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Toddler hospitalised by Easter eggs kept eating the contaminated treats

An English toddler has been hospitalised after eating easter eggs that are believed to have been contaminated with salmonella. More than 100 people worldwide have contracted salmonella poisoning after consuming the Kinder Surprise chocolates, which has led to an urgent global recall. In England, two-year-old Miley fell ill after eating her favourite treat. “She hadn’t kept any fluids down, she was being quite violently sick,” her mother said. “She was getting a lot of pain in her stomach and we literally put her in the car and took her straight to hospital.” But, unaware of what was causing the illness, Miley kept eating the chocolates during her recovery. “She was even having it in the hospital bed at one point because at that point we didn’t know,” her mother said. In Australia, the chocolates have been urgently recalled from Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Big W and other major retailers just 10 days out from Easter. Food Standards Australia has warned consumers not to eat the recalled products as they may cause illness. You can find a full list of the recalled products <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/recall-hugely-popular-easter-eggs-recalled-over-salmonella-fears" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a> Image: 7News

Caring

Wearing shoes in the house is just plain gross, says the verdict from scientists who study indoor contaminants

You probably clean your shoes if you step in something muddy or disgusting (please pick up after your dog!). But when you get home, do you always de-shoe at the door? Plenty of Australians don’t. For many, what you <a href="https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jam.13250">drag in on the bottom of your shoes</a> is the last thing on the mind as one gets home. We are environmental chemists who have spent a decade examining the indoor environment and the contaminants people are exposed to in their own homes. Although our examination of the indoor environment, via our <a href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/">DustSafe program</a>, is far from complete, on the question of whether to shoe or de-shoe in the home, the science leans toward the latter. It is best to leave your filth outside the door. <h2>What contaminants are in your home, and how did they get there?</h2> People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, so the question of whether or not to wear shoes in the house is not a trivial one. The policy focus is typically on the outdoor environment for soil, air quality and environmental public health risks. However, there is growing regulatory interest in the question of <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2021/Handbook-Indoor-Air-Quality.pdf">indoor</a> <a href="https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/press-releases/2021/new-who-global-air-quality-guidelines-aim-to-save-millions-of-lives-from-air-pollution">air quality</a>. The matter <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09603123.2018.1457141?journalCode=cije2">building up</a> inside your home includes not just dust and dirt from people and pets shedding hair and skin. About a third of it is <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es9003735">from outside</a>, either blown in or <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/how-the-dust-in-your-home-may-affect-your-health/2019/07/19/9f716068-a351-11e9-bd56-eac6bb02d01d_story.html">tramped</a> in on those offensive shoe bottoms. Some of the microorganisms present on shoes and floors are <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/mechanisms-for-floor-surfaces-or-environmental-ground-contamination-to-cause-human-infection-a-systematic-review/37BF6318BD1473C4918A23C843B25D05">drug-resistant pathogens</a>, including hospital-associated infectious agents (germs) that are very difficult to treat. Add in cancer-causing toxins from <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408444.2018.1528208">asphalt road residue</a> and endocrine-disrupting <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23273747.2016.1148803">lawn chemicals</a>, and you might view the filth on your shoes in a new light. <h2>A roll-call of indoor nasties</h2> Our work has involved the measurement and assessment of exposure to a range of harmful substances found inside homes including: <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231210-antibiotic-resistance-genes-can-be-passed-around-by-bacteria-in-dust/">antibiotic-resistant genes</a> (genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics) </li> <li> <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00587">disinfectant chemicals in the home environment</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117064">microplastics</a> </li> <li> the <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/5/e044833.citation-tools">perfluorinated chemicals</a> (also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to remain in the body and not break down) used ubiquitously in a multitude of industrial, domestic and food packaging products </li> <li> <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1276977">radioactive elements</a>. </li> </ul> A strong focus of our work has involved assessing levels of <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">potentially toxic metals (such as arsenic, cadmium and lead)</a> inside homes across <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04494">35 nations (including Australia)</a>. These contaminants – and most importantly the dangerous neurotoxin lead – are odourless and colourless. So there is no way of knowing whether the dangers of lead exposure are only in your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106582">soils</a> or your <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2020/Lead_in_Plumbing_Products_and_Materials.pdf">water pipes</a>, or if they are also on your <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">living room floor</a>. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">science</a> suggests a very strong connection between the lead inside your <a href="https://www.mapmyenvironment.com/">home and that in your yard soil</a>. The most likely reason for this connection is dirt blown in from your yard or trodden in on your shoes, and on the furry paws of your adorable pets. This connection speaks to the priority of making sure matter from your outdoor environment stays exactly there (we have tips <a href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/pages/interpreting-your-results">here</a>). A recent Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/heres-why-ill-be-keeping-my-shoes-on-in-your-shoeless-home-11644503227">article</a> argued shoes in the home aren’t so bad. The author made the point that E. coli – dangerous bacteria that develop in the intestines of many mammals, including humans – is so widely distributed that it’s pretty much everywhere. So it should be no surprise it can be swabbed on shoe bottoms (96% of shoe bottoms, as the article pointed out). But let’s be clear. Although it’s nice to be scientific and stick with the term E. coli, this stuff is, put more simply, the bacteria associated with poo. Whether it is ours or Fido’s, it has the potential to make us very sick if we are exposed at high levels. And let’s face it – it is just plain gross. Why walk it around inside your house if you have a very simple alternative – to take your shoes off at the door? <h2>On balance, shoeless wins</h2> So are there disadvantages to having a shoe-free household? Beyond the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/feet-toes-broken-pain-covid/2021/01/11/470d2efa-4a05-11eb-a9f4-0e668b9772ba_story.html">occasional stubbed toe</a>, from an environmental health standpoint there aren’t many downsides to having a shoe-free house. Leaving your shoes at the entry mat also leaves potentially harmful pathogens there as well. We all know prevention is far better than treatment and taking shoes off at the door is a basic and easy prevention activity for many of us. Need shoes for foot support? Easy – just have some “indoor shoes” that never get worn outside. There remains the issue of the “sterile house syndrome,” which refers to increased rates of allergies among children. Some argue it’s related to overly sterile households. Indeed, some dirt is probably beneficial as <a href="https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(10)00907-3/fulltext">studies</a> have indicated it helps develop your immune system and reduce allergy risk. But there are better and less gross ways to do that than walking around inside with your filthy shoes on. Get outside, go for a bushwalk, enjoy the great outdoors. Just don’t bring the muckier parts of it inside to build up and contaminate our homes. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared in <a href="https://theconversation.com/wearing-shoes-in-the-house-is-just-plain-gross-the-verdict-from-scientists-who-study-indoor-contaminants-177542" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home & Garden

URGENT RECALL: Fears for deadly contamination in baby formula

Australia and New Zealand's food standards watchdog have issued an urgent recall for a batch of baby formula over fears it could be contaminated with Salmonella and Cronobacter bacteria. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) on Saturday issued the recall notice for some EleCare, Similac and Alimentum infant formula products. The products were manufactured in the United States but were available nationally in Australia through prescription at pharmacies, hospitals and via direct mail order. Abbott’s Executive Vice President Joe Manning said the company was voluntarily recalling products out of an abundance of caution. “We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and health care professionals,” he said. According to FSANZ, the recalled products can be identified by the “7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package”.”. FSANZ says the recall notice is due to a potential microbial contamination of Cronobacter and Salmonella. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, which issued a warning against using the products on Thursday, the complaints registered related to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport. “To date, this investigation has been associated with four illnesses (three for Cronobacter and one for Salmonella),” it said in a statement. “All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalised and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.” It continued to note that Cronobacter bacteria can cause life-threatening infections, including sepsis and meningitis. <div>EDITOR'S NOTE: According to an Abbott spokesperson, for Australian consumers, the recall only impacts specific batches of EleCare in Australia. No other nutrition products – or Similac products – distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall.</div> <div>Alimentum and Similac Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) are not sold by Abbott in Australia and these products are not available in Australia by prescription at pharmacies and hospitals. In Australia, two batches of EleCare are impacted by the recall:</div> <ul data-stringify-type="unordered-list" data-indent="0" data-border="0"> <li style="list-style-type: none;" data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">EleCare Unflavoured 400 g can (lot number: 26811Z200)</li> <li style="list-style-type: none;" data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">EleCare LCP 400 g can (lot number: 27871Z202)</li> </ul> <div>If parents have EleCare, they should call 1800 225 311 or email <a tabindex="-1" href="mailto:NutritionANZ@abbott.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="mailto:NutritionANZ@abbott.com" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" data-remove-tab-index="true">NutritionANZ@abbott.com</a> to find out if they have impacted product. Do not use the impacted product. Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare professional about suitable, alternative feeding options. No other nutrition products distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall, and you can continue to use those.</div> Image: NBC

News

Popular cheese recalled due to contamination scare

A popular cheese sold in supermarkets across Australia has been recalled due to fears it has been contaminated with E.coli.The snack, “L’Artisan Organic Marcel”, which is manufactured by Mortlake Organic Dairy, has been available in supermarkets in Victoria and Queensland, including IGA, along with independent grocers in South Australia. It was also for sale at select Coles Local stores in Victoria.E.coli contamination is believed to be the reason for the recall, according to Food Standards Australia.“Food products contaminated with E.coli may cause illness if consumed,” Food Standards Australia has advised. “Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Food & Wine

Urgent butter recall amid contamination fears

An urgent recall <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/butter-product-recalls-devondale-butter-varieties-recalled-over-bacterial-fears/e6f53bb8-475c-4a05-8da9-08a0d98da7c5" target="_blank">has been issued</a> for a range of Devondale butter varieties sold at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Costco due to fears of bacterial contamination. Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd, which operates Devondale and cheese brands Cracker Barrel and Mersey Valley in Australia, issued the recall on Thursday via Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846937/butter2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2be7f9a6b24c4f37afe87f165caac873" /> FSANZ has advised that these specific products carrying these best before dates are being recalled due to contamination concerns. Image: FSANZ Specific batches of unsalted and salted Devondale, as well as Woolworths brand unsalted and salted butter, have been recalled due to a “potential microbial contamination”. FSANZ advises that consuming the products could cause illness. The full list of products includes: <ul> <li> Devondale Spreadable Dairy Soft Original 500g - Best Before: 06 Jan 22, 06 Apr 22, 11 May 22, 12 May 22, 26 May 22 </li> <li> Devondale Spreadable Dairy Soft Salt Reduced 500g - Best Before: 10 May 22 </li> <li> Devondale Unsalted Butter 500g - Best Before: 30 Apr 22 </li> <li> Devondale Salted Butter 250g - Best Before: 18 May 22, 04 Jun 22 </li> <li> Devondale Salted Butter 500g - Best Before: 30 Apr 22, 01 May 22, 24 Jun 22 </li> <li> Devondale Salted Butter 3x500g - Best Before: 01 May 22 </li> <li> Woolworths Australian Butter Salted 250g - Best Before: 16 Oct 21, 21 Apr 22, 12 May 22, 13 May 22 </li> <li> Woolworths Australian Butter Unsalted 250g - Best Before: 16 Oct 21, 11 May 22, 12 May 22 </li> </ul> The products were available for sale across Australia at outlets including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Costco and independent supermarkets. Customers who have purchased the affected products are urged not to consume them and should return them for a full refund instead. “Consumers should not eat these products. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” the recall reads. “Consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.” Customers seeking further information can contact the customer service team at Saputo Dairy Australia on 1800 032 479. Image: Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd

Food & Wine

House dust from 35 countries reveals our global toxic contaminant exposure and health risk

Everyone’s home gets dusty, but is yours the same as house dust in China or the US? Researchers around the world have united to capture the <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04494" target="_blank">world’s first trans-continental data on household dust.</a> People from 35 countries vacuumed their homes and sent their dust to universities in different countries, where it was tested for potentially toxic trace metals. Researchers gathered data on the human and household factors that might affect how much humans are exposed to these contaminants. This is the first effort to collect global data of this type in a single <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04494" target="_blank">study</a>. It shed new light on the sources and risks associated with trace metal exposure, which can lead to concerning neurocognitive effects in people of all ages. The <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04494" target="_blank">study</a> shows it doesn’t matter whether you live in a high or low income country, are rich or poor – we’re all exposed to contaminants via dust. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/433642/original/file-20211124-19-29ut51.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/433642/original/file-20211124-19-29ut51.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="A man sneezes in a dusty room" /></a> It doesn’t matter whether you live in a high or low income country, we are all exposed to contaminants in dust. Shutterstock Differences between countries Local environmental factors and contamination histories can make a difference. In <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S0269749121011751" target="_blank">New Caledonia</a>, elevated chromium, nickel and manganese were evident, due to local rock, soil and nickel smelters. These may be linked to increased <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-jstor-org.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/stable/45011245" target="_blank">lung</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S1877782117301455" target="_blank">thyroid</a> cancers in New Caledonia. In New Zealand, arsenic concentrations are <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2016.05.009" target="_blank">naturally high</a>. One in three New Zealand homes exceeded the acceptable health risk for children under two, set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Australia has concerning levels of arsenic and lead contamination in house dust. One in six Australian homes exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency acceptable health risk. Arsenic exposure can increase <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S1382668915300946" target="_blank">cancer risk</a> and cause problems to respiratory health and immune function. <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/the-verdicts-in-we-must-better-protect-kids-from-toxic-lead-exposure-41969" target="_blank">Lead</a> can affect children’s brain and nervous system development, causing behavioural and developmental problems. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/439426/original/file-20220104-23-nhnz25.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/439426/original/file-20220104-23-nhnz25.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="A man dusts on top of a shelf." /></a> Frequent vacuuming, mopping and dusting with a damp cloth can reduce your risk. Shutterstock It’s clear <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749121020443" target="_blank">lead mining</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/children-continue-to-be-exposed-to-contaminated-air-in-port-pirie-113484" target="_blank">smelting</a> activities cause high lead levels in dust for local communities. But the study shows inner city areas are equally affected, commonly from legacy sources like <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S016041201000156X" target="_blank">emissions</a> from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S0883292717301300" target="_blank">leaded petrol era</a>, or peeling lead paint in homes. Data from Accra, in Ghana showed homes contained elevated lead concentrations, likely due to nearby electronic recycling operations. Old wiring and circuitry are <a rel="noopener" href="https://greatforest.com/sustainability101/best-recycling-videos-story-electronics/" target="_blank">burned to extract metals</a>, causing trace metals such as lead, nickel and copper to fall out as dust across the city. So where do contaminants in house dust come from? One source reflects lead from past leaded petrol emissions and paints. Another reflects the degradation of building materials, rich in copper and zinc. This was more prevalent in older homes, which have seen more wear and tear and have been exposed to traffic emissions longer. The third common source is soil, which gets blown in from outside and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S0160412019320021" target="_blank">walked into homes</a> by people and pets. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/433643/original/file-20211124-17-1tfgi8d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/433643/original/file-20211124-17-1tfgi8d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="A woman cleans a vent." /></a> Simple home cleaning practices, like frequently vacuuming, mopping and dusting with a damp cloth can reduce your exposure to contaminants in dust. Shutterstock What factors affect how risky your dust is? We also gathered global data on building materials, pets, hobbies, habits and home characteristics. What made the most difference to metals in dust were house age, peeling paint, having a garden and smoking. Interestingly, homes with garden access had higher dust concentrations of lead and arsenic. Older homes had higher levels of all metals except chromium, and are likely to have residues from peeling paints, traffic and industrial pollutants, pest treatments and other chemicals. Other factors, such as home type, building material, heating fuel didn’t appear to influence trace metal concentrations in homes. Critically, what’s outside ends up <a rel="noopener" href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/science/article/pii/S0013935120302504" target="_blank">in our homes</a>, where it can be inhaled and <a rel="noopener" href="https://pubs-acs-org.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.1c01097" target="_blank">ingested</a>. While global averages were within accepted thresholds, many individual homes exceeded these, particularly homes in Australia for lead-related risks, New Caledonia and the US for chromium-related risks, and New Zealand for arsenic-related risks. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/433664/original/file-20211124-21-1czyn4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/433664/original/file-20211124-21-1czyn4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="A person wipes dust from a shoe area." /></a> Reduce the amount of dust entering your home by taking your shoes off at the door. Shutterstock How to reduce your exposure to contaminants in dust Frequent vacuuming, mopping and dusting with a damp cloth can reduce your risk. Vacuuming reduces contaminants like <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/were-all-ingesting-microplastics-at-home-and-these-might-be-toxic-for-our-health-here-are-some-tips-to-reduce-your-risk-159537" target="_blank">microplastics</a> in house dust. If you live in an older home, keep the paint in good condition so it’s not flaking off. When painting or renovating, follow safety <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/household-building-and-renovation/lead-safety" target="_blank">guidance</a> from your state’s environmental protection authority – or call a <a href="https://painters.edu.au/Training-Resources/CPCCPD3031-Work-safely-with-lead-painted-surfaces-in-the-painting-industry.htm">professional</a>. Hobbies involving lead, like fishing, shooting and metal work, can affect your trace metal exposure. Choosing not to smoke inside will reduce exposures to chromium and manganese. Cover exposed soil in your garden with mulch or grass, use a dual system of outdoor and indoor mats, take shoes off at the door and towel down muddy pets before letting them inside. Considering we spend most of our lives <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jea.7500165" target="_blank">indoors</a>, there is growing <a rel="noopener" href="https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/doi/epdf/10.1111/ina.12722" target="_blank">international interest</a> in setting public health guidelines for chemicals in indoor settled dust. In <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/household-building-and-renovation/lead-safety" target="_blank">Australia</a> and the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.epa.gov/lead/hazard-standards-and-clearance-levels-lead-paint-dust-and-soil-tsca-sections-402-and-403" target="_blank">US</a>, we have guidance for lead dust, but not other contaminants. The best way to know what’s in your house dust is to have it tested by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/" target="_blank">DustSafe</a> researchers. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172499/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/439427/original/file-20220105-25-mvokjp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/439427/original/file-20220105-25-mvokjp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="A man vacuums his house." /></a> Vacuuming reduces contaminants like microplastics in house dust. Shutterstock <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cynthia-faye-isley-602937" target="_blank">Cynthia Faye Isley</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental Science, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174" target="_blank">Macquarie University</a>; <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kara-fry-1274525" target="_blank">Kara Fry</a>, Academic Casual, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174" target="_blank">Macquarie University</a>, and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-patrick-taylor-11394" target="_blank">Mark Patrick Taylor</a>, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174" target="_blank">Macquarie University</a> This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499" target="_blank">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Home Hints & Tips

RECALLED: Coca-Cola pulls popular drink from shelves amid fears of contamination

Coca-Cola Amatil has urgently recalled the popular drink called Appletiser in its 750ml size from all supermarket shelves amid fears the juice is contaminated. The sparkling apple juice is feared to be contaminated with microbial mycotoxin-patulin and the recalled product has date markings of best before June 1 and June 2 2022. If customers have this product at home they should return the product to where they purchased it and they will receive a full refund. The juice has been on sale at Coles supermarkets in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania and at Woolworths supermarkets in Victoria. The product was found to have an elevated level of microbial mycotoxin-patulin contamination which Food Standards Australia and New Zealand said can cause illness if consumed. The World Health Organisation states mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins created by certain moulds which can be found in apples. Anyone who consumed the product and is worried about their health should 'seek medical advice. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand announced the recall on Wednesday. Image: Getty Images

Food & Wine

RECALLED: Popular apple juice pulled from shelves over contamination fear

A popular brand of apple juice sold at Coles supermarkets in Victoria and New South Wales has been recalled over contamination fears. A notice issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand on Wednesday confirmed that Thirsty Brothers Pty Ltd had recalled the Original Juice Co. Black Label Cloudy Apple Juice 1.5L over fears of microbial (Mycotoxin - Patulin) contamination. The notice said, “Food products containing Mycotoxin - Patulin may cause illness if consumed.” “Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.” Patulin is a mycotoxin most commonly found in rotting or damaged apples, and may not have been detected before the manufacturing process began. The impacted items have a use-by date of 07/10/2021 and should not be consumed. Concerned customers are being urged to contact Thirsty Brothers Pty Ltd for more information and advice. A second recall notice was also issues for Barossa Fine Foods Pastrami 100g due to non-compliant labelling. The product was available at a range of independent supermarkets across all states and territories, except Tasmania. “The recall is due to non-compliant labelling (incorrect printed ‘Use By’ date). The printed Use By date of 09/12/2021 is incorrect. The correct Use By date is 16/09/2021,” the regulator said. “The food may cause illness if consumed after 16/09/2021.” Customers are advised not to eat the product after September 16, and instead, return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Image credits: Shutterstock/NSW Food Authority

Food & Wine

RECALL: Popular sunscreen pulled over cancer-causing chemical contamination

Johnson & Johnson has begun a recall of their popular Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen, after cancer-causing chemicals were found in some samples. Batches of the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ with the expiry date of 30th August 2023 or earlier have been flagged by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), as customers are being warned of possible health risks linked to benzene. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that has the potential to cause cancer depending on the length and severity of exposure. The chemical is not an ingredient of the product, but is often used in the manufacturing process. The Neutrogena sunscreen is sold at a various Australian retailers, including Chemist Warehouse, Coles and Woolworths. “Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc product testing detected benzene at concentrations less than 3 ppm in 2 of the 17 batches supplied in Australia,” the TGA explained in a statement on Monday. “Exposure to benzene in this sunscreen product, at the levels detected, would not be expected to cause serious adverse health effects, but to reduce the risk to consumers, Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Ltd is recalling all batches of the affected product supplied within Australia.” Consumers of the product are being urged to contact their GP or healthcare provider if they are concerned, or experience any issues relating to the product in question. The recall comes less than a month after Johnson & Johnson pulled other Neutrogena and Aveeno brand aerosol sunscreen products from their US markets over similar concerns of benzene contamination.

Legal

Urgent recall issued for popular milk over E. coli contamination fears

A popular milk brand has recalled several of its products after they were found to be contaminated with bacteria that can cause illness if consumed. Queensland's Kenilworth Diaries' full cream milk in the three litre, two litre and one litre sizes with a best before date of March 15, 2021, have been recalled due to E. Coli contamination. Any consumers concerned about their wellbeing should get in touch with a medical professional, and the product should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. The milk was sold at independent grocers and the Kenilworth Dairies Cafe in Queensland between March 1 and 5 this year.

Food & Wine

Recall issued for ice cream contaminated with COVID-19

Coronavirus was found on ice cream produced in Eastern China, prompting an urgent recall of cartons from the same batch. According to the Chinese government, the Daqiaodao Food Co, Ltd in Tianjin was sealed and 1,662 employees are being tested for the coronavirus and placed in quarantine. There was no indication that anyone had contracted the ice cream, but a recall has been issued regardless. A total of 935 boxes of ice cream were in Tianjin, with only 65 being sold to markets. This is out of 2,747 boxes that entered the market, with authorities notifying others of sales to their areas. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Authorities in the northern Chinese municipality of Tianjin are tracing ice cream contaminated with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> after three samples produced by Tianjin Daqiaodao Food Co., Ltd. tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. <a href="https://t.co/7oTLu2e1Us">pic.twitter.com/7oTLu2e1Us</a> — Sixth Tone (@SixthTone) <a href="https://twitter.com/SixthTone/status/1349944516938231808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2021</a></blockquote> The ingredients of the ice cream included New Zealand milk powder and whey powder from Ukraine. The Chinese government has suggested that the coronavirus came from abroad and has highlighted what it says are discoveries of the coronavirus on imported fish and other food. Foreign scientists are sceptical of these claims, with a virologist claiming it's "probably a one-off". “It’s likely this has come from a person, and without knowing the details, I think this is probably a one-off,” Dr Stephen Griffin, a virologist based at the University of Leeds, told Sky News. “Of course, any level of contamination is not acceptable and always a cause for concern, but the chances are that this is the result of an issue with the production plant and potentially down to hygiene at the factory.” Griffin also stressed that there is no reason to panic. “We probably don’t need to panic that every bit of ice cream is suddenly going to be contaminated with coronavirus,” he added.

Travel Trouble

RECALL: Fears popular ice cream could be contaminated

An urgent recall has been issued for an ice cream brand sold at Coles and Woolworths, after fears that it may contain solvent. Halo Top issued a recall for its Plant Based Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Ice Cream (473ml) which can be purchased from independent retailers - including IGA - in NSW, Queensland and South Australia. The dessert is also available at Coles and Woolworths stores around the country. <img style="width: 371.0691823899371px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838891/screen-shot-2020-11-23-at-113637-am.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b8ec4340d9d745f6bc1c2b3dcc8914d2" /> Food Standards Australia/New Zealand posted the alert online which indicated the product had been recalled over potential chemical (solvent) contamination. “Food products containing solvents may cause illness/injury if consumed,” the organisation wrote. Customers have been urged not to eat the product and return it to the store they purchased it from for a full refund. The item has a best before of August 11, 2022.

Food & Wine

Man charged after Woolworths bread “contaminated” with syringe

A man has been charged after allegedly contaminating food with a syringe at a Woolworths store in Melbourne’s north. Police were called to the supermarket on Somerton Road in Roxburgh Park around 4:30 pm on Tuesday after they were told the 33-year-old man was “behaving erratically”. It is believed the man entered the store and contaminated a food product by inserting a syringe in it before fleeing. The items have since been removed from shelves. Shortly after, detectives arrived at an address in Craigieburn on Wednesday morning and arrested the suspect. He has since been charged with contaminating goods with the intention to cause and being reckless as to whether it would cause public alarm or economic loss. A Woolworths spokesperson revealed they are currently helping authorities carry out the investigation. “We removed all bread from the shelves last night. If customers have any concerns about bread purchased at the store yesterday, we would encourage them to return it to the store for a refund. “Police attended the store and we have provided CCTV footage to help identify the man.”

Food & Wine

URGENT RECALL: Popular milk brands recalled across the country over contamination fears

Popular almond milk brands have recalled their products over contamination concerns. MILKLAB Almond Milk and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk are urging anyone who purchased some of their products to return it due to “a potential microbial contamination”. “This recall includes an earlier recall by RIO Coffee of MILKLAB Almond Milk with a Best Before date of 6 AUG 2021 in SA - this recall has been removed from the website,” the recall explained. “MILKLAB Almond Milk has been available for sale nationally in various coffee shops and food service outlets.” <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837630/recall.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/aaed1290a85742d4970b12da5e838f6d" /> The best before dates on the MILKLAB product are the 18 June, 01 July, 20 July, 29 July and 6 August in 2021. “Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk has been available for sale in NSW (Coles and Woolworths), QLD (Coles and Woolworths), SA (Coles), TAS (Coles), VIC (Coles and Woolworths) and WA (Coles and Woolworths),” the recall also stated. For the Blue Diamond product, the best before date is 27 April 2021. Both the mills are 1L products and have been recalled due to “potential microbial contamination (bacteria pseudomonas)“. “Food products with microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed,” FSANZ said on their website. “Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Food & Wine

Frozen food contamination fears as Beijing market outbreak grows

The coronavirus outbreak which traced to a food market in the Chinese city of Beijing continues to grow as authorities spark fears of frozen food contamination. The outbreak, first detected at the Xinfadi wholesale market last week, has infected at least 158 people in China’s biggest resurgence since the initial outbreak was brought under control in March. The city reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, down from 31 on Wednesday. City officials are now attempting to trace all possible cases as quickly as they can, with testing and prevention measures being taken. Fresh meat and seafood in other parts of the country are also being inspected for precautionary reasons. In the neighbouring Tianjin Municipality, there has been a first local case in months. The new case was a hotel worker who handled frozen seafood, according to the local health commission. The infected 22-year-old man had been working in the kitchen of the Conrad Tianjin Hotel since May 30 – washing dishes and occasionally cleaning frozen seafood. The man had not left Tianjin in the 14 days prior and had not been in contact with a confirmed case. The case is currently being investigated, as concerns grow of widespread contamination. One expert told the Global Times that the man was more likely to have been infected by frozen food, or the ice around it, as, if contaminated, it could survive for weeks. “The frozen seafood touched by the Tianjin patient could be of the same batch with those shipped to Beijing Xinfadi,” Wuhan University virologist Yang Zhanqiu said. Yang urged residents not to eat raw food and exercise caution when eating processed frozen food. The first reported cases of the global pandemic emerged from a Wuhan wildlife wet market in December 2019.

Food & Wine

RECALL: Popular Coles, Woolies and IGA product contaminated

Simplot Australia Pty Ltd has recalled a popular sauce after it was revealed one of its batches could be dangerous to consume. The brand is urging shoppers to return to the store for a full refund if they purchased the Leggo’s Tuna Bake with Spinach & Garlic. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836529/leggo-tuna.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2da79adbdbc44173b16c8d69bcf66bcd" /> The item was sold online and at Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores across the country. The item was recalled after it was found to have an incorrect pH level, which could cause microbial growth. If the sauce is consumed, people may get sick from microbial contamination. Microbial contamination can be defined as the accidental introduction of microbes such as bacteria, yeast, mould, fungi, virus, prions and protozoa. Symptoms of contamination include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, diorrhea, feeling weak and a high fever. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836528/leggo-tuna-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4ddb51e47f6d44c68ef2439a44793657" /> All products with a best before date of May 1, 2022, and a specific batch code of 12164 have been recalled. The product has been sold at major supermarkets and independent stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania. Consumers who bought the product are being urged not to eat it and instead to return it to the store for a full refund.

News

Contamination experiment shows why social distancing is important

As the new coronavirus continues to spread around the world, social distancing has become the new normal. We have been accustomed to sanitising our hands, coughing under cover, and keeping at least 1.5 metre away from others in shops and on the street. However, these guidelines are often forgone during visits to family’s or friends’ house as people let their guard down and interact freely. In light of this phenomenon, a 2010 clip from the Discovery Channel television series Mythbusters has once again been circulated around the Internet to warn the public about how easily the virus might be spread in close vicinity. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k1j8bh8_O_Q"></iframe></div> In the video, host Adam Savage performed a dinner party experiment. Savage put on a small rig filled with fluorescent dye – which was invisible to the naked eye – by his nose and went on to host the party for six guests while pretending to have a cold. Some of the things Savage carried out during the experiment included pouring alcohol, handing out plates and shaking hands. The UV light later revealed that the nasal secretions significantly contaminated five out of the six dinner guests. The sixth guest, Kari, was aware of the experiment and said she was a germaphobe. One of the more recent comments on the video said: “What a great way to show how easily our nose goo can spread to others. If you are sick, please keep others safe and self-quarantine!”

Caring

Sausages recalled from Coles amid listeria contamination fear

An urgent public health alert has been issued over the discovery of listeria in a mettwurst range made in South Australia. Food manufacturer Kalleske Meats has recalled its Plain Mettwurst 500g and bonus 150g products with a best before date of May 11, 2020 as a precaution after a testing on another product made on the same day turned up traces of listeria. The sausage product has been sold at Coles stores across South Australia in plastic shrink-wrap. Consumers who have bought the item are advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. According to <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/Kalleske-Meats-Plain-Mettwurst-500g-bonus-150g.aspx">Food Standards Australia</a>, listeria may cause illness in pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Dr Fay Jenkins from SA Health told 9News symptoms of listeria infection can take up to six weeks to appear after eating contaminated food. “We received confirmation that Kalleske Meats has detected listeria during routine testing on a product currently on hold at the business, but as a precautionary measure they are initiating a recall on the other products made on the same day,” she said. “Many people are exposed to listeria with often only mild illness resulting, but it can be more serious in the at-risk groups. “As a precaution, we recommend anyone who has purchased this product from a Coles supermarket not to eat it, and either return it to the place of purchase, or discard it.” Kalleske Meats said the finding was an “isolated incident” and no other batches have been affected. “As a small family business we take great pride in our quality product and our standards and the safety or our customers is paramount, which is why we have decided to go ahead with the recall,” the company said in a statement.

Food & Wine

URGENT RECALL: Coles pulls popular milk amid contamination fears

Coles customers in Western Australia have been urged to avoid purchasing the home-brand milk products due to fears that the product could be contaminated. The two-litre bottles of Coles Brand Fresh Full Cream Milk with the use-by date of September 13th 2019 have been pulled from shelves at Coles Express stores in Western Australia. This is due to the concerns that the milk could contain cleaning fluid. A statement has been issued by Coles saying that the contaminated products may have a “yellowish colouring and/or a metallic chemical taste”. “Customers must not consume this product, and anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” the statement said. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FColesExpress%2Fposts%2F2111317999164606&width=500" width="500" height="580" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> “Customers seeking further information can contact Coles Customer Care on 1800 061 562,” the statement said. “We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience.” Customers are saying that the apology is not enough. “Randomly bought a bottle as we ran out of our normal milk only to find it’s the recalled milk,” one customer wrote. “It’s almost empty. Myself and my daughter have been feeling ill with sore tummy’s. What bloody chemicals have we consumed?????” The unhappy customer said that a refund wasn’t enough for ingesting chemicals. “A refund is not enough! What’s happening with your quality control?! Customer care line is useless as it’s not open today.” Another customer has ingested the milk whilst being 9 weeks pregnant. “Same here, Im 9 wks pregnant and myself and 2 year old who have both consumed this milk have sharp stabbing pains and also have high fevers,” she wrote. “We finished the bottle yesterday morning. I don’t want a refund; I want answers too.” Coles Express milk consumers with the affected product can return the item for a full refund. A recall has not been issued for Coles Brand milk sold at supermarkets as the milk is produced by a different supplier.

Money & Banking

Urgent pet food recall: Plastic contamination fears in popular supermarket brand

Mars Petcare Australia has issued an urgent recall for a small number of My Dog packets due to a potential risk of plastic being present in the item. The recall affects My Dog Beef and Liver 100g after 12 packs of plastic were found to contaminate the pet food during production. There is only one affected batch code “84901WOD51 BEST BEFORE: 06 DEC 2020”. “The health and wellbeing of Australian pets is our number one priority, and while we have not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product, we believe it is the right thing to do to recall it,” said Mars Petcare in a statement. “We encourage consumers who have purchased affected product to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 287.8548895899054px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7826656/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a97f2bfd00cc418d8a9bbf1f3a388a17" /> The brand is liaising with Australian supermarkets to ensure the item is swiftly removed from shelves. “We understand that this recall may be concerning for pet owners, however no other My Dog varieties or batches are affected by the recall, and owners will still be able to find unaffected product on shelf,” said the company. Pet owners have been advised to check the best before date on the side of the food tray to ensure the stamp does not say 06/12/20 – if so, it is recommended to be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Mars Petcare, which also owns Pedigree and Whiskas, said it takes its “responsibility to pets and their owners seriously”. For more information, you can get in touch with the company’s customer care team on 1800 640 111 for further information.

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