Food & Beverage Litigation & Regulatory Update

Tag: pathogen

  • FDA Issues Report on Pathogens in Imported Spices

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a draft of its spice risk report, which calls attention to the most common microbial hazards and filth in imported spices, along with possible sources of contamination. The report, “Pathogens and Filth in Spices,” also evaluates current mitigation techniques, recommends options and identifies research needs and data…

  • Study Examines Prevalence of Abnormal Prion Protein Linked to vCJD

    Public Health England researchers have reported that the abnormal prion protein (PrP) linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)—is potentially more prevalent than previously thought, raising concerns about the cross-contamination risks associated with blood, blood products and surgical instruments. Noel Gill, et al., “Prevalent abnormal prion protein in…

  • Cantaloupe Growers Sue Safety-Audit Company over Listeria Outbreak

    Jensen Farms has filed a lawsuit against the company that hired the food-safety auditor who gave the cantaloupe grower a “superior” rating during a 2011 audit not long before the grower shipped fruit allegedly contaminated with Listeria to a distributor that required the cantaloupe to be certified by the auditor, giving rise to a nationwide…

  • Discovery of New Botulism Toxin Prompts Bioterrorism Fears

    Two new studies recently published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases have reportedly identified for the first time in more than 40 years a new strain of Clostridium botulinum, prompting debate over whether the genetic sequences needed to reproduce the toxin should be made available to the public despite concerns that the information could pose a…

  • Jensen Brothers to Enter Guilty Pleas in Cantaloupe-Linked Listeria Outbreak

    Eric and Ryan Jensen, who own the Colorado cantaloupe farm linked to a deadly 2011 Listeria outbreak have reportedly indicated to a federal court that they intend to plead guilty to the criminal misdemeanor charges brought against them. Additional information about the charges appears in Issue 498 of this Update. The six misdemeanor charges of…

  • FDA Extends Comment Period on Salmonella Risk from Tree Nuts

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended until December 16, 2013, the period for submission of comments, scientific data and other information related to its risk assessment of human salmonellosis associated with the consumption of tree nuts. Originally published in the July 18 Federal Register, the assessment seeks to quantify the public health risk…

  • Colorado Cantaloupe Farmers Charged in 2011 Listeria Outbreak

    Brothers Eric and Ryan Jensen who own the Colorado cantaloupe farm linked to a deadly 2011 Listeria outbreak have reportedly been arrested on six misdemeanor charges of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce and aiding and abetting. According to court records, they purportedly changed their cantaloupe cleaning process in May 2011 and never used the…

  • CDC Report Targets Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report examining the impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on human health. Titled Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013, the report categorizes bacterial strains as either urgent threats, serious threats or concerning threats according to their clinical and economic impacts, incidence, 10-year projection of incidence,…