Deliberate Food Contamination Research Articles

Regulations and standards for quality and food safety

Food products placed on the market must be safe to eat and have adequate quality. Food safety and quality are governed by the laws that each country brings to its market. In addition, legislation that has been adopted at regional and world level has a very important role in the international trade in food products. Nowadays, it is not possible to imagine international food trade without the existence of standards for particular product categories. Standards related to food products are a kind of limit for consumers regarding the quality, safety and authenticity of the food they eat. Efforts to harmonize different standards in order to facilitate and uniform the process of food production and trade are of great importance in the world. Enterprises producing food products in Republic of Srpska face many challenges today. Customers are increasingly demanding food quality and safety requirements, which are often more stringent than official legal standards for certain product categories. There has been a concentration of food trade on large trading systems whose bargaining power has increased sharply relative to food producers. In recent years, there have been a number of certification schemes for the certification of food products, which has had a major impact on not only the business of the companies in this field, but also on the evolution of the food quality and safety management system. In most cases, certification scheme owners are retail systems, traders associations, large multinationals with the support of certification bodies and traders associations. With this approach, export barriers to food products from Republic of Srpska are increasing significantly, as it is no longer necessary to meet only the legal requirements in the country where the product is sold, but also specific private standards prescribed by customers. All these efforts, on the other hand, are aimed at preventing incidental situations related to the possible poisoning of consumers with food products and the consequences that such cases can cause. In addition, there is a growing concern in the world for consumer health, which may be disturbed by the deliberate contamination of food, most often the result of ideologically motivated terrorist activities. Today, consumers want to be sure of what they eat and in terms of the origin, quality and all other attributes attributed to certain types of food. Modern standards related to integrated approaches to food quality and safety management also require measures to be taken to prevent food fraud that are motivated by the economic gain of fraudsters. In the legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or the Republika Srpska, the application of the concept of establishing food security in the entire food supply chain, "from field to table", begins with the practical adoption of the Food Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the meantime, the Food Law of the Republika Srpska was adopted, defining the obligations of food and feed business operators, as well as a system of official controls on food and feed. It is quite clear that the transition from one concept of food legislation, applicable in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), to a modern proactive approach is still underway, and that the Republic of Srpska seeks to align its food legislation with the legislation that valid in the European Union (EU). Taking into account all the specific features of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state and the competences defined by the Dayton Constitution at the entity level, the process of harmonization of legislation is more complex with EU legislation. In a number of cases, legislation is adopted at the state and entity levels for the same purpose, and sometimes the essential technical requirements in these regulations are different. This situation causes confusion, above all, for those who need to apply the requirements of the regulations in their business, which are the food business operators.

Risk Assessment of Deliberate Contamination of Food Production Facilities

The deliberate contamination of food is well recognized as a major public health threat. A food supply chain offers several possible targets for the intentional insertion of a biological or chemical toxin by a perpetrator, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We assume that both manager (defender) of the food production facility and perpetrator (attacker) select actions at each of a possibly countable number of decision epochs, based on possibly inaccurate real-time observations of the other agent. The defender’s objectives are to maximize long-run expected total discounted system productivity and to minimize the long-run expected total discounted consequence of an attack. The attacker’s objective is to maximize its reward, which combines the long-run expected total discounted consequence of an attack with a penalty if the attack is unsuccessful. We model this problem as a leader–follower, two-agent partially observed Markov game. We show that system risk is dynamic, determine the impact of observation accuracy on facility productivity and risk, thus providing a measure of the value of information, and perform a sensitivity analysis on key parameters. We present an illustrative example involving a liquid egg production system.

Improved traceability of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli using CRISPRs for detection and typing.

Among strains of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), seven serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157) are frequently associated with severe clinical illness in humans. The development of methods for their reliable detection from complex samples such as food has been challenging thus far, and is currently based on the PCR detection of the major virulence genes stx1, stx2, and eae, and O-serogroup-specific genes. However, this approach lacks resolution. Moreover, new STEC serotypes are continuously emerging worldwide. For example, in May 2011, strains belonging to the hitherto rarely detected STEC serotype O104:H4 were identified as causative agents of one of the world's largest outbreak of disease with a high incidence of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in the infected patients. Discriminant typing of pathogens is crucial for epidemiological surveillance and investigations of outbreaks, and especially for tracking and tracing in case of accidental and deliberate contamination of food and water samples. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) are composed of short, highly conserved DNA repeats separated by unique sequences of similar length. This distinctive sequence signature of CRISPRs can be used for strain typing in several bacterial species including STEC. This review discusses how CRISPRs have recently been used for STEC identification and typing.

Reprint of “Decision support for risks managers in the case of deliberate food contamination: The dairy industry as an example”

Dairy farms were identified, which can be included in a contingency plan set up to prevent or mitigate the consequences of deliberate contamination of a food supply chain. The deliberate introduction of a contamination into the supply chain of milk was simulated in a scenario where milk producers serve as the entry sources and consumers of milk represent the target to be affected by the contamination. It is shown that the entry sources have an impact on the damage caused, i.e. in terms of the number of consumers reached. A contingency plan is provided that contains a list of entry sources ranked according to their impact on the damage to consumers. To generate this list, a computer program was developed that simulates the impact of the contaminations on consumers via the trade of contaminated milk. Possible variations in the trade links between milk producers, dairies and consumers as well as between dairies are considered. It is investigated how these trade links alter the generated list of entry sources.The results indicate that, regardless of the actual milk trade flow, control measures should be introduced on 39% of the milk producers in order to minimize the damage. The identification of suitable entry sources may help risk managers to focus on these farms in a contingency plan that improves the sensitivity of control activities related to deliberate contamination.

Decision support for risks managers in the case of deliberate food contamination: The dairy industry as an example

Dairy farms were identified, which can be included in a contingency plan set up to prevent or mitigate the consequences of deliberate contamination of a food supply chain. The deliberate introduction of a contamination into the supply chain of milk was simulated in a scenario where milk producers serve as the entry sources and consumers of milk represent the target to be affected by the contamination. It is shown that the entry sources have an impact on the damage caused, i.e. in terms of the number of consumers reached. A contingency plan is provided that contains a list of entry sources ranked according to their impact on the damage to consumers. To generate this list, a computer program was developed that simulates the impact of the contaminations on consumers via the trade of contaminated milk. Possible variations in the trade links between milk producers, dairies and consumers as well as between dairies are considered. It is investigated how these trade links alter the generated list of entry sources.The results indicate that, regardless of the actual milk trade flow, control measures should be introduced on 39% of the milk producers in order to minimize the damage. The identification of suitable entry sources may help risk managers to focus on these farms in a contingency plan that improves the sensitivity of control activities related to deliberate contamination.

Decontamination of High-risk Animal and Zoonotic Pathogens

Preparedness for the decontamination of affected environments, premises, facilities, and products is one prerequisite for an immediate response to an animal disease outbreak. Various information sources provide recommendations on how to proceed in an outbreak situation to eliminate biological contaminants and to stop the spread of the disease. In order to facilitate the identification of the right decontamination strategy, we present an overview of relevant references for a collection of pathogenic agents. The choice of pathogens is based on a survey of lists containing highly pathogenic agents and/or biological agents considered to be potential vehicles for deliberate contamination of food, feed, or farm animals. European legislation and guidelines from national and international institutions were screened to find decontamination protocols for each of the agents. Identified recommendations were evaluated with regard to their area of application, which could be facilities and equipment, wastes, food, and other animal products. The requirements of a disinfectant for large-scale incidents were gathered, and important characteristics (eg, inactivating spectrum, temperature range, toxicity to environment) of the main recommended disinfectants were summarized to assist in the choice of a suitable and efficient approach in a crisis situation induced by a specific high-risk animal or zoonotic pathogen. The literature search revealed numerous relevant recommendations but also legal gaps for certain diseases, such as Q fever or brucellosis, and legal difficulties for the use of recommended disinfectants. A lack of information about effective disinfectants was identified for some agents.

The public health threat of phthalate-tainted foodstuffs in Taiwan: The policies the government implemented and the lessons we learned

A major incident of phthalate-contaminated foodstuffs happened in Taiwan between April and July, 2011. Phthalates were deliberately added to foodstuffs as a substitute of emulsifier. We describe the course of this incident, government response and management of the crisis, and its future implications.Five major food categories, including sports drinks, fruit beverages, tea drinks, fruit jam or jelly, and health food or supplements in tablet or powder form, were contaminated with Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and/or Di-isononyl phthalate. At least 900 different food products were affected.Like the scandal of melamine-tainted infant formula, this event represents another large deliberate food contamination incident. It is important to be reminded that many governments in developing countries make rapid economic growth as their first priority, often compromising environmental safety and public health. The administration leaders need to find a balance between economic expansion and health and environmental safety.

Survival of Salmonella Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae in Dehydrated Infant Formula

Powdered infant formula has previously been linked to the transmission of various bacterial pathogens in infants resulting in life-threatening disease and death. Survival studies of 2 common foodborne pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae, in powdered infant formula have not been previously studied despite the potentially devastating consequences from ingestion of these organisms, particularly by newborns, in case of a natural or deliberate contamination event. Therefore, to better predict the risk of S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae infection from consumption of infant formula, the present study was undertaken to determine survival of these microorganisms in dry infant formula under varying atmospheric conditions. A 2-strain cocktail of S. Typhi and a 3-strain cocktail of S. dysenteriae were stored for up to 12 wk in dehydrated infant formula in an ambient air or nitrogen atmosphere. Viable counts of S. Typhi at 12 wk in infant formula revealed a 2.9- and 1.69-log decrease in ambient air and nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. Viable counts of S. dysenteriae at 12 wk in infant formula revealed a 0.81- and 0.42-log decrease in ambient air and nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. These results show that S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae can remain viable for prolonged periods of time in powdered infant formula, and the presence of nitrogen enhances survival. Our goal in this work was to study the survival of S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae in dehydrated storage conditions in infant formula. This interest is partially generated by the possibility of using these 2 microorganisms to deliberately contaminate the food supply. The outcome of this study will help us to have a better idea how to respond and react to the risk of deliberate food contamination.

?American Potential Responses to Deliberate Food Contamination: A Risk Perception and Communication Study?

This study examines public perceptions of, and likely reactions to, an act of bioterrorism targeting the US food supply. Results from factor analysis of survey data suggest a range of responses including; public panic, raised fears or emotions, a controlled response or a an acceptance that such an event is inevitable. Reactions are reflective of peoples’ cognitive interpretations or affective responses to the risks posed. Cluster analysis and regression results suggest that authorities may successfully position risk communication messages based on the condition that people believe the government and private institutions can function in the face of a food attack. This finding underscores the pivotal role played by trust and confidence in institutions in restoring calm after a bioterrorist event. Fine tuning of communications for different population groups may be necessary if certain Americans’ perceive the risk of a bioterrorist event in a less rational manner.

Food and Pharmaceuticals

Recently, contamination of pharmaceuticals with diethylene glycol (DEG) and food with melamine and cyanuric acid has demonstrated the impact of globalization on drug and food safety. By examining the details of these outbreaks, some important lessons can be learned. Toxicoses from contaminated food and drugs are often identified only when large numbers of people or animals are affected and numerous deaths result. Populations most at risk are those repeatedly exposed to a single product. Toxicoses may be complex, involving synergism among relatively nontoxic co-contaminants. Although some contamination may occur inadvertently, practices of deliberate contamination of food and drug ingredients may be widespread but escape detection in poorly regulated markets. If this deliberate contamination is motivated by personal financial gain, it is likely to recur and be concealed. The contaminated raw material produced in a poorly regulated market may cross national boundaries and be used in manufacturing processes for numerous products, sometimes in more well-regulated markets. Once in the production chain, contaminated raw materials may be widely disseminated. It is not clear that regulatory organizations have the capacity to identify significant contaminations despite their best efforts. The veterinary and medical communities, in cooperation with regulatory agencies, should develop cooperative programs designed to detect and limit these global outbreaks. Although addressing regional or national outbreaks remains an important role for regulatory agencies, the veterinary and medical communities must develop proactive global approaches to this global problem.

The Melamine Incident: Implications for International Food and Feed Safety

BackgroundA major food safety incident in China was made public in September 2008. Kidney and urinary tract effects, including kidney stones, affected about 300,000 Chinese infants and young children, with six reported deaths. Melamine had been deliberately added at milk-collecting stations to diluted raw milk ostensibly to boost its protein content. Subsequently, melamine has been detected in many milk and milk-containing products, as well as other food and feed products, which were also exported to many countries worldwide.ObjectivesThe melamine event represents one of the largest deliberate food contamination incidents. We provide a description and analysis of this event to determine the global implications on food and feed safety.DiscussionsA series of factors, including the intentional character of the milk contamination, the young age of the population affected, the large number of potentially contaminated products, the global distribution of these products, and the delay in reporting led this event to take on unexpected proportions. This incident illustrated the complexity of international trade of food products and food ingredients that required immediate actions at international level.ConclusionManaging food-safety events should be done internationally and early on as soon as multinational consequences are expected. Collaboration between food-safety authorities worldwide is needed to efficiently exchange information and to enable tracking and recalling of affected products to ensure food safety and to protect public health.

Trends in food-borne disease.

Abstract Food-borne disease is widespread around the world, with its most serious consequences affecting those who are young, old and already ill. Chemical contaminants are present in much of the food supply but usually at levels not associated with adverse human effects. However, there are occasional problems from natural toxins that can cause local disease and restrict international trade. Much of food monitoring is focused on testing foods to meet the national standards for mycotoxins and pesticide residues. More recently, there have been concerns over specific chemicals such as acrylamide, food dyes and melamine as well as allergens, but there is no routine testing for these chemicals. Despite this concern over chemicals and their monitoring, most of the known illness relates to microbial contamination, and surveillance systems focus on that which links to human illness. Interestingly, many foods that have been associated with outbreaks would not have been thought of as vehicles from the then-existing microbiological studies, e.g. Salmonella in chocolate and peanut butter; Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple cider and sprouts and Listeria monocytogenes in hot dogs. Many steps have to be taken to bring a food-borne disease outbreak investigation to a successful conclusion. As is so often the case, if key data are missing or the different players in the investigation do not coordinate effectively, not only will many ill persons not be identified, but also the cause of the outbreak may not be determined. Surveillance can comprise two main systems: complaint or notification systems, and pathogen-specific surveillance. The former may trigger an investigation and the latter leads to interpretation of case trends over periods of time. More recently there has been interest in syndromic surveillance as a way of rapidly detecting an event even if the causative agent may not yet been identified. Most countries have some kind of disease surveillance system and these usually include enteric diseases but not necessarily food-borne disease per se . Among those countries that do, they tend to have their own approach to surveillance, which is mainly passive in letting the local investigators prepare the reports and communicate these to national levels. An important step in food-borne disease surveillance is the development and maintenance of an active system, such as FoodNet and PulseNet in the USA, even if it is time-consuming and expensive. This is because they can be very useful in predicting the burden of food-borne disease at the national level and what the main risk factors are that lead to infections, which in turn help direct control measures. A new concern today is the threat of deliberate contamination of food, and early disease detection systems that link to first responders are being developed. In preparation for such an event, not only do public health personnel need to be involved, but also law enforcement officers who have a different mandate. This threat is stimulating better traceability methods particularly for imported foods, and having governments and industry being more concerned over fraud, counterfeiting and smuggling. Eventually, food-borne disease surveillance systems will become integrated internationally, as they are starting to do within Europe and under the direction of the World Health Organization.

Tracing and Tracking Bugs in the Feed and Food Chain: the Missing Link

To protect the health of consumers, producers of food and animal feed are responsible for the safety of their products, but there is no standard format to trace or track a biocontaminant. People are also becoming increasingly worried about the possibility of deliberate contamination of food, so-called bioterrorism. In the complex environment of the food chain, tracking microbial pathogens is hampered by the lack of fast, simple methods. Prediction of how these pathogens would spread in a given situation is vital to the control of these threats to public health.

Recognition of Illness Associated With Covert Chemical Releases

Public health threats from intentional releases of chemicals into the environment (ie, chemical terrorism) are an increasing concern in the United States. Recent situations of deliberate contamination of food and beverages with chemicals highlight the need for health care providers and public health officials to be alert for adult and pediatric patients in their communities who have signs and symptoms consistent with chemical exposures. In an effort to increase knowledge of surveillance and preparedness for illness related to potential chemical releases, we provide guidance to health care providers and public health personnel for recognizing illnesses or patterns of illnesses that might be associated with the intentional, covert release of chemical agents. In this article, we will discuss 5 examples of outbreaks of illnesses after a covert chemical release, obstacles to recognition of these illnesses, clues (ie, epidemiological patterns and syndromic presentations) that might enhance the recognition of illnesses from a covert chemical release, and public health strategies to enhance the rapid identification of a chemical terrorism event.

Recognition of Illness Associated With Exposure to Chemical Agents—United States, 2003

Since September 11, 2001, concern has increased about potential terrorist attacks involving the use of chemical agents. In addition, recent cases involving intentional or inadvertent contamination of food with chemicals have highlighted the need for health-care providers and public health officials to be alert for patients in their communities who have signs and symptoms consistent with chemical exposures. For example, in February 2003, a Michigan supermarket worker was charged with intentionally contaminating 200 lbs. of meat with a nicotine-containing insecticide. Although intentional release of chemical agents might be an overt event (i.e., one whose nature reveals itself), such as release of a nerve agent in a subway or a large explosion of a chemical container, a chemical release might instead be a covert event (i.e., an unrecognized release in which the presence of ill persons might be the first sign of an exposure), such as deliberate contamination of food, water, or a consumer product. To increase the likelihood that health-care providers will recognize a chemical-release-related illness and that public health authorities will implement the appropriate emergency response and public health actions, CDC identified examples of chemical-induced illness and created appropriate guidance for health-care providers and public health personnel. This report summarizes the epidemiologic clues and clinical signs or patterns of illness that might suggest covert release of a chemical agent. CDC is working to develop national surveillance capabilities for detecting chemical-release-related illnesses.

Threat of a biological terrorist attack on the US food supply: the CDC perspective

Deliberate contamination of food with biological agents has already been perpetrated in the USA. The US food supply is increasingly characterised by centralised production and wide distribution of products. Deliberate contamination of a commercial food product could cause an outbreak of disease, with many illnesses dispersed over wide geographical areas. Dependent on the biological agent and contaminated food, such an outbreak could either present as a slow, diffuse, and initially unremarkable increase in sporadic cases, or as an explosive epidemic suddenly producing many illnesses. Preparedness for a bioterrorist event affecting the food supply, therefore, entails augmentation of the traditional public-health infrastructure to enhance disease surveillance, accelerate capacity of laboratory detection, rapidly investigate and control outbreaks, and develop capacity for response to mass-casualty disasters.