Africa's No.1 Food Safety, Quality & Compliance Magazine
CHINA – In a comprehensive decade-long study, researchers in China have delved into the sources and factors behind Bacillus cereus outbreaks, shedding light on crucial data that can guide efforts to prevent foodborne cases caused by this pathogen. The study, using data from the National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System spanning from 2010 to 2020, unraveled a total of 419…
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NAMIBIA – The Poultry Producers’ Association (PPA) has issued an alarm over continued chicken imports from South Africa amid a severe avian flu outbreak in the neighboring country. The PPA has expressed deep concern that this unchecked importation poses a grave risk to Namibia’s poultry sector. “We are deeply concerned that the avian flu could be introduced into Namibia, with…
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GHANA — In a significant stride toward advancing both human and animal health, four experts from Ghana’s National Food Safety Laboratory (NFSL) have completed intensive training in Salmonella serotyping in the United Kingdom. This transformative endeavor, facilitated by the Animal Health System Strengthening project, underscores the interconnection of human and animal well-being, aligning with the One Health Agenda. The distinguished…
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SOUTH AFRICA – In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP), South African scientists have raised alarm bells over the presence of Listeria in the beef sector, sparking fears of a potential outbreak. The research, spanning from 2019 to 2020, examined the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in beef and beef products at various stages of…
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CANADA – A study has revealed that foodborne botulism in Canadian Indigenous communities significantly decreased during 2006–2021. Botulism, a rare and potentially deadly foodborne illness, has been under the microscope in Canada for the past 15 years. According to a recent article in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Canada has seen a…
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FINLAND – The Finnish Food Authority has issued a warning about the plastic risk, prompting a product recall by the distributor responsible for the frozen berries, Arctic International. The source of the contamination has been traced back to the boxes used to harvest strawberries. Somehow, these plastic fragments found their way into the frozen berry products during the packaging process,…
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EUROPE – European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have uncovered a multi-country foodborne illness outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg, potentially originating from cherry-like tomatoes. The joint investigation has sent alarm bells ringing as genetic analysis points to a common source—cherry tomatoes—believed to be responsible for illnesses across 11 EU/European Economic Area (EEA)…
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U.S – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken a proactive step in addressing a growing public health concern by publishing a new webpage dedicated to a persistent, multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella Infantis known as REPJFX01. This strain has been at the center of numerous illnesses and outbreaks, defying conventional prevention efforts and causing long-term health…
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UK – As the summer holiday season reaches its peak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning to travelers planning trips abroad to exercise caution and follow crucial guidelines to minimize risk of foodborne infections. Since the beginning of 2023, nearly 250 cases of Salmonella infections have been reported in the United Kingdom, with all linked…
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UK – The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a grave warning to consumers, urging them not to use Sci-Mx Nutrition branded protein powder that has been recalled due to the presence of potentially fatal levels of caffeine. This alarming discovery has sent shockwaves through the fitness community, raising concerns about the safety of popular dietary supplements. The product under…
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