FoodRisk.org Updates

Database Updates - Week of 11/9/09 to 11/15/09

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Traceability (Product Tracing) in Food Systems
Source: Institute of Food Technologists/Food and Drug Administration
Summary: A new technical study commissioned by FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and released by the Institute of Food Technologists that recommends guidelines to establish a comprehensive product tracing system to track the movement of food products effectively from farm to table. NOTE: This report will be available in the January 2010 issue of Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, Vol. 9, Issue 1.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: 2009

The Long-Term Health Outcomes of Selected Foodborne Pathogens
Source: Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention
Author: Roberts, T.; Kowalcyk, B.; Buck, P.
Summary: This report reviews much of what is currently known about the health outcomes for five foodborne pathogens; Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii, and Salmonella.
Resource type: Reports

Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rbST): A Safety Assessment
Source: American Dairy Science Association, Canadian Society of Animal Science, American Society of Animal Science
Author: Raymond, R., et al
Summary: ?is paper will explore in more depth what rbST is and how it works; the impact of rbST use on production efficiency; the many scientific reports detailing its safety in humans and animals; the nutritional content and quality of milk produced by rbST-supplemented cows; the economic impact of rbST use on the consumer; and the environmental advantages from its use.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: October 30 ,2009

A Practical Guide for Engaging Stakeholders in Developing Evaluation Questions
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Author: Preskill, H.; Jones, N.
Summary: This guide provides the reader with a five-step process for involving stakeholders in developing evaluation questions, and includes a set of four worksheets to facilitate this process.
Resource type: Reports

Cost of National Prevention Systems for Animal Diseases and Zoonoses in Developing and Transition Countries
Source: World Organization for Animal Health
Summary: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has commissioned Civic Consulting to conduct a study on the Cost of National Prevention Systems for Animal Diseases and Zoonoses in developing and transition countries. The aims of the study are twofold: (a) estimating the “peace time” costs of Veterinary Services allowing early detection and rapid response to emerging and re-emerging diseases in different regions, economies, animal health systems and eco-systems; and (b) developing economic indicators within the OIE-PVS Tool. The study is based on results of in-depth research in nine OIE member countries.
Resource type: Reports

Risk of Importing Zoonotic Diseases through Wildlife Trade, United States
Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol. 15, No. 11, Nov. 2009
Author: Pavlin, B.; Schleogel, L.; Daszak, P.
Summary: Using data on mammals imported during 2000–2005, this study assessed their potential to host 27 selected risk zoonoses and created a risk assessment that could inform policy making for wildlife importation and zoonotic disease surveillance
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: November 2009

Improving the Measurement of Late-Life Disability in Population Surveys: Beyond ADLs and IADLs: Summary of a Workshop
Source: Committee on National Statistics, Committee on Population, Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council
Author: Wunderlich, G.
Summary: This book summarizes a workshop organized to draw upon recent advances to improve the measurement of physical and cognitive disability in population surveys of the elderly population. The book questions whether or not the measures of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living used in many population surveys are sufficient as the primary survey-based indicators of late-life disability.
Resource type: Books
Publication Date: 2009

Assessing Interventions by Quantitative Risk Assessment Tools To Reduce the Risk of Human Salmonellosis from Fresh Minced Pork Meat in Belgium
Source: Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 72, No. 11, Nov. 2009 , p. 2252-2263
Author: Delhalle, L., et al
Summary: The main goal of the model was to give concrete options to reduce effectively the risk of human salmonellosis through the consumption of minced pork meat. These options (scenarios) were elaborated with reference to the international situation and the literature to give concrete and realistic possibilities for improving the microbiological quality of pork meat and to reduce the number of human salmonellosis cases per year in Belgium.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: November 2009

Risk Factors at Slaughter Associated with Presence of Salmonella on Hog Carcasses in Canada
Source: Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 72, No. 11, Nov 2009, p. 2326-2331
Author: Letellier, A., et al
Summary: The objectives of this study were to identify the risk factors at slaughter that are associated with the presence of Salmonella on hog carcasses and to assess possible sources of contamination.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: November 2009

Transfer of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Soil, Water, and Manure Contaminated with Low Numbers of the Pathogen to Lettuce Plants
Source: Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 72, No.11, Nov 2009, p. 2308-2312
Author: Mootian, G.; Wu, W.; Matthews, K.
Summary: The objective of the present study was to determine transfer of low numbers of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from soil, manure-amended soil, and water to growing lettuce plants.
Resource type: Articles

Food Code 2009
Source: Food and Drug Administration
Summary: The Food Code is a model code and reference document for state, city, county and tribal agencies that regulate restaurants, retail food stores, vending operations and foodservice operations in institutions such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes and child care centers.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: 2009

Foodborne Pathogens: Hazards, Risk Analysis and Control (Second edition)
Source: Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Jun 2009, p.: 1-232
Author: Blackburn, C.; McClure P.
Summary: The report: - strengthens the highly successful first edition of Foodborne pathogens with extensively revised and expanded coverage - discusses risk assessment and management in the food chain. New chapters address pathogen control, hygiene design and HACCP - addresses preservation principles and technologies focussing on pathogen characteristics, detection methods and control procedures - includes expanded coverage of non-bacterial agents - an essential authoritative guide to successful pathogen control in the food industry This major new edition strengthens that reputation, with extensively revised and expanded coverage, including more than ten new chapters.
Resource type: Books
Publication Date: June 2009

Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance haloxyfop-P
Source: EFSA Journal, Vol. 7, No. 10, 2009, p.1348
Author: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: Haloxyfop-P is the ISO common name for the substance formerly referred to by the synonym ‘haloxyfop-R’ (introduced by DOW AgroSciences) which is in common use but without official status.The original conclusion was reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses as a herbicide as proposed by the applicant which comprises broadcast spraying to control annual and perennial grasses in carrots, fodder legumes (peas and beans), rape seed, soy bean and sugar beet. The conclusion of the peer review of the resubmission was reached on the basis of the evaluation of the same representative uses as a herbicide. Full details of the GAP can be found in the end points.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

EFSA reports aim to harmonise monitoring of two food-borne zoonoses
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: The technical specifications contained in the reports describe how data should be collected and include a risk-based sampling strategy specifying details on the frequency and methods of sampling and laboratory analyses. This will allow Member States to produce more relevant and comparable data to support EFSA in its task of analysing the occurrence of these zoonoses and identifying the sources for human infections with these zoonoses. The harmonisation will also lead to more cost-effective monitoring.
Resource type: Press Releases
Publication Date: 2009

Development of web monitoring systems for the detection of emerging risks
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: This report describes the MedISys system (i.e. history, terminologies, and ways of processing information) and presents data on the evaluation of the system as a monitoring and early detection tool for food and feed hazards.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: October 15 ,2009

Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance carbosulfan
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: A final discussion of the outcome of the consultation of experts took place during a written procedure with the Member States in September 2009. The EFSA conclusion has therefore been re-issued to update the risk assessment in all areas.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

European Union Food Safety Almanac
Source: BfR Press Office
Author: Federal Institute for Risk Assessment/European Food Safety Authority Focal Point
Summary: The EU Food Safety Almanac gives an overview of the competent public authorities and the structures of food and feed safety within the European Union. The emphasis is on risk assessment. This overview of the organizational links and cooperation within the European Union not only facilitates the search for European partners but also avoids duplication of work.
Resource type: Reports

Database Updates - Week of 11/2/09 to 11/8/09

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Estimating Risk from Small Inocula by Using Population Growth Parameters
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 75, No. 19, Oct 2009, p. 6399-6401
Author: Malakar, P.K.; Barker, G.C.
Summary: Here, the authors describe risk from an uncertain small inoculum, as it depends on variability of single-cell lag times. However, quantifying single-cell variability is technically challenging. It is possible to estimate this variability using population growth parameters. The authors demonstrate this possibility using data from literature and show a Bayesian scheme for performing this task.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 2009

The dose-response relation in human volunteers for gastro-intestinal pathogens
Source: The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
Author: Teunis, P.F.M.; van der Heijden, O.G., van der Giessen, J.W.B.; Havelaar, A.H.
Summary: Published data on infection of human hosts with various protozoa, bacteria, and viruses causing gastro-enteritis are used to establish a quantitative relationship between ingested dose and the risk of infection. For all data sets analysed, this relationship is determined by fitting either an exponential curve or a beta-poisson curve. These relationships can e.g. be applied to assess the risk of infection associated with drinking water or consumption of food contaminated with a low dose of an infectious pathogen.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: May 1996

Survey of State Health Departments Underscores Gaps in Foodborne Illness Response
Source: Thomson Reuters, Produce Safety Project
Author: Moran, A.; Moore, J.
Summary: A survey of state health departments regarding their capacity to track produce-related foodborne illnesses found that the response and investigation of outbreaks varies greatly and can lead to delays in public-health response.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 30 ,2009

EPA Proceeds with Revoking Regulations Allowing Carbofuran Pesticide Residues on Food
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Summary: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward to implement the agency’s May 2009 final rule revoking tolerances, or residue limits, for the pesticide carbofuran. EPA continues to find that dietary exposures to carbofuran from all sources combined are not safe. A link to the detailed area of EPA's website regarding carbofuran is also provided.
Resource type: Press Releases
Publication Date: October 30 ,2009

Analyzing the power and error of Listeria monocytogenes growth challenge studies
Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology, Vol. 136, No. 1, Nov. 30, 2009, p. 10-17
Author: Powell, M.R.
Summary: This paper considers several inter-related issues regarding the design of L. monocytogenes growth challenge studies: the acceptance criteria for distinguishing real growth from quantitative measurement uncertainty and the false positive error probability and the statistical power of a study in the context of the acceptance criteria and uncertainty.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: November 30 ,2009

A modified Weibull model for describing the survival of Campylobacter jejuni in minced chicken meat
Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology, Vol. 136, No. 1, Nov. 30, 2009, p. 52-58
Author: González, M.; Skandamis, P.M.; Hänninen, M.
Summary: The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the survival/inactivation of C. jejuni strain 49/7R and its antimicrobial resistant variants (49/7RAT and 49/7RATCIP32) in minced chicken meat during extended storage at temperatures and (ii) to test the suitability of the Weibull model for predicting the inactivation of C. jejuni in minced chicken meat in a wide range of temperatures.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: November 30 ,2009

Massive outbreak of viral gastroenteritis associated with consumption of municipal drinking water in a European capital city
Source: Epidemiology and Infection, Vol. 137, 2009, p. 1713-1720
Author: Werber, D., et al
Summary: On 24 August 2008, an outbreak alert regarding cases of acute gastroenteritis in Podgorica triggered investigations to guide control measures. From August 23 to September 7, 1699 cases were reported in Podgorica and the authors estimated the total size of the outbreak to be 10 000–15 000 corresponding to an attack rate of ~10%. Also, the writers conducted an age- and neighbourhood-matched case-control study, microbiologically analysed faecal and municipal water samples and assessed the water distribution system.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Estimation of sample sizes for pooled faecal sampling for detection of Salmonella in pigs
Source: Epidemiology and Infection, Vol. 137, 2009, p. 1734-1741
Author: Arnold, M.E.; Cook, A.J.C.
Summary: Salmonella infection in breeding pigs was the subject of a European survey in 2008. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity of pooled faecal sampling and to calculate the required sample sizes.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Danish strategies to control Campylobacter in broilers and broiler meat: facts and effects
Source: Epidemiology and Infection, Vol. 137, 2009, p. 1742-1750
Author: Rosenquist, H., et al
Summary: The authors of this paper examined a Danish voluntary strategy to control Campylobacter, in which the focus was on biosecurity, allocation of meat from Campylobacter-negative broilers to the production of chilled products, and consumer information campaigns. The investigators believe that the observed subsequent decrease in the occurrence of Campylobacter in broilers and broiler meat and the coincidental fall in the number of registered human cases is, in part, a result of the implemented control strategy.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Higher rate of culture-confirmed Campylobacter infections in Australia than in the USA: is this due to differences in healthcare-seeking behaviour or stool culture frequency?
Source: Epidemiology and Infection, Vol. 137, 2009, p. 1751-1758
Author: Vally, H.
Summary: Laboratory-based surveillance by OzFoodNet in Australia and FoodNet in the USA indicated that the incidence of Campylobacter infections in 2001 in Australia was about nine times higher than in the USA. The authors of this paper assessed whether this disparity could be explained by differences in the frequency of stool culturing.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Multiple risk factors associated with a large statewide increase in cryptosporidiosis
Source: Epidemiology and Infection, Vol. 137, 2009, p. 1781-1788
Author: Valderrama, A.L., et al
Summary: In this study, the researchers conducted a case-control study to assess risk factors for infection and collected stool specimens from ill persons for microscopy and molecular analysis.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

A modified case-control study of cryptosporidiosis (using non-Cryptosporidium-infected enteric cases as controls) in a community setting
Source: Epidemiology and Infection, Vol. 137, 2009, p. 1789-1799
Author: Pintar, K.D.M., et al
Summary: In this study, data from the first sentinel site (Waterloo Region, Ontario) of the Canadian Integrated Enteric Disease Surveillance System (C-EnterNet) were used in a secondary-based case-control study of laboratory-confirmed Cryptosporidium infections to study the role of various exposure factors.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Virtual Health Library
Source: Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information, Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization
Summary: The Virtual Health Library is a large clearinghouse of health related information. Topics of interest include general health sciences, food safety, sustainable development and environmental health, health science communication, and specialized areas. Documents, publications, events, press releases, newsletters, and other types of information are offered. Access to many international health agencies are available here, as well as information in many different languages.
Resource type: Finding aids

Food Safety at the Virtual Health Library
Source: Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information, Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization
Summary: This page offers food safety information, as a sub-theme of the Virtual Health Library.
Resource type: Finding aids

Scientific Electronic Library Online
Source: Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information, Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, Sao Paolo Research Foundation
Summary: The Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO is an electronic library covering a selected collection of Brazilian scientific journals. The library is an integral part of a project being developed by FAPESP - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, in partnership with BIREME - the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information. Since 2002, the Project is also supported by CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. The Project envisages the development of a common methodology for the preparation, storage, dissemination and evaluation of scientific literature in electronic format. As the project develops, new journal titles are being added in the library collection.
Resource type: Finding aids

Review Manager (RevMan) Software
Source: Cochrane Information Management System
Summary: RevMan 5 is a free systematic review software. In addition to Intervention reviews, the new version includes the ability to write Diagnostic test accuracy reviews, Methodology reviews and Overviews of reviews.
Resource type: Software Program

Win Episcope Software
Source: Computer-aided Learning In Veterinary Education, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Summary: Win Episcope is software for quantitative veterinary epidemiology. It is suitable for both the design and analysis of epidemiological studies, and as an aid to the teaching of quantitative epidemiology.
Resource type: Software Program

Inter-American Network of Food Analysis Laboratories
Source: Inter-American Network of Food Analysis Laboratories (INFAL)
Summary: The Inter-American Network of Food Analysis Laboratories (INFAL) has as mission, to promote the assurance of the safety and food quality in the Region of the Americas, in order to prevent the foodborne diseases, protect the health of the consumer and to facilitate the trade, promoting and strengthening the development and interaction of the food analysis laboratories within the framework of integrated national programs of food protection. References provided here include documents and reports, reference materials, advisories, services and products, online bibliography, and E-learning materials. Also available in Spanish.
Resource type: Website

Access to Research Initiative (HINARI)
Source: Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), World Health Organization
Summary: The HINARI Programme, set up by WHO together with major publishers, enables developing countries to gain access to one of the world's largest collections of biomedical and health literature. Over 6400 journal titles are available to health institutions in 108 countries, areas and territories benefiting many thousands of health workers and researchers, and in turn, contributing to improved world health. Also available in French and Spanish.
Resource type: Finding aids

Nanotechnology in Food Products: Workshop Summary
Source: Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine
Author: Pray, L.; Yaktine, A.
Summary: The Institute of Medicine held a one-day workshop, summarized in this volume, to further explore the use of nanotechnology in food. Specifically, the workshop was organized around three primary topic areas: (1) the application of nanotechnology to food products; (2) the safety and efficacy of nanomaterials in food products; and (3) educating and informing consumers about the applications of nanotechnology to food products.
Resource type: Books
Publication Date: 2009

Zoonoses: Guide and Code of Practice for the control of Salmonella
Source: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Summary: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of the United Kingdom has included a list of guides and reports to aid in the control of Salmonella.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: October 2009

Determination of melamine in feed: validation of a gas chromatography mass spectrometry method according to 2004/882/CE Regulation
Source: Food Control, Article in Press
Author: Squadrone, S., et al
Summary: We validated a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy method according to 2004/882/CE Regulation for the detection of melamine in pet food, animal feed, and other commodities.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 24 ,2009

Evolving Public Health Approaches to the Global Challenge of Foodborne Infections
Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology, Article in Press
Author: Tauxe, R.V., et al
Summary: This article explores the importance of reliable health information to combat global health insecurity.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 9 ,2009

Scientific Report of EFSA on the risk assessment of salts of authorised acids, phenols or alcohols for use in food contact materials
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: In this report, the European Commission explores whether the current risk assessments of the cations copper, barium, cobalt, lithium and manganese allow for an authorization of the salts of these cations with authorized acids, phenols and alcohols if the salts respect the restrictions and specific migration limits established for both the cation and the acid, phenol or alcohol.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: October 30 ,2009

Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance proquinazid
Source: EFSA Journal, Vol. 7, No. 10, 2009, p. 1350
Author: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: The European Union Commission and the European Food Safety Authority arranged a peer review to investigate the risk assessment of proquinazid. A final discussion of the outcome of the experts’ discussions took place during a written procedure with the Member States in July 2009 leading to the conclusions as laid down in this report.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: 2009

Database Updates - Week of 10/26/09 to 11/1/09

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Scientific Opinion on Arsenic in Food
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: Following a call for data, 15 European countries submitted more than 100,000 results on arsenic concentrations in various food commodities.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: October 12 ,2009

Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance (EZ)-1,3-dichloropropene
Source: EFSA Journal, Vol. 7, No. 10, Sep. 30, 2009, p.1341
Author: European Food Safety Authority
Summary: (EZ)-1,3-dichloropropene is one of the 52 substances of the second stage of the review program covered by Commission Regulation (EC) No 451/20004, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1490/20025. This Regulation required the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to organize a peer review of the initial evaluation, i.e. the draft assessment report (DAR), provided by the designated rapporteur Member State and to provide within one year a conclusion on the risk assessment to the EU-Commission.
Resource type: Reports
Publication Date: September 30 ,2009

Recommendations for Diagnosis of Shiga Toxin--Producing Escherichia coli Infections by Clinical Laboratories
Source: Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, Vol. 58, RR12, Oct. 16, 2009, p. 1-14
Author: Gould, L.H., et al
Summary: This report provides comprehensive and detailed recommendations for STEC testing by clinical laboratories, including the recommendation that all stools submitted for routine testing from patients with acute community-acquired diarrhea be simultaneously cultured for E. coli O157:H7 (O157 STEC) and tested with an assay that detects Shiga toxins to detect non-O157 STEC. The report also includes detailed procedures for specimen selection, handling, and transport; a review of culture and nonculture tests for STEC detection; and clinical considerations and recommendations for management of patients with STEC infection. Improving the diagnostic accuracy of STEC infection by clinical laboratories should ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of these infections in patients and increase detection of STEC outbreaks in the community.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 16 ,2009

Principles of risk analysis as applied to microbial food safety concerns
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 6–12
Author: Buchanan, R.
Summary: This paper was address at the 36th Symposium of the Swiss Society of Food Hygiene, in Zurich, on 8 October 2003. The lecture discusses the concept of risk analysis, and its components, and provides a brief description of each. Microbiological risk assessment, and the role of regulatory agents is also examined.
Resource type: Speeches
Publication Date: 2004

Food safety objectives – Concept and current status
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 13–20
Author: Cole, M.
Summary: This contribution describes the mechanism of establishing a Food Safety Objective (FSO) from an Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) derived from a Microbiological Risk Analysis (MRA). It discusses further performance and process criteria applied by food processors to match the FSO – this illustrated by an example.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2004

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Death in Persons with Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection, Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network Sites, 2000–2006
Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol. 49, 2009, p.1480–1485
Author: Gould, L.H., et al
Summary: The authors of this article evaluated the age?specific rate of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and death among persons with Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) infection and the risk factors associated with developing HUS.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Listeria spp. isolated from raw meat and retail foods
Source: Food Control, Article in Press
Author: Pesavento, G., et al
Summary: In this investigation, a research survey was conducted to check the presence of Listeria spp in raw meat and retail products and to analyze their antibiotic resistances.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 23 ,2009

Beta-Lactam Resistance in Salmonella Isolated from Retail Meats in the United States: National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS): 2002-2006
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, [Epub ahead of print]
Author: Zhao, S., et al
Summary: The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic basis of beta-lactam resistance and to examine the extent of co-resistance to other antimicrobial resistance among 344 ampicillin resistant Salmonella isolated from retail meats. Also, the investigators screened for the presence of five beta-lactam resistance gene families and the presence of class1 integrons. The range of resistance phenotypes borne on plasmids was examined by filter mating and electroporation; and all isolates were characterized for genetic relatedness using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: October 23 ,2009

Enteric Viruses in Raw Vegetables and Groundwater Used for Irrigation in Korea
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, [Epub Ahead of Print]
Author: Cheong, S., et al
Summary: In this study, the authors performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cell culture-PCR to monitor the occurrence of enteric viruses in groundwater samples and in raw vegetables that were cultivated using that groundwater in Korea.
Resource type: Articles
Publication Date: 2009

Performance objectives and performance criteria – Two sides of the food chain
Source: Mitt. Lebensm. Hyg. 95, 21–27 (2004)
Author: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 21-27
Summary: This paper was presented at the 36th Symposium of the Swiss Society of Food Hygiene, in Zurich, on 8 October 2003. Here, working definitions for the key concepts in risk analysis based food control are discussed.
Resource type: Speeches
Publication Date: 2004

Microbiological criteria – Purpose and limitations
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 28-31
Author: Cordier, J.
Summary: This paper describes the differences between Food Safety Objectives (FSO) and microbiological criteria. It describes further the process of the establishment of microbiological criteria on the base of the principles outlined by the Codex Alimentarius.
Resource type: Speeches
Publication Date: 2004

Microbiological sampling plans –Statistical aspects
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 32-44
Author: Dahms, S.
Summary: This lecture addresses the two general types of sampling plans, attributes sampling plans and variables sampling plans, which are used in microbiological testing to make decisions concerning the safety or quality of foods.
Resource type: Software Program
Publication Date: 2004

Environmental sampling – A tool to verify the effectiveness of preventive hygiene measures
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 45 - 51
Author: Tompkin, R.
Summary: This presentation describes how an environmental sampling program can be established for this purpose. The principles outlined also are applicable for controlling microorganisms that lead to unacceptable spoilage of food.
Resource type: Speeches
Publication Date: 2004

Application of the food safety objective concept to the problem of aflatoxins in peanuts
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004, p. 52 - 58
Author: Pitt, J.
Summary: This paper shows the many steps used to set maximum limits for aflatoxins in foods in international trade. These steps are applied here to the development of a Food Safety Objective, linked to the existing maximum limit recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Resource type: Speeches
Publication Date: 2004

How to meet an FSO – Control of Listeria monocytogenes in the smoked fish industry
Source: Mitteilungen aus Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Hygiene, Vol. 95, 2004
Author: Gram, L.
Summary: This text discusses options for controlling Listeria monocytogenes contamination and growth in cold-smoked fish processing. It arrives at a suggested value for a so-called food safety objective (FSO) by referring to national and international quantitative risk assessments as well as earlier studies of prevalence and growth of the bacteria. Especially process-contamination and growth during storage are issues that must be dealt with to control the organism, as current day processing does not 64 Mitt. Lebensm. Hyg. 95 (2004) include a critical control point (CCP). Finally, possible product criteria (chemical or microbiological criteria) are outlined. Zusammenfassung
Resource type: Speeches
Publication Date: 2004

Database Updates - Week of 10/19/09 to 10/25/09

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Global Infectious Disease Surveillance and Detection: Assessing the Challenges -- Finding Solutions, Workshop Summary
Source: Board on Global Health, Institute of Medicine
Author: Forum on Microbial Threats, Lemon, S.; Hamburg, M.; Sparling, P.F.;. Choffnes, E.R.; Mack, A.
Summary: The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a workshop addressing Global Infectious Disease Surveillance and Detection: Assessing the Challenges—Finding Solutions on December 12 and 13, 2006. Workshop participants examined current and emerging methods and strategies for the surveillance, detection, and diagnosis of human, animal, and plant diseases in order to assess resource needs and opportunities for improving and coordinating global infectious disease surveillance, detection, and reporting.
Resource type: Books
Publication Date: 2007

Learning from SARS: Preparing for the Next Disease Outbreak -- Workshop Summary
Source: Board on Global Health, Institute of Medicine
Author: Forum on Microbial Threats, Knobler, S.; Mahmoud, A.; Lemon, S.; Mack, A.; Sivitz, L.;, Oberholtzer, K.
Summary: This report examines the response to SARS by public health systems in individual countries, the biology of the SARS coronavirus and related coronaviruses in animals, the economic and political fallout of the SARS epidemic, quarantine law and other public health measures that apply to combating infectious diseases, and the role of international organizations and scientific cooperation in halting the spread of SARS. The report provides a survey of findings from the epidemic, along with an assessment of what might be needed in order to contain any future outbreaks of SARS or other emerging infections.
Resource type: Books
Publication Date: 2004

Microbial Threats to Health: Emergence, Detection, and Response
Source: Board on Global Health, Institute of Medicine
Author: Smolinski, M.S.; Hamburg, M.A.; Lederberg, J.
Summary: Following up on a high-profile 1992 report from the Institute of Medicine, Microbial Threats to Health examines the current state of knowledge and policy pertaining to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases from around the globe. It examines the spectrum of microbial threats, factors in disease emergence, and the ultimate capacity of the United States to meet the challenges posed by microbial threats to human health. From the impact of war or technology on disease emergence to the development of enhanced disease surveillance and vaccine strategies, Microbial Threats to Health contains valuable information for researchers, students, health care providers, policymakers, public health officials. and the interested public.
Resource type: Books
Publication Date: 2003