We now sell microbiological and bacteriological consumables supplies such as swabs, templates, kits, microscopic stains, etc. Visit our Shop and Bookstore!
Peanut butter scare in the USA------estimate 8 die from Salmonella poisoning! For more information check out CNN News.
Some related facts:
Salmonella species causes gastroenteritis and has been known to cause death, but not generally fatal. Originates from the intestinal tracts of animals and mammals. Food poisoning in humans usually occurs through consumption of beef, poultry, eggs, contaminated water (sewage), and dairy products. Dairrhea, fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches are common symptoms. These symptoms could occur from 8 to 48 hours after consumption of contaminated foods.
Enterobacter sakazakii
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scientific classification; Kingdom: Bacteria; Phylum: Proteobacteria;
Class: Gamma Proteobacteria; Order: Enterobacteriales; Family: Enterobacteriaceae; Genus: Enterobacter; Binomial name: Enterobacter sakazakii (Farmer et al. 1980)[1]
Enterobacter sakazakii, which is actually six subspecies of Cronobacter, is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, pathogenic bacterium. It is a rare cause of invasive infection with historically high case fatality rates (40–80%) in infants. It can cause bacteraemia, meningitis and necrotising enterocolitis. E. sakazakii infection has been associated with the use of powdered infant formula[2][4] with some strains able to survive in a desiccated state for more than two years. In December 2011, Wal-Mart pulled a batch of Enfamil Newborn powdered infant formula from its shelves nationwide after a newborn Missouri boy died from what was preliminarily identified as Cronobacter sakazakii[6] Officials at Supervalu Inc., Walgreen Co., Kroger Co. and Safeway announced on December 23, 2011, that they would remove cans of Enfamil Newborn with the lot number ZP1K7G from various stores across the country.
Some related facts:
Melamine is a nitrogen-containing compound and is usually tested in the laboratories by HPLC-MS or GC-MS. However proteins (amino-acids) are tested by the Kjeldahl method or by the Dumas (total combustion method), hence the intentional high but false protein content of the adulterated foodstuff.
Has the Sudan Red episode gone away? What about the drama about aflatoxins in peanuts?
For the latest news on fragances and flavours, check The South African Association of the Flavour and Fragrance Industry's newsletter.
For the latest news on food and beverages, check the Food and Beverage Reporter.
E coli outbreak: WHO says bacterium is a new strain
E coli: the deadly European outbreak, read all about it at www.guardian.co.uk E.coli outbreak
An excellent UK magazine is the International Food Hygiene.
Some useful information on Food Poisoning:
Also visit our "Bacteriology Terms" page
Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria (pathogens), mould (mycotoxins), fungus, rancidity of oil/fat, cleaning chemical residues or chemicals such as heavy metals (lead, arsenic, selenium, mercury). Also by histamines in seafoods that are not fresh, which can cause scromboid poisoning.
Mould on nuts, corn (maize) and other type agricultural products can produce mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxins) which are carcinogenic substances.
For chemical testing laboratories in South Africa:
Check out Chem-Science Laboratories
Visit us at our website!
For other stuff, check out our general website at www.laboratories.co.za
New Food Labelling Regulations (summary):
Reference: South African Government Gazette No. 9236, Vol 537, 1 March 2010, No. 32975
The minimum mandatory major Nutritional data to be printed on the product packaging is:
- Energy Value;
- Protein;
- Glycaemic carbohydrates: Of which Total Sugars:
- Total Fat: Of which Saturated Fat:
- Dietary Fibre;
- Total Sodium (as Na).
The label must state the values per 100 gram (g), or per 100 milliliter (ml), or per serving size.
The number of samples required for submission to a testing laboratory is as follows:
- For products of relatively homogenous compositions, e.g. pasta, chips, cheese, etc., a minimum of 3 samples from different production batches.
- For products of non-homogeneous compositions, e.g. mixed vegetables, ready to eat meals, cakes, etc., a minimum of 12 samples from different production batches.
The independent laboratory will test the composite sample of the 3 products/samples (or 12 products/samples) for the above nutritional information.
Please contact us, as below, should you require further information.
New Food Labelling Regulations:
Reference: Consumer Protection Act
- All foods with more than 5% genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be labelled contains genetically modified organisms
- All foods with less than 1% genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be labelled does not contain genetically modified organisms
@SALABORATORIES
at bioscience@laboratories.co.za