 288 foodborne illnesses across 39 states.
"Federal Criminal Charges Against ConAgra Still Possible Over Peter Pan Outbreak", Food Safety News, April 02, 2014
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The consumer healthcare division of GlaxoSmithKline has recalled all of its Alli weight loss products after discovering some of the packages have been tampered with. Consumers in seven U.S. states inquired about bottles of Alli that contained tablets and capsules in various shapes and colors that were not the same as the regular contents, which are turquoise blue capsules with a dark blue band. Some of the bottles inside the boxes were missing labels and had fake tamper-proof seals. The company has asked all retailers and pharmacies to remove Alli products from their shelves immediately.
"GlaxoSmithKline Recalls Alli", Nutraceuticals World, April 01, 2014
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