News Headlines: 19 - 31 December 2009


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home | News | News Headlines: 19 - 31 December 200 . . .

News Headlines: 19 - 31 December 2009

Hazelnuts recalled following Salmonella contamination; E. coli outbreak prompts recall of beef products; Soy milk recalled due to high iodine levels; EFSA launches new journal

Hazelnuts recalled following Salmonella contamination

US hazelnut producer Willamette Filbert Growers of Newberg, Oregon is recalling almost 30,000 pounds of shelled hazelnuts and shelled organic hazelnuts after samples from one production lot at the Company's shelling facility tested positive for Salmonella.

The recall includes all shelled hazelnuts and organic hazelnuts processed between 12 October and 25 November 2009, but does not include any unshelled nuts. The recalled nuts were distributed in Oregon and California direct to other processors and through wholesalers. A number of subsidiary recalls have also been initiated by businesses receiving the recalled nuts from Willamette's shelling facility.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm195017.htm

E. coli outbreak prompts recall of beef products

The USDA has announced that National Steak and Poultry, an Oklahoma-based meat processor, is voluntarily recalling almost a quarter of a million pounds of beef steak products that may be associated with cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection in six US states.

The USDA statement describes the recalled products as "non-intact steaks (blade tenderised prior to further processing)" and over 20 different products are included in the recall. All carry the establishment code EST. 6010T and packaging dates of 10/12/2009, 10/13/2009, 10/14/2009 or 10/21/2009. The steaks were distributed to restaurants nationwide.

The recall has caused questions to be raised over the safety of steaks tenderised by blades or needles, which may carry bacterial contamination from the surface of the steak into the muscle tissue. It has been suggested that these products need to be cooked more thoroughly to destroy pathogens and should not be eaten unless they are well done.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_067_2009_Release/index.asp

Soy milk recalled due to high iodine levels

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has advised consumers not to drink Bonsoy soy milk, because tests have revealed that the product contains "unusually high levels of iodine."

Bonsoy soy milk has been associated with a cluster of nine adults and one child in New South Wales who are being treated for thyroid problems. The milk is apparently enriched with a seaweed product known as "Kombu" and contains enough iodine in just 30ml to exceed tolerable daily intakes for adults. Regular consumption of such high levels of iodine can affect the function of the thyroid gland and cause people to feel unwell.

The Bonsoy soy milk product is now being voluntarily recalled by the importer and its distribution in other countries, including the UK, is also being investigated. It is packed in 1-litre Tetra Pak cartons and all best before dates to 3 November 2011 are included in the recall.

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/educationalmaterial/newsroom/mediareleases/mediareleases2009/nationalproductrecal4651.cfm http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2009/dec/bonsoy

EFSA launches new journal

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced the launch of The EFSA Journal, an open-access online scientific journal. Designed to increase the visibility of EFSA's work in the scientific community, it includes all its scientific outputs, including opinions and reports.

The Journal is available on the Authority's website, and can also be accessed via subscription through a monthly email. Information about the Journal's editorial policy, the Editorial Board and how to subscribe are available via the link below.

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/about.htm