MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'clostridium'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:32:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883908&cid=t_183676_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F929PtH2PZsw%2F Good morning, everyone, and welcome back. We hope your weekend was relaxing and refreshing. Now, of course, the time has come to resume the routine of meetings and deadlines. And yes, we are coping by brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Mocha Nut Fudge - and we invite you to join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to help you get in the groover. Hope your day goes well and see you soon… Five Lessons From The Niaspan Study (Forbes) GlaxoSmithKline Is Downgraded By Goldman Sachs (Associated Press) More Children Dying After Vaccination In India (India Times) JB Chem & Pharma To Hire 1,500 Medical Reps (The Economic Times) Sanofi Diabetes Drug Cuts Blood Sugar & Weight In Study (Reuters) No Workers, No Products: A Bleak Future For Renovo (Pharma Tim... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883908 Tue, 31 May 2011 12:03:14 +0100 4883908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644718&cid=t_183676_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F08%2Fweekly-publication-of-hospital-data-on-mrsa-bacteraemias-and-c-difficile-infections%2F Title: Weekly publication of Hospital data on MRSA bacteraemias and C. Difficile infections Skinny: Dear Colleague Letter from Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE, Secretary of State for Health. He announces the weekly publication of data on MRSA bacteraemias and C. Difficile infections for all hospitals in England. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 07/06/10 Filed under: Grey Literature, Hospitals, Infection Control, NHS, Quality, Statistical Data Tagged: Clostridium Difficile, Dear Colleague Letters, Grey Literature, Hospitals, Infection Control, MRSA, Statistical Data (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644718 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:44:40 +0100 3644718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247095&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frecall-roundup-february-5-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.United StatesAllergy Alert: Cousins Products, LLC (Covington, LA) recalls Spinach Vinaigrette in 16 oz. jars, due to the presence of undeclared egg, soy and wheat. The recalled Vinaigrette was sold in retail stores in Louisiana and southern Mississippi and through internet sales to Texas, Florida, Illinois and Virginia from June 2009 until present.Food Safety Recall: Haifa Smoked Fish Inc. (Queens,... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247095 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:05:00 +0100 3247095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236127&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frecall-roundup-february-2-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.United StatesFood Safety Recall (Update): Renfro Foods recalls several gourmet salsa products due to possible contamination with metal flakes. The recall was initiated as a result of an earlier recall initiated by Imperial Sugar (Sugarland, TX). The recalled products used Imperial Brown Sugar as an ingredient.Allergy Alert: Global Commodities Inc. (Hicksville, NY) recalls its 0.50 lbs. packages of ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236127 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:39:00 +0100 3236127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153666&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Frecall-roundup-january-7-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall: Bao Ding Seafood recalls boiled Horse Mackerel, because this uneviscerated fish has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The recalled product was sold in New York State.Food Product Withdrawal: Food City advises that Food Club Shredded Hash Browns 30 oz Pouch has been recalled. No details are given. A similar product (ShopRite Southern Style Hash Browns –32 oz.) was recalled by ShopRite earlier this week, because of the risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.FDA Food Seizure: FDA seizes mor... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153666 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:03:00 +0100 3153666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989432&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Frecall-roundup-november-12-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.CanadaFood Safety Recall: Épices Pam (10841 rue Plaza, Montréal-Nord, QC) recalls all Épices Pam food items sold in variable sizes in refrigerated display cases, because the products may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The public is strongly advised against consuming the recalled food.EuropeAllergy Alert (EU #2009.1545): Undeclared egg in pancakes from the Netherlands; distributed in Denmark and SwedenFood Recall (Northern Ireland): Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company recalls certain batches of Dr. Pepper because of high levels of benzoic ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989432 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:21:00 +0100 2989432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930933&cid=t_183676_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbotox-for-breast-lifts%2F If you thought Botox (Clostridium botulinum toxin type A) was going away, you were wrong. Doctors are trying to find new ways to use this “wonder” product and some plastic surgeons think they’ve got the new best thing: breast enhancement via Botox. According to news reports out of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting, injecting Botox into the pectoralis minor muscle in the chest, causes the back muscles to lift the breast, giving the appearance of a breast lift. It only works, however, on small-small breasts (A or B cups). The technique also helps fight against slouching, say doctors and patients. The women say that it’s more difficult to slouch after they’ve had the injection. On the other hand, some doctors say that improving your p... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930933 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:07:49 +0100 2930933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912556&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fbabies-and-botulism.html October 21, 2009Plum Organics recalled a batch of its Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food (Best Before Date: May 21, 2010) on October 19th after determining that – as the result of a mixing error – the product's acidity level did not meet FDA guidelines. The recall notice cited a risk of botulism.What does acidity have to do with botulism?Clostridium botulinum – the microbe that causes botulism – does not grow or produce its deadly toxin in the presence of oxygen, or in acidic foods. Foods that are not very acidic and are packaged in hermetically sealed cans, jars or pouches, are prime environments for the production of botulinum toxin. FDA, therefore, mandates very stringent and specific processing conditions for these "low-acid" foods.Does the recall mean that this batch ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912556 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 +0100 2912556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912557&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Frecall-roundup-october-20-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesAllergy Alert: The Kroger Co. recalls Kroger Hazelnut Spread, 13 oz., because the product may contain peanuts that are not declared on the label.Food Safety Recall (Retail Distribution): USDA releases retail distribution list for Vatran's Fine Foods meat and poultry products that were produced without federal inspection.Food Safety Recall: Plum Organics recalls all Apple & Carrot Baby Food in Portable Pouches with the best by date of May 21, 2010 and marked with the following number “890180001221” located at the bottom of the package... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912557 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:31:00 +0100 2912557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2694946&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F08%2Fclostridia-book-review.html "... covers aspects of clostridial molecular biology ranging from ... the biology and genetics of clostridial toxins, to new directions, such as the use of clostridia in tumor therapy, and it contains contributions from prominent researchers in the field of clostridia research ... useful for newcomers to the field who seek a broad review of the topic or for undergraduate students."from Allison Wroe and Thamarai Schneiders in Clinical Infectious Diseases 2009 49: 486Further reading: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic EraFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2694946 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:09:00 +0100 2694946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399275&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdiarrhea-digest-may-8-2009.html Diarrhea Digest is an eFoodAlert regular feature that presents a weekly snapshot of foodborne and person-to-person gastroenteritis outbreaks from around the world.Each week, we'll survey the globe and discover what all of us have in common – a shared susceptibility to the bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal disease.For the first edition of Diarrhea Digest, we'll play some "catch-up" on news from the past month.Asia and AfricaBangladesh, April 14 – Eighteen workers at a slum development company were taken to hospital with food poisoning after sharing an on-the-job meal. Most of the remaining work crew complained of milder symptoms, including stomach pain and diarrhea. China, April 10 – Dozens of students in Heilongjiang Province complained of nausea and vomiting after e... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399275 Fri, 08 May 2009 15:44:00 +0100 2399275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2307043&cid=t_183676_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsarah-harman-watch-1.html A reader emails to point out that Sarah Harman is at it again.A solicitor representing a number of the families of the 13 people who died of C-diff at Eastbourne District General Hospital said the case had 'striking similarities' to a similar outbreak which killed 90 patients cared for by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Sarah Harman, of solicitors Harman & Harman, which specialises in medical negligence, said that the hospital had failed in its duty of care. Ms Harman said comparisons could be drawn between the Eastbourne hospital and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust which came under fire in October 2007 after a report revealed 90 of its hospital patients had died from the disease.Ms Harman, the sister of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Harriet Harman, said: "We have ... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2307043 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:19:00 +0100 2307043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2234746&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Frisky-eating-uneviscerated-fish.html March 4, 2009Last week, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued three separate food safety alerts warning consumers to avoid eating certain uneviscerated fish. Two of those alerts have been echoed by FDA.The following fish products were the subject of these alerts.S&M (USA) Enterprise Corp. Uneviscerated White Herring (16 oz clear plastic bags): Product of China; Distributed in New York State; No UPC or lot codes; FDA Alert Issued San Link Inc. Uneviscerated Vacuum Packaged Dried Chechon (Random weight plastic bags, 0.66 lb average): Product of Russia; Distributed in New York State; Date code 21.12.2008; FDA Alert IssuedGusto Food Inc. Steamed Mackerel (1/2 lb plastic bags): Product of Thailand; Distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, M... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2234746 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:25:00 +0100 2234746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2149604&cid=t_183676_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fanother-load-of-crap-redux.html Nearly a year ago, in “Another load of crap”, I said:Please let's not crucify Rose Gibb again. She is not personally responsible for C. Difficile. What happened in Maidstone is not exceptional. But Maidstone is to be the scapegoat and Rose Gibb is to be held responsible.Don't get me wrong. There is a problem. And all doctors know there is problem. And we know how to solve the problem. There are not enough nurses. The government targets have increased the throughput of patients to unmanageable proportions. Beds are too close. Sheets are not changed. The bed occupancy rate is unsustainable.Dr Crippen : another load of crapMemories are short. You probably do not even recall the appalling scapegoating of the unfortunate Rose Gibb. A furious public, whipped up by a cynical media, gave th... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2149604 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:42:00 +0100 2149604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132706&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fbotulism-risk-prompts-dessert-sauce.html January 25, 2009Stonewall Kitchen (York, ME) has recalled seven of its dessert sauces after discovering that the pH (acidity) and water activity levels did not meet the company's food safety standards. Products with a pH of 4.6 or higher, or with elevated water activity, may promote the growth of Clostridium botulinum and the production of a potent neurotoxin by the microbe.The company has recalled all product codes and expiration dates of the following items:Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) – round glass jar, 12 oz.Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) – round glass jar, 12 oz.Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) – round glass jar, 13 oz.Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) – round glass jar, 12.5 oz.Barefoot Co... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132706 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:49:00 +0100 2132706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116750&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Funeviscerated-mackerel-recalled-in-new.html January 19, 2009K-Fat Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) has announced a recall of Golden Dragon Fish brand Frozen Cooked Mackerel Fish because the fish had not been eviscerated prior to processing.Processing uneviscerated fish exposes consumers to a risk of Clostridium botulinum.The problem was discovered during a routine inspection carried out by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.The fish is a product of Vietnam and is packaged in uncoded 250g plastic bag and basket. It was distributed in New York and New Jersey, only. (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116750 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:10:00 +0100 2116750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110545&cid=t_183676_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F16%2Fclostridium-difficile-infection-how-to-deal-with-the-problem%2F outlines newer evidence and approaches to delivering good infection control and environmental hygiene and updates the 1994 DH/PHLS guidance (Clostridium difficile infection: Prevention and management). Posted in Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Infection Control, NHS   Tagged: Clostridium Difficile, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Guidance, Infection Control    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110545 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:45:48 +0100 2110545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087692&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F01%2Fbotulinum-neurotoxin.html Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent natural toxins known. The family of BoNTs comprises seven antigenically distinct serotypes (A to G) that are produced by various toxigenic strains of spore-forming anaerobic Clostridium botulinum. They act as metalloproteinases that enter peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals and cleave proteins that are crucial components of the neuroexocytosis apparatus, causing a persistent but reversible inhibition of neurotransmitter release resulting in flaccid muscle paralysis.Apart from being the sole causative agent of the deadly food poisoning disease, botulism, BoNTs pose a major biological warfare threat due to their extreme toxicity and easy production. Interestingly they also serve as powerful tools to treat an ever expanding list of medical ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087692 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:03:00 +0100 2087692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2054035&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fhipp-baby-food-botulism-recall-update.html We reported a week ago that the Scandinavian distributor of Hipp Organic Baby Food had recalled Lot #L35655 (use by date of 1.12.08) of Hipp Fruit Purée with Bananas and Peaches* due to the possibility that the product contained Clostridium botulinum.The recall, which was announced on December 8th, covered product that had been distributed in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Today, Danish doctors, microbiologists and epidemiologists issued a preliminary report on the botulism investigation.The incident began when a Danish woman noticed that her 4.5-month old was ailing. Five days earlier, the mother had fed her little girl – who was still being breast-fed but was also receiving some supplementary food – three spoonfuls of Hipp banana/peach purée. She noticed at the time that the jar of ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2054035 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:10:00 +0100 2054035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2041258&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmore-uneviscerated-fish-recalled.html December 15, 2008The New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets has alerted consumers to a nationwide recall of Freshness Choice brand Steam Mackerel due to the risk that the fish may be contaminated with spores of Clostridium botulinum.The recall was initiated after State inspectors discovered that the fish was not eviscerated before processing. Sale of uneviscerated, processed fish is not permitted in New York State, due to the possibility that spores of Clostridium botulinum may be present in the viscera.The recalled Steam Mackerel, which is packed in 8-ounce plastic bags that are not labeled with any code or date, was imported from Vietnam and distributed nationwide in the United States.The following importers have issued recall notices:Siam Trading Inc. (Brooklyn, NY)Gulf ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2041258 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:39:00 +0100 2041258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2036155&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fflavored-olive-oil-recalled-in-qubec.html December 13, 2008The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is warning consumers that Plaisirs Divins brand Basil-Flavoured Olive Oil presents a risk of Clostridium botulinum and has been recalled.All batch codes of Huile d'olive aromatisée au basilic de marque "Plaisirs Divins" – sold in 250mL glass jars – have been recalled. The recall was initiated after it was learned that the product was displayed for sale without refrigeration.The product was sold at Plaisirs Divins, 218 chemin du Lac La Motte, La Motte, QC as well as at other retail outlets.Clostridium botulinum, when allowed to grow in a food product, produces a dangerous neurotoxin. Even very small quantities of this toxin can cause serious – sometimes fatal – symptoms. Under no circumstances should ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2036155 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:02:00 +0100 2036155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2034299&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fimported-cured-fish-recalled-in-usa.html December 12, 2008FDA has warned retailers and food service operators that they should not offer for sale ungutted, salt-cured alewives, or gaspereaux fish, that were imported from New Brunswick, Canada. The ungutted fish may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, and should not be consumed.The fish were produced by Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries, Ltd., Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, imported into the United States, and shipped to the following four Florida distributors:Quirch Foods Inc.Den-Mar Exports LLCDolphin Fisheries Inc.Labrador & Son Food Products Inc.The fish were packed in 30-pound, white plastic pails with green plastic lids. The pails are labeled with the producers name, and the phrase "Product of Canada." Some of the fish may have been removed from the pails and rep... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2034299 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:15:00 +0100 2034299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2034302&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fclostridium-botulinum-in-hipps-baby.html December 11, 2008Norway's Food Safety Authority is warning consumers that some jars of Hipp baby food fruit purée may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.The warning was issued following an illness outbreak in Denmark. The Danish Food Safety Authority is in the process of testing samples of the suspect food.NFSA is recommending that consumers discard jars of Hipp fruit purée with bananas and apricots identified by L35655, with a use-by date of 31.12.08. The importer has agreed to withdraw the product from the Norwegian retail market.Hipp is a brand of organic baby foods manufactured in Germany and sold in many countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. International sales and marketing is carried out through the company's UK office.In a reaction to the Norwegian announcement, ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2034302 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:37:00 +0100 2034302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1992529&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fcanned-mushrooms-recalled-in-uk.html Prime Brand has recalled 425-gram cans of Whole Straw Mushrooms (unpeeled) due to the presence of anaerobic spore-formers that resulted in the cans becoming swollen, according to a Food Alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.The recalled mushrooms can be identified by the batch code number 20080428 854 M 3502/01009. The cans carry a Best Before date of 28 April 2011.While most individuals consider canned foods to be "sterile," these items may, on occasion, contain spores of very heat-resistant bacteria. The contents can also become contaminated after heat-treatment if the seams leak during immersion in cooling water, or if the seams or body of the can are damaged during shipping or handling.Anaerobic spore-formers are bacteria that may survive the typical heat-treatment to wh... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1992529 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:13:00 +0100 1992529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955951&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fuk-infused-oil-recall-botulism-risk.html The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to a recall of several infused olive oil products. The infused oils, manufactured by Seymours of Norfolk Ltd., are thought to be susceptible to the growth of Clostridium botulinum.The recall includes all "best before" date codes up to and including March 2009. Both 250mL bottles and "oil from cask" are part of this recall. The following infused oil flavors are affected:Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Garlic, Lime, Lemon, ChiliThe company offered the following explanation:A technical fault in the production of these products has led to a situation where some of the above products may contain a small amount of water which could lead to the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria.Clostridium botulinum is capable of producing a deadly neurotoxin. S... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955951 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:21:00 +0100 1955951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876906&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fros-sauce-recalled-in-qubec.html Malibu Gourmet (5751, rue Monkland, Montréal, QC) has recalled all batches and date codes of Malibu brand Sauce Rosée - Rosé Sauce. The recall is undertaken in cooperation with the Québec Ministry of Agriculture (MAPAQ) and the City of Montréal Division of Food Inspection.The recalled sauce was displayed for sale without refrigeration and was not prepared in a manner that would guarantee its safety for human consumption. The sauce was packaged in 1-liter glass jars (Mason-type jars).Products sold in hermetically sealed containers and stored/displayed at room temperature may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum and the production of botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and death. These types of products must be prepared and packaged under carefully contro... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876906 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:09:00 +0100 1876906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1868969&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fqubec-recalls-spaghetti-sauce.html Aux Purs Délices (287, rue de lÉglise, Verdun, QC) has agreed to recall two varieties of Sauce à la Viande Douce brand spaghetti meat sauce, which were displayed for sale at room temperature in sealed jars. The recall follows a determination by the Québec Ministry of Agriculture and the City of Montréal Food Inspection Division that the sauce was not processed or displayed in a manner to ensure product safety.The recalled items, which were sold only at Aux Purs Délices in Verdun, were packed in 500mL and 1,000mL Mason-type jars. All lot numbers of the following two products are included in the recall:Sauce spaghetti aux champignonsSauce aux légumesWhile no illnesses have been reported, the uncontrolled conditions under which these sauces were prepared and displayed would have allowe... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1868969 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:35:00 +0100 1868969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1863452&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Funeviscerated-croaker-recalled.html YS Trading Corp (Long Island City, NY) has recalled "Frozen Salted Croaker" because it is uneviscerated and, therefore, presents a risk of botulism.The fish was sold in uncoded, unlabeled plastic bags in New Jersey, Hicksville (NY) and Flushing (NY). Uneviscerated fish is prohibited from sale in the New York state, because spores of Clostridium botulinum may be concentrated in the viscera.Consumers who purchased the recalled item should return it to the store for a refund. (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1863452 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:36:00 +0100 1863452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841732&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2008%2F10%2Fclostridia-conference.html Clostridia: from old diseases to new threatsOctober 5 - 9, 2008. Villars-sur-Ollon, SwitzerlandBasic science meets infectious diseases. The fourth Conference on New Frontiers in Microbiology and Infection jointly organized by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) and ESCMID. Lectures include:* The discovery of Clostridium and its clinical impact. An insight in the history of medicine* Basis of the mode of action of clostridial toxins* Insights into the mechanism of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) receptor binding and substrate cleavage from a structural perspective* C. perfringens epsilon-toxin* Comparative genomics of clostridia and pathogenic properties* Clostridium difficile: an overview of the changes in our understanding the organism over the last 30 years* C. diffic... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841732 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:52:00 +0100 1841732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1751320&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2008%2F09%2Fgram-positive-bacteria.html Gram-positive bacteria are generally divided into the Actinobacteria and the Firmicutes.The Actinobacteria or actinomycetes are a group of Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C ratio. They include some of the most common soil bacteria. Other Actinobacteria inhabit plants and animals and including some pathogens, such as Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Nocardia, Rhodococcus and a few species of Streptomyces. Actinobacteria produce secondary metabolites and are important to the pharmacological and biotechnology industries. Streptomyces species, for example, produce important antibiotics. Some Actinobacteria form branching filaments and some Actinomycetes species produce endospores.The majority of Firmicutes have Gram-positive cell wall structure. However some, the Mollicutes or mycoplasmas, l... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1751320 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:58:00 +0100 1751320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1710377&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fhospitals-and-vomiting-bug.html An outbreak of the "vomiting bug" has closed a ward at Calderdale Royal Hospital in the United Kingdom. According to an article in the Evening Courier, the ward has been closed to new admissions since Monday, after an outbreak of  "sickness and diarrhea" developed among the patients.Hospital administrators have asked non-essential visitors to stay away, but haven't gone so far as to embargo all visitors to the ward. The cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified; the hospital suspects either Clostridium difficile or Norovirus is behind the sickness.On the other side of the world, a New Zealand hospital is still struggling to contain its own Norovirus outbreak. The New Zealand Herald reported that two more wards were closed – both to visitors and to new admissions – by Dunedin ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1710377 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:40:00 +0100 1710377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1710379&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Ffrance-recalls-whole-enchilada-botulism.html France's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has announced a recall of Companeros brand enchiladas and fajitas after high levels of Clostridium botulinum toxin were detected in a sample of "chicken enchiladas".The investigation of Companeros' products was initiated after two members of the same family were diagnosed with botulism. The family members had eaten a meal of chicken enchiladas identified by lot no. 08/190 and a "use by" date of August 7, 2008. Both victims remain in hospital in serious but stable condition.Due to the serious risk to health and life posed by Clostridium botulinum intoxication, the government has taken the precaution of recalling all outstanding lots of all varieties of Companeros enchiladas and fajitas. The recall is NOT limited to the specific lot eaten by the... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1710379 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:55:00 +0100 1710379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1705406&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2008%2F08%2Fclostridial-toxins.html The genus Clostridium represents a heterogeneous group of toxin-producing species, such as C. difficile, C. botulinum, C. tetani and C. perfringens. C. tetani and C. botulinum produce the most potent biological toxins known to affect humans. Further reading: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic EraBotulinum and Tetanus NeurotoxinsBotulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) and tetanus toxin (TeNT) are potent toxins which are responsible for severe diseases, botulism and tetanus, in men and animals. BoNTs induce a flaccid paralysis, whereas TeNT causes a spastic paralysis. Both toxins are zinc-dependent metalloproteases, which specifically cleave one of the three proteins (VAMP, SNAP25, and syntaxin) forming the SNARE complex within target neuronal cells which have a critical function in the ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1705406 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:35:00 +0100 1705406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1705407&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2008%2F08%2Fclostridia-in-anti-tumor-therapy.html Recent research suggests that Clostridium-based tumor targeted therapy holds promise for the treatment of solid tumors. Upon systemic administration, various strains of non-pathogenic clostridia have been shown to infiltrate and selectively replicate within solid tumors. This specificity is based upon the unique physiology of solid tumors, which is often characterized by regions of hypoxia and necrosis. Clostridial vectors can be safely administered and their potential to deliver therapeutic proteins has been demonstrated in a variety of preclinical models. from Asferd Mengesha, Ludwig Dubois, Kim Paesmans, Brad Wouters, Philippe Lambin and Jan Theys in Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic EraFurther reading: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic EraFull range of ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1705407 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:54:00 +0100 1705407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1656052&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Faustralias-nursing-home-ills.html Australia's nursing home residents have suffered several outbreaks of food-borne disease recently. Dr. Steve Corbett, public health director for the Sydney West Area Health Service told News.com (a News Corporation outlet) that five nursing homes have experienced gastroenteritis outbreaks so far this month. And that's just in west Sydney.According to Dr. Corbett, Clostridium perfringens is suspected in two of the outbreaks – four residents in those two locations tested positive for the microbe. The cause of the remaining outbreaks is still under investigation.This is not the first time that C. perfringens has been implicated in an Australian nursing home outbreak. Just last month, 80 residents of the Endeavour Nursing Home in New South Wales were stricken with gastroenteritis after eatin... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1656052 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:08:00 +0100 1656052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1638213&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fefoodalert-world-tour-misery-loves.html Our tour this week begins and ends in Australia, which has been playing host to World Youth Day, a week-long international convention of Roman Catholic youths. Large gatherings often attract unwanted visitors, and this one has been no exception.AustraliaOn July 16th, health authorities told of scattered cases of influenza and gastroenteritis among the pilgrims. By the next day, there were 22 cases of gastroenteritis among the attendees. According to today's report, 23 more attendees were suffering from gastroenteritis.These number are not large, given the thousands of young people who have gathered for this convention. But they are a useful reminder that one need not be traveling in an underdeveloped country to become exposed to food-borne or water-borne pathogens.Hong KongA regular stop o... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1638213 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:29:00 +0100 1638213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1597565&cid=t_183676_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2008%2F07%2Fclostridium.html The genus Clostridium represents a heterogeneous group of anaerobic spore-forming bacteria, comprising prominent toxin-producing species, such as C. difficile, C. botulinum, C. tetani and C. perfringens, in addition to well-known non-pathogens like solventogenic C. acetobutylicum. In the last decade several clostridial genomes have been deciphered and post-genomic studies are currently underway. The advent of newly developed, genetic manipulation tools have permitted functional-based and systems biology analyses of several clostridial strains. Further reading: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic EraBotulinum and Tetanus NeurotoxinsBotulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) and tetanus toxin (TeNT) are potent toxins which are responsible for severe diseases, botulism and tetanus, in men and... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1597565 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0100 1597565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1577713&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Ftwice-bitten.html Back in February, I was introduced to a New York Times recipe blog – "Bitten" – which is written by Mark Bittman. Much to my dismay, Bittman was recommending a recipe for Fast Roast Chicken that made no provision for confirming that the chicken was completely cooked through.I wrote an article about that recipe, and also posted a comment on Bittman's blog site to air my concern. I never heard from Bittman, nor did he post any clarification of his cooking instructions subsequent to my article.I had a similar experience last December with some Martha Stewart poultry recipes. While I never had a direct reply from anyone in her organization, I was delighted to see that her more recent poultry recipes gave specific instructions on testing the internal temperature of poultry to verify that it... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1577713 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:06:00 +0100 1577713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1527815&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fchai-concentrate-recalled-botulism-risk.html Tipu's Tiger Chai, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of its Chai Concentrate, distributed to stores and coffee kiosks in western Montana, and to one café in Prescott, Arizona. The concentrate is used in stores to prepare chai beverages sold on-site. A limited quantity of product was also supplied directly to consumers in western Montana.The recall covers half-gallon bottles of the concentrate, carrying dates from 09/23/09 through and including 05/22/10. While no illnesses have been reported, an audit of production records found that the pH of the chai concentrate was higher than required by FDA, and represented a risk that Clostridium botulinum might survive and grow in the product.Consumers are urged to return the recalled concentrate to the place of purchase for a full refund. (Sour... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1527815 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:34:00 +0100 1527815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463660&cid=t_183676_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F23%2Fdeaths-involving-mrsa-and-clostridium-difficile-by-communal-establishment-england-and-wales-2001%25e2%2580%259306%2F is the first report produced by the Office for National Statistics(ONS) on deaths involving meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) by individual communal establishment where the death took place. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463660 Fri, 23 May 2008 07:44:53 +0100 1463660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1455619&cid=t_183676_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Ffood-poisoning-around-world-may-12th.html With all of the attention focused on Myanmar during the past nine days, the rest of the world has been left to its own devices. But that doesn't mean that there was nothing to report. Here's what we've been missing.South AfricaThe breakdown in the drinking water distribution system that resulted in the deaths of 78 babies over several months in the Eastern Cape province is no closer to being repaired. The province's health and water system officials are still waiting for information to be sent to them "from the ground level" before confirming that the babies died from diarrhea as a result of drinking contaminated water. Meanwhile, nothing has been done to repair the broken water system.Viet NamEighty people were treated for food poisoning on April 30th after attending a wedding party in Ha... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1455619 Mon, 12 May 2008 12:17:00 +0100 1455619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402947&cid=t_183676_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fanother-load-of-crap.html Sitting here watching the Panorama programme on C. Diff I am getting angrier and angrier.Please let's not crucify Rose Gibb again. She is not personally responsible for C. Difficile. What happened in Maidstone is not exceptional. But Maidstone is to be the scapegoat and Rose Gibb is to be held responsible.Don't get me wrong. There is a problem. And all doctors know there is problem. And we know how to solve the problem. There are not enough nurses. The government targets have increased the throughput of patients to unmanageable proportions. Beds are too close. Sheets are not changed. The bed occupancy rate is unsustainable.But the media is, as always, going OTT and exaggerating the problem.C. difficile superbug 'kills one elderly patient every hour in the UK' – and that's a world recor... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402947 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:46:00 +0100 1402947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1146149&cid=t_183676_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F12%2Fthe-health-act-2006-code-of-practice-for-the-prevention-and-control-of-healthcare-associated-infections%2F The Health Act 2006 Code of practice for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections of practice will help NHS bodies to plan and implement how they can prevent and control healthcare associated infections. It sets out criteria by which managers of NHS organisations are to ensure that patients are cared for in a clean environment and where the risk of health care associated infections is kept as low as possible. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1146149 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:08:32 +0100 1146149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1139732&cid=t_183676_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Ffresh-start.html Apologies to all for the prolonged, unplanned and unexpected absence.I have just caught up with some of the emails and the ever reliable Wat Tyler at Burning our Money has drawn my attention to some of the speculation about the inactivity of NHS BLOG DOCTOR.Much of the speculation has, to borrow a hackneyed phrase, been exaggerated. I am alive and well; I have not been abducted, murdered, struck off or sectioned; I have not eloped, I have not been drying-out in the Priory, and I have not been canoeing off Seaton Carew. The truth, as is so often the case, is more mundane. Pressure of work, family and other commitments made it increasingly difficult to sustain the writing.Hewitt had gone, unlamented, and there was a spark of hope generated by the appointment of the more reasonable and ration... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1139732 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:54:00 +0100 1139732