Livsmedelsverket researchers explore new technique for evaluating STEC strains

SWEDEN – Researchers at Livsmedelsverket, or the Swedish Food Agency in English, have created a new system for evaluating and categorizing Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains according to the potential public health impact. The goal of the study was to fill knowledge gaps regarding the characteristics dictating the degree to which certain subtypes of STEC can cause severe illness.…

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Swedish Food Agency Livsmedelsverket publishes crisis preparedness handbook for drinking water processors

SWEDEN – Livsmedelsverket, the Swedish Food Agency, has published a handbook to help the producers of drinking water develop a plan for ensuring the safety of their product during times of crisis and war. The manual outlines the civil defense planning requirements that, according to the Swedish Food Agency, must serve as the foundation for preparedness strategies. It includes templates…

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Swedish authorities look into surging cases of Cryptosporidium outbreaks

SWEDEN – The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) has confirmed a total of 61 people as being infected by the same specific strain of Cryptosporidium parvum, prompting invesigations into the source. These people, who reside in ten different parts of the nation, became unwell between September 25 and October 10. Of the confirmed instances, 20 males and 41 women…

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Kentucky unveils new website for reporting food safety issues

U.S – The United States Kentucky State has launched a new website where Kentuckians can easily report foodborne issues, enabling a speedier response to outbreaks. Prior to the website, district or municipal health agencies were contacted via phone to report cases of foodborne disease. Consumers may report issues quickly and easily thanks to the new website. Additionally, it makes it…

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Researchers develop nano-sensor to detect pesticides on fruit in minutes

SWEDEN – Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a tiny sensor for detecting pesticides on fruits in just a few minutes. The technique, described as a proof-of-concept in a paper in the journal Advanced Science, uses flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals. Despite the fact that it is still in an early stage,…

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SKF develops food grade Food Line ball bearings to improve hygiene during manufacturing

SWEDEN – SKF, a Swedish bearing and seal manufacturing company, has adopted an innovative approach to hygiene design, in an effort to assist the Food & Beverage industry in eliminating these threats. The company has developed the Food Line ball bearing range which includes the SKF Blue Line series, incorporating food grade and corrosion resistant components. These units are built…

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Oat milk pioneer Oatly recalls drink contaminated with Bacillus cereus

SWEDEN – Oatly, a Swedish company specializing in dairy alternatives,  has recalled its Oatly 1-liter drink in two European countries, Finland and Estonia owing to contamination with Bacillus cereus. The drink, made in Sweden, with a best before date of Dec. 1, 2022 and lot code 1335T4 has been on sale in Finland since late January in certain stores and…

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