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This fresh new image for IAFP Report is just one example of your Association's vigorous
and productive efforts in the first quarter of 2009! It's an image that is being implemented consistently throughout our communications, and will debut on our Web site beginning
April 3. We do ask for your patience when accessing the site over the weekend, as it may be periodically inaccessible during the transition. Additionally, since IAFP-specific links provided in this issue will change after today, we ask that you visit our home page directly if accessing the issue after Friday.
The fruits of our ongoing strategic planning included participation in the Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC), February 24–26; and presenting the second Timely Topics Symposium, held February 17, titled Raw Milk Consumption: An Emerging Public Health Threat?, and the second Rapid Response Symposium, Salmonella in Peanut Products—Understanding the Risk and Controlling the Process, held March 26.
We are grateful to the dedicated individuals and sponsors who ensured the success of these endeavors, and invite you to view the presentations that are currently available at the respective links below:
[Link to DIFSC]
[Link to Timely Topics]
[Link to Rapid Response]
Association Welcomes New Executive Board Secretary
Thank you to our Members who participated in the election process for IAFP's 2009–2010 Executive Board Secretary. Katherine Swanson, Vice President of Food Safety at Ecolab Inc., will begin her five-year service to the Board following the 96th Annual Meeting, to be held July 12–15 in Grapevine, Texas.
Featured Abstract from Journal of Food Protection
"Persistence of Escherichia coli on Injured Iceberg Lettuce in the Field, Overhead Irrigated with Contaminated Water" was the most widely-read article in the March issue. Read the abstract here.
[Link to abstract]
April Food Protection Trends: Abstracts and Monthly Columns by IAFP President and Executive Director
An assessment of CDC data on Mexican food outbreaks in the US between 1990 and 2006; a report examining the controversy surrounding the consumption of unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses; Stan Bailey offers a colorful preview of the IAFP 2009 convention site and program, and explains changes to the poster session and future symposia submission process; David Tharp describes his experience and IAFP's strong presence at the Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC) held in February.
[Link to FPT]
Engineered Viruses Undermine Bacterial Defense Systems
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Boston University have bioengineered a bacteriophage that, when used along with traditional antibiotics, is more effective at killing bacteria than either natural bacteriophages and antibiotics or antibiotics alone.
[Link to article]
Pistachios Recalled, Under Investigation
With several illnesses possibly being linked to Salmonella contamination in pistachio products, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have launched an ongoing investigation.
[Link to FDA]
In Ireland, Campylobacter a Leading Cause of Gastroenteritis
A study finds that about two-thirds of all cases of gastrointestinal disease in Irish consumers are caused by Campylobacter, which is often the result of eating undercooked chicken.
[Link to article]
Outbreak Report Suggests Failings, Offers Recommendations
A report on the 2005 E. coli O157 outbreak in the South Wales Valleys points out specific failings of the area's environmental health and food safety inspection systems.
[Link to article]
Korea Tightens Food Safety System
Increased inspections, use of a molecular epidemiological method, and management of a countermeasure committee are among the Korea Food and Drug Administration's (KFDA) enhanced efforts to reduce the nation's food poisoning incidents.
[Link to article]
Advice for US Food Safety Bill
At a March hearing with the Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Health, experts offered guidance for a model food safety bill that emphasizes new risk management approaches to ensure microbial food safety.
[Link to release]
Bulletin on the Use of Peanut-derived Products
In a March bulletin from the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), retail and food service operators are advised to work closely with their suppliers to ensure that validated processes are in place to reduce the presence of Salmonella in peanut-derived products.
[Link to CFSAN]
Health Ministry in China to Lead Implementation of Food Safety Law
In March, China's legislature approved the new Food Safety Law, which calls for the Health Ministry to lead nine governmental departments in the supervision and strengthening of the nation's food safety affairs. An accompanying article discusses details of the law.
[Link to article]
Safety Assessment of RTE Seeds in UK Retail
In this 24-page report from the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and the Health Protection Agency, sesame and other retail edible dried seeds in the UK are examined for the prevalence of Salmonella and generic E. coli.
[Link to report]
Risks from Engineered Nanomaterials in Food and Feed
This opinion from the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) addresses the potential risks associated with the use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in the food and feed area.
[Link to report]
STEC in Beef Consumed by French Youth
This 139-page report, presently available only in French, assesses the risk for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in frozen beef burgers consumed at home in France by children under the age of 16.
[Link to report]
EFSA Calls for Comments, Data
Through April 22, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is accepting public consultation on its draft guidelines regarding the use of active or intelligent substances in materials that will come in contact with food.
[Link to call for consultation]
Through April 30, the agency is also calling for data on the implications on somatic cell nucleus transfer (SCNT).
[Link to call for data regarding animal cloning]
Resources on Produce Safety
A new series of fact sheets from Health Canada educates consumers on the choosing, handling, and storing of the fruits and vegetables most often associated with foodborne illnesses.
[Link to Health Canada]
Food Safety Tips for Emergency Situations
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued in March these recommended steps for maintaining the safety of food during and after emergency events that lead to power outages. Additional helpful links are also provided.
[Link to USDA]
Comments or suggestions for IAFP Report may be sent to report@foodprotection.org, or directly to the Contents Editor, Dr. Jeff Farber, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada. E-mail jeff_farber@hc-sc.gc.ca
Thank You to Our Contributors
Logos: Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS), Health Canada
Photos: Science Photo Library (Campylobacter on chicken skin, by Anna Bates, USDA; peanuts, by Maximilian Stock Ltd; boy eating a burger, by Kevin Curtis); Korea.net (map)
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