Survey of Salmonella contamination of edible nut kernels on retail sale in the UK.
Food Microbiol
; 27(1): 171-4, 2010 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19913709
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.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Salmonella
/
Contaminación de Alimentos
/
Seguridad de Productos para el Consumidor
/
Nueces
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Food Microbiol
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Año:
2010
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido