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Mycotoxins are potent fungal toxins that frequently contaminate agricultural crops and foods. Mycotoxin exposure is frequently reported in humans, and children are known to be particularly at risk of exceeding safe levels of exposure. Urinary biomonitoring is used to assess overall dietary exposure to multiple mycotoxins. This study aims to quantify multi-mycotoxin exposure in UK children and to identify major food groups contributing to exposure. Four repeat urine samples were collected from 29 children (13 boys and 16 girls, aged 2.4–6.8 years), and food diaries were recorded to assess their exposure to eleven mycotoxins. Urine samples (n = 114) were hydrolysed with β-glucuronidase, enriched through immunoaffinity columns and analysed by LC-MS/MS for deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T-2/HT-2 toxins, zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins. Food diaries were analysed using WinDiet software, and the daily intake of high-risk foods for mycotoxin contamination summarised. The most prevalent mycotoxins found in urine samples were DON (95.6% of all samples), OTA (88.6%), HT-2 toxin (53.5%), ZEN (48.2%) and NIV (26.3%). Intake of total cereal-based foods was strongly positively associated with urinary levels of DON and T-2/HT-2 and oat intake with urinary T-2/HT-2. Average daily mycotoxin excretion ranged from 12.10 µg/d (DON) to 0.03 µg/d (OTA), and co-exposure to three or more mycotoxins was found in 66% of samples. Comparing mycotoxin intake estimates to tolerable daily intakes (TDI) demonstrates frequent TDI exceedances (DON 34.2% of all samples, T-2/HT-2 14.9%, NIV 4.4% and ZEN 5.2%). OTA was frequently detected at low levels. When mean daily OTA intake was compared to the reference value for non-neoplastic lesions, the resulting Margin of Exposure (MoE) of 65 was narrow, indicating a health concern. In conclusion, this study demonstrates frequent exposure of UK children to multiple mycotoxins at levels high enough to pose a health concern if exposure is continuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the use of antibiotics has been reported as extensive in the rearing of agricultural animals, insufficient information is available on the antibiotic residues in animal products and the adverse impact that consistent low-level exposure to antibiotics might have on the human body and its microbiome. The aim of this study was to estimate the antibiotic concentrations that humans are exposed to via their diet using the concentration of antibiotics in animal food products and water and an online survey on dietary intake. A total of 131 participants completed the dietary intake survey, with the majority belonging to the omnivorous diet group (76.3%). Distinct dietary trends were observed in the omnivorous and unknown groups eating animal products, with specific food types dominating each meal: pork (e.g., ham) and dairy products (e.g., milk, yoghurt) during breakfast, beef (e.g., burgers) and chicken (e.g., chicken breast) products during lunch, and fish (e.g., salmon fillet) during dinner. In total, 34 different animal-based food and drink products were tested for the presence of ten different antibiotics. Of all the products tested, over 35% exceeded the acceptable daily antibiotic intake for amoxicillin, ampicillin, and enrofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed-associated Salmonella serovars continue to be reported in poultry flocks. A study was conducted to investigate Salmonella contamination in major commercial feed mills that produce rations for broiler chickens within Great Britain. Dust and large moist gauze swab samples (12,791) were collected from 22 feed mills on 31 visits. Salmonella was isolated from 20 mills, with 15 mills (75%) having fewer than 5% Salmonella-positive samples. Fifty-one Salmonella serovars were isolated, with a large proportion of isolates being Salmonella (S.) Kedougou (29.4%) or S. 13,23:i:- (21.4%). European Union-regulated Salmonella serovars (Enteritidis, Infantis, Typhimurium and its monophasic variants) were isolated from 12 mills, mostly from non-processing areas, accounting for 40 isolates (4.4% of all Salmonella-positive samples). Fifteen Salmonella serovars were only isolated once. In terms of individual sampling locations within the mill, the waste handling locations were significantly more likely to be Salmonella-positive than some other mill locations. When sampling locations were grouped, samples collected from finished product areas were significantly less likely to be Salmonella-positive for Salmonella than some other mill areas. In conclusion, this study found that most mills producing broiler rations showed low-level Salmonella contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive intracellular pathogen that can cause listeriosis, an invasive disease affecting pregnant women, neonates, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Principally foodborne, the pathogen is transmitted typically through contaminated foods. As a result, food manufacturers exert considerable efforts to eliminate L. monocytogenes from foodstuffs and the environment through food processing and disinfection. However, L. monocytogenes demonstrates a range of environmental stress tolerances, resulting in persistent colonies that act as reservoirs for the reintroduction of L. monocytogenes to food contact surfaces and food. Novel technologies for the rapid detection of L. monocytogenes and disinfection of food manufacturing industries have been developed to overcome these obstacles to minimise the risk of outbreaks and sporadic cases of listeriosis. This review is aimed at exploring L. monocytogenes in the UK, providing a summary of outbreaks, current routine microbiological testing and the increasing awareness of biocide tolerances. Recommendations for future research in the UK are made, pertaining to expanding the understanding of L. monocytogenes dissemination in the UK food industry and the continuation of novel technological developments for disinfection of food and the food manufacturing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that food adulteration is constitutive of capitalist food production. Through an analysis of the plasticity of legal reasoning on food regulations during the second half of the 19th century in Britain, the paper demonstrates the key role of the state in enforcing the distinction between legal and illegal forms of food adulteration, which is essential to understand contemporary dynamics in food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores how polio can severely impact children and those that are immunocompromised. Topics discussed include definition and symptoms of polio, its transmission via faecal-oral spread and through contaminated water and food, and prevention through immunisation. Also mentioned are factors contributing to new cases of polio, and the likelihood of contracting the disease.

It is now well known that an incident investigated in the United Kingdom in 2015 of cumin alleged to be contaminated with almond, a risk for people with almond allergy, was caused by the Prunus species, Prunus mahaleb. In the United Kingdom, the Government Chemist offers a route of technical appeal from official findings in the food control system. Findings of almond in two official samples, cumin and paprika, which had prompted action to exclude the consignments from the food chain, were so referred. Herein are described the approaches deployed to resolve the analytical issues during the investigation of the incidents. The cross-reactivity of ELISA to Prunus species was confirmed, and although this is useful in screening for the genus, orthogonal techniques are required to identify the species and confirm its presence. Two novel PCR assays were developed: one specific for P. mahaleb and the other a screening method capable of identifying common Prunus DNA. Peptides unique to almond and mahaleb were identified, permitting LC-tandem MS and criteria were developed for peptide identification to forensic standards. This work enables a staged approach to be taken to any future incident thought to involve Prunus species and provides a template for the investigation of similar incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a best practice model that can be utilized by food system actors to assist with (re) building trust in the food system, before, during and after a food incident defined as 'any situation within the food supply chain where there is a risk or potential risk of illness or confirmed illness or injury associated with the consumption of a food or foods' (Commonwealth of Australia. National Food Incident Response Protocol. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2012). Interviews were undertaken with 105 actors working within the media, food industry and food regulatory settings across Australia, New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom(UK). Interview data produced strategy statements, which indicated participant views on how to (re)build consumer trust in the food system. These included: (i) be transparent, (ii) have protocols and procedures in place, (iii) be credible, (iv) be proactive, (v) put consumers first, (vi) collaborate with stakeholders, (vii) be consistent, (viii) educate stakeholders and consumers, (ix) build your reputation and (x) keep your promises. A survey was designed to enable participants to indicate their agreement/disagreement with the ideas, rate their importance and provide further comment. The five strategies considered key to (re)building consumer trust were used to develop a model demonstrating best practice strategies for (re)building consumer trust in the food system before, during and after a food incident. In a world where the food system is increasingly complex, strategies for (re)building and fostering consumer trust are important. This study offers a model to do so which is derived from the views and experiences of actors working across the food industry, food regulation and the media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All foods carry microbes, many of which are harmless, but foods can also carry pathogens and/or microbial indicators of contamination. Limited information exists on the co-occurrence of microbes of food safety concern and the factors associated with their presence. Here, a population-based repeated cross-sectional design was used to determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. in key food commodities - chicken, pork, prawns, salmon and leafy greens. Prevalence in 1,369 food samples for these four target bacterial genera/species varied, while 25.6% of all samples had at least two of the target bacteria and eight different combinations of bacteria were observed as co-occurrence profiles in raw prawns. Imported frozen chicken was 6.4 times more likely to contain Salmonella than domestic chicken, and imported salmon was 5.5 times more likely to be contaminated with E. coli. Seasonality was significantly associated with E. coli and Klebsiella spp. contamination in leafy greens, with higher detection in summer and autumn. Moreover, the odds of Klebsiella spp. contamination were higher in summer in chicken and pork samples. These results provide insight on the bacterial species present on foods at retail, and identify factors associated with the presence of individual bacteria, which are highly relevant for food safety risk assessments and the design of surveillance programmes. • E. coli was found in 29–99% of the five food types studied. • Salmonella was higher in imported frozen chicken than domestic chilled chicken. • E. coli and Klebsiella detection were higher in summer and autumn for leafy greens. • Klebsiella detection was higher in summer for chicken and pork. • Vibrio contamination was common in raw prawns at 60.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer concerns over the provenance of food that has been prepared in accordance with religious requirements has risen in importance. Instances of improper identification and sale of Halal meat-based products in particular have given rise to questions over the authenticity of such foods. Despite this and the rising demand for Halal foods across the globe, little research has been conducted around the specific issues that arise during their production. This paper presents a case study investigation of a slaughterhouse in the UK that prepares both Halal and non-Halal meat products. It aims to improve our understanding of the challenges that Halal food production presents. The extra requirements of Halal food preparation place additional burdens especially upon smaller processors. Future development of quality standards should take account of the abilities of smaller organisations and the constraints under which they operate. Additionally, food quality assurance standards and systems should highlight the specific requirements of food that has been prepared in accordance with religious requirements. While this study has highlighted the complexities of Halal food production, similar issues are likely to be present in the production of Kosher food, and such compliances may also be required of foods consumed by people of other faiths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All publications covering diet during pregnancy that stemmed from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were reviewed. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Socioeconomic background, maternal mental health, and the health and development of the offspring were assessed using a variety of methods, such as direct measurement, self-completion questionnaires, and assays of biological samples. Differences in diet, including specific food and nutrient intakes and dietary patterns, were associated with maternal educational attainment, smoking habits, and financial difficulty. There were marginal intakes, compared with recommendations, of the key nutrients iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Maternal diet during pregnancy was predictive of offspring diet during childhood. There were independent associations between prenatal fish consumption and lower frequency of maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as lower frequency of intrauterine growth retardation. Consistent evidence that fish consumption during pregnancy benefited the neurocognitive development of the child was also found. Two constituents of fish, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and iodine, were associated with these benefits in children. The findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children strengthen the recommendation to eat fish regularly during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of relevant issues are considered which show that it is essential to address the issue of in-centre meals during dialysis. This discussion paper critically explores the potential complications posed to patients who consume a large calorific intake during their dialysis treatment. The mission is to appeal to more dialysis units and outpatient departments to gradually implement a 'no food' policy during regular scheduled dialysis treatment sessions. The authors aim to put forward the significances and challenges and offer some possible solutions when introducing a 'no eating policy' like this into dialysis units. Nutritional supplements could, however, be offered on an as required basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how consumers react to what is happening as a crisis evolves is crucial for those charged with risk management and risk communication. Responsibility, blame and accountability are important concepts in any crisis, particularly when consumer confidence has been damaged. In this article, we examine to what extent, and to what effect, responsibility, blame and accountability figure in consumer reactions in the immediate aftermath of a food crisis. The data we draw on in this article is derived from an online engagement study that took place in ‘real time’ as the crisis unfolded. Through this study, we were able to explore how consumers responded to the adulteration of processed beef products with horsemeat in early 2013 in Ireland and the UK. We found that consumers attributed causal responsibility and allocated blame for the adulteration to three factors: the deliberately deceitful practices of the food industry, the complexity of the food supply chain and demand from (other) consumers for cheap food. We found that consumers were willing to begin the process of rebuilding their confidence in the food system and accountability was viewed as the primary means for restoring confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In England and Wales, the emergence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis resulted in the largest and most persistent epidemic of foodborne infection attributable to a single subtype of any pathogen since systematic national microbiological surveillance was established. We reviewed 67 years of surveillance data to examine the features, underlying causes, and overall effects of S. enterica ser. Enteritidis. The epidemic was associated with the consumption of contaminated chicken meat and eggs, and a decline in the number of infections began after the adoption of vaccination and other measures in production and distribution of chicken meat and eggs. We estimate that >525,000 persons became ill during the course of the epidemic, which caused a total of 6,750,000 days of illness, 27,000 hospitalizations, and 2,000 deaths. Measures undertaken to control the epidemic have resulted in a major reduction in foodborne disease in England and Wales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) risk assessments that have been performed have primarily focused on predicting future vCJD cases in the United Kingdom, which underwent a bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic between 1980 and 1996. Surveillance of potential BSE cases was also used to assess vCJD risk, especially in other BSE-prevalent EU countries. However, little is known about the vCJD risk for uninfected individuals who accidentally consume BSE-contaminated meat products in or imported from a country with prevalent BSE. In this article, taking into account the biological mechanism of abnormal prion PrPres aggregation in the brain, the probability of exposure, and the expected amount of ingested infectivity, we establish a stochastic mean exponential growth model of lifetime exposure through dietary intake. Given the findings that BSE agents behave similarly in humans and macaques, we obtained parameter estimates from experimental macaque data. We then estimated the accumulation of abnormal prions to assess lifetime risk of developing clinical signs of vCJD. Based on the observed number of vCJD cases and the estimated number of exposed individuals during the BSE epidemic period from 1980 to 1996 in the United Kingdom, an exposure threshold hypothesis is proposed. Given the age-specific risk of infection, the hypothesis explains the observations very well from an extreme-value distribution fitting of the estimated BSE infectivity exposure. The current BSE statistics in the United Kingdom are provided as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and, subsequently, its transmission to humans resulting in variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in the UK has proved to be one of the major public health scares of the century. The oral route of infection, the long incubation period, and the incredible resistance of the transmissible infectious agent to various forms of decontamination poses unique challenges. Fortunately, despite extensive exposure of the UK population to contaminated meat, the size of the vCJD epidemic that has emerged since its initial detection is relatively low (225 worldwide). An explanation for this disparity is as yet incomplete, but the development of the disease is likely influenced by a number of factors including physical properties of the infectious agent, environmental factors such as the route and amount of exposure and individual susceptibility factors. This review focuses on current knowledge of the genetic factors that undoubtedly play a major role in influencing the development of vCJD. In terms of genetic susceptibility, the best characterised is the common single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 129 of the human prion protein gene (PRNP). Moreover, several other polymorphisms and mutations have been identified that may affect susceptibility as well as other important disease characteristics such as the highly variable prion disease incubation period. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E is a zoonosis that can be acquired by the consumption of contaminated food or water, or via person-to-person spread. However, little is known about the transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the UK. We investigated the epidemiology of indigenous hepatitis E infection using the PHLS Farm Cohort, a sentinel group with a history of close contact with a range of domestic animals. Ten of the 413 subjects tested were positive for hepatitis E IgG antibodies (2.4%). Seroprevalence peaked in those aged 51 to 60 years (relative risk 3.3, 95% CI: 1.0-10.5). Male participants (relative risk 3.6, 95% CI: 0.6-21.2) and those from farms in the Hereford area of the United Kingdom (relative risk 2.7, 95% CI: 0.8-8.4), an area of mixed livestock farming, were more likely to have serological evidence of previous HEVs exposure, although these findings were not statistically significant. Exposure to pigs, or water from a private supply, was not identified as a significant risk factor. The results of this study suggest that UK farming populations are exposed to HEV, but the predominant route of transmission remains elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the occurrence of toxicologically significant polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in food, or on human exposure, is sparse. In this work, PCN congeners (PCNs 52, 53, 66/67, 68, 69, 71/72, 73, 74, and 75) were selected for analysis, based on the available literature on current occurrence and toxicology, and limited by the commercial availability of reference standards. The analytical methodology used cold solvent extraction of prehydrolyzed samples fortified with internal standards (13C10 labeled PCNs), activated carbon and basic alumina purification, and measurement by HRGC-HRMS. The investigation showed PCN occurrence in all studied foods: meat, milk, fish, dairy and meat products, eggs, poultry, vegetables, fruits, etc. The most frequently detected congeners were PCN 52, PCNs 66/67, and PCN 73. The highest concentrations were observed in fish (maximum value of 37 ng/kg w.w. for the sum of the measured congeners). The dioxin-like toxicity (PCN TEQ) associated with these concentrations is 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than those reported for chlorinated dioxins or PCBs in food and, on the basis of dietary intakes estimated using very conservative assumptions regarding concentrations of these contaminants in the UK, the levels of PCNs alone in food do not suggest any toxicological concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella contamination of pooled raw shelled egg mix (RSEM) used as an ingredient in lightly cooked or uncooked foods and high-risk kitchen hygiene practices in United Kingdom food service establishments using RSEM were investigated. Samples were collected from 934 premises. Salmonella Was found in 1 (0.13%) of 764 RSEM samples, 2 (0.3%) of 726 samples from surfaces where ready-to-eat foods were prepared, and 7 (1.3%) of 550 cleaning cloths. Poor RSEM storage and handling practices were highlighted. Workers in 40% of the premises sampled failed to use designated utensils when RSEM was added to other ingredients, workers in 17% of the premises did not clean surfaces and utensils thoroughly after use with RSEM and before preparing other foods, only 42% of workers washed and dried their hands after handling eggs or RSEM, workers in 41% of the. premises did not store RSEM at refrigeration temperature before use, and workers in 8% of the premises added RSEM to cooked rice at the end of cooking when preparing egg fried rice. Take-away premises, especially those serving Chinese cuisine, were least likely to have a documented food safety management system and awareness of the key food safety points conceming the use of RSEM compared with other food service premises (P < 0.0001). Food service businesses using RSEM must be aware of the continuing hazard from Salmonella, must adopt appropriate control measures, and must follow advice provided by national food agencies to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consumption of nut kernels has shown an upward trend due to people''s increasing tendency to eat healthy snacks. The purpose of this survey was to establish the microbiological safety of retail edible nut kernel samples of different varieties. Overall Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli were detected from 0.1% and 0.8% of 2886 edible nut kernels, respectively. S. Senftenberg and S. Tennessee were detected from two pre-packed samples of Brazil nuts (0.4%) and S. Anatum from a pre-packed mixed nuts sample (0.9%; mix: almonds, Brazils, cashews, peanuts, walnuts) indicating a risk to health. The levels of Salmonella ranged from <0.01 to 0.23/g. E. coli at unsatisfactory levels (150/g) was present in another pre-packed Brazils nuts sample (0.2%). E. coli was additionally found at lower levels (range: 3.6–43/g) in Brazils (1.9%), macadamia (1.5%), pistachios (1.1%), walnuts (0.7%), peanuts (0.7%), hazels (0.5%), cashews (0.4%), and almonds (0.3%). Levels of E. coli did not correlate with the presence of Salmonella. The batches contaminated with Salmonella were recalled and Food Standards Agency food alerts were issued to advise against the consumption of the affected products. The presence of Salmonella is unacceptable in ready-to-eat foods and follows that the need for applying good agricultural and hygiene practices and effective decontamination procedures during the production of edible kernels cannot be overemphasized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human exposure to a specific pesticide or other chemical can occur from a combination of food and drink products. Probabilistic risk assessments are used to quantify the distribution of mean total daily exposures in the population, from the available data on residues and consumptions. We present a new statistical method for estimating this distribution, based on dietary survey data for multiple food types and residue monitoring data. The model allows for between-food correlations in both frequency and amounts of consumption. Three case studies are presented based on consumption data for UK children, considering the distribution of daily intakes of pyrimethanil, captan and chlorpyrifos aggregated over 4, 6 and 10 food types, respectively. We compared three alternative approaches, each using a Bayesian approach to quantify uncertainty: (i) a multivariate model that explicitly includes correlation parameters; (ii) separate independent parametric models for individual food types and (iii) a single parametric model applied to intakes aggregated directly from the data. The results demonstrate the importance of accounting for correlations between foods, using model (i) or (iii), for example, but also show that model (iii) can produce very different results when the aggregated intakes distribution is bimodal. The influence of residue uncertainty is also demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sesame seed products have recently been associated with a number of Salmonella outbreaks in the UK and elsewhere. Aside from sesame seeds, there is little published information on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in edible seeds. A study of 3735 samples of retail edible dried seeds in the UK was therefore carried out between October 2007 and March 2008 to assess their microbiological safety in relation to Salmonella contamination and levels of Escherichia coli, an indicator of faecal contamination. Overall, Salmonella was detected in 23 samples (0.6%), of which over half (57%) were sesame seeds. Other seeds contaminated with Salmonella were linseed (1 sample), sunflower (1 sample), alfalfa (1 sample), melon (4 samples) and mixed seeds (3 samples). E. coli was detected in 9% of samples, with 1.5% containing unsatisfactory levels (≥102/g). These included melon, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, poppy, linseed, sunflower and mixed seeds. The UK retailers affected by the detection of Salmonella in their products recalled the contaminated batches, and Food Standards Agency food alerts were issued to advise against the consumption of affected seed products. This study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and effective decontamination procedures during the production of these products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In late June 2006, Cadbury Schweppes, the world's largest confectionary company, had to recall seven of its branded products in the UK and Ireland due to the possible contamination with Salmonella Montevideo. Salmonella can cause a severe case of food poisoning, and leads to extensive diarrhea and vomiting. However, the food company had known of the possible contamination as early as January 2006, yet did not inform health authorities. The company was castigated in the media by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and lambasted for their negligence. Only then did the company decide to issue a recall of over a million affected products. The company decided not to issue a recall in January as they felt there were only minute traces of salmonella present. Despite the FSA declaring Cadbury's products posing an ‘unacceptable risk to the public’, Cadbury's crisis management strategy to the food poisoning was counterintuitive to the traditional crisis management mantra of being open, honest and responsive. The handling of the crisis was at odds with current crisis management thinking. This crisis case study raises some very interesting questions and implications in the management of a food safety crisis and of crises in general. Does admission of guilt affect a firm's reputational integrity? Did short-term profit maximization objectives override long-term reputational objectives of the firm? Did the positive brand equity and favorable reputation of Cadbury's insulate the firm from the full impact of a crisis? Would others have survived such a scandal? Did the food contamination scare and the handing of it jeopardize the future of one of Europe's best-loved brands? What lessons can be learned for crisis management and reputation managers? Cadbury's market share quickly returned to pre-crisis levels, due to a number of reasons, but the long-term repercussions of the scare still reverberate around the image of Cadbury's.Corporate Reputation Review (2009) 12, 64–82. doi:10.1057/crr.2008.34 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter and Salmonella isolates from retail poultrymeat in the UK during 2003-2005. Poultrymeat (n = 2104) were more frequently contaminated with Campylobacter (57.3%) than with Salmonella (6.6%). Chicken exhibited the highest contamination from Campylobacter (60.9%), followed by duck (50.7%), turkey (33.7%) and other poultrymeat (34.2%). Duck had the highest contamination from Salmonella (29.9%), compared with chicken (5.6%), turkey (5.6%), and other poultrymeat (8.6%). C. jejuni predominated in raw chicken, whereas C. coli predominated in turkey and duck. C. coli isolates were more likely to exhibit antimicrobial drug resistance, including quinolones, than C. jejuni. Salmonella Enteritidis was the most frequent Salmonella serotype isolated. Salmonella isolates from turkey exhibited higher rates of multiple drug resistance (55.6%) than isolates from chicken (20.9%) and duck (13.6%). The findings reinforce the importance of thorough cooking of poultrymeat and good hygiene to avoid cross-contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent crises have implicated organizational networks, rather than individual, unitary organizations, suggesting that the network rather than the single organization is the appropriate unit of analysis for understanding risk. It is the division of labour across organizational boundaries that appear to be especially threatening. This study investigated how sense is made of the risk that arises from this division of labour, analysing journalistic commentary on two iconic cases in the UK: the Hatfield derailment and the Sudan 1 food contamination scandal. In both cases it was the nature of networks that was central to most explanations of the events that took place, and in both cases it was the societal perception of risk that was more consequential than the objective physical harm. The main conclusion from the analysis was that this sensemaking was ambivalent about organizational networks – seeing advantages as well as drawbacks, and indicating that the main problem was not the choice of how to divide labour but to ensure that the chosen division was rigorously developed and maintained.Risk Management (2008) 10, 235–256. doi:10.1057/rm.2008.10 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental contamination by salmonella was examined over a 12-month period in 74 commercial layer flocks from eight farms in the UK, which previously had been identified as being contaminated with salmonella. Samples of faeces, dust, litter, egg belt spillage and wildlife vectors were taken, plus swabs of cages, feeders, drinkers, floors, egg belts and boots. Some sampling was performed in each month of the year. Numerous serovars were detected but Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was the only persistent serotype found among single-age flocks. There was a significant correlation between qualitative environmental samples and semi-quantitative faeces samples. The level of environmental contamination increased significantly over time. There were significant temperature and seasonal effects upon contamination. Wildlife vectors proved to be sensitive samples for the detection of salmonella. The efficacy of cleaning and disinfection upon residual salmonella contamination, and upon subsequent flock contamination, was highly variable between and within premises. The variability between detected prevalences over time and between flocks indicates a need for regular, sensitive monitoring of flocks for salmonella to permit targeting of control measures aimed at eliminating contamination of the layer environment by salmonella. There is substantial scope for improvement of cleaning and disinfection procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review looks at the contribution of microbiological sampling to the safety of retail foods in England and Wales. It compares sampling methods available and assesses the value of testing as part of outbreaks of foodborne disease, as part of routine management by local authorities, as part of work done or commissioned by the food industry, and as part of research. It confirms that microbiological testing has a role during outbreaks as it makes a significant contribution to help identify foods and other areas of greatest risk for future study. The review suggests that routine testing by local authorities is often of limited use and could be improved by more targeted surveillance. Testing could be better used to validate primary control methods, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. Any public health benefit from testing in the food industry is often restricted by client confidentiality. Microbial research on foods is important as it can lead to significant improvements in safety. Current microbiological methods are slow and, in future, rapid molecular methods may make an even bigger contribution to the control of foodborne disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is considered by many as the most important animal disease in the world. FMD is highly contagious and outbreaks incur significant costs as affected countries are severely limited in their ability to trade. A number of trade commodities may be contaminated with FMD virus (FMDV) including animal products, for example, meat. As a member of the European Union, Great Britain (GB) has put in place a number of regulations to prevent the importation of pathogens in imported meat products. However, the illegal importation of meat provides a route by which safety controls may be circumvented and meat from FMD affected areas may be imported. This study assesses the FMD infection risk posed to the livestock population of GB from the illegal importation of meat, and estimates the major contributors to this overall risk, through the development of a quantitative risk assessment model. From model results, the total amount of illegal meat entering GB each year is estimated on average to be 11,875 tonnes. with 90% certainty that this is between 4,398 and 28,626 tonnes per year; of which between 64.5 and 565 kg are contaminated with FMDV. This flow of illegal meat results in an estimate of a frequency of FMD infection in GB livestock of 0.015 cases of infected animals per year, with 90% certainty it is between 0.0017 and 0.053. Imports from the region Near and Middle East account for 47% of this risk, and 68% of the risk is attributed to bone-in and dried de-boned products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six hundred conventional recycled HDPE flake samples, which were recollected and sorted in the UK, were screened for post-consumer contamination levels. Each analysed sample consisted of 40–50 individual flakes so that the amount of analysed individual containers was in the range 24&ThickSpace;000–30&ThickSpace;000 post-consumer milk bottles. Predominant contaminants in hot-washed flake samples were unsaturated oligomers, which can be also be found in virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pellet samples used for milk bottle production. In addition, the flavour compound limonene, the degradation product of antioxidant additives di- tert -butylphenol and low amounts of saturated oligomers were found in higher concentrations in the post-consumer samples in comparison with virgin HDPE. However, the overall concentrations in post-consumer recycled samples were similar to or lower than concentration ranges in comparison with virgin HDPE. Contamination with other HDPE untypical compounds was rare and was in most cases related to non-milk bottles, which are <2.1% of the input material of the recycling process. The maximum concentration found in one sample of 1&ThickSpace;g was estimated as 130&ThickSpace;mg&ThickSpace;kg -1 , which corresponds to a contamination of 5200–6500&ThickSpace;mg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in the individual bottle. The recycling process investigated was based on an efficient sorting process, a hot-washing of the ground bottles, and a further deep-cleaning of the flakes with high temperatures and vacuum. Based on the fact that the contamination levels of post-consumer flake samples are similar to virgin HDPE and on the high cleaning efficiency of the super-clean recycling process especially for highly volatile compounds, the recycling process investigated is suitable for recycled post-consumer HDPE bottles for direct food-contact applications. However, handpicking after automatically sorting is recommended to decrease the amount of non-milk bottles. The conclusions for suitability are valid, provided that the migration testing of recyclate contains milk bottles up to 100% and that both shelf-life testing and sensorial testing of the products are successful, which are topics of further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p. gale. 2004.To predict the number of humans in the UK infected through consumption of root crops grown on agricultural land to which treated sewage sludge has been applied in accordance with the current regulations and guidance (Safe Sludge Matrix).Quantitative risk assessments based on the source, pathway, receptor approach are developed for seven pathogens, namely salmonellas,Listeria monocytogenes, campylobacters,Escherichia coliO157,Cryptosporidium parvum,Giardia, and enteroviruses. Using laboratory data for pathogen destruction by mesophilic anaerobic digestion, and not extrapolating experimental data for pathogen decay in soil to the full 30-month harvest interval specified by the Matrix, predicts 50Giardiainfections per year, but less than one infection per year for the other six pathogens. Assuming linear decay in the soil, a 12-month harvest interval eliminates the risks from all seven pathogens; the highest predicted being one infection ofC. parvumin the UK every 45 years. Computer simulations show that a protective effect from binding of pathogens to particulate matter could potentially exaggerate the observed rate of decay in experimental systems.The results confirm, assuming pathogens behave according to our current understanding, that the risks to humans from consumption of vegetable crops are remote. Furthermore the harvest intervals stipulated by the Safe Sludge Matrix compensate for potential lapses in the operational efficiency of sludge treatment.The models demonstrate the huge potential impact of decay in the soil over the 12/30-month intervals specified by the Matrix, although lack of knowledge on the exact nature of soil decay processes is a source of uncertainty. The models enable the sensitivity of the predicted risks to changes in the operational efficiency of sewage sludge treatment to be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the assessment of results from six proficiency tests conducted by Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme in Great Britain for the analysis of acrylamide in a range of food matrixes. Detection and confirmation of acrylamide in certain foods; Organization of proficiency tests for the analysis of acrylamide in a range of food matrixes; Association of the ultimate effectiveness of a proficiency test with the quality of the test materials distributed.

During the slaughter process, cattle carcasses are split by sawing centrally down the vertebral column, resulting in contamination of each half with spinal cord material. Using a novel method based on a real-time PCR assay, we measured saw-mediated tissue transfer among carcasses. Up to 2.5% of the tissue recovered from each of the five subsequent carcasses by swabbing the split vertebral face came from the first carcass to be split; approximately 9 mg was spinal cord tissue. Under controlled conditions in an experimental abattoir, between 23 and 135 g of tissue accumulated in the saw after splitting five to eight carcasses. Of the total tissue recovered, between 10 and 15% originated from the first carcass, and between 7 and 61 mg was spinal cord tissue from the first carcass. At commercial plants in the United Kingdom, between 6 and 101 g of tissue was recovered from the saw, depending on the particular saw-washing procedure and number of carcasses processed. Therefore, if a carcass infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy were to enter the slaughter line, the main risk of subsequent carcass contamination would come from the tissue debris that accumulates in the splitting saw. This work highlights the importance of effective saw cleaning and indicates that design modifications are required to minimize the accumulation of spinal cord tissue debris and, hence, the risk of cross-contamination of carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an integral part of the UK food surveillance scheme, routine food sampling is undertaken by officers at local councils. One of the main purposes of the food sampling programme is to detect food contaminants before they are sold to the public. This paper investigated the current UK food sampling activity undertaken by the local Environmental Health Departments and examined the effectiveness of the food programme. A national survey was undertaken by means of a questionnaire sent to 439 UK local authorities and a response rate of 39.2% (172 LAs) was achieved. Thirty-nine per cent of replies indicated that ensuring food safety and hygiene was the most important aim of sampling. Less than half of the returns suggested that their food programmes contributed to the prevention of foodborne illness. However, over three-quarters agreed that the current food sampling system could be improved upon. This study concluded that current UK food sampling is marginalized by financial constraints. In order to design an effective routine food programme, it should be based on an overall co-ordinated approach from local to European levels. Future work towards a statistically validated approach to the design will improve the effectiveness of food sampling programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival kinetics of purified Cryptosporidiurn parvum oocysts of both human and ovine origin, immersed in four still natural mineral waters (total dissolved salts ranging from 91 mg/liter to 430 mg/liter) and reverse osmosis water was assessed by inclusion or exclusion of the fluorogenic vital dyes 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and propidium iodide over a 12-week period. Semipermeable chambers were used to contain the oocysts while immersed in each mineral water type, permitting both intimate interactions between oocysts and matrices and straightforward sampling for viability assessments. The viability of both oocyst types, assessed at weekly intervals, remained unaltered after 12 weeks at 4°C, whereas a progressive decline in the viability of both oocyst isolates was observed when immersed in mineral waters at 20°C. At 20°C, approximately 30% of oocysts remained viable after 12 weeks incubation. Here, temperature was the major factor that adversely affected oocyst survival, although higher mineral content was also proportionally and significantly associated with this increased oocyst inactivation. The prolonged survival of oocysts at 4°C in our studies indicates that they could survive for prolonged periods of time in U.K. groundwaters (average temperature ∼10°C) and thus represent a potential public health hazard if contamination of mineral water sources by viable oocysts were to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the determination of alkylphenols in food using cold solvent extraction with methanol, followed by a two-stage chromatographic purification and GC-MS analysis, was developed. The method was validated and used to measure concentrations of 4-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol congener totals in UK duplicate diet samples. Individual 4- n -octylphenol and 4- n -nonylphenol congeners were also measured, although these were not detected in any sample. Only one sample showed 4- tert -octylphenol at 8.7 μg kg -1 , but levels of 4-nonylphenol ranged from not detectable (<3.8 μg kg -1 ) to 25 μg kg -1 . This concentration range is lower than that reported by others. Tests carried out on the stability of the octyl- and nonylphenol congeners in a duplicate diet matrix over 6 months suggest that some analyte depletion might have occurred during extended frozen storage, which in part may account for the relatively lower concentrations detected, although the extent of usage of these compounds also needs to be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total mercury concentrations were measured in fish and shellfish and their products imported into the UK and also in UK-produced farmed salmon and trout. Three hundred and thirty-six samples were collected using a two-stage sampling plan. The sample plan was weighted to reflect consumption, but with some bias towards fish that might accumulate higher levels of mercury, such as large predatory fish at the top of the food chain. The highest levels of total mercury were found in billfish (swordfish and marlin) and shark. Mercury concentrations in the five samples of fresh/frozen shark ranged from 1.006 to 2.200 mg kg -1 , all above the European Commission limit for the species, and concentrations in 20 samples of fresh/frozen billfish ranged from 0.153 to 2.706 mg kg -1 with 13 samples above the 1.0 mg kg -1 limit for the species. One sample of Antarctic ice fish was collected and had a mercury concentration of 0.664 mg kg -1 . The limit for this species was 0.5 mg kg -1 . One sample of fresh/frozen tuna out of the 20 collected had a mercury concentration above the limit of 1.0 mg kg -1 (1.5 mg kg -1 ), but all other fresh tuna samples were well within the regulatory limit (average 0.4 mg kg -1 ). Mercury concentrations in canned tuna were lower with concentrations on average half that measured in fresh/frozen tuna. Mercury concentrations in UK-farmed salmon and trout were relatively low. The maximum concentration found in 46 samples of fresh/frozen or smoked trout and salmon was 0.103 mg kg -1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections of both the short- and long-term course of the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) epidemic in Great Britain have demonstrated great uncertainty due to the lack of knowledge of key aspects of the biology and epidemiology of this new disease. Such projections are sensitive to assumptions made regarding the pattern of exposure to BSE-infected animals, the effectiveness of control measures introduced in 1989 and 1996 in reducing this exposure, the functional form of the incubation period distribution and patterns of age-dependent susceptibility/exposure. This paper provides short-term projections for vCJD onsets using the time- and age-distributed onset data to the end of 2000, with results that are directly comparable to the other papers in this issue. These results demonstrate the continued uncertainty in the future scale of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assuming that human exposure to BSE was through beef mechanically recovered meat (MRM) consumed as burgers and other meat products, we estimated the French consumption of different food items containing beef MRM, and compared these consumptions for French and British populations. To estimate consumption of meat products containing bovine MRM, we used dietary data from national individual and household food surveys conducted between 1980 and 1995. After reconciliation of consumption data between the available surveys and calendar year adjustments, we simulated consumption of one-thousandth of the French population. Consumption was estimated by birth cohort and gender, and for the periods 1980-89 and 1990-95 separately. Data showed that burgers (including manufactured minced meat) represented around 75-80% of the individual consumption of meat products containing MRM, and that consumption of burgers increased by 40% over the 1980-95 period. In all age groups, consumption was higher in males than in females. In both genders, the 1940-69 birth cohort had the highest mean consumption of burgers and other beef products containing MRM. Similar findings have been reported for the UK population. Estimated consumption of bovine MRM per calendar year increased markedly over the study period, concomitantly with an increase of bovine carcasses imported from the UK. Comparison of the 1980-1995 pattern of bovine MRM consumption in the UK and France indicated thatthis consumption peaked later in France than in the UK. This difference might result in different temporal pattern of vCJD incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causative agents of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) and of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are currently indistinguishable. However, the route(s) by which humans became infected remain unknown. The path by which humans were infected with the BSE agent might impact on the geographical distribution of cases and we therefore sought evidence of regional variation and local clustering of vCJD cases. With the notable exception of a group of five cases in Leicestershire, the absence of local clustering of vCJD cases is compatible with most human exposure to the vCJD agent arising through routes that result in the risk of infection being similar over wide geographical areas, rather than through small-scale local events. Infection through the consumption of mechanically recovered meat (MRM) contaminated with the BSE agent was a potential route for such widespread exposure. An ecological analysis relating the regional incidence of vCJD to historical dietary data does not provide a dear evidence that humans became infected through consumption of MRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach to assess exposure to ochratoxin A from the diet by the analysis of human plasma and urine samples has been developed. Composite duplicate diet samples from 50 individuals and corresponding plasma and urine samples were obtained over 30 days. Samples were analysed using sensitive methods capable of measuring ochratoxin A at 0.001ng g[sup -1] in food, 0.1ng ml[sup -1] in plasma and 0.01ng ml[sup -1] in urine. Analysis of the foods indicated ochratoxin A levels contributing to an average intake in the range 0.26-3.54ng kg[sup -1] bw day[sup -1] over the 30 days. Ochratoxin A was found in all plasma samples and in 46 urine samples. The correlation between the plasma ochratoxin A levels and ochratoxin A consumption was not significant (95% confidence limit). However, a significant correlation was found between ochratoxin A consumption and the urine ochratoxin A concentration expressed as the total amount excreted. This new work offers the possibility of using ochratoxin A in urine as a simple and reliable biomarker to estimate exposure to this mycotoxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the contamination of foodborne viruses in fresh food products in Great Britain. Lack of information on washing and decontamination processes; Need of developing method for inoculation; Importance of monitoring food samples.

A survey of the level of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in soy sauces and similar products available in the UK is reported. The survey was carried out by the Joint Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food/Department of Health Food Safety and Standards Group (JFSSG) to check for compliance with the Food Advisory Committee's (FAC) recommended limit for 3-MCPD of 0.01mg/kg following reports that soy sauces in several European countries had been found to contain high levels (up to 124mg/kg) of 3-MCPD. Forty samples of soy sauce and similar products purchased from retail outlets were analysed using a GC-MS procedure which had been formally validated by an earlier collaborative trial. 3-MCPD was undetectable in 21 (52%) of samples analysed in the survey, with a further five samples containing very low levels of between 0.01 and 0.02mg/kg. Five samples (13%) contained 3-MCPD at levels in the range 0.020-1mg/kg while nine samples (23%) were found to contain 3-MCPD at levels greater than 1mg/kg, with the highest level being 30.5mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin and zinc were determined in samples from the 1997 UK Total Diet Study and used to estimate dietary exposures of the general UK population. Population average dietary exposures to aluminium (3.4mg/day), arsenic (0.065mg/day), cadmium (0.012mg/day), chromium (0.10mg/day), copper (1.2mg/day), mercury (0.003mg/day), nickel (0.13mg/day), tin (1.8mg/ day) and zinc (8.4mg/day) are similar to those from previous UK Total Diet Studies and are below the appropriate PTWIs, PMTDIs and TDIs. Dietary exposure of the UK population (0.026 mg/day) to lead is falling as a result of measures taken to reduce lead contamination of the environment and food and is well below the PTWI. There has been little change in UK estimates of selenium exposure since the 1994 Total Diet Study but current estimates (0.039mg/day) are lower than those derived from earlier Total Diet Studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the escherichia coli chain of contamination in its social context and highlights the practices in the British food industry and regulatory environment which led to this tragedy. Financial pressures in the meat industry; Implications for food safety and hygiene; Key elements in the design of the legal and policy-making framework as it relates to food safety.