RESUMEN

A study was conducted to analyse market-regulated heavy metals (lead, mercury and cadmium), organochlorine pesticides and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in samples of 38 farmed fish comprising Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (20 samples) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (18 samples) from ten selected fish farms in Uganda. The goal of this case study was to understand the safety of aquaculture products from Sub-Saharan Africa. Lead was detected in all the 38 samples (maximum = 1.08 mg kg(-1) (dry weight)), mercury in 31 out of 38 samples (maximum = 0.35 mg kg(-1) (dry weight)), and cadmium in two samples (maximum = 0.03 mg kg(-1) (dry weight)). Total levels of PCBs were below the limit of detection of 0.02 mg kg(-1) (wet weight) in all the samples. Traces of 4,4'-dichloro-diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were detected in ten out of 38 samples (maximum = 0.01 mg kg(-1) (wet weight)) making it the most prevalent organochlorine pesticide. Other pesticides detected were: 4,4'-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan sulphate, which were found in one fish sample (both 0.002 mg kg(-1) (wet weight)). There was no statistically significant difference between the levels of lead and mercury in catfish and tilapia (t-test at p = 0.05). More catfish samples (eight) contained DDE as compared with tilapia (two). Cadmium, DDT and endosufan sulphate were only detected in catfish implying that catfish is more prone to contamination than tilapia. The levels of contaminants were below the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) action levels and European Union maximum residue limits (MRLs), indicating that such fish have the potential for export to these markets.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Cross contamination is one of the most important contributing factors in foodborne illnesses originating in household environments. The objective of this research was to determine the transfer coefficients between a contaminated domestic slicing machine and a cooked meat product, during slicing. The microorganisms tested were Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Gram negative). The results showed that both microorganisms were able to transfer to all slices examined (20 successively sliced) and at different inoculum levels on the blade (10(8), 10(6) and 10(4)cfu/blade). The results also showed that the number of log cfu transferred per slice, during slicing, decreased logarithmically for both microorganisms at inoculum levels of 8 and 6log cfu/blade. The type of microorganism significantly influenced transfer coefficients (p<0.05) and there was an interaction between inoculum level and transfer coefficient for S. aureus (p<0.05), but not E. coli O157:H7. Finally, to describe bacterial transfer during slicing, two models (log-linear and Weibull) were fitted to concentration on slice data for both microorganisms (at 6 and 8 log cfu/blade), obtaining a good fit to data (R(2)⩾0.73).

RESUMEN

A practical approach was used to achieve specified food safety objectives (FSOs) by incorporating risk assessment methodology. A series of cross-contamination scenarios at the retail level were evaluated in a spreadsheet and ranked according to their level of risk, and the degree to which they exceeded an FSO for Listeria monocytogenes (100 CFU/g) was determined. Percentiles and analyses of variance were used to identify which scenarios would be most likely not to achieve the FSO. It was also possible to incorporate into the model the effect of additional risk management interventions (e.g., hand washing method) by using "what if" scenarios analysis. The highest risk corresponded to the use of the same gloves to handle contaminated meat and then sliced ham compared with the safer method of using different gloves to handle each product. Nevertheless, in all scenarios bacterial concentrations could be higher than 10(8) CFU/g. A significant lack of knowledge regarding the transfer rates of L. monocytogenes was revealed, which provided the model with an important uncertainty component. The "what if" scenarios analysis based on the scenario representing handling food with bare hands followed by hand washing (scenario 2) revealed that the hand washing procedure had less impact than expected. This study illustrates the use of scenarios to model the most effective food processes and thus provide risk managers with appropriate information on which to base their decisions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1983 are compared with those for 1982. A total of 963 incidents, comprising 752 outbreaks and 211 single cases, caused illnesses in 5,955 persons in 1983. These figures are slightly less than for 1982, although the numbers of incidents and cases are the second highest on record. Salmonella , Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus caused most of the illnesses. The main Salmonella serovars involved were S. typhimurium , S. hadar , and S. agona . The small outbreaks of hepatitis A were attributed to food served at a school cafeteria and an outdoor barbecue, respectively; viral foodborne outbreaks had not been documented before. Also, for the first time there were no records of parasitic diseases. There were no incidents of paralytic shellfish poisoning but ciguatera intoxication occurred for the first time. There were 29 incidents (36 cases) of chemical origin; extraneous matter and rancid compounds were the most frequently implicated. There were three deaths, one each from botulism, salmonellosis, and methanol in vodka. A major portion of illnesses were associated with meat and poultry (30.6% of incidents and 42.7% of cases). Bakery products, marine foods, and dairy foods were also important vehicles of foodborne disease. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (38.3% of incidents), homes (25.2% of incidents), and food processing establishments (5.9% of incidents). Chemicals, such as extraneous matter and rancid compounds, were the agents associated with 33.3% of incidents caused by processors' mishandling. On a population basis, incidents were greatest in Ontario, followed by those in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. Details of several foodborne disease incidents are presented. In addition, two incidents of waterborne disease were documented in 1983, two fewer than in 1982. Giardia lamblia was the etiologic agent in one of them.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1984 are compared with those for 1983. A total of 1,181 incidents, comprising 1,016 outbreaks and 165 single cases, caused illnesses in 9,953 persons in 1984. These figures are the highest on record with almost double the number of cases occurring in 1983. Salmonella , Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium perfringens , and Bacillus cereus were responsible for most of the illnesses. The main Salmonella serovars involved were S. typhimurium , S. enteritidis , and S. heidelberg . There were no incidents of parasitic infections or paralytic shellfish poisonings similar to 1983. Fifty-five incidents (82 cases) of chemical origin were recorded; extraneous matter and rancid compounds were the most frequently implicated. There were two deaths, one from botulism and the other from salmonellosis. Most of the illnesses were associated with meat and poultry (30.6% of incidents and 29.9% of cases). Dairy foods, particularly cheese, bakery products, and marine foods were also major vehicles of foodborne disease. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (38.8% of incidents), homes (20.6% of incidents), and food processings establishments (5.9% of incidents). Chemicals, such as extraneous material and rancid compounds, were the agents associated with 40.0% of incidents caused by processors' mishandling. On a population basis, incidents were greatest in Ontario, followed by those in Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Details of several foodborne disease incidents are presented. In addition, seven incidents of waterborne disease were documented in 1984, five more than in 1983. Campylobacter , Salmonella and Yersinia were identified as pathogens associated with drinking water.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1982 are compared with those for 1981. A total of 988 incidents comprising 791 outbreaks and 197 single cases, caused illnesses in 7,384 persons in 1982. These figures are greater than for 1981, and, in fact, the numbers of incidents and cases are the highest on record. Salmonella , Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus caused most of the illnesses. The main Salmonella serovars were S. typhimurium , S. muenster and S. infantis . Escherichia coli 0157:H7 hemorrhagic colitis was reported for the first time. Parasitic diseases were caused by Trichinella spiralis and Giardia lamblia . The same number of animal related incidents occurred in 1982 and 1981 involving paralytic shellfish poison, scombroid poison and insect infestation of food. There were also 72 incidents and 113 cases of chemical origin; extraneous matter, rancid compounds and cleaning substances were the most frequently implicated. Unusual chemical problems included ammonia from decomposition in tuna, strychnine in vitamin pills (murder), tartaric acid in gum, excess licorice in candy, calcium chloride in a popsicle, sodium acetate in potato chips and sodium hydroxide in pretzels. Some of these are discussed in more details under the narrative reports. There were 15 deaths from salmonellosis, hemorrhagic colitis ( E. coli 0157:H7 infection), Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis and strychnine poisoning. About 30.7% of incidents and 40.1% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Bakery products, marine foods and dairy foods were also important vehicles of foodborne disease. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (38.1% of incidents, 75.7% of cases), homes (13.9% of incidents, 7.1% of cases) and food processing establishments (11.5% of incidents, 4.0% of cases). Chemicals, such as extraneous matter, sodium hydroxide and tin, were the agents associated with 51.8% of incidents caused by processors' mishandling. The three largest of these types of outbreaks, however, were associated with contamination by Salmonella or S. aureus (total of 102 cases). On a population basis incidents were greatest in Ontario, followed by those in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Alberta. Reports of nine foodborne disease incidents are presented. In addition, four incidents of waterborne disease were documented in 1982, three fewer than in 1981. All were caused by ingestion of infectious agents but the nature of two of them was unknown. The largest out-break (121 cases) was a result of contamination of a town water supply by Giardia originating from beavers.

RESUMEN

The thermal resistance of Salmonella senftenberg 775W, Salmonella muenster previously isolated from raw fluid milk, and two mixtures each consisting of ten Salmonella strains commonly isolated from human or non-human sources was tested. Cells were suspended in whole milk at a final concentration of 105 cells/ml. The inoculated milk was thermally processed at temperatures ranging from 60°C to 74°C using a pilot-scale plate pasteurizer unit. The mean and minimum residence time of milk in the holding tube of the pasteurizer was 17.6 and 16.2 s, respectively. The maximum temperature at which viable salmonellae were detected in the human (61.5°C) and non-human (64.5°C) mixtures was considerably lower than that obtained with S. senftenberg 775 W (67.5°C). S. muenster failed to show any milk-adapted response and could not be recovered at temperatures greater than 63.0°C. Treatment at 63°C produced a 4 log10 or greater reduction in the number of viable Salmonella including the heat resistant S. senftenberg 775 W, and a minimum 2 log10 decrease at 60°C. These findings warrant caution in the use of subpasteurizing temperatures for thermal processing of fluid milk.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1980 are compared with those for 1979. A total of 759 incidents, comprising 621 outbreaks and 138 single cases, caused illnesses in 7,122 persons in 1980. Compared with 1979, fewer incidents but more cases occurred. Salmonella , Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus caused most illnesses. The main Salmonella serovars involved were S. typhimurium , S. heidelberg and S. enteritidis . Campylobacter and Citrobacter infections were reported for the first time. Seven episodes of paralytic shellfish poisoning occurred, more than twice the number in 1979. There were also 53 incidents and 100 cases of chemical origin; rancid compounds, extraneous matter and metals were the main chemicals involved. Unusual chemical problems included turkey contaminated with calcium chloride brine, antimony deliberately added to a beverage to induce sickness, ammonia-soaked frozen potato puffs, chocolates contaminated with phenol disinfectant and toluene in popcorn twists. There were nine deaths from salmonellosis, paralytic shellfish poisonings and hemolytic uremic syndrome. About 34% of incidents and 51% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Vegetables, fruits, Chinese food, marine food and bakery products were also vehicles that contributed significantly to foodborne disease. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (41.2% of incidents, 74.3% of cases), homes (15.8% of incidents, 6.0% of cases) and food processing establishments (10.1% of incidents, 8.7% of cases). Food processors were responsible for salmonellosis from turkey rolls (440 cases) and staphylococcal intoxication from cheese curds (62 cases) and many small outbreaks and single cases. Most incidents occurred in Ontario (43.9%) and British Columbia (21.7%), but on a 100,000 population basis, British Columbia recorded more incidents (6.2) than Nova Scotia and Yukon (both 4.5) and Ontario (3.9). Narrative reports of seven foodborne disease incidents are presented. Four incidents of waterborne disease were documented in 1980, the same number as in 1979. All were caused by bacterial agents, with Campylobacter and Salmonella responsible for most cases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected the skin of 10 persons in a whirlpool bath.

RESUMEN

In 1981, a total of 647 incidents, comprising 505 outbreaks and 142 single cases, caused illnesses in 4,804 persons. There were 14.8% fewer incidents and 32.5% fewer cases than recorded for 1980. Salmonella , Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus were the main bacteriological agents to cause illness, but there were far fewer incidents of salmonellosis in 1981 (36) compared with 1980 (64). Etiologic agents Coxiella burnetii , Listeria monocytogenes and Taenia saginata were reported for the first time in these summaries. Animal agents: paralytic shellfish poison, scombroid poison and insects had also been documented in 1980 and previous years, but the plant agents were new - taro leaves and tablets made from Spirulina alga. The number of incidents caused by chemical agents (51), mainly extraneous matter, rancid compounds, metals and monosodium glutamate, were the same as for 1980. Some of the more unusual chemical poisonings were lead in herbal capsules, mercury in yogurt, ammonia in frog legs and laxative in a cake. Ten foodborne disease related deaths occurred mainly in infants infected by Listeria and in elderly patients with salmonellosis in a home for the aged. About 33% of incidents and 41% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (33.1% of incidents, 62.4% of cases), homes (13.4% of incidents and 9.5% of cases) and food processing establishments (13.1% of incidents and 2.9% of cases). Food processing problems resulted mainly from chemical contamination, particularly extraneous matter. Most incidents occurred in Ontario (41.3%), British Columbia (19.6%) and Alberta (11.6%), but on a 100,000 population basis incidents were highest in British Columbia (4.6), Nova Scotia (4.4), Alberta (3.4) and Ontario (3.1). Narrative reports of seven previously unpublished foodborne disease problems are presented. Eight incidents of waterborne disease, caused by Giardia lamblia , Campylobacter , Salmonella , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and an undetermined agent, are double the number recorded for both 1980 and 1979. However, the number of cases was far fewer in 1981 (178) compared with those for the previous year (1,124). The largest outbreak (46 cases) was caused by Pseudomonas infecting the skin and ears of whirlpool bathers in a motel. All the other incidents were from contaminated water obtained on camping trips (3), from Giardia -in-fected municipal water supplies, two from abroad (3) and from non-chlorinated wells contaminated with Salmonella (1).

RESUMEN

Staphylococcus aureus growth, thermostable nuclease (TNase) and enterotoxin production in inoculated canned salmon incubated at 22 ± 1°C for 4 d were dependent on the size of inoculum, and on the amount of oxygen present in the headspace; under nitrogen with an inoculum of 7 cfu/can, 102-103 cfu/g, no TNase and traces of enterotoxins (A, B, C2) were observed; under oxygen with the same inoculum ≥109 cfu/g, ≥6.0 µg TNase and up to 5.2 µg total enterotoxins (A, B, and C2)/100 g of salmon were observed. Values were intermediate under atmospheric air. After 1 week, 2 months and 4-24 months of incubation of salmon under nitrogen, S. aureus cfus were 108, 106 and 104-105 per g; TNase ranged from trace amounts to 20 µg/100 g and total enterotoxins from <1.0 µg to 6.2 µg/100 g. In canned sardines stored from 1 d to 12 months at 22 ± 1°C, levels were 109 cfu/g and 3.7-3.9 µg total enterotoxins/100 g; after 1 week, counts declined to 105 cfu/g but total enterotoxins remained relatively stable in some cans with up to 6.2 µg/100 g of sardines after 12 months. TNase varied from <1.0 µg to 20 µg/100 g of salmon with 109 and 105 cfu/g, respectively. In sardines, similar variation in TNase was observed and there was no correlation between TNase, enterotoxins and cfu/g. After 2 d to 24 months, carbon dioxide, an acidic smell and unacceptable odors were detectable over the headspace of S. aureus contaminated salmon and sardines, but not all persons who sniffed the contaminated products could recognize off-odors that would warn them against consuming the food. To prevent canned foods from causing staphylococcal illness, the conditions allowing post-process contamination should be eliminated by the producer and distributor of the products.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1979 are compared with data for 1978. A total of 825 incidents, comprising 650 outbreaks and 175 single cases, causing illness in 5503 persons was reported for 1979. The number of incidents and cases decreased by 1.3% and 7.7%, respectively, from 1978 to 1979. Like the previous year, Salmonella spp. were responsible for more incidents (62) and cases (1754) than any other agent. Other incidents were caused by Staphylococcus aureus (29), suspect mold and yeast (18), Bacillus cereus (16), Clostridium perfringens (11), Bacillus subtilis (1) and Hafnia alvei (1). No Clostridium botulinum cases were reported. Five incidents of trichinosis, three of paralytic shellfish poisoning, two involving insect infestation and one each of scombroid, lupin alkaloid and broom tea poisoning and an allergic reaction from beef adulterated with pork were reported. Chemicals implicated in causing illness included tin, rancid compounds, monosodium glutamate and extraneous matter. The deaths of three persons were attributed to salmonellosis and probable mushroom poisoning. About 33% of incidents and 38% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Vegetables, fruits, bakery products and marine products were also important vehicles in causing foodborne disease. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (38.9% of incidents, 59.3% of cases) and homes (13.3% of incidents, 7.0% of cases). However, mishandling by manufacturers caused some problems including salmonellosis from a cake and staphylococcal intoxication from canned fish and sausages. Over 53% of reported foodborne disease incidents occurred in Ontario and more than 18% in British Columbia, but the number of incidents per 100,000 population was highest in the Northwest Territories. Narrative reports of selected foodborne incidents are presented. Four waterborne disease outbreaks were reported in 1979 with a total of 73 cases. Lack of adequate water treatment led to the illnesses in at least three of the outbreaks.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1978 are compared with data for 1977. A total of 836 incidents, comprising 642 outbreaks and 194 single cases, causing illness in 5960 persons was reported for 1978. The number of incidents and cases increased by 7.5% and 23.9%, respectively, from 1977 to 1978. Like the previous year, Salmonella spp. were responsible for more incidents (67) and cases (2171) than any other agent. Other incidents were caused by Staphylococcus aureus (31), suspect mold and yeast (17), Bacillus cereus (9), Clostridium perfringens (7), Clostridium botulinum (6), and Shigelli sonnet (1). Four incidents of trichinosis, and two each of mushroom, lupin alkaloid and paralytic shellfish poisoning occurred. One scombroid poisoning outbreak was reported. Chemicals implicated in causing illness included tin, rancid compounds and extraneous matter. The deaths of five persons were attributed to foodborne disease. About 32% of incidents and 39% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Vegetables, fruits, bakery products and marine products were also important vehicles in causing foodborne disease. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (25.6% of incidents, 56.1% of cases) and homes (12.4% of incidents, 6.4% of cases). However, mishandling by manufacturers caused some problems including salmonellosis from iced cakes made with cracked eggs and staphylococcal intoxication from ham, sausage, chicken and canned salmon. Over 54% of reported foodborne disease incidents occurred in Ontario and more than 18% in British Columbia, but the number of incidents per 100,000 population was highest in the Northwest Territories. Narrative reports of selected foodborne incidents are presented.

RESUMEN

Ten types of frozen cream-type pies, manufactured in Canada and imported from the United States, were analyzed for aerobic colony counts, yeasts and molds, coliforms, Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella . The variations in counts depended more on the manufacturer than on the type of pie and the ingredients used. Five of the 465 examined pies had an excess of 105 aerobic colony counts/g, whereas the median value for all the pies examined was between 102 and 103 CFU/g. E. coli and S. aureus were present in few pies, mainly made by one manufacturer, but there was no correlation between high aerobic colony counts and these organisms. Salmonella was not found in any of the pies. Percentage distributions of the estimated 'population' of pies available nationally at the time of the survey were statistically determined. These were then compared with suggested national guidelines in the form of a three-class acceptance plan based on United States surveys and desirable manufacturing practices. These indicate that pies should contain aerobic colony counts of <50,000/g, yeast and mold counts of <500/g, S. aureus counts of <100/g, coliform counts of <50/g, E. coli counts of <10/g, and no Salmonella . Three of the six manufacturers would have had an estimated 5.4 to 32.6% of lots in excess of the guidelines at the time of the survey.

RESUMEN

Five years of foodborne disease surveillance in Canada were examined. Microorganisms, particularly Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens , were the main etiologic agents, but diseases also resulted from contaminanation of food with chemicals and parasites or food containing naturally-occurring plant and animal toxins. The foods involved were, in general, potentially hazardous items, such as meat and poultry. Where information is known, most of the problems associated with foodborne illness occurred at foodservice establishments, but the impact of mishandling in homes and food processing establishments was also great. The kinds of data accumulated were similar to those from the United States for the same time period, In order to reduce the prevalence of foodborne disease, specific educational and enforcement programs have to be initiated. Similar approaches could be taken for both countries.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1977 were compared with data for 1976. A total of 777 incidents, comprising 660 outbreaks and 117 single cases, causing illness in 4810 persons was reported for 1977. The number of incidents and cases decreased by 9.7% and 10.4%, respectively, from 1976 to 1977. Unlike previous years, Salmonella spp. were responsible for more incidents (32) and cases (763) than any other agent. Other incidents were caused by Staphylococcus aureus (23), Clostridium perfringens (14), suspect mold and yeast (13), Bacillus spp. (11), Clostridium botulinum (5), Shigella sonnei (1) and suspect Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1). Three incidents of trichinosis, and two each of mushroom and paralytic shellfish poisoning occurred. Chemicals implicated in causing illness included tin, rancid compounds and extraneous matter. The deaths of two persons were attributed to foodborne disease. About 32% of incidents and 48% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Bakery products, vegetables, fruits and Chinese food continued to play a prominent role in the spread of foodborne disease, as in previous years. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (31.0% of incidents, 60.2% of cases) and homes (15.1% of incidents, 9.2% of cases). However, mishandling by the manufacturer caused some problems, including salmonellosis from cakes made with cracked eggs and staphylococcal intoxication from cheese prepared from a contaminated starter culture. More than 61% of reported foodborne disease incidents occurred in Ontario and over 16% in British Columbia, but the number of incidents per 100,000 population was highest in Northwest Territories and the Yukon. Relatively few illnesses resulted from the ingestion of water and none through contact with water with a total of 9 incidents and 305 cases. Narrative reports of foodborne and waterborne incidents are presented.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1976 were compared with data for 1975. A total of 858 incidents, comprising 752 outbreaks and 106 single cases, causing illness in 5367 persons were reported for 1976. The number of outbreaks increased by 5.9% over those for 1975, but the total number of cases decreased by 24.5%. As for previous years, Staphylococcus aureus was responsible for more incidents (27) than any other agent. Other incidents were caused by Salmonella spp. (25), Clostridium perfringens (19) suspect mold and yeast (17), Bacillus spp. (10), Clostridium botulinum (4) and suspect Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4). Seven incidents of trichinosis occurred. Chemicals implicated in causing illness included metals, rancid compounds, a pesticide and solvents. The deaths of five persons were attributed to foodborne disease. About 35% of incidents and 41% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Bakery products, vegetables, fruits and Chinese food continued to play a prominent role in the spread of foodborne disease, as in previous years. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (18.9% of incidents, 52.7% of cases) or homes (10.5% of incidents, 6.8% of cases). However, mishandling by the manufacturer caused some problems, including three separate incidents involving fermented sausages. More than 60% of reported foodborne disease incidents occurred in Ontario and the number of incidents per 100,000 population was highest in Ontario and British Columbia. Narrative reports of foodborne outbreaks are presented. Relatively few illnesses resulted from consumption of, or contact with, water; a total of 9 incidents and 1476 cases occurred from ingestion of water and a further three incidents were recorded as a result of penetration of the skin by swimmers' itch parasite (many hundreds of cases) and invasion of wounds in swimmers by Vibrio parahaemolyticus .

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1975 were compared with data for 1974. A total of 838 incidents, comprising 710 outbreaks and 128 single cases, and involving 7106 ill persons, was recorded for 1975. The number of outbreaks increased by 89% and single cases by 129% over those reported for 1974. As in 1974, Staphylococcus aureus was responsible for more incidents (37) than any other agent. Other incidents were caused by Salmonella (25), Clostridium perfringens (12), Clostridium botulinum (6), suspect mold and yeast (13) and suspect Streptococcus sp. (8). In both years, non-microbiological agents, mainly chemical, accounted for less than a quarter of the incidents of known etiology. Two persons were reported to have died through foodborne disease. About 41% of incidents and 50% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Vegetables, fruits, bakery products, sandwiches and Chinese food also played a prominent role. Mishandling of food took place mainly in foodservice establishments (25% of incidents) or homes (20%). More than 60% of reported foodborne disease incidents occurred in Ontario. The number of incidents per 100,000 population was highest in the Northwest Territories (10.6), Ontario (6.4) and British Columbia (4.7). Narrative reports of five foodborne outbreaks are presented.

RESUMEN

Data on foodborne disease in Canada in 1974 were compared with data for 1973. A total of 442 incidents, comprising 387 outbreaks and 55 single cases, and involving 4,338 ill persons was recorded for 1974. The number of outbreaks increased by 17% and single cases by 57% over that reported for 1973. As in 1973, Staphylococcus aureus was responsible for more incidents (34) than any other agent. Other incidents were caused by Salmonella (24). Bacillus cereus (5), Clostridium botulinum (4), Clostridium perfringens (3) and Trichinella spiralis (6). Paralytic shellfish poison caused illness in 43 persons. Similar to the previous year, non-microbiological agents accounted for less than a quarter of the incidents of known etiology. Nine persons were reported to have died through foodborne disease. About 36% of incidents and 31% of cases were associated with meat and poultry. Vegetables, fruits, sandwiches, and bakery products also played a significant role. Mishandling of food took place primarily in food service establishments (29% of incidents) or homes (14%). More than 50% of foodborne illnesses occurred in Ontario and Quebec; the number of incidents per 100,000 population, however, was highest in the Northwest Territories (5.3) and British Columbia (4.8).